Podcasts about Unknown God

Episode OverviewThis week, we kick off our series, PURPOSE, by diving into one of life's biggest questions: Why am I here? In this sermon, we explore how we were created to connect with a very real and personal God, and how that connection begins by repenting and believing in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Acts 17, we examine the spiritual hunger of humanity and the incomparable fulfillment found in Jesus.Key Scripture ReferencesActs 17:22-23 – Paul addresses the Athenians' religious practices and introduces the "Unknown God."Acts 17:24-28 – God is revealed as Creator and sustainer, inviting us into relationship with Him.Acts 17:29-30 – A call to repentance and turning away from idols.Acts 17:11-12 – The Bereans' noble character in studying God's Word leads to belief.Major PointsHumanity's Search for MeaningAcross philosophical, scientific, and spiritual realms, people seek purpose.We all tether ourselves to something, whether tangible (careers, relationships) or intangible (belief systems, idols).The Unknown GodPaul observed the Athenians' worship and challenged them to know the true God.Modern parallels: idols of materialism, technology, and personal gratification.The God Who Made UsGod, the Creator of all, desires relationship with us."In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).Repentance and FaithTrue purpose begins with repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.Jesus embodies unconditional love and fulfills our deepest desires for connection.The Berean ExampleOur greatest connection to God is through His Word.A life built on Scripture leads to purpose and fulfillment.Reflection QuestionsWhat "unknown gods" have you allowed to take priority in your life?How does knowing you were created for connection with God change your perspective on purpose?What steps can you take to build a foundation on God's Word this week?Practical ApplicationSpend time daily in Scripture, asking God to reveal Himself to you.Identify one area of your life where you need to repent and invite Jesus in.Reflect on Acts 17:27—how can you "reach out for Him and find Him" this week?ClosingAction Step: Embrace your purpose by connecting with Jesus personally.Call to Action: Join us next week as we continue the PURPOSE series, exploring how to connect with your story.

“As I...beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” (Acts 17:23) ... More...

Text: Acts 17:16-34

What does it mean to seek God? In Athens, Paul meets a culture full of idols and introduces them to the “unknown God”—the Creator who gives life and breath to everything. Pastor Breaux shares how Paul met people where they were, inviting them to seek the God who is not far from any of us. Today, let's stand by the door, ready to guide others to the God who gives us life and hope.   ➡️ For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Pastor Mike will be speaking on Introducing the Unknown God Part 2. He will be reading out of Acts 17:15-34. The post Introducing the Unknown God Part 2 first appeared on Hope Worth Having.

