If you were a city, which one would you be?

Paul in Athens

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

and you will be my witnesses

and you will be my witnesses the three types of witness

Paul’s witness in Athens Acts 17:16-34

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 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. 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.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. v.23

Identifying Our Idols

Identifying Our Idols Athens idol

Identifying Our Idols Athens idol All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas. v. 21

Identifying Our Idols Athens idol reason All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas. v. 21

Identifying Our Idols Athens DC NY LA idol reason

Identifying Our Idols Athens DC NY LA idol reason power (control)

Identifying Our Idols Athens DC NY LA idol reason power (control) money (security)

Identifying Our Idols Athens DC NY LA idol reason power (control) money (security) pleasure (ME!)

Identifying OUR Idols

Identifying OUR Idols Power Money Pleasure

Depends on the Time of Day Identifying OUR Idols Power Money Pleasure Depends on the Time of Day

Depends on the Time of Day Identifying OUR Idols Power Money Pleasure Depends on the Time of Day All of the Above

Depends on the Time of Day All of the Above Identifying OUR Idols Power Money Pleasure Depends on the Time of Day All of the Above It goes beyond swapping your idols for God

Depends on the Time of Day All of the Above Identifying OUR Idols Power Money Pleasure Depends on the Time of Day All of the Above It goes beyond swapping your idols for God It’s about faith & faithfulness

Our Witness: What is the attitude that turns us away from our idols??

Our Witness: What is the attitude that turns us away from our idols?? Now faith is being certain of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

Our Witness: What is the attitude that turns us away from our idols?? Now faith is being certain of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 Faith = God is good.

Manny: “I wish I had an elf” Me: “You wish you had an owl?” Manny: “No! An Elf!” Me: “Why?”

Manny: “I wish I had an elf” Me: “You wish you had an owl?” Manny: “No! An Elf!” Me: “Why?” Manny: “So he could make me toys, I’m going to ask for one for Christmas.”

Faith = God is good.

the importance of faithfulness

Our Witness: How do we “argue against” the idols of our day??

The righteous person will live by his faithfulness. Habakkuk 2:4 Our Witness: How do we “argue against” the idols of our day?? The righteous person will live by his faithfulness. Habakkuk 2:4

Faithfulness = Living the Good News Our Witness: How do we “argue against” the idols of our day?? The righteous person will live by his faithfulness. Habakkuk 2:4 Faithfulness = Living the Good News

The importance of faithfulness TODAY

Christianity in the United States

Christianity in the United States Identify as Christian - 75%

Sociologists have long known that Americans who self identify as “Christian” rarely attend any church.

Christianity in the United States Identify as Christian - 75% “Churched” - 55%

Christianity in the United States Identify as Christian - 75% “Churched” - 55% At church today - ???

Christianity in the United States Most Likely Less Than - 17.7% of the country is in church today.

So what should our witness look like?

Will you commit to a life of faith and faithfulness? Call to Faith Will you commit to a life of faith and faithfulness?