THEME: I Am Fifth
Series: I Am Fifth
TITLE: “I Am Fifth. Say What?”
Scripture: Acts 17:22-34
I. THE REOCCURENCE OF BAD IDEAS
“Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me.” D.L. Moody
“Preach the Gospel; when in doubt, use words.”
“Jesus said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.’ We often forget that Christianity is not a philosophy to be argued but a Person to be known. To be sure, our values stand in stark contrast to many in our culture…The real challenge is to build bridges, not walls.” Bobby Conway (P.17)
We live in an age of what is called (religious pluralism). That says no one religion (especially Christianity) holds the exclusive title to “absolute truth” (if there is such a thing).
You hear that is phrases like:
- It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.
- As long as it works for you and makes you happy
- There is no such thing as ultimate (or absolute) truth.
- I believe there are many ways to God.
We used to live in an age of (creedal faith), meaning our beliefs direct and influence our attitudes and actions. Not today. Our beliefs are more influenced by (media).
The “family tree”:
1. Deism says the only role God played was to (kickstart the universe). The after creating it, he (abandoned) it.
2. Deism gave way to Darwinism and (natural selection). A natural end of Darwinism is (eugenics), which concludes there are some inferior people.
3. Marxism, Communism. Nihilism followed.
4. Postmodernism which says, “You decide what is right and wrong.” There are (no absolutes).
II. THE REVIVAL OF TRUTH
Paul’s approach is seen in verse 23. He started where they were. He makes the unknown known.
1. As Creator, He can’t be contained. [v.24]
2. As Origjnator, He has no needs. [v.25]
3. Being Intelligent, He has a definite plan. [vv.26-27]
4. Being the Sustainer, He is not dependent. [v.28a]
NEXT WEEK: Through the Looking Glass- 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