Title: “The Unknown God” Part 1 Text: Acts 17:22-26 FCF: We often struggle aligning our thoughts of God to match His Word. Prop: Because God is separate from us, we must repent and seek Him. Scripture Intro: LSB [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 17. In a moment we will begin reading in verse 22 from the Legacy Standard bible. We will read all the way through verse 31. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Paul, after being quite upset at the number of false gods in the city of Athens, goes on a gospel offensive to the Jews, the God-Fearers, and the pagans in the marketplace. Every day he shared the gospel and earned the critique of men so wise they were foolish. These men did not recognize the things Paul taught and desired to see Paul's ideas dissected and destroyed by the leading authorities on ideas in Athens. So, they take Paul to the Areopagus, a place where teaching is filtered through Athenian culture and religion to determine if what Paul taught was to be permitted within the city. Here Paul stands to defend and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ before the wisest men that mankind had to offer. What shall be the outcome? Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Holy Father you are high and lifted up. You are beyond all our understanding. You are alone the Ancient of Days. There is nothing in Your creation to which we can compare You. You are Immortal, unchangeable, the Only Wise and Living God. We come before You today as Your children whom You have revealed Yourself to. We were but poor wretches, blind, deaf, dumb, lame, and lost. And You have come to us to free us from those chains. Now we endeavor to know You and to please You for You are worthy to be known and to be pleased. Our lives are a living sacrifice to You because You are worthy of all we have and much much more. We only offer our lives to You because that is all we have to give. Yet what we offer You, You ultimately do not need. We simply offer it because You are worthy of it. Father help us to know You more today through Your Word. Grow our faith we pray in Jesus' name and for our Groom's sake… Amen. Transition: This is a long sermon. I have tried to cut as much as I can. But this is a long sermon. Let's get right to it. I.) God is separate from us in our knowledge and understanding of Him, so we must repent and seek Him (22-23) a. [Slide 2] 22 - So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. i. Let us pause to reflect upon the monumental and historic event that occurs here. ii. Paul, a Jew, a Pharisee, a Roman citizen, but above all, a slave of Jesus Christ, now stands in and in front of one of the most historically and culturally significant places on earth. iii. Paul goes before the Areopagite to defend the ideas, the worldview, the philosophical validity of Christianity. iv. That Paul would get to do this would be a truly significant event in the history of the church. If the Areopagite finds the ideology of Christianity sound, it would be an apology, a defense of the gospel on both a spiritual and intellectual level. v. My friends, I cannot impress upon you enough the significance of this event. vi. In their midst, Paul begins his sermon. vii. He begins with a prologue discussing how Athens truly is very religious. viii. And as we discussed last time, Greek writers tended to agree that Athens was quite religious. ix. We also discussed last time the philosophical underpinnings of Athens at this time. x. We mentioned that theology could not be divorced from philosophy since philosophy dealt with areas that would require at least the question of God's existence if not God's involvement in existence and reality. xi. Of the four schools of philosophy including Skepticism, Cynicism, Epicureanism, and Stoicism, the two most influential in Athens at this time were the Epicureans and the Stoics. xii. Paul, as we saw last time, had run ins with both. xiii. Let me briefly review with you what each philosophy taught. 1. [Slide 3] The Epicureans a. With a rudimentary understanding of atoms, concluded the world was material. To the extent that the gods, if they existed at all, were also material. b. They denied any sort of providence or determinism and insisted that the gods were disconnected from all humanity. Disinterested in their affairs. The gods did not make the world, they are merely part of it. c. The core tenets they held were that in our existence and our reality we must pursue happiness through pleasures of the mind and avoidance of pain through contentment and tranquility. d. The motto of the Epicurean was “Nothing to fear in God; Nothing to feel in death; Good pleasure can be attained; Evil pain can be endured.” 2. [Slide 4] The Stoics a. Believed that God's relationship to creation is like that of a soul to the body. b. Thus the gods or God principle is inherently linked to reality and our existence in that we need each other. c. They believed in various degrees of pantheism. That god is immersed in our universe. He is everywhere and everything. d. The spiritual realm was made up of refined matter (materialists). There is nothing that is not material in Stoicism. e. Virtue ought to be pursued and is the key to a well-lived life. f. Self-Sufficiency and autonomy are the highest good. xiv. [Slide 5] I did omit some things and added some things from last time. This is because I have learned a little more

I greet you in Jesus' precious name. It is Saturday morning, the 7th of December, 2024, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Daniel 2:28: “But there is a God in heaven…” That is what Daniel was telling Nebuchadnezzar when he interpreted his complete dream for him. Then we go to the Book of Acts 17:23: “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:..” That was Paul, the Apostle, speaking to the academics in Athens, where they made an altar to the Unknown God. He said, “I know Him, oh yes, I know His name.” In this sad and fearful world people are desperately wanting to meet Him, just like Nebuchadnezzar, just like the wise men in Athens did, but they never knew His beautiful name, Jesus Christ. The Lord used Daniel to reveal God to Nebuchadnezzar, and God used Paul, the Apostle, to confound the academics of Athens and to tell them the name of the Unknown God. What about you and I? We need to get out there folks, and we need to tell them. You know, there was a mighty man of God by the name of Sadhu Sundar Singh. He was a Sikh, a man who met Jesus Christ, and I want to read something to you out of this book: “I remember a story told to us and a conversation that this man had with a Professor of Comparative Religions in the University of Cambridge in England: “Tell me“ said the Professor, “What have you found in Christianity that you did not find in your old religion?” And the Sadhu replied, ”Oh Professor, I found the dear Lord Jesus.” ”Oh yes,” he said, ”I quite understand but what particular principle or doctrine, tell me what new philosophy in Christianity did you find that you did not find in your old religion?” And again the Sikh replied, ”Oh Professor, I found the dear Lord Jesus.” You see, his witness was to a person and not to a principle, to a life and not to a philosophy. Christ was real. Folks, go out today and make Him real to our dying world. Jesus bless you and goodbye.

