Monday; December 30

Have you given much thought to how we can evangelize our “godless” world?  Typically, when believers look out into modern society, about all they see is how little faith there is out there.  However, is that actually true?  Would you be surprised to know that in a recent Pew Research project that about 90% of Americans believe in God or another higher power and over half of them believe in the God described in the Bible?  Sure, looking at these figures, there is a lot of work to do, but in all honesty, we have a lot to work with.  Taking modern numbers into account that is about 200 million people who believe in the God of the Bible just in the United States!  If we consider those who believe in something, that number swells to over 300 million who might be considered religious.  

The reason I bring up these figures is a statement made by the Apostle Paul when he went to teach in Athens and walked into an area filled with idols and tributes to their gods.  Rather than getting angry or giving up, Luke described Paul’s approach, “So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.’” (Acts 17:22-23).  No, the apostle didn’t share a core belief with the Athenians, but found some common ground upon which he could build. 

When we get frustrated by what we call a godless society, let’s step back and think about the beliefs we actually have to work with.  We may have an uphill battle, but when we start with what we have in common, it might not be as impossible as we claim. 

Think About It!


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