Paige is going to do my favorite letter beginning in September: 1 John!
So in two weeks we will take a break from Acts and do 1 John. I’m going to try to stay with our usual schedule of beginning on Sundays by looking at the text before she begins teaching on Wednesdays. Then you’ll have four days to listen to her and simply make comments and give your best daily take-a-way or God shot. She doesn’t want me to give a transcript, so concentrate and pray you will hear what God wants you to hear. I advise against multi-tasking with Paige, but just take notes.
But, until then we will do Acts 17. You’ve probably noticed my change of course from Tara-Leigh-Cobble to additional sources. I think Tara is excellent, and recommend her for a solo read through, but not for a group. Here we will slow down and chew. Keller takes just Acts 17:16-21 and preaches about A World of Idols. This is a perfect set up for 1 John for John closes with what Keller says is the point of the whole letter: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
Keller says that the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. A person in love is never indifferent, but consumed with a desire to please the object of his love. God’s love is a consuming love, a jealous love, for He wants us in His arms, not in the arms of idols.
I’ve been reading a book by a journalist called Nothing to Envy about North Korea and how their absolute worship of Kim Jung II. He died in 2011 and was so mourned by the people, for they thought their god had died. He was as cruel as the demon gods to whom the Israelites were enslaved. Now his son is even crueler.
People were starving while he lived in excess. Yet they worshipped him. When he died, that came to statues of him and wept. Below is one example of the thousands of statues of his father and him. These are 72 feet high. The people were so deceived, but so can we be by thinking our ways our our idols can be saviors.
This book helped me to imagine what Paul saw and felt when he came to Athens. And while we may not worship statues, we too are deceived by our idols that block our passion, stealing us from the arms of God, and bringing us misery. Below is a picture of North Korea at night. They do not have electricity, food, or privacy, yet still, they worship.
OUR IDOLS, WHETHER IT’S THE PRAISE OF MAN, THE LOVE OF MONEY, OR TURNING A GOOD THING INTO AN ULTIMATE THING, ARE NOT OUR FRIENDS BUT WILL CUT US TO PIECES.
Here is a link to the sermon for this week & next: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/a-world-of-idols/
I recommend listening to the sermon and reading the text (which will be below) simultaneously for biggest impact.
Sunday:
- How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
Monday: The Text
3. Read Acts 17:16-21 and make at least one observation about each verse.
4. What particularly stands out and why?
Tuesday: Contrasting Spirituality with Christianity
Listen/Read to the Following
In our series here that we’ve been doing in the morning on the church, last week we came to talk about how the gospel, the essential message of Jesus Christ, changes us on the inside, how it revolutionizes us on the inside. If we end there, I think modern people can really get into that. They say, “That’s great.” Surely you notice that the newspaper articles are telling you that the supposedly secular city is filled with people who want to be spiritual.
Spirituality is a big thing, and people want now, in a way that is surprising a lot of folks … People are reaching out and saying, “I need spirituality.” But when I listen (and this is an over-simplification, of course) to people talk about it, from what I can tell it goes like this. By spirituality they mean, “I want an inward center. I want an inward peace. I want to be suffused with a sense of meaning and the sacred. I need that inward strength so that I can reach my goals, so that I can follow my agenda.”
Now the problem is that Christianity doesn’t actually fit into that model. We mustn’t listen to the Christian message in a way that tries to work it in. It doesn’t fit in that model, because though Christianity on the one hand is definitely inward transformation, it’s a whole new agenda. It’s not a way of helping you get to your agenda; it’s a whole new agenda. Put it this way. I think most people think of religion like this illustration.
Imagine you’re in a room; it’s a party. There are 20 people at the party, and you’re supposed to get out there and mix, and you just don’t have it. You don’t have the energy. You don’t have the desire. You don’t have the love. You don’t have the confidence. So you say, “How am I going to do that?” And God comes up, and he touches you, and now you go out into the party. Now you can meet people. Now you have joy. Now you have energy. Now you’re ready to mix and do the things you want to do.
That’s not how Christianity understands what the touch of God means. Christianity would say you’re at a party, and you look out there and there are 20 people. You’re sitting here, and you’re real upset because you just don’t have what it takes. And God comes up and touches you, and you feel inwardly renewed, but when you look out there, now you see 80 people. Sixty people who were invisible now are visible.
You see, in the former approach, the difference between a person who has been touched by God and a person who is not touched by God is a person who is touched by God is out there meeting people and the person who is not touched by God is sort of sitting there and needs inward strength. But Christianity would say when God touches you, you don’t just get a kind of inward strength; you get a whole new way of seeing everything.
You can’t listen to music the way you did before. You can’t relate to other cultures the way you did before. You can’t look at yourself the way you did before. You can’t relate to other people the way you did before. You relate to your government differently. You relate to your neighborhood differently. You relate to your job differently. Everything changes. Actually, the difference between a person who has been touched by God and a person who is not touched by God is not a matter of just inner energy; it’s a matter of worldview.
I’ll go further: It’s a matter of sanity, because if you haven’t been touched by God, you look at the people who have, and they’re walking around and they’re getting joy out of parts of the room that look to you like thin air. They’re filled with joy because they’re hearing and they’re seeing something, and you don’t see it at all. They’re avoiding areas that you walk right through, and then you fall down and you say, “What happened?”
Christianity does not just inwardly change you, but it transforms the way in which you relate to every part of the world. Now to understand that is important for everybody here. If you’re a Christian, you say, “Yeah, I’ve heard you say that. How do I do that?” I’ll try to give you some principles today.
What does it mean that Christianity transforms absolutely everything about my life? Modern people think religion is for the private world. Christianity will never do such a thing. Christianity says, “When you’re touched by God, it’s deeply personal, but it’s not at all private. It changes everything.” So if you’re a Christian, you need to know that.
Now if you’re not sure you’re a Christian, or you’re sure you’re not a Christian … if you’re not sure what you believe, or you’re sure you don’t believe, here’s my suggestion to you. Please listen, it’s very important, and here’s why. I can say this without fear of contradiction; I can definitely make this case, but I don’t have the time to.
The vast majority of people who don’t believe in Christianity have radically inaccurate ideas of what Christianity is. The vast majority of people who say, “I’ve had it with Christianity,” or “I’m not interested” or “I’m just indifferent to Christianity” don’t know what they’re indifferent to. That’s very dangerous. What that means is is you don’t know what you’re rejecting.