The Human Mind Is The Enemy Of God, & Will Concoct All Manner Of Superstition & Philosophy To Avoid The Ultimate Truth, & Repentance.

Pastor Mike will be speaking on Introducing the Unknown God Part 1. He will be reading out of Acts 17:15-34. The post Introducing the Unknown God Part 1 first appeared on Hope Worth Having.

Asst. Pastor Melvin Gaines Acts 17:22-34

Title: “The Unknown God” Part 1 Text: Acts 17:22-26 FCF: We often struggle aligning our thoughts of God to match His Word. Prop: Because God is separate from us, we must repent and seek Him. Scripture Intro: LSB [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 17. In a moment we will begin reading in verse 22 from the Legacy Standard bible. We will read all the way through verse 31. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Paul, after being quite upset at the number of false gods in the city of Athens, goes on a gospel offensive to the Jews, the God-Fearers, and the pagans in the marketplace. Every day he shared the gospel and earned the critique of men so wise they were foolish. These men did not recognize the things Paul taught and desired to see Paul's ideas dissected and destroyed by the leading authorities on ideas in Athens. So, they take Paul to the Areopagus, a place where teaching is filtered through Athenian culture and religion to determine if what Paul taught was to be permitted within the city. Here Paul stands to defend and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ before the wisest men that mankind had to offer. What shall be the outcome? Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the reading of the Word of God. Invocation: Holy Father you are high and lifted up. You are beyond all our understanding. You are alone the Ancient of Days. There is nothing in Your creation to which we can compare You. You are Immortal, unchangeable, the Only Wise and Living God. We come before You today as Your children whom You have revealed Yourself to. We were but poor wretches, blind, deaf, dumb, lame, and lost. And You have come to us to free us from those chains. Now we endeavor to know You and to please You for You are worthy to be known and to be pleased. Our lives are a living sacrifice to You because You are worthy of all we have and much much more. We only offer our lives to You because that is all we have to give. Yet what we offer You, You ultimately do not need. We simply offer it because You are worthy of it. Father help us to know You more today through Your Word. Grow our faith we pray in Jesus' name and for our Groom's sake… Amen. Transition: This is a long sermon. I have tried to cut as much as I can. But this is a long sermon. Let's get right to it. I.) God is separate from us in our knowledge and understanding of Him, so we must repent and seek Him (22-23) a. [Slide 2] 22 - So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. i. Let us pause to reflect upon the monumental and historic event that occurs here. ii. Paul, a Jew, a Pharisee, a Roman citizen, but above all, a slave of Jesus Christ, now stands in and in front of one of the most historically and culturally significant places on earth. iii. Paul goes before the Areopagite to defend the ideas, the worldview, the philosophical validity of Christianity. iv. That Paul would get to do this would be a truly significant event in the history of the church. If the Areopagite finds the ideology of Christianity sound, it would be an apology, a defense of the gospel on both a spiritual and intellectual level. v. My friends, I cannot impress upon you enough the significance of this event. vi. In their midst, Paul begins his sermon. vii. He begins with a prologue discussing how Athens truly is very religious. viii. And as we discussed last time, Greek writers tended to agree that Athens was quite religious. ix. We also discussed last time the philosophical underpinnings of Athens at this time. x. We mentioned that theology could not be divorced from philosophy since philosophy dealt with areas that would require at least the question of God's existence if not God's involvement in existence and reality. xi. Of the four schools of philosophy including Skepticism, Cynicism, Epicureanism, and Stoicism, the two most influential in Athens at this time were the Epicureans and the Stoics. xii. Paul, as we saw last time, had run ins with both. xiii. Let me briefly review with you what each philosophy taught. 1. [Slide 3] The Epicureans a. With a rudimentary understanding of atoms, concluded the world was material. To the extent that the gods, if they existed at all, were also material. b. They denied any sort of providence or determinism and insisted that the gods were disconnected from all humanity. Disinterested in their affairs. The gods did not make the world, they are merely part of it. c. The core tenets they held were that in our existence and our reality we must pursue happiness through pleasures of the mind and avoidance of pain through contentment and tranquility. d. The motto of the Epicurean was “Nothing to fear in God; Nothing to feel in death; Good pleasure can be attained; Evil pain can be endured.” 2. [Slide 4] The Stoics a. Believed that God's relationship to creation is like that of a soul to the body. b. Thus the gods or God principle is inherently linked to reality and our existence in that we need each other. c. They believed in various degrees of pantheism. That god is immersed in our universe. He is everywhere and everything. d. The spiritual realm was made up of refined matter (materialists). There is nothing that is not material in Stoicism. e. Virtue ought to be pursued and is the key to a well-lived life. f. Self-Sufficiency and autonomy are the highest good. xiv. [Slide 5] I did omit some things and added some things from last time. This is because I have learned a little more

