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Finding Out Someone's Spiritual Background
Paul's visit to Athens and Jesus' visit to Samaria are two examples of people sharing the gospel in places where the locals have different beliefs.
Jesus talks about his messiahship differently when He talks with the Samaritan woman. Jesus usually prefers to use the title 'the Son of Man', which comes from Daniel 7. The Samaritans didn't use the book of Daniel in their worship, and since their view of the Messiah was shaped more by Moses than David, Jesus happily tells this Samaritan woman that He is the Messiah. He also draws on her life experiences (failed relationships) and daily routines (drawing water) to help her understand who he is and how He can help her. Jesus agrees with some of her beliefs (the Messiah is coming), and corrects some of her beliefs (true worship is done in the Spirit, not on Mount Gerazim).
In Athens, Paul makes careful observations of Athenian religious life and quotes Greek philosophy to support the points he is making. At the same time, he challenges pagan idol worship. Jesus and Paul have the same message but package it differently depending on who they are talking to.
Finding out someone's spiritual background can help you connect their needs with the promises of the gospel. It can allow you to affirm the truth they have already believed, as well as challenge the errors and misconceptions that are obstacles to faith in Jesus.
Jesus came down from heaven to be with us because of love. Jesus sympathises with us and understands us because of his love for us. Paul imitated this love and it motivated him to travel from city to city, seeking to understand and communicate the good news of Jesus powerfully. When we take the time to learn about the people we want to point to Jesus, we are showing them the love that He first showed us.
Action
Ask people questions like 'what makes your life meaningful?', 'what do you believe about God?', or 'what do you think about prayer?'. Can you think of any other questions you could ask people to learn more about their beliefs?
Prayer
Ask the Lord to help you demonstrate His love through listening well. Ask for wisdom to respond well to what you hear.
Scripture
About this Plan
You wouldn’t force a whole packet of biscuits in someone’s mouth; you would offer them one biscuit at a time. We would like to think the same principle applies when it comes to sharing your faith. This twelve day reading plan (inspired by The Biscuit Trail resource) will help you think through easy steps you can take to help others discover Jesus for the first time.
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