I would think there’s nobody here who wouldn’t want to know what it is they’re indifferent to. You have no intellectual integrity; it’s very dangerous. Therefore if you’re here, you need to listen to understand what Christianity is. This is a very important way of understanding it, because almost always we take our modern categories, and we take our modern views, and we hear Christian lingo, or we hear Christian talk, and we work it into our categories. We say, “Oh, it’s just like that.” But it’s not.
Now the best way to understand how Christianity doesn’t just change you on the inside but changes your relationship with everything in the world is by looking how Paul reacts in this very famous place in time. Let’s just take a look under these headings: Where he went, how he felt, what he saw, and what he did.
5. Summarize the difference between spirituality and Christianity.
6. Give an example of how God has given you a new world view.
Paul’s Marketplace and Ours
This is a harder but important section. We are to go into the marketplace. For me that has been getting to know my neighbors, or other medical wives, or pickleball players. Then we are to be not soiled by their gods and their ways, but to be the love and light of Christ. For me, the main way that has been is by being a very good listener, and not thinking about a story their story reminds me of, but drawing them out, getting to know their hearts, inviting them for coffee, truly being a friend, and finally inviting them into my marketplace, people who meet to learn more and love Jesus. This summer has been so exciting because I have a Bible study of mostly “summer women” (I live in a vacation area) many of whom did not really know the Lord in the beginning.
Wednesday: Paul’s Marketplace
We’re just going to look at these first few verses. In verse 17, he went not just to the place where people were worshiping, the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, not just the place where the God of the Bible was worshiped, but he went into the marketplace day by day. That’s where he went with his faith, into the marketplace. What do we mean? One of the problems we have here is this word marketplace is just not going to evoke the reality, because we don’t have such a thing anymore, not really. It’s the agora, the marketplace, in Athens.
What do we know about that? First of all, you have to remember this: Athens was the cultural capital of the world at that time. Yes, it wasn’t the power capital anymore, because Rome had taken over Greece, but it was still the intellectual capital; it was still the cultural capital. In the midst of Athens, there was the marketplace, the agora. One commentator puts it this way: “On, or just off, the marketplace, were temples, law courts, state offices, public archives, libraries, shops, concert halls, dance halls, gymnasiums, theaters, and galleries.”
Who was there? Everybody. It’s because there was no technology, really. Everybody was there. You had the town officials and judges deliberating. You had artists creating. You had the stock market right there; businessmen were making all their deals. You had the media, because you didn’t have newspapers, and therefore, you had to go face to face and listen to the heralds. You had the philosophers debating.
Why? You didn’t have journals. You couldn’t work out your particular field of thought through journals debating back and forth. You had to go to the marketplace. You had to have face-to-face debates. You didn’t have a stock market. You didn’t have computers. You didn’t have telephones. You had to go and actually make the deal. Everything happened in the marketplace. We have nothing like it anymore.
Therefore, this was the public space. This was the center of what set all … Because it wasn’t just wares. The marketplace was not just a place you shop for food. This was not a shopping mall. This was a place you shopped for everything. This was the marketplace of ideas. This was the marketplace of philosophy. This was the marketplace of business, the marketplace for art. This was the marketplace for everything. Everything happened here.
Because it was Athens, maybe there were only three marketplaces in the whole Greco-Roman world, probably Rome, Athens, and Alexandria … These were the three marketplaces that most had effect on the culture and society of the whole Greco-Roman world, and Paul goes there with his faith. Paul goes there. Now this doesn’t make sense to modern people, because our idea is religion is something, your faith is something for your private world. It’s something that keeps you happy and gives you inward peace, but you do not bring it to the marketplace.
7. Summarize what the marketplace was.
8. Where do people (and you) shop for ideas or get their worldview today?
9. Paul went there purposely even though it was full of lies. Why?
10. How are you in the world but not of the world? Be specific.
Thursday: Two Voices
11. Keller contrasts the two voices we see calling out to us in Proverbs. Describe each and who each represents:
A. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of wisdom from Proverbs 8:1-17
B. What hint do you find that this is Jesus from Proverbs 8:27-31?
C. And from Colossians 2:1-3?
D. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of folly from Proverbs 9:
Read/Listen to the following:
Now of course, that’s not at all what the Bible does. That’s not what the Bible says at all. In Proverbs 1, there’s a great place, and Paul must have known this when he did this. Back in Proverbs 1, what do we read? God says, “My truth is just for the insides, it just helps you in your private life, it gives you meaning”? No.
What does the Bible say? “Wisdom cries aloud in the streets; in the market she raises her voice. At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance to the city gates she makes her speech.” Now you see, why? The reason this was a shock (and it’s a shock today) is that we’re pagans again. See, paganism says, “Everybody has their own little territorial god.”
You know, there’s the god of Ephesus. There’s the god of Athens. There’s the god for businesspeople. There’s the god for fishermen. There’s the god for this … Everybody has their own god, and because everybody has their own god, that’s fine. But if you’re worshiping the god of the fishermen, you don’t go tell the businessmen how to live. If you’re worshiping the god of Ephesus, you don’t tell the Athenians how to live. Therefore, everybody has their own god, and that’s how we see it again today.
But if there is a God who is not the emanation of some aspect of creation, if there is a God who is the Creator of everything … Now, think. This is just logic. Let’s not talk about what’s narrow or not. This is just logic. If there is a God who has created everything, then that God would have to be Lord over every area, including the marketplace. You couldn’t keep this God in a private place.
So Paul moves on out with his faith, into the marketplace, into the world of ideas, into the public realm. He raises his voice; he talks every day, day by day. In other words, he says, “Shoppers!” In a place where people shop for everything, he says, “Shoppers! This is the way. Turn away from the empty. Turn away from the ephemeral. Turn away from the superficial. Turn away from the partial. Turn to the substantial. Turn to the permanent. All that is not eternal is eternally out of date.” I guess that was C.S. Lewis, but maybe Paul said it first.
That’s what’s going on here. The Athenians just wanted the latest fad, and Paul says, “All that is not eternal is eternally out of date. All that is not substantial, all that is not universal … put it aside. Shoppers, this is the way.” Therefore, he was lifting up Christianity in the public place. That’s the first point. Your faith is for every part of your life. It’s for the way you work. It’s for the way you relate to other cultures. It’s for the way you participate and get enriched through art, the way you watch a movie. It’s part of everything.
12. Summarize what Keller is teaching above.
Friday: How Do I Apply This? (Challenging, but you can do it!)
Read/Listen
You’re going to say, “How do I work that out?” but let’s just, for a second … Let me remind you of this first point, and that is … that’s the way to do it. Put it this way. Somebody’s going to say (and I thought about this), “The trouble is, Paul is a preacher. So when Paul takes the faith into the marketplace, we see what he’s doing here, but how does that help me? I’m not a preacher.” That is a problem. Let me give you another example, though, just to show you that the principle, though it has to be worked out in everybody’s particulars, is the same.
