Athens: Finding God (discussion questions)

Here are some discussion questions that accompany my message “Athens: Finding God” from our series “Light for the City” at Eastbrook this past weekend on Acts 17:16-34.

Discussion Questions:

1.       When the gospel spread from Jews in Jerusalem to Gentiles around the Mediterranean, it challenged the outward appearance and form of their religion. Acts 15:1-35 tells the story of how this changed. What specifically changed and how did this impact the way Gentiles followed Jesus?

2.       What barriers do we have in the church or as Christians today that might hinder non-believers from connecting with Jesus? How do we avoid that as a church? What can you do in your own life to change that?

3.       Paul connected with the culture of Athens in order to communicate the gospel. He quoted Greek poets and philosophers (Acts 17:28), and debated with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers (17:18). Take some time to ‘listen’ to our culture today. What is our culture ‘saying’ about God – or the lack of God – these days?

4.       Paul corrected the messages of his culture with the truth of God in an even-handed manner. Based on your discussion of the previous question, how might you address and correct the current messages of our culture?

5.       At the end of his words at the Areopagus in Acts 17, Paul directed his listeners toward a personal response to the God that he was talking about (17:29-31). When was the last time you asked someone to make a personal response to God? What did you say and how did they respond?

6.       Think about one person who you could begin to connect with deeply in order to share the good news of Christ. This week, pray daily for that person. Pray for opportunities to gain understanding and to share the message by the Holy Spirit’s leading.