LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY!
The Apostles preached before a crowd filled with both seekers and cynics. The Pharisees and the Sadducees had both studied the Old Testament Scriptures, but neither group understood the big picture of salvation.
The Pharisees believed that God allowed oppressive governments, like the Romans, to rule because the Jews refused to follow the Law. They believed mankind goes into eternity based on how well the Old Testament Law was obeyed.
The Sadducees only accepted the writings of Moses, the first five books of the Old Testament, they rejected the idea of any life after death but saw the Law as beneficial for political, social, and economic stability.
In this climate, the Apostles are led to proclaim what they witnessed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Acts chapters six and seven, Stephen boldly preaches about Jesus. He begins by founding a common connection and then testified what he knew about Jesus.
Acts 7:2 "This was Stephen’s reply: 'Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor'"
He first tried to find a connection by calling them “Brothers and fathers” and then using words like “our glorious God.” The Apostle Paul followed this pattern in witnessing as well.
1 Corinthians 9:22 " When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."
When Jesus met the woman at the well in John chapter four, it began with a discussion of water and then proceeded to a deeper conversation until her faith blossomed. Just like the Pharisees and Sadducees, people at our workplaces, or where ever we meet them, all need to hear about Jesus.
It takes a step of faith to start a conversation, but we are never alone. Luke 12:12 “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” You may be surprised at how much you already know! Let’s explain the “Old Old Story” of Jesus and His love to whomever God has placed before us!
It may be as easy as A-B-C
Acknowledge the truth (find common ground).
Believe Jesus took our punishment (it’s all about Jesus).
Confess your need for Jesus to be your Savior
(personal decision).
Lord, help me to be bold when I tell others about you!
Pastor Tom
The Apostles preached before a crowd filled with both seekers and cynics. The Pharisees and the Sadducees had both studied the Old Testament Scriptures, but neither group understood the big picture of salvation.
The Pharisees believed that God allowed oppressive governments, like the Romans, to rule because the Jews refused to follow the Law. They believed mankind goes into eternity based on how well the Old Testament Law was obeyed.
The Sadducees only accepted the writings of Moses, the first five books of the Old Testament, they rejected the idea of any life after death but saw the Law as beneficial for political, social, and economic stability.
In this climate, the Apostles are led to proclaim what they witnessed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In Acts chapters six and seven, Stephen boldly preaches about Jesus. He begins by founding a common connection and then testified what he knew about Jesus.
Acts 7:2 "This was Stephen’s reply: 'Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor'"
He first tried to find a connection by calling them “Brothers and fathers” and then using words like “our glorious God.” The Apostle Paul followed this pattern in witnessing as well.
1 Corinthians 9:22 " When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."
When Jesus met the woman at the well in John chapter four, it began with a discussion of water and then proceeded to a deeper conversation until her faith blossomed. Just like the Pharisees and Sadducees, people at our workplaces, or where ever we meet them, all need to hear about Jesus.
It takes a step of faith to start a conversation, but we are never alone. Luke 12:12 “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” You may be surprised at how much you already know! Let’s explain the “Old Old Story” of Jesus and His love to whomever God has placed before us!
It may be as easy as A-B-C
Acknowledge the truth (find common ground).
Believe Jesus took our punishment (it’s all about Jesus).
Confess your need for Jesus to be your Savior
(personal decision).
Lord, help me to be bold when I tell others about you!
Pastor Tom
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