In 2 Kings 5, there’s this great story of Naaman, who was the military prime minister of Syria. He was a pagan, but he was also a leper. He comes to Israel, and he finds healing through the God of Israel and through the prophet Elisha. Then we get to the place where he says to Elisha, “Now I know there is no God except in Israel.”
Then what happens? What is he going to do? He has discovered the true God. He has received his healing, both on the outside, really, and on the inside. Now what is he going to do? There are two things Naaman does not do. You can go back and read what he does do, and I’m going to tell you, but it’s worth pondering. The reason it’s so shocking is that virtually none of us get this balance down.
The first thing he doesn’t do is say, “Elisha, let me stay here. There is nothing but dirty pagans back there, idolaters. Do you know what my job is? As the military prime minister, every week I have to go with the king, the king is on my arm, and I have to go into the temple of Rimmon, and there the king bows down and I bow down. I can’t do anything like that! I can never set foot in that temple anymore. I know the true God. Therefore, can I stay here with just believers?” He doesn’t do that.
Nor, on the other side, does he say, “You know what? No problem. I now have my healing. God has touched me, and it won’t make any difference. I’ll go back; I’ll do my job, and it won’t make any difference. I can keep it to myself. There’s no reason to rock the boat.” He doesn’t do that either. He neither avoids his culture nor capitulates to his culture. He neither runs away from his culture nor privatizes his faith away from his culture.
Do you know what he says? This is something I think both believers and non-believers are shocked at when they hear it. What does he say? He says to Elisha the prophet, “May the Lord forgive me when my master the king goes into the temple of Rimmon to bow down and is leaning on my arm, and I bow there also. May the Lord forgive me. Here’s what I will do. Give me as much dirt as two mules can carry so that your servant will never make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other God but the Lord.”
I love this, because it’s so absolutely particular that nobody can dare copy it. You’re just going to have to go to the principle. It’s so easy to be wooden when it comes to the Bible and miss the principle. Here’s what he’s saying: “I am going to do my job. I’m the prime minister, and that’s part of my job. But when I go in there, I’m going to have some dirt from Israel, and my servants are going to spread it, and I’m going to kneel down, so that everyone who sees knows that I am sacrificing to the God of Israel.”
Now somebody will say, “Oh, is that superstition?” No, no, no, no, no. The dirt is not superstition; it’s witness. It’s a symbol; it’s a witness. Here’s what he’s saying: “I’m going to do my job, but I’m going to let everyone know, and that’s my way of showing people. People are going to ask me about it, and I’m going to tell them that I don’t serve the way I used to serve. Everything I’m doing, I’m doing out of honor for the true God. I’m still the prime minister.”
That will affect the way he does his work; I’ll get to that in a second, but here’s the point. He neither privatizes his faith, nor does he run away and stay away. He doesn’t run from his culture, and he doesn’t capitulate to his culture. He took his faith into his public life. He took his faith into the marketplace.
Now somebody’s going to say, “Oh. Nobody’s going to do that.” You’re going to have to work it out yourself. That was his way. Paul’s doing it his way. You have to do your way. I don’t know why in the world people say, “Oh yeah, you’re Christians. You believe the Bible; you like pat answers.” Pat answers! The Bible doesn’t give you pat answers! The Bible creates problems for you.
Don’t you feel it? If you take the Bible seriously, are you walking out of here saying, “I have to do … You don’t even …” You say, “Oh my gosh! I now see what I have to do, but I’m going to have to work it out. I’m going to have to be creative; I’m going to have to have wisdom. It’s going to take me all of my life to figure out how to do this.”
Pat answers! I’ll tell you what a pat answer is. A pat answer is to say, “There’s no truth, so basically whatever feels good, you can just sort of go with the flow.” That’s a pat answer. That takes no creativity. That takes no innovation. There’s no calling. There’s no pressure. There’s no intensity. That’s a pat answer.
Another kind of pat answer, of course, is on the other side, saying, “If you want to witness in your public life, here’s exactly what you do. Every one of you, two thousand of you, take these five things …” That’s the other pat answer. The Bible doesn’t do either. Paul goes into the marketplace. That’s where he goes.
13. Keller gave the example of how Naaman went into the marketplace yet was not soiled, but asked God for help, and was actually a witness. Give an example of how you have gone into the world, yet been able to not be soiled and even be a witness.
Saturday:
14. Share your God shot or take-a-way!
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Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
I see the goodness of God in how He continues to do heart surgery on me. Just when I think I am loving others to the best of my ability, I have been shown how I have fallen short in the area of unconditional love.
I have had several close encounters this past week with people that have allowed me to see another side of them. Or perhaps, that side has always been there, but I have been blind or have refused to see it. And the sad thing about it is not that “side” of them but the side of me that wants to withhold love because of the idols I have given in to, which is mainly the praise of man. I desire to be liked, and anything that gives a hint of displeasure in others pricks my heart. Oh, wretched woman that I am! If I could borrow Paul’s words. Continue to question 2.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
And yet, here lies the goodness of God. Tim Keller once said, “God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He does not leave us as we are.” He wants me to ever be closer to Him, know and feel loved by him fully, and to be like Him in my love for others since He first loved me.
Not surprisingly, our message from a pastor in NC was on love. And I come here, and our study for this week will be on freedom from idols! Just like God speaking twice to the very heart of my need. Thanks, Dee! And I love the pic of you and am looking forward to Paige and 1st John!
Oh Bing, how I love your honesty and can identify. Father, help us!
I really miss being with you all here in the Bible study blog. Dee, you are forever youthful, and I smiled at the picture of you jumping with glee. I, too, am happy to hear about the new Paige study. It’s still super hard for me to be here regularly but I hope the day will come when I can return regularly.
I always thought the people of North Korea, which has been been heavy on my heart for many years, worshipped their leaders because they were expected to and they want to give the impression that they worship them, even if they don’t feel it in their hearts. I’ve often wondered why God allows such an evil regime to continue for so many years but I know in His sovereignty, He is still able to get the Gospel to even those in such darkness. So very sad and sobering to consider these precious souls. It could be me.
I miss seeing you here, Missy, but I hope you will be back one of these days. I, too, was very sad to hear about the North Koreans. My heart sank when I saw the picture of the country at night—such oppressive darkness. A picture is worth a thousand words-thank you for sharing, Dee. What a poignant reminder of the importance of prayer and support for the nameless ambassadors for Christ who are there. And for Christians there-how deceived they are, but just like you said, Missy, it could be me as well. Pray that our spiritual eyes would see the truth, and that we will speak it in the name of Jesus.
