This week, Pastor Deric continues the series ‘The Gospel and Culture’ with a message titled ‘Pluralism’ based on Acts 17:16-34.
1. You must be ___________
2. You must be ___________
3. You must be ___________
ICEBREAKER: What are two of your favorite snacks?
1. According to Romans 1:21-23, what is the primary sin that has ruptured the relationship between God and people? What are the tragic results listed in these verses that still haunt our world today [cf. 2 Kings 17:7-18; Jeremiah 2:5; and Ephesians 4:17-19]?
2. What is the lie that our culture has bought into that has displaced the truth about God [Romans 1:24-25]? What evidence do you see in our world that indicates the lie persists today [cf. Psalm 81:11-12; Romans 6:19; and Ephesians 2:1-3]?
3. What is the ultimate reason unbelievers fail to trust Christ according to 2 Corinthians 4:4? What is the remedy found in the surrounding verses of 2 Corinthians 4:1-6? [cf. Matthew 23:16-26; John 9; and Revelation 3:15-19]?
4. Why do you think the Apostle John used the imagery of light versus darkness to contrast the difference between believers and unbelievers in John 1:4-9? Also consult John 8:12; John 9:5; and John 12:46 for more insights.
5. How is the gospel ministry described in Acts 26:18? What is the goal of sharing the good news, and what are the results [cf. Isaiah 42:6-7; Luke 24:47; and 1 Thessalonians 5:5]?
6. As you read through Ephesians 1:15-21, what stands out to you regarding the Apostle Paul’s prayer list? Why would “the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation” and “hearts enlightened” be important prayer requests for believers in his day as well as today [cf. 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 3:16-19; and Colossians 1:9-10]?
7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?
“`All religions are basically the same’? Hinduism’s gods are many and impersonal. Christianity’s God is one and personal.
Buddhism offers no forgiveness or divine intervention. Christianity offers forgiveness and divine intervention.
In Judaism and Islam men earn righteous status before God through doing good works. In Christianity men gain righteousness only by confessing their unrighteousness and being covered by Christ’s merit.
Every other religion is man working his way to God. Christianity is God working His way to men.”
Buddhism offers no forgiveness or divine intervention. Christianity offers forgiveness and divine intervention.
In Judaism and Islam men earn righteous status before God through doing good works. In Christianity men gain righteousness only by confessing their unrighteousness and being covered by Christ’s merit.
Every other religion is man working his way to God. Christianity is God working His way to men.”
Randy Alcorn