In this Bible Story, we are able to read the letters written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica. Paul encourages them to continue in their pursuit of a quiet and peaceful life that honors God. This story is inspired by Acts 17. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Acts 17:23 from the King James Version.Episode 233: Paul, Silas, and Timothy were teaching at a synagogue in Thessalonica. Crowds from all over gathered there to hear what they had to say and many came to a saving faith in Jesus. Yet some of the Jews were angered by this change and hired a mob to find Paul and kill him. When the mob couldn't find Paul they brought out Jason instead and had him beaten. Meanwhile, the rest of the believers encouraged Paul, Silas, and Timothy to flee to Berea. There was peace for Silas and Timothy there, but Paul moved on to Athens where he would reason with God-fearing Greeks and be brought before the Areopagus.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textWhat if the divine is closer to us than we ever imagined? Join us as we uncover the profound insights of Paul's audacious speech at the Areopagus in Athens, where he introduces the Athenians to the "unknown God"—a deity beyond temples and human constructs, intimately woven into the fabric of our existence. By challenging traditional beliefs and inviting his audience to seek a deeper connection with the divine, Paul's message of repentance and future judgment echoes through time, prompting us to rethink our spiritual understandings.Witness the unfolding drama as Paul journeys to Corinth and allies with Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers turned gospel advocates. Experience the resilience and passion of early Christian evangelism as Paul faces opposition, boldly shifting his mission to the Gentiles. The conversion of Crispus, the synagogue ruler, alongside many others, showcases the transformative power of faith and community. Embark on this captivating exploration of how the unwavering dedication of early believers spread the Christian message across diverse cultures and cities.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Send us a textToday, we discuss Paul's last missionary journeyCheck us out atgraceintheshadowsor.orgdrjonathan@graceintheshadowsor.org(251) 244-4645*If you are searching for a clinical counselor and you live in Alabama, Virginia, or North Carolina, Dr. Jonathan Behler would be happy to see you as a client! He does all counseling virtually through a secure portal. He will also work with you on payments - don't let finances keep you from getting counseling!If you live out of the US or not in Alabama, Virginia, or North Carolina, Dr. Jonathan Behler is an ordained minister and trained in pastoral counseling. If you are seeking pastoral counseling, please reach out as well!Support the show

Today, Pastor Al Dagel will examine an old mission field and compare it to a contemporary mission challenge. He also invites us to a banquet, but time is short!

This message was delivered during our Sunday evening service on November 3, 2024. The text being expounded is 1 Corinthians 15:34.

Paul visits a city full of idols to all sorts of gods--even one 'the unknown god'. And that gives him an idea... Hear what happens! Kids! Can we give you a shout out? Send your first name our way. And we'd love to hear your questions. Record and send one our way, askawaypodcast@gmail.com or voice message on Instagram @meredithannemiller Grown ups! Find Meredith on IG and get more story resources from the ⁠⁠Great Big Bible Story Walkthrough⁠⁠.

We are creatures of desire, but our desires always seem heartbreakingly beyond our reach. What do we do with that? In this passage, Paul shows us how the gospel affirms, critiques, and ultimately fulfills our deepest desires.

The Apostle Paul does a masterful job explaining The Unknown God of Athens as The God Who Can Be Known!

Presented by Pastor Fred Goebert on 10/13/2024.