Miriam — we love it whenever you pop in.
In this book I read it said that most did not believe they were gods, but feared consequences, even assassination if they did not. Others did believe. They need our prayers!
So good to see you here, Missy. I have been silent this week, but loving the discussion on this subject. My heart aches for the people in Korea. This book sounds so helpful. I feel for these people, who seem to live in constant fear. I know there are underground Christians in some of these persecuted countries. It is heartbreaking. We are so blessed with the freedom of worship, in this country. I agree, Missy…it could be us.
There are some lovely attendees at our church, who are from Haiti, Nigeria, and China. They have such praise in their hearts during worship songs, and they are never critical about chorus vs. hymn. It brings joy to my heart! I love the old hymns and Alistair Begg often quotes them as poetry…which is a great idea. Yet, the younger ones are drawn in by the Praise choruses. I am just so thankful to freely go to church and Praise God!
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week? I’ve been more aware of His presence this week. Intellectually I know He’s always there, but it’s refreshing when I feel it.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why? I haven’t studied North Korea, but I was always under the impression that the majority of the people don’t worship the dictator. They live in fear of not appearing to worship him but I could be wrong.
I’m excited for the upcoming study. I need rescued from my idols.
While catching up on the comments from last week’s study, I was glad to see that I wasn’t the only one having difficulty with editing my comments. I finally gave up and just posted a second comment with the corrections.
Yes, I think that is true of the majority. Especially because those who are getting out are finding ways to communicate with those still in.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
We have traveled across the world this past week. There have been many setbacks in getting here, but in each case, I always believed God would oversee us. He did! Thank You Lord! Also, there is peace in my home, as my sister is a peaceful person. I am thankful for her being willing to help us out ♥️. Thank you all for your prayers also.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I guess the fact that the people don’t rise up against him (Kim) is surprising, but maybe they really aren’t aware of what he has done to them. They don’t know any better (?). It’s hard to believe in this day and age that they wouldn’t know. You wonder if someone has escaped at some point. How sad for them though; knowing that their families were still there and suffering, and not being able to do anything about it. I wonder if the South Koreans have family in the North? My dad fought in the Korean War. I don’t know a whole lot about it though.
I’m so glad you had such a good trip! And I’m not that athletic — AI helped me jump. 🙂
I love that picture of you, Dee! So cute! Ageless!
Ahhh…that is interesting! I don’t use AI much. I’ll have to check it out.
Laura, So thankful for your great trip and that all is well at home with your sister and the kids.
Dee! I forgot to mention how funny that picture is of you! Lol! You are so athletic! I’m guessing from pickle ball 😉.
3. Read Acts 17:16-21 and make at least one observation about each verse.
Verse 16 – Paul is in Athens and is disturbed by all the idols he sees.
Verse 17 – He speaks in the synagogue each day. He speaks with believers as well.
Verse 18 – He speaks with people who have never heard of Jesus. They question him.
Verse 19 – The people take him to the “high council” (uh-oh). They want to know about his preaching and what it means.
Verse 20 – Everyone wanted to know about Paul’s ideas.
Verse 21 – It is noted that most of the people in Athens enjoyed debating the latest issues of the day.
4. What particularly stands out and why?
I guess the people of Korea stand out to me. Why can’t they rise up against him (Kim). Or, in this day and age how do they not know what is happening to them? Do they really not know? Has someone ever escaped and left their families there? That must be sad. To know what’s on the outside and not be able to help those within.
They fear death — and they are weak, starving.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
I was silent much of last week, but I read all of your wonderful posts. I have felt God showing me the importance of how I handle loss and pain, and how I need to reflect His love at all times. I am Praising Him more, many times a day. And I pray for the Holy Spirit to
My days have been wonderful, with my daughter, Dawn, here. She is so encouraging and lovely. We blend our lives easily and I wish we lived closer to one another.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Our idols can seem like good things, or things we “need” yet they steal our time from being with the Lord, our True Provider of everything. Where does God really fit in our lives? Do we do just that “fit Him in” among our days we do our leisure activities? Is HE the center of our life or is He the “add on”. We are so blessed to live in a free country, but the freedoms of Christians are becoming less, and the freedoms of other religions and expanding before us. 0ur pastor spoke yesterday on re-designing, and reimagining Jesus. Do we accept only the things that we like that Jesus said? Do we pick and choose what works for us? Accept only part of the scripture?
So glad your time with Dawn has been so sweet. Sounds like a good sermon!
I’m so glad for the time with your daughter-yay!
That is great that you and Dawn are enjoying each other’s company! That is how it is for us here too, with our son. But alas, we leave to go home tomorrow and although it’s always nice to get home, I will miss them.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Acts 17:16-21 and make at least one observation about each verse. I couldn’t just skip to this passage without reading the outcome of chapter 16, release from prison and entering Lydia’s house. How they must have celebrated, and it says Paul and Silas comforted the believers. The church at Philippi was off to a good start. The first 15 verses of chapter 17 certainly set the stage, Thessalonica (some believed and perscution by Jewish non-believers), Berea (again people recieved/believed the truth) and the Jewish faction from Thessalonica came after Paul again! The believers escort Paul to safety in Athens, but he is alone and sends word back for Silas and Timothy to join him.
16. Paul is provoked/exasperated/stirred as he observes the people of Athens wholly given over to idol worship.
17. Paul preached/discussed the gospel (death, burial, resurrection of Jesus) in the synagogue with Jews and Jewish converts, and daily met with them in the marketplace.
18. Paul’s daily discourse with new believers drew the attention of some Athenians. They thought Paul was talking about another “god.”
19. Paul is invited to speak further and explain his teaching by those Athenians. They escort Paul to the Areopagus, a place of religious judgement and assembly.
20. These men had never heard of Jesus and were curious to hear more.
21. They spent their days in philosophical discussion about the latest new idea/thing.
18
14. What particularly stands out and why? What caught my attention today was how Paul met daily with new believers in Athens to further explain his preaching in the synagogue. He discipled them.
2. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Part of my post was blank….part 2: . I was so changed by your book and study on Idols, Dee. It has made me so much more aware of things and people I have idolized in the past. We are so blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to worship the true Lord. How many in these countries would appreciate freedom so much, yet we look away from our Savior’s face to see things that are so temporary in this life. What is wrong with our brains! I pray that the Holy Spirit will redirect my brain, when I stray.
Thank you, Patti. I really give the credit to Keller opening my eyes — and to his associate pastor.
