A Trip to Mars
Continuing with the “Thinking & asking theme” we explore Paul’s Biblical interpretation of “The Unknown God” to the Greek teachers and philosophers, and Peters revelational answer to a direct question from Jesus, ending with declaring the Apostles Creed.
Call to Worship: Read Psalm 66: 1-8
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- Who does the psalmist call to worship? All the earth does not know God. What is the point of saying so? What is your vision of a world at peace with God?
- On what event does the psalmist reflect? What does it reveal about God? In what ways have Jesus and Christians memorialized it?
1. Fake News and Alternative Facts: Read Acts 17: 16-28
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- To be noticed by the Greek philosophers in Athens, how extensive was Paul’s activities?
- What previous understanding of Christianity did these philosophers have?
- Who were the Stoics and Epicureans?
- Do you know anyone who has very little or no background in the Gospel?
- Could you share the Gospel with someone without quoting Bible Verses? Why or why not?
- Paul used idols and Greek poetry as points of contact with these people. What could you use as a point of contact with people today in your efforts to relate the Gospel?
- Discuss these scriptures
Eph 4:14NIV Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.
Galatians 1:7 … not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are troubling you and want to change the good news about the Messiah. …
2 Corinthians 11:4 … if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel, which you …
Check out the warning in the very last paragraph of the Bible.
2. Speak truth to Power: Read Matthew 16: 13-19
- Why did people think Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah?
- What was significant about Peter’s confession? What are the keys of the kingdom? What do they “bind” and “loose?”
- When and how did you come to recognize Jesus as your Messiah?
Prayer: Apostles Creed: Modern English Version
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. AMEN.
What Now?
1. What is one practical thing you need to take out of this discussion as an individual?
2. What does our group need to do with what we’ve discussed and discovered today?