From the Classroom: Paul's Example

                              

Through the years I have come to believe that Paul was one of the greatest defenders of the faith. He had to be! In Acts 17 Paul visited Athens. A city that was polytheistic by all means. As Paul was walking the streets he notices altars set up to various god’s. One altar is said to have caught his attention, “The Altar to the Unknown God”. As was custom of the day a group of men, the Council of Areopagus(men who considered themselves as custodians of teachings that introduced new religions and foreign gods, NIV Bible Study), would listen to new ideas. Paul was brought before the council to share with them this "new" idea. The philosophers and others asked "What is this person trying to say?" What happens next is an example of one man using his knowledge of Christ and presenting him in such a way that he did not use Scripture but the very words of the culture's poets. He does not give a three point sermon, but shares his worldview. He refers the people to the altar that had been erected to "an unknown god." Paul opens the dialogue by talking about creation (verses 24-25). He then moves into the importance of humanity (verses 26-28). The dialogue closes with life and death (verses 29-32). As we read the chapter "a few men becoming followers." Paul was confident not just because of his knowledge of scripture or that he had followed the law as a Pharisee. He was confident because he had personally meet Jesus Christ and now was able to answer the question, "Why do you believe this?". I believe Paul realized that his success in spreading the gospel in his time had to come from having a foundation, and he found that foundation in his worldview. He challenged the church to "think", "say" and "do". Why would Paul write to the churches about the importance of knowing their worldview?

2 Corinthians 4:4-5
"The God of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake."

Colossians 2:4
"I tell you this so that no one may deceive you be fine-sounding arguments"

Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophies, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

Colossians 4:5-6
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction."

Today the church and our culture has equipped people to lack the ability to "think" why they believe what they believe. Group session sermons are spoken from the pulpit in fear of offending people to turn from their sin. The church does not "say", because of the fear of being labeled as the "weird" one. And the church does not "do" because they may believe it’s the pastors job to reach a community. Now I know all churches are not like this, but the numbers are growing. Churches are becoming artifacts in the landscape of our cities. Instead of a church that is full of life, with the answers to support their claims, altars are left empty and growth is on the decline. I believe though that a great stirring is taking place, just as the days of Paul. A stirring, which does not require a church event or holiday attraction. A stirring, of the church that challenges the core of one’s belief. People who are not afraid to engage in conversation with those who may ask the hard questions. People who a have answers! This past week my senior class did the annual Worldview Project, where they hit the streets and asked various strangers what they believe. Many were surprised by some of the responses of those being interviewed. "I've never thought about that." "That's a hard question..." "I've never been asked that..." In one interview the question was turned on my student. She answered with such confidence…I was so proud of her! Why throw them amongst the wolves? All of this is in preparation to their Senior Project where they will interview a person and at the end of the interview they will be asked some questions and put on the hot seat. I want my students to have an answer for what they believe. I want them to be confident! I do not want them to cower when they are challenged in their faith. In the words of Peter, I want them to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…" (1 Peter 3:15) My dear friend, one may ask you, “What do you believe and why?” “What makes you so confident?” “How can you be so sure?” Your day will come. Will you be prepared, or will you give a Sunday school answer and miss an opportunity to impact someone's life? Your call is more than a mission’s trip; it is about knowing the "why" for the mission’s trip! It is more than wearing a Christian t-shirt; it is about the “reason” behind that t-shirt. Our worldview becomes the foundation for all that we do and believe. Without a strong foundation, how will we stand in the midst of those who doubt? How will we respond to the one who wants to know more about the hope we possess through Christ?

Your acknowledgment of Christ as savior is the key to open the door towards a relationship with a true living God! Your worldview is the foundation that will shape your values and in return change your behavior, which will be seen by those you come in contact with! Are you ready?

His call. His gift to you. Your purpose. Irrevocable.