2. 1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. Acts 17:1-4

3. 1. Go to where the people are (17:1) I.Actions that reach a culture for Christ (17:1-3) 2. Use the Scriptures (17:2) 3. Put the focus on Christ(17:2-3) 4. Emphasize Christ’s work of atonement (17:3) 5. Give evidence of a “reasonable” faith(17:2b-3) for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead…

4. but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15

5. 1. Go to where the people are (17:1) I.Actions that reach a culture for Christ (17:1-3) 2. Use the Scriptures (17:2) 3. Put the focus on Christ(17:2-3) 4. Emphasize Christ’s work of atonement (17:3) 5. Give evidence of a “reasonable” faith(17:2b-3) 6. Allow the Holy Sprit to work in His time(17:2)

6. 1. Some will be saved (17:4) II.Anticipation of reaching a culture for Christ (17:4-9) “And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God- fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.”

7. 4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6

8. 1. Some will be saved (17:4) II.Anticipation of reaching a culture for Christ (17:4-9) 2. Those who believe will evidence it. (17:4) “And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God- fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.”

9. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:7-11

10. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

11. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Romans 12:10-11 1. Treat one another like cherished family members (10a) 2. Lead the way in showing respect to other believers (10b) 3. Be an example to one another in serving the Lord (11) a.Diligently; b.Fervently (not with laziness or inactivity) c.Enthusiastically (realizing the privilege)