“Effectively Communicating Christ!” Acts 17:16-34

Peter Drucker, often called “the father of American management,” claims that 60% of all management problems are a result of faulty communications.

A leading marriage counselor says that at least half of all divorces result from faulty communications between spouses.

James Dobson writes of the time he saw a sign on a convent which said: “Absolutely No Trespassing – Violators Will Be Prosecuted to the Fullest Extent of the Law. Signed, ‘The Sisters of Mercy.’”

Purpose: to look at four qualities needed to be an effective communicator for Christ.

I With Solid CONVICTIONS

“Give me 100 men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God and I will shake the world!” John Wesley

I With Solid CONVICTIONS A. Athens Needed Christ

Acts 17:16 “greatly distressed” (NIV) or “provoked in spirit” (NASB) – Greek word literally means “incite or stir up”…

I With Firm CONVICTIONS A. Athens Needed Christ B. This Area Needs Christ

Sign in Kroger warehouse: “Salesmen, before you try to sell your product to us, be so convinced of its superiority that when you’re finished, we will be more anxious to buy it than you are to sell it.”

“His Word is in my heart like a burning fire…” Jeremiah 20:9 “His Word is in my heart like a burning fire…”

II With Passionate AWARE- NESS A. Awareness of the Audience

Mars Hill above modern Athens Areopagus Communicator must use opportunities. Paul was given a great opportunity when taken to Mars Hill and the Areopagus…

II With Passionate AWARE- NESS A. Awareness of the Audience B. Awareness of the Subject Matter

…3) Do you believe most people in the church of which you are a part use and correctly understand the name Christian?

III With Endless SIMPLICITY A. Complexity is Not the Mark of Smarts

Bro. Jack Cottrell – teacher, preacher and author “There is a world of difference between SANCTIFIED FRIENDSHIPS and BROTHERLY FELLOWSHIP!” Bro. Jack Cottrell – teacher, preacher and author

III With Endless SIMPLICITY A. Complexity is Not the Mark of Smarts B. Paul’s Message Was Profound Yet Simple C. Our Message Must be Simple

IV With Rational EXPECTA- TIONS A. Some Will Sneer

Share your convictions of Christ with the world and you can plan on there being backlash…

IV With Rational EXPECTA- TIONS A. Some Will Sneer B. Some Will Procrastinate

Acts 17:32 sounds so noble “…we want to hear you more on this matter Acts 17:32 sounds so noble “…we want to hear you more on this matter.” But…

IV With Rational EXPECTA- TIONS A. Some Will Sneer B. Some Will Procrastinate C. Some Will Respond

Remember, in this parable the problem was not in the seed… the problem was in the what? The soil!

Two men were in a hot-air-balloon and were lost Two men were in a hot-air-balloon and were lost. They spotted a man on the ground so they made their descent…

Conclusion and Summary Yes, communicating is critical especially when we are communicating the TRUTH of the Gospel to those who need Christ as Lord and Savior. Again, are you and I being effective when we communicate Christ? Effective with:…