Monday: The Text
1. Read Acts 17:16-21 and make at least one observation about each verse.
v.16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
Paul was distressed ( deep sorrow and anguish) that the city was full of idols. What city does Athens remind me of? Do I feel distressed when I see the idols before me, and do I do something about it?
v. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
Synagogue and marketplace- inside and outside the church-people need the Lord. Street preachers? I remember Gauis from The Chosen called Jesus a street preacher when Jesus called out to Matthew.
18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.”
They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Sad that they were just interested and curious about another “god”. I had to refresh my memory about these people: “Epicureans prioritize pleasure, while Stoics prioritize virtue. Stoics advocate for emotional control, whereas Epicureans embrace emotions as part of a pleasurable life.”
I feel like, with the advent of things in this world being more accessible to people, there is a large number of Americans who live for pleasure. We now have same-day delivery, entertainment at the click of a finger, etc. All I need to do is walk the cereal aisle, and I can see the epicurean in me.
19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? Wow! Areopagus, I found out, is in ancient Athens and is a hill on which met the highest governmental council and later a judicial court.
20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)
Interestingly, these people are described as “doing nothing” but just talking and listening to the latest ideas. Sounds familiar, eh? Social media, etc.
2. What particularly stands out and why?
Paul was distressed about the city being full of idols, and he DID something about it! How about me? What idols do I have and see around me? Am I doing something about it? What does the Lord require of me? Micah 6:8
Thanks for your insights, Bing! The Epicurean in you-haha. I love how you personalize this.
Amen to Chris.
Love these great insights, Bing. So like our current culture, two thousand years later.
Sunday:
How have you experienced the goodness of God this week? So many ways God has shown his goodness to me-with family, friends and of course the blog. I am so encouraged as I am branching out and trying to help with prayer ministry at our church. I invited a young mom of 3 to pray at the beginning of services and she is excited to help with prayer ministry. I’ve been praying for my closest 50 neighbors since Dee shared the BLESS app. The app recently updated and now I can add family and friends into the prayer rotation. We live in a rural area, but I was walking with my son on a cul-de-sac across the street from our farm 2 weeks ago and happened to come past a house of a neighbor who came to my hayride last fall. She jumped out of her vehicle and asked-are you Chris? The one who had the hayride? I’ve been thinking about you lately! Do you ever do a bible study? Haha-we agreed to meet next week with another neighbor for a time of prayer. We will see where this goes. I’m excited.
This morning I finally have a phone call with the Indian doctor! Well, we will see if she is Indian-that’s my guess. And see if she is a good fit for my health concerns. Thank you all for praying. Also, my son-in-law was officially accepted into the program he left for last week. It is a 4 month program. Now we look for ways to support our daughter and her girls while he is away. It is amazing to see how many people are stepping up-such an encouragement.
What stands out to you from the above and why?
Dee, I love the picture of you jumping for joy! I am wondering, and I hope you share, why is 1 John your favorite? I’m looking forward to it. The North Korean issue! Oh my. We watched a documentary on Amazon a few months ago of a family that was filmed as they escaped with a pastor. It was a journey through wilderness, jungle, safe houses, etc. it was so scary and upsetting, yet hopeful for the family from the grandma to the little children. Some history of their life there was shared in the filming including the fact that they had to live in constant stress of responsibility to the government. They had so many requirements that they could barely meet their own basic needs including getting fresh water for the day. At any time the government could call for children young as 5 to report to drills for “games” or public assemblies for the emperor. They would have to perform for hours and would be beaten if they did not perform properly. They had to save their “poo” and give it to officials for fertilizer and each family had to provide a certain quota or be punished. Families would beg others or steal if they didn’t have the quota. A picture of the leader and his son had to be hung on the most prominent wall in the home and officials could come at any time and use a white glove to see if there was any dust on the frame. If there was you were beaten. Can you imagine? The grandmother was asked on camera what she thought of the emperor and she hesitated then said he was a nice man and helped them so much-but the daughter said, no mom, you can speak the truth here. She had no further comment. They live in such fear and poverty.
Also, it is interesting that the leaders of North Korea have something called the 10 principles to guide the people to live their lives for the leaders. Something like the 10 commandments-but their leaders are their gods. The principles are modeled after the bible. And bibles are considered a serious threat and not allowed in the country. Interestingly, the dictator Kim II Sung was raised by fervent Presbyterian parents. He drafted the 10 principles in 1974, demanding absolute loyalty to himself and his bloodline. It must be an absolute nightmare to live there.
Sure sounds demonic — doesn’t it?
Absolutely!
Chris, I love the story of the lady who asked you about the Bible Study! Yay for God who surprises! I need to check the BLESS app.
Yes!
Chris, I see God’s hand on so many things happening in your life! I, too, love the lady, jumped out of her car to ask about the Bible study! So wonderful that your son in law is in the program.🙏🙏 Thank you for sharing.
I agree with you, all, North Korea is a frightening place. I pray for God to protect our freedoms here. We are indeed blessed.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Acts 17:16-21 and make at least one observation about each verse.
16: Paul’s spirit is upset when he sees that Athens is full of idols. 17: in response he reasoned in the synagogue and marketplace daily. 18: people don’t understand his teaching. 19: they bring him to Areopagas to try to understand 20: they explain they don’t understand. 21: the whole city was caught up in learning new things Interesting that the people are curious, but it seems that it’s the in thing to learn new things but not necessarily to understand or discern these things and take them on a a belief system. It’s almost like, what new idol can I adopt today? Maybe they took pride in the number of idols they had adopted?
4. What particularly stands out and why?
It stands out to me that Paul’s spirit is provoked at the number of idols in the city. He goes out to preach immediately in opposition to this.
Okay, friends, I will not get upset. I posted comments yesterday, but they have not appeared. I know I did everything right, because I checked the boxes and have been receiving all the comments via email. Today I read part of ther sermon and answered the questions. Before I could save my answers prior to posting, I inadvertantly hit some key that put me back to the opening page, thereby deleting everything I had written.
I am not going to try and rewrite all of it, Just know that I am reading and praying for you. Maybe tomorrow will go better for this tech challenged, sister, LOL
Cheryl — so frustrating! I’m sorry. I saw it waiting for approval and tried to approve it but it hasn’t appeared yet. When you give a link, even if it is just a Bible reference, sometimes that stops it as many advertisers trying to get on give links. But other times it doesn’t. Hopefully it will appear. I tried to copy it but it wouldn’t let me do that either.
