Taking a Stand in a Christ-less Culture

The Apostle Paul’s passion for the gospel never ceases to amaze me. As I have written before, when Paul met Christ, he went from chief persecutor of the church to chief propagator of the church. Paul never missed the opportunity to proclaim the gospel. It is as if it burned within him and no matter the circumstance he had to share it. Sometimes this is in the form of a simple testimony and sometimes he argues his case as if he is standing before the Supreme Court.

A story is recorded in Acts 17 of one such instance when Paul makes a case for Christ. Paul is in the city of Athens. He is waiting for Silas and Timothy to arrive to assist him in the ministry. However, while Paul is waiting on them he begins to take note of all the idols that are within the city. At the same time we are told that, “his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols” (Acts 17:16). As a result, he begins to make his case for Christ and the gospel.

As Paul is making his case, he approaches it in an interesting way. He starts with what they know; he finds common ground with them. He says, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘to the unknown god’” (Acts 17:22-23). Paul found an open door and walks through it. He then says, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). Paul then goes on to make a very detailed argument as to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

As we think about sharing the gospel, there are several things we can learn from Paul. First of all, this event takes place in the normal flow of Paul’s life. He is simply waiting on some friends to arrive and killing time. Second, Paul finds common ground with the Athenians. He does not start a huge argument as to the sinfulness of worshiping idols; he simply uses these idols as a connecting point to share the one true God with them. Third, Paul is not shy about sharing the truth even though idol worship was clearly the accepted practice of the day in Athens. Every believer would do well to model their life and witness after Paul.

THE IMPUDENT PRAYER

Prayer is referred to as a discipline for a reason. Prayer is not easy. While the quick prayer offered up before a meal or as we head out the door may be easy, real intercession, truly seeking the face of God, is not easy. 

We are repeatedly exhorted, encouraged, and commanded in scripture to be a people of prayer. In Luke 11:5-13, we are once again given a story to encourage us to pray. It is the story of a man who desperately needs to borrow some bread from a neighbor.  He has an unexpected guest arrive and he has nothing to feed them. In the New Testament culture this puts his reputation at stake. 

At first the neighbor will not respond. But finally, after much persistence the neighbor does. We are told (Luke 11:8), "I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs." 

Impudence is an interesting word. It conveys an almost arrogant expectation. While I do not think we should approach God arrogantly, we can approach God with a great level of expectation that He will answer our prayers. In fact, Jesus tells us, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be open to you" (Luke 11:9).

Be persistent in prayer. Do not lose hope. Even if God does not respond immediately, continue to ask, continue to seek, and continue to knock. God does hear your prayer and will answer according to His will and in His time.