A People and Place of GRACE: Connect with Culture
Acts 17:16-34 - Dr. Kevin D. Glenn: Lead Pastor

Last week we left Paul on at the Aeropagus, where his sermon had just begun. Let’s continue exploring how his message explains why we’re called to connect with culture and how to go about it.

1. Why? - To demonstrate the

of our faith. - Acts 17:23
• Relevant: A: Having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand. B: Affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion. C: Having social relevance. – Miriam-webster.com

• Relevance connects what Jesus gives with what we need.

How? -

critique - Acts 17:24-27
• We are not engaging culture faithfully if we never reach a point of critique.
• Our connection with culture should both defy and resonate with it. – Tim Keller

2. Why? - Establish a point of

with culture. - Acts 17:28
• Culturally connected Christians recognize the power of

Reveal Answer

and

Reveal Answer

and use them to point others to the Creator and Truth.

•

Reveal Answer

are stories, ceremonies, songs, artifacts, artwork, or other practices embedded in cultures that can be used to communicate the Gospel.

How? – Patient Presence - Acts 17:32-34
Paul demonstrates that connecting with culture is difficult. It takes:
• Initiative – Begin making yourself aware of cultural products relevant to your circle of influence.
• Wisdom – Exercise discernment based on your own limits and maturity. Get resources that can help you.
• Patience – This doesn’t happen overnight. Not everyone will understand.
• Faith – Your confidence will be deepened as it wrestles with how to understand, interact with, and influence culture.

A theology and methodology of cultural engagement still relies upon the power of God to work through the dialogue and bring about transformation.

Questions to Ponder
• Do you believe demonstrating the relevance of our faith is important? Why or why not?
• Discuss the statement, “We are not engaging culture faithfully if we never reach a point of critique.” What are some points of critique in our current cultural setting?
• How do you respond to the use of extra-biblical sources to connect people to the truth of Scripture? How does this help us create “handles” by which people can grasp God’s Word?
• Talk about redemptive analogies. Was this a new concept for you? In your group, think of some popular stories and work together to find some redemptive analogies.
• Just for practice…find 5 “Redemptive Analogies” from your cultural menu this week.
• How did this message impact your overall understanding of Northside’s vision?
• What are some ways Northside can connect with Jackson in ways that both resonate with and defy culture?