Reaching a Post-Christian America
Acts 17:16-34
We now live in an age where we see the evidence of cultural decline, the erosion of morals, the decline of civility, the denial of truth and the elevation of unreason.
Are we living in a post-Christian America?
- The Christian worldview and absolute truths are totally rejected by our culture.
- Individual freedom, happiness, and choice are valued above all else.
- The increasing number of “dechurched.” These are people who regularly attended worship but have not done so for at least six months.
- The movement to support causes rather than God’s Word. (pro-choice, global warming, social justice, etc.)
- Mainstream media’s push to embrace and celebrate all marginalized people, especially the LGBTQ+ community.
- Popularity of progressive theology in today’s mainline Protestant churches. (Progressive theology is defined as a rewriting of essential and important elements of biblical Christianity to fit cultural and secular values.)
- The rise of the “nones.” People who claim to have no religion affiliation. 27 percent of Americans claimed to have no religion affiliation in 2022.
- Roughly one third of Gen Z’ers (1997-2015) claim that they have no religion. Gen Z’ers are the least religious generation ever in America.
- Move to divide the American population using labels as either the “oppressors” or the “oppressed.”
- Popular opinion replaces the authority of Scripture.
What do we do about the “Great Commission” in a post-Christian America?
- Give up – People are too far gone and not open to the Gospel.
- Give in – Downplay sin and judgment and highlight inclusion and acceptance.
- Give away – Share the Gospel effectively in a post-Christian America
“The number one reason that Christians are less evangelistic today is because they have no sense of urgency to reach lost people.” (Thom Rainer)
How to Share Christ in a post-Christian World
- Be passionate (v. 16)
- Paul was broken over the city’s idolatry.
- Paul was burdened for those without Christ.
“You don’t have to go to pagan lands today to find false gods. America is full of them. Whatever you love more than God is your idol.” (Dwight L. Moody)
- Be public (vv. 17-21)
- Expect resistance, ridicule, and rejection.
- Extend gentleness and grace when sharing Christ.
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
- Be positive (vv. 22-23)
- Begin where they are.
- Build a bridge from culture to Christ.
“To them, God was unknown; but Paul’s point was that He was not unknowable. With all the care of an architectural engineer, Paul methodically constructed a bridge that would span the gap between their ignorance and the truth of Christ.” (Charles Swindoll)
- Be pointed (vv. 24-28)
- Introduce Christ clearly with conviction.
- Include relevant illustrations to keep attention.
“Paul boldly affirmed, “In the beginning, God!” God made the world and everything in it, and He is Lord of all that He has made. He is not a distant God, divorced from His creation, nor is He an imprisoned God, locked in creation. He is too great to be housed in man-made temples, but He is not too great to be concerned about our needs.” (Warren Wiersbe)
- Be persuasive (vv. 29-31)
- Explain judgment and accountability.
- Emphasize repentance and resurrection.
“From the first century to twenty-first century and everywhere in between, repentance may not be popular, but it’s still the gospel. Teach this post-Christian culture about God and then command repentance. That’s the only message we have; without it, no one would be saved.” (John MacArthur)
- Be prayerful (v. 32a)
- People may respond with rejection.
- Prayer is your only response.
“Prayer moves the hand that moves the world.” (E. M. Bounds)
- Be patient (v. 32b)
- Continue the conversation.
- Correct any misunderstandings and confusions.
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6, ESV)
- Be personal (vv. 33-34)
- People may respond with salvation.
- Passionately disciple new Christians to follow Jesus
“You can impress from a distance, but you can only impact up close.” (Howard Hendricks)
Reaching a post Christian America requires Christians to be…
- informed by the Word.
- led by the Spirit.
- equipped for engagement.
Daily Prayer
God, give me today (1) an opportunity to speak with someone about Jesus; (2) the wisdom to see it; and (3) the courage to take it. (Chuck Lawless)
Making It Personal:
- What are the types of idols that fill our community and our churches? What are the potential idols in your life?
- Many of us can talk comfortably with non-Christians about almost any subject…except Jesus. How does this passage help you to communicate more effectively to non-Christians?
- Think of a non-Christian friend or relative to whom you’d like to witness. How can you start where he or she is?
- Who can you share these truths with?