How should Christians behave in the midst of one of the most powerful secular events in the world?    When the technocratic elite organize to meet in the desert, thousand of people flock hoping for a spiritual experience. But when followers of Jesus show up, not only are they ostracized by the attendees of such an event, but many in the church tend to judge their fellow brethren for their outreach efforts.    But if we are to truly live out the Great Commission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, building relationships with the lost is part of the job. This is why the Camp of Unknown God continues to go out to Burning Man and reach out to Burners with the message of true hope. But it doesn't come easy. Many people who attend Burning Man identify themselves as ex-Christian or post-Christian. So they aren't unfamiliar with Jesus or the Gospels. But they may have never met people who live out those biblical values and are also inviting and welcoming to burners.    It's also an opportunity to be as the Two Spies and gather intel on the agenda's of the technocratic elite. Every year, Burning Man sets a cultural tone that ripples across the world. This year was no different.    In this episode, Basil has a conversation with Carl Teichrib to get insight into this years Burning Man. In addition, the youngest member of the Camp of the Unknown God, Kaden the Canadian, discusses his experience of how he found himself in Black Rock City. Finally, we hear from the actual Burning of the Man, where Basil gets really uncomfortable.    https://BurningManResearch.com https://CanaryCry.Support

On This Week at Charlestown Road, Jason and Roger revisit Sunday morning's sermon, The Unknown God Who Wants to Be Known, digging deeper into Paul's sermon in Acts 17, the importance of knowing your audience, and how to help the people around us who don't know the God who wants to be found and known.

In seasons of change, there can be a lot of unknowns. While we don't always know the specifics of what the future holds, we can live with the assurance that God has good purposes for us and is a waymaker in the wilderness. 

Jason Hardin | Sunday Morning | Sunday, September 22, 2024 | S0445 SPEAKER: Jason Hardin DOWNLOAD: Interactive Outline WATCH NOW: Livestream S0445

This account takes place on Paul's second missionary trip, on his trip to the city of Athens, A city that prided itself on knowledge and education, learning, culture and the arts. It was also a city filled with idols. As Paul looked around and saw all the idolatry it just really riled him up and he began passionately sharing the gospel message in the synagogues and even in the market places. He worked to draw people to Jesus and not to idols. His impassioned message caused much interest, but also much controversy. Paul teaches us to not give up - when we are confronted with issues or by people who reject what we believe we don't give up - we are kind, gracious, we are generous and merciful, but we can be encouraged by Paul's example. In this story we learn that we do not need to hesitate to say what we believe and why. Paul's persistence cases those listening to become curious. They ask questions and want to know more and more. While they were curious, they were still not wanting to believe. So Paul says that he noticed how “religious” they are, but what they took as a compliment Paul meant as a warning because what is necessary is a relationship with the Living God and not mere religious behavior. But stating he noticed their “religiosity” was a great starting point for keeping them listening. He tells about all the idols he's seen and points out an altar they have with the world, “to an Unknown God” on it. He points out to this group of people (who despised ignorance and prided themselves on wisdom) and goes on to say that he will tell them about the Unknown God. Paul will make the Unknowns KNOWN! Today many are influenced by an Unknown God: 1. Never heard of Him 2. Never understood anything about Him 3. Never cared to know about Him 4. Never believe in Him These were the issues Paul was facing - the same issues we face today. Paul goes on to say that the God who made the world is not a statue and is not confined to a building. He's not served by human hands (like their idols are) and it is God that gives everything life and breath. God, from one man, made all nations, thus showing His concern for all nations and that God has mapped out each nation's appointed time in history. Nothing that happens on earth happens without God's foreknowledge and without His plan coming to fruition. Paul's life had been transformed when he came to know Christ, and it is Paul's desire that these people experience that same thing. 1. Talks about the natural knowledge of God which all have instinctively - that we innately know there must be a divine being. 2. Talks about the revealed knowledge of God, that He has revealed Himself as Creator of all and loves us and desires we know Him. 3. Tells them that having natural knowledge and revealed knowledge requires a response, that human ignorance is not overlooked by God. God calls us to repentance, making a U-turn in our lives and having a changed mind and attitude - re-directed lives. If God truly is God — He cannot be manipulated through statues. We are called to yield to Him. Paul ends with the story of Jesus Deity, Death, resurrection and Return. Without Jesus and a relationship of faith we are lost. God is God! Many listening to Paul repented and received relationship with the Living God through Jesus Christ - the Savior or ALL nations. The fruit of Paul's efforts were many becoming believers and followers of Jesus because Paul had the courage to share Jesus with them and confront them with TRUE Wisdom. Scripture for the message: Acts 17:16-34 https://www.awakeusnow.com Check out the video on our website https://www.awakeusnow.com/living-one Check out the video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOwUarSm3uJrzLI4thAJNXQj Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.