Here is Cheryl’s minus quotations — I have NO IDEA why it wasn’t posted.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Acts 17:16-21 and make at least one observation about each verse. I couldn’t just skip to this passage without reading the outcome of chapter 16, release from prison and entering Lydia’s house. How they must have celebrated, and it says Paul and Silas comforted the believers. The church at Philippi was off to a good start. The first 15 verses of chapter 17 certainly set the stage, Thessalonica (some believed and perscution by Jewish non-believers), Berea (again people recieved/believed the truth) and the Jewish faction from Thessalonica came after Paul again! The believers escort Paul to safety in Athens, but he is alone and sends word back for Silas and Timothy to join him.
16. Paul is provoked/exasperated/stirred as he observes the people of Athens wholly given over to idol worship.
17. Paul preached/discussed the gospel (death, burial, resurrection of Jesus) in the synagogue with Jews and Jewish converts, and daily met with them in the marketplace.
18. Paul’s daily discourse with new believers drew the attention of some Athenians. They thought Paul was talking about another “god.”
19. Paul is invited to speak further and explain his teaching by those Athenians. They escort Paul to the Areopagus, a place of religious judgement and assembly.
20. These men had never heard of Jesus and were curious to hear more.
21. They spent their days in philosophical discussion about the latest new idea/thing.
What particularly stands out and why? What caught my attention today was how Paul met daily with new believers in Athens to further explain his preaching in the synagogue. He discipled them.
I so appreciate the details you pointed out, Cheryl. Thank you. I have had some issues posting too. 🙏
Thank you for all that effort, Dee. I’ll remember that in the future and try not to copy/paste anything. I’m not sure that my post will add anything to our discussion. My take on Paul in the marketplace sure is different. I had always considered it as street preaching also, but this time it struck me a little differently.
**Interesting that this is the first time recorded that Paul is found preaching/teaching outside a synagogue or home, open air. Maybe because that was the custom in Athens.
Thanks for the bigger picture, Cheryl.
Tuesday: Contrasting Spirituality with Christianity
Listen/Read to the Following:
5. Summarize the difference between spirituality and Christianity.
Spirituality, I believe, is just about “feels” and self. I desire spirituality so I can feel good about myself, get the internal energy to follow my agenda, and do what feels good.
1. Give an example of how God has given you a new world view.
Probably my favorite part in the book “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi was the chapter on Kendrick talking to the young prosecutor, Derrick. Kendrick asked the latter if he REALLY has looked at the faces of people he prosecutes.
“… to look at people’s faces and recognize the “real people” behind cases.”
Grandmother Whitaker advises choosing mercy over justice when uncertain.
Dee, I have started reading the book about North Korea that you shared here. I cried reading about Mi-Ran and Jun-Sang. That other part, when stealing was done because the people were starving…cry… Mercy over justice.
Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear what you would see and hear in the words of people I encounter. Lead me to the marketplace here in our small community.
I like this idea of really looking at people. It’s important.
I loved that part in Theo of Golden too. My favorite part was probably him welcoming Alice into the church.
That “Nothing to Envy ” book does tear at your heart but has me praying for them!
I love that part of Theo of Golden, too, Dee. I am loving, re-reading, and savoring every chapter. So many rich lessons in this book.
Tuesday:
5. Summarize the difference between spirituality and Christianity. Spirituality is focused on self-self is at the center and everything is viewed from how it affects the self. Christianity is centered on Christ-everything is viewed from how Christ changes us and motivates us to love God and people.
6. Give an example of how God has given you a new world view. I distinctly remember as a child being brought up in a moral household, being responsible for my behavior and feeling the need to hide my misbehavior. Becoming a Christian was so freeing because my sin was covered by Christ an I only needed to confess it to him to be forgiven.
5. Summarize the difference between spirituality and Christianity.
Spirituality is an inward peace that people long for to help them in their lives.
Christianity is an outward approach that gives an inward strength that produces peace. You look at everything differently. Your job, your city, your family, music, everything is better! Your outward view sees and experiences things that others don’t. You have joy because of that outlook.
6. Give an example of how God has given you a new world view.
I am SO much calmer because of knowing Jesus like I never had, before I had 2 crazy teens.
I get into “situations” and calmly analyze them before I act. I pray that God finds a way out. It might be a totally different way than I would have found.
Here’s a recent example. We were packing for our long trip and only wanted to check one bag. My husband couldn’t get the bag closed and was getting frustrated. I got upset and took out all my toiletries and said I would carry them in my carry on bag. I won’t lie, I was mad. Our flight ended up getting delayed and we had to get on a different airline that was flying directly from Boston to Copenhagen. We got to our destination and our bag had never been put on any flight, it was still in Boston! So, we were without clothes for a day but I HAD MY TOILETRIES!! lol! Thank You Lord! You girls know what I mean; your expensive face cleaner, toner, lotion, extra contacts, toothbrush, etc! So happy, and I didn’t do what I used to do by being grumpy and mad. I knew He would get it to us somehow 😉.
God watching over you!
Oh, Laura! I love how the Lord has His hand on you!
I have a trip coming up-definitely going to remember to watch for God in the circumstances.
Yes! He is always there! I had to ask myself a couple of times, “Lord, what do You see here?” I was thinking about the times in the OT, where God sends strange entities to “help” the Israelites out of their current plight…like Naaman, Cyrus, and the Babylonians (!).
Wednesday
7. Summarize what the marketplace was. It wasn’t just where you went for groceries, it was where everyone met to discuss ideas, philosophy, air out problems, find solutions.
8. Where do people (and you) shop for ideas or get their worldview today? Sadly, the internet. Too many young people get everything from YouTube or TikTok. I like to listen to Janet Parshal’s radio program “In the Market”-she calls it the marketplace of ideas and discusses a Christian worldview on hot topics of the day. I also subscribe to World News and my son gets their children’s magazine.
9. Paul went there purposely even though it was full of lies. Why? He wanted to share the gospel.
10. How are you in the world but not of the world? Be specific. We live in this world but do our best to not allow the culture to infiltrate our worldview. Our church is trying to reach the community by having a booth at an upcoming balloon festival and handing out free snow cones along with info about our church services and I think they are planning a service along with another community church at the event. Kind of like Paul, meeting the people where they are at.
7. Summarize what the marketplace was.
The marketplace was the central aspect of a Greek persons life. The place you would go to shop, talk, learn, and fellowship with others.
8. Where do people (and you) shop for ideas or get their worldview today?
Online, sadly. I just bought pants for the grands, for school, online…
9. Paul went there purposely even though it was full of lies. Why?
Just like Jesus ate with the prostitutes and tax collectors, Paul went to the place where the people were who needed the Lord the most.
