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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read Acts 17:22-31.

1. Pastor Mick shared a couple of examples from his marketing days regarding the importance of knowing your audience (The Home Depot and Lowe\\u2019s). Why is it important to know your audience? What did Paul do in this passage to indicate he also had learned the importance of knowing his audience?

2. What did Paul mean when he said to the Athenians, \\u201cI perceive that in every way you are very religious\\u201d? Was Paul impressed with how \\u201creligious\\u201d they were? Why/why not?

3. How might this passage impact the way we use the word \\u201creligious\\u201d in our culture? Do we have it right, or do some things need to change?

4. Pastor Mick said that as disciples of Jesus we are called to know God and to make him known? What do you think about that? How do you do that?

5. What is the significance, if any, of the location in which Paul addresses the Athenians \\u2013 at the Areopagus on Mars Hill, between the Parthenon (temple of Athena) and the Forum (place of commerce and philosophical debate)? What might this mean for us in the modern-day culture in which we live?

6. What was the significance of the altar Paul found in Athens with the inscription \\u201cTO AN UNKNOWN GOD\\u201d? How might this be relevant for us today?

7. Pastor Mick told a story about a friend/colleague who planted a new church, focusing on the poor and homeless being denied access to the big fancy church that launched them. What does this say to us about being \\u201creligious\\u201d and having an \\u201cunknown god\\u201d even in the church today? What must we do to avoid such pitfalls in our own faith?

8. What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God? Which one best describes you right now? What can you do to better know God? How can you make Him known to others?

Prayer for the Week:

God, forgive us for the times we have been content in knowing about you rather than intimately knowing you. Forgive us for the times we focus on the letter of the law rather than the spirit of your love. Give us the desire and the ability to know you and to make you known. May our attempts at evangelism, flawed as they may be, produce the desired effects. May all that we say and all that we do draw ourselves and those around us closer to you, so that lives may be transformed and you may be glorified. In Jesus\\u2019 name we pray. Amen.