Big Idea: A selfish Christian is out of step with Christ and irrelevant to their city! The Church is…part of a community, called out from sin and into transparent relationships for the purpose of making Jesus famous in their city. I. The Gospel is social as well as personal. Dr. King   Job 29:13-17 The dying blessed me, and I made the widow's heart rejoice. I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger. I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. II. "When people say, ‘I want to engage culture,' sometimes I want to say, ‘Guess what, too late, culture has already engaged you. You are soaking in it.' To pretend that you are outside of it and that it's something that you can sort of bomb in and engage piously and triumphantly is maybe not going to get you much of a hearing with people who are a part of culture." Dr. Thornbury Acts 17:22-28 Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.' Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it—he is Lord of heaven and earth—does not live in shrines made by hands. Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things. From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.' III. "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"  Dr. King 1 Peter 4:8-11 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God's words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. Next Steps:  Believe: I want to start my walk with Jesus today.  Become: I will serve someone like Jesus this week.  Be Sent: I will make Jesus famous this week.  Group Discussion Questions:  What did Jesus spend the majority of his energy on during his lifetime? How much time did you spend doing what Jesus did last week? Would you see a doctor with all the education but never practices medicine?  Explain your answer.  What practical difference did your church make in the life of someone far from Jesus this week?  Be specific.  Is it okay to pray for someone in distress without attempting to help meet their needs? Where did you spend the majority of your time around unbelievers? How can you make Jesus famous with this group next week? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone in need tomorrow. 

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Michael Golden | Acts 17:16-34 | 07.21.2024

Join us in this episode as we explore the humorous and insightful story of FBI agents ordering pizza at a psychiatric hospital, illustrating the challenges of communication. This leads us into the heart of Paul's sermon to the Athenians in Acts 17, where he introduces the Unknown God to a world filled with idols. Discover how Paul's bold declarations reveal the true nature of God as more than a monument, the Creator of all, and the Divine Magistrate of the coming judgment. Tune in to understand how Paul's message remains relevant and transformative for us today.

Join us in this episode as we explore the humorous and insightful story of FBI agents ordering pizza at a psychiatric hospital, illustrating the challenges of communication. This leads us into the heart of Paul's sermon to the Athenians in Acts 17, where he introduces the Unknown God to a world filled with idols. Discover how Paul's bold declarations reveal the true nature of God as more than a monument, the Creator of all, and the Divine Magistrate of the coming judgment. Tune in to understand how Paul's message remains relevant and transformative for us today.