10. How are you in the world but not of the world? Be specific
Shopping online, teaching online, getting information online, and “living” online. It is rare to have face to face shopping experiences (I hate to shop, so I like this online feature). We do have times with friends though, as well. I try not to get caught up in the hype of the world. I’m not one to jump on a new bandwagon. I go to work and church, we have activities with the kids, but we aren’t always engaged with the people we interact with in those venues.
Wednesday = the marketplace
7. Summarize what the marketplace was. The marketplace was the center of all activity: business transaction, artisans and craft people, philosophical dicussion/debate, practice of law, sale/barter of goods, information gathering (local and world news proclaimed). It was all transacted face to face. Anything and everything was there, and that is where everyone went. **I found it very interesting that there were only three major marketplaces: Rome (Italy), Athens (Greece),Alexandria (Egypt), and world culture was influenced from there.
8. Where do people (and you) shop for ideas or get their worldview today? Many people shop for ideas online (social media,youtube, etc) and TV (news stations,talk shows). My worldview is shaped by the Bible. I read online news to be informed of events, but I don’t believe all of the opinions espoused. I try to “pray the news.” God is in control.
9. Paul went there purposely even though it was full of lies. Why? Because that is where the people were, and Paul had the Truth to share.
10. How are you in the world but not of the world? Be specific. The thought that comes to mind is the hateful rhetoric that I read and hear almost daily. People are so angry, and they promote hatred towards anyone who might disagree with them. I do not get involved with online “discussions (comments, etc)” or face to face arguments. I do not use inflammatory speech or use ugly nicknames for those with whom I disagree.
11. Keller contrasts the two voices we see calling out to us in Proverbs. Describe each and who each represents:
A. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of wisdom from Proverbs 8:1-17
She calls to all people. She raises her voice to everyone.
She speaks the truth.
She hates deception.
Her advice is wholesome. There’s nothing devious or crooked in it.
Her words are plain and clear to knowledgeable people.
She lives together with good judgement, knowledge, and discernment.
She hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech.
She has common sense, success, incite, and strength.
Because of her, rulers make good decisions and have good sense. They make just decrees.
She loves everyone who loves her.
B. What hint do you find that this is Jesus from Proverbs 8:27-31?
“He” was there before the Earth was formed and as it was formed. He was His delight. He rejoiced with His human family.
C. And from Colossians 2:1-3?
Paul says that all wisdom and knowledge lie in Christ.
D. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of folly from Proverbs 9:
She is brash.
She is ignorant.
She calls on the simple man to come in with her.
I’m not sure what “stolen water” is, but she encourages people to take it, and to eat in private because it is “good.”
She has “skeletons in her closet” according to the Message translation.
That’s funny from the Message.
Thursday: Two Voices
11. Keller contrasts the two voices we see calling out to us in Proverbs. Describe each and who each represents:
A. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of wisdom from Proverbs 8:1-17 Wisdom: Speaks truth , hates evil, better than earthly riches, Is heard eveywhere, gives understanding and strength. Represents the Lord Jesus
B. What hint do you find that this is Jesus from Proverbs 8:27-31? I went back to verse 23 where it talks about His presence even before creation, from the beginning, everlasting. 27-31 speaks of His presence and involvement in creation, which corresponds to John 1:1-3, “In the beginning was the Word…” Verse 30 reminds me of Keller’s message on the perfect and complete relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit, “Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.” Do you remember how Keller pointed out that God made room for us to join that relationship?
C. And from Colossians 2:1-3? All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Jesus.
D. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of folly from Proverbs 9: Folly: is heard everywhere, argues with the scornful (contentious), no fear of the LORD, hidden and stolen pleasures are to be desired, deceptive.
12. Summarize what Keller is teaching above. Christianity is NOT a private matter. Our “modern” world has returned to paganism. Everyone has their own personal/territorial god. Logically, if there is a God who created everything, then that God would have to be Lord over everything, EVERYTHING. That include ALL aspects of my life. A God like that cannot be kept private.
Thursday: Two Voices
11. Keller contrasts the two voices we see calling out to us in Proverbs. Describe each and who each represents:
I confess I had to look this up: 1. Lady wisdom: a host who builds a secure house, invites others to her feast and helps them walk the paths of life in righteousness. 2. Lady folly: she is personified as loud, seductive and ignorant, offering stolen pleasures and hidden shortcuts that lead to ruin.
A. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of wisdom from Proverbs 8:1-17
1. She stands at the gates to town. 2. She calls out to the simple. 3. She speaks truth. 4. Her knowledge is worth more than gold. 5. She loves those who love her.
B. What hint do you find that this is Jesus from Proverbs 8:27-31?
Verse 27: when he established the heavens I was there.
C. And from Colossians 2:1-3?
“…Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
D. Find at least 5 things that describe the voice of folly from Proverbs 9:
1. She is loud and seductive. 2. She calls to the simple from the door of her house and the high places of town. 3. She offers stolen treasures. 4. Her victims do not know they fall prey to death-she is deceptive. 5. Her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
12. Summarize what Keller is teaching above.
Everyone has their own little god (paganism) and does not want to be told what to do. But the true God, cannot be kept to oneself in a box. Our true faith permeates everything we do and cannot be kept in a private place. This reminds me again of when my grandmother died and I wanted to speak at her funeral. My uncle said to me, “Just don’t talk about God because that’s not who we are.” Funny, because every week when I visited my grandmother and uncle, I shared something of my faith and I think he knew I couldn’t share at her funeral without sharing about the Lord. He may as well have asked me not to speak at all. Instead I spoke as I felt lead and one man afterwards said to me, you must be a writer! Ha. I said no. I believe the Lord led me to share my heart for him and the way I SAW my grandmother’s faith in him, even though she didn’t share out loud. She demonstrated her faith in everything she did, and my uncle definitely demonstrated his lack of faith.
Chris, I love how you spoke as the Spirit lead at your grandmother’s funeral. You did not let your uncle silence you, and your words obviously touched hearts.
Interesting story about your grandmother’s funeral and the man’s statement – so very sad. Good for you for following the Lord’s lead.
13. Keller gave the example of how Naaman went into the marketplace yet was not soiled, but asked God for help, and was actually a witness. Give an example of how you have gone into the world, yet been able to not be soiled and even be a witness.
