Acts 17:16-34
- God commands all people in all places to repent (Acts 17:30)
- God desires that all would repent and believe. This desire is for both Jew and Gentile. (Acts 17:27-27, 2 Peter 3:9)
- Ignorance of the gospel does not absolve mankind of the need to repent (Acts 17:30, Romans 1:18-20)
- Repentance is necessary to avoid God’s judgment (Acts 17:30-31)
- The direction or focus of our faith – the one, true living God – is essential (Acts 17:22-31, John 14:6)
- Being religious or spiritual is not saving faith. The direction or focus of our faith – the one, true living God – is essential (Acts 17:22-31, John 14:6)
- It is possible to sincerely believe in “false gods” that do not have the power to save:
- Monotheistic – Islam
- Polytheistic – Hinduism
- Pantheistic (God is present in all things) – Taoism, Hinduism
- Possible applications
- If you consider yourself to be a spiritual person but do not follow Jesus and Lord and Savior, repent of your sins and put your faith in Christ
- Consider how you would explain to someone that “being spiritual” is not sufficient for salvation.
- Pray that God would lead you to people who are open to spiritual ideas but in need of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