Although Israel plays a significant role in Bible prophecy, there is still a lot misunderstood. Pastor Greg Laurie provides clarity on the topic. Learn about God's plan and how this nation plays a part in it. Notes: Focus verses: Ezekiel 37 / Romans 11 As the signs of the times increase and get closer together, it reminds us that Jesus' coming is very near. The nation Israel is the key to the end times. The Jews are God's chosen people, and Satan hates what God loves. A sign of the end times is the regathering of the Jews in Israel. Read: Ezekiel 37:1–6, 11–14 Israel will be scattered.Israel will be regathered.Israel will regain Jerusalem.Israel will be isolated. The city of Jerusalem will be a focal point of the end times. Israel will be “an intoxicating drink,” “a heavy stone,” and “a burden for the world.”Zechariah 12:2–3 After being regathered in their land, Israel will be attacked.Read: Ezekiel 38:2–6, 10–11 Magog today probably represents the former underbelly of the Soviet Union. Rosh is the remote part of the North, so it may be a direct reference to Russia. Gomer is part of modern Turkey. Persia is modern Iran. “Iran clearly knows now how to unlock the doors to a nuclear Armageddon. There is a growing sense in Israel that Jerusalem is quickly running out of time.” —An expert on the Middle East “Tehran has inserted the nuclear key into the gate lock of Armageddon and is beginning to twist it open.” —Unknown God intervenes on Israel's behalf.Ezekiel 38:18Read: Romans 11:25–26 A spiritual awakening will happen to the Jewish people. Jeremiah 33:23–24 God's first covenant with Israel was with Abraham, the father of the Hebrews.Genesis 12:2–3 God wants to use us to bless the people who have blessed us.Romans 11:14 If a Christian is walking with God, others will take notice. Are you a bridge or a barrier to people coming to Christ? If you want to win some, be winsome (friendly, kind, and loving). God says we will never be alone in life.Isaiah 41:10 God promises to get us through whatever we're facing.Isaiah 43:2 Jesus promised that He would come again. God is waiting for the complete number of Gentiles to come to Christ.Romans 11:25–26 Every soul matters to God! Enoch represents the believers who will not die but be caught up. God is waiting for that last Gentile to come. Keep up with Harvest Crusade details --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Israel plays a significant role in Bible prophecy, there is still a lot misunderstood. Pastor Greg Laurie provides clarity on the topic. Learn about God's plan and how this nation plays a part in it. Notes: Focus verses: Ezekiel 37 / Romans 11 As the signs of the times increase and get closer together, it reminds us that Jesus' coming is very near. The nation Israel is the key to the end times. The Jews are God's chosen people, and Satan hates what God loves. A sign of the end times is the regathering of the Jews in Israel. Read: Ezekiel 37:1–6, 11–14 Israel will be scattered.Israel will be regathered.Israel will regain Jerusalem.Israel will be isolated. The city of Jerusalem will be a focal point of the end times. Israel will be “an intoxicating drink,” “a heavy stone,” and “a burden for the world.”Zechariah 12:2–3 After being regathered in their land, Israel will be attacked.Read: Ezekiel 38:2–6, 10–11 Magog today probably represents the former underbelly of the Soviet Union. Rosh is the remote part of the North, so it may be a direct reference to Russia. Gomer is part of modern Turkey. Persia is modern Iran. “Iran clearly knows now how to unlock the doors to a nuclear Armageddon. There is a growing sense in Israel that Jerusalem is quickly running out of time.” —An expert on the Middle East “Tehran has inserted the nuclear key into the gate lock of Armageddon and is beginning to twist it open.” —Unknown God intervenes on Israel's behalf.Ezekiel 38:18Read: Romans 11:25–26 A spiritual awakening will happen to the Jewish people. Jeremiah 33:23–24 God's first covenant with Israel was with Abraham, the father of the Hebrews.Genesis 12:2–3 God wants to use us to bless the people who have blessed us.Romans 11:14 If a Christian is walking with God, others will take notice. Are you a bridge or a barrier to people coming to Christ? If you want to win some, be winsome (friendly, kind, and loving). God says we will never be alone in life.Isaiah 41:10 God promises to get us through whatever we're facing.Isaiah 43:2 Jesus promised that He would come again. God is waiting for the complete number of Gentiles to come to Christ.Romans 11:25–26 Every soul matters to God! Enoch represents the believers who will not die but be caught up. God is waiting for that last Gentile to come. Keep up with Harvest Crusade details --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, we explore the apostle Paul's journey to Athens, a city filled with wisdom and wealth yet spiritually empty. Paul's encounter with the Athenians provides valuable insights into addressing a world filled with false beliefs and misconceptions about God. Join us as we uncover how Paul's message about the "Unknown God" reveals the true nature and character of our sovereign, gracious God, and how this knowledge can invigorate our faith and mission.

In today's episode, we explore the apostle Paul's journey to Athens, a city filled with wisdom and wealth yet spiritually empty. Paul's encounter with the Athenians provides valuable insights into addressing a world filled with false beliefs and misconceptions about God. Join us as we uncover how Paul's message about the "Unknown God" reveals the true nature and character of our sovereign, gracious God, and how this knowledge can invigorate our faith and mission.

Pastor Paul reflects on Acts 17:23, where Paul the Apostle addresses the Athenians' worship of an "unknown god," urging us to recognize and name the divine presence that already exists in our lives, from moments of sorrow to joy. He challenges us to see God not as a distant entity but as a present reality woven into our everyday experiences.

The culture in which Christianity was born was every bit as skeptical of the claims of Christianity as ours is. But the case for Christianity was made so strongly that skeptical people believed in numbers so great that it changed the entire Roman culture.  There's no better place to see the case that changed the whole Roman Empire than the book of Acts. Within it, there are a number of spots where Paul or Peter make the case, including this famous spot where Paul speaks to the intellectual elites on Mars Hill in the Areopagus.  This text shows three aspects to the persuasive power of gospel: 1) the cultural, 2) the intellectual, and 3) the personal. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on October 19, 2003. Series: The Necessity of Belief. Scripture: Acts 17:16-34. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.