Boy. I’m not sure I can think of something for myself. I see this in my husband and kids who work, regularly. I’m mostly home with kids and in Christian settings or Christian friendly settings. I try to set an example when I am in a worldly setting of keeping my demeanor as righteous as possible by giving grace to others and showing gratitude, even when maybe it is not warranted. I am not often challenged in this way. I know a friend in our small group recently shared how she requested a religious exemption for vaccinations required at the hospital and it was down to her being fired, but she won the exemption. I would say the biggest problem I see for myself in this area is the battle over Halloween. It comes up all the time with the grandkids and even my own kids. Decorations are already coming out in the stores and every kids show on TV has a Halloween episode. Just yesterday, the kids were reading a joke book in the car. It was one we bought at the library sale. The cover said, clean jokes for kids. At the back of the book was a whole section of jokes on ghosts, skeletons and the like. We stopped at the car wash to clean out the car and I ripped all those pages out of the book and threw them away. The kids were a bit shocked but I told them that those jokes don’t glorify God. It’s a line I need to draw as I see that the enemy creates fears in the kids with this type of thing. As a way this plays out in the world is our way of working around the holiday. We say we don’t celebrate Halloween but we allow the kids to dress up in appropriate costumes and collect candy. We avoid scary costumes and go to my husbands work where the environment is a Christian one and we won’t be surprised by scary things-hopefully.
I get the Halloween thing. It drives me crazy. My husband loves to decorate. I try to remind everyone that Hallows Eve falls before All Saints’ Day (Nov 1). I learned somewhere in the past that it was a time to scare away any evil prior to the saints being honored on Nov 1. The saints are those who have died in the past year, in my church growing up.
Here are a few sites that help explain the ideas.
https://www.stfranciscathedral.org/article/2520451
https://trinitychurchnyc.org/stories-news/what-all-saints-day
https://www.ashleytumlinwallace.com/post/the-christian-origins-of-halloween-all-saints-day-revealed
The third link is interesting from a regular persons viewpoint and research.
Maybe a home school lesson on it? It really sounds like a beautiful celebration of those who have gone before us. Maybe I’ll create a lesson for the grands on this, this year?! Hmmm I wonder what that would look like? Maybe a reading of the history, writing a story of someone who has passed that was in our family, or visiting a grave on the afternoon of Halloween with flowers and a candle. or all of the above!
Then they go trick or treating (I’ll never be able to just do some sort of non trick or treating event in my family, ugh!), and remember the why of their fun that night. It reminds me of Christmas Eve and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas morning with a cake to honor His birthday (we do that).
Interesting quick study Chris! Thank you for the reminder. I keep telling my husband that if he puts up Halloween stuff then he better double up on Christmas! He always peters out by then 😔.
How interesting! I find in our town, though there are many who follow reformed church traditions, few avoid the Halloween stuff. My husband insisted when our kids were growing up that it was best to do nothing-do not recognize the holiday at all. He had been taken trick or treating as a kid, but our kids instead attended a church ‘fall harvest festival’ where they could dress up and play games. We also trick or treated at grandmas nursing home when she was there, but my husband would not allow them to go trick or treating through a neighborhood and we never decorated outside of a pumpkin and cornstalks from the garden. I guess for me, if it’s not glorifying God then it’s not okay. I draw the line at some of it.
12. Summarize what Keller is teaching above.
I think what he is saying is that we can’t make little gods for ourselves. There is one God who created everything and continues to be involved in His creation. God is a part of every aspect of our lives. We can’t shake Him.
13. Keller gave the example of how Naaman went into the marketplace yet was not soiled, but asked God for help, and was actually a witness. Give an example of how you have gone into the world, yet been able to not be soiled and even be a witness.
The most obvious place for me to demonstrate these ideas is at school. I have “soil” all around me but I am not going to give in to the woke culture in which we live. I’m going to report when something is wrong whether it’s the popular thing to do or not. I’m going to stand up for good morals and behaviors. I have told students I’m a believer when it has come up, and will continue to stand firm in my faith no matter the consequences. I usually help with the Christians in Action group at our school.
I enjoy your stories of faith/witnessing at school.
I love how you take a stand in your faith, Laura. It is a difficult time in public schools in the current culture. Christians in Action sounds like a good group.
I’m back home again from Sweden! Safe and sound. I wanted to pop in and say thank you so much for covering us in prayers while we were gone. Our trip had a few blips and the kids had a few blips, but nothing unmanageable or too bad. We are resting today, and the grands are with their parents for a day, so all is well for now! I’m getting to visit with my one and only relative (who stays in touch) and that is so good! Our son and DIL are discussing babies now! So exciting! It was so nice to be there with them. It is well with my soul. Thank you all ♥️🙏
Oh, Laura, I’m so glad things went well and that you had safe travel. I was amazed that you continued to post during your trip to Sweden, a good testimony to me. Exciting news about your son and DIL. I pray you will be rested and ready to begin a new school year and that everything goes well for your family.
I echo Cheryl’s prayers and comments to you Laura!
Laura, I join Cheryl and Chris, thanking God for safe travels, and wonderful answers to prayer. So excited for your son and DIL. Praying for a great school year for you.
Good to hear you had a great trip! Blips are bound to happen. Exciting to hear about plans for babies! Well, not yours, Laura. LOL
Happy Birthday Dee!
Yes, happy birthday to our dearest Dee!
Wednesday: Paul’s Marketplace
1. Summarize what the marketplace was.
The marketplace is where people go for everything-food, businesses, ideas, relationships, and anything needed for the material world.
2. Where do people (and you) shop for ideas or get their worldview today?
Social media, local establishments. Little towns have places like the salon, bowling alleys, and grocery stores where you pick up the latest news. Even the scanner when the ambulance goes to emergency places.
3. Paul went there purposely even though it was full of lies. Why?
He went there with his faith.
4. How are you in the world but not of the world? Be specific.
I am learning to go to places and engage with people more, like grocery stores. Taking interest in the lives of others without being intrusive.
I participate in FB groups but stay away from “inflammatory” conversations.
Saturday:
14. Share your God shot or take-a-way!
I love this last section where Keller says the Bible does not give us pat answers, but creates problems for us. This is so true! There is not a one size fits all method for evangelizing, being a Christian at work, deciding on cultural issues for your kids, like Halloween, tattoos, piercings, etc. How do we continue to work our way through this life and remain a good Christian example and true to God’s word? There are not explicit answers to questions like the culture brings to us. Naaman was put on the spot with his job and found a way to be a witness and true to his faith in a pagan culture. Many in the medical world today need to do the same thing and are finding ways to do it. Mom’s with little ones are finding ways to navigate the culture and bring their children up in a way that glorifies God. Teens are finding ways to beat peer pressure and stay true to their faith. The Bible does not say to hide ourselves away on some compound and live a righteous life by ourselves. We are to live in the world and be a light. I love that Keller gives us a glimpse into how the Bible teaches us to do this.
I agree, Chris — and love your post.