Friday: Further Study – Paul: Mission and Message
The apostle Paul has been compared with the Butterfly Effect in Chaos Theory: that the flap of a butterfly’s wings in California causes a hurricane in Asia.
His work as a writer and preacher helped turn a Jewish sect in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire into a world religion.
Image © Mal Austin from GoodSalt.com
The ideas put forth in his 13 letters have probably exerted greater influence than any other ancient Greek literature of comparable size.
Discussion Questions:
- Paul avoided martyrdom by fleeing to Athens, the intellectual center of the Greco-Roman world. Cities provide shelter for refugees, including Christians. The apostle lost no time; after observing the city’s religious monuments, he reasoned with the Jews, and preached in the marketplace. Read Acts 17:16-31. What approach does Paul take with these people, and how does it help us to understand the need to tailor the message for various people groups? At the same time, look at how Paul did not in any way water down or compromise truth in order to reach these people. In our attempts to reach others, how can we be certain that we don’t compromise core beliefs?
- Why is the state of the dead such an important teaching? What are some of the many errors and deceptions that an understanding of this truth protects us against? What about your own culture? What are some of the beliefs that this truth can be a bulwark against?
- Dwell more on the question of the role of signs in regard to faith and the role of logic and reason, as well. In class, let those who are willing talk about how they came to faith and what role such factors as signs or logic, et cetera, had in their experience. Also, what role should they have, not just in coming to faith but in maintaining faith?
- What about the majority of people in your society? What kind of background do they have? What kind of beliefs are the most common? Based on your understanding of their beliefs and background, think through carefully, the best approach to reach out to them. What are some entering wedges that will allow you to make contact in a way that will not immediately offend them?
(13)
I agree with today's lesson commentary on Paul's ministry from his message cause and effect and has also caused controversy as well for it is the most read, debated but also misunderstood book by Christiandom. I agree with the author's comments on how it should affect the Church on its mission to the world. I would like to point out a similarly reference from John the Revelator saw the 3 angels flying some of us are strolling the Eternal Gospel, some are walking it, some are goosing it when we should as a church, and individual be flying it because of its urgency.
SOP stated the Devil is trying to kill as many as possible from hearing the Eternal Gospel,so we should be zealous and be passionate in saving our fellow beings. We only like to recite John 3:16 but ignore its counterpart as the Revelator has matured in 1John 3:16 that we should follow Jesus Christ to save our neighbors, comrades, relatives, et al with all our lives even if it means to die like our Master, Savior and Coming King. Rally together Militant church, lets save as many souls as we could possibly do with the Leading of the Holy Ghost.
The truth about the true state of the dead is so important to prevent people being deceived by messages from so called 'spirits'
The wrong idea of the state of the dead leads people to a wrong concept about the character of the LORD like eternally burning in hell.
We need to study and learn more about the bible. Also the state of the dead and the true meaning of Paul ' s message that sometimes seem cryptic. Failing to do so we are the target of false prophets that twist the Word of God to lead us into the traps of Satan.