6TH JANUARY
Acts 17:16,23
“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”
Resolution #6: Find connecting points between the gospel and the person I’m trying to reach!
In between the two verses above was a lot of hard work by the Apostle Paul as he searched for a connecting point between the people surrounding him and the gospel. Once he found the connecting point, the people were interested to hear him. Some even put their faith in Christ that day; others started moving towards Christ and of course others rejected both Jesus and Paul.
When you are looking for a good connecting point between a specific person and the gospel, you will usually find that connecting point in the areas of pain in their life. You need to ask questions that go a little deeper. Questions allow a person to open up as much as they feel comfortable with. If they aren’t ready to open up yet, give it time. Be open yourself about your life.
If a person is lonely, ask them, “Have you ever experienced the love of God?” If they are bitter, “Have you ever experienced the forgiveness of God?” If they are struggling with legalism and guilt, “Have you ever experienced the freedom of Christ?” These questions will open up beautiful conversations about the grace of God.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
What could you ask a person who is struggling with anxiety and depression?