[countmeworthy]

I don't know if the comment I'm about to make applies to this thread or not. I wrote the following about Paul's visit to Mars hill in an earlier post:


He looks around at all the idols..and begins his sermon with these words:
“Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way,for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.

I love this account because like Jesus, Paul didn't preach the same ole, same ole everywhere he went. The Thread of Gold was interweaved in every message of Hope Jesus gave. When I read Paul's message on Mars Hill, I thought he was simply brilliant. (Of course, he learned from the Very BEST: the Master JESUS!)

While Paul walked among the most educated Greek scholars and philosphers he took note of the statues. When he saw the inscription 'To an unknown god', I bet he had an "AW HAW" moment. He figured out a way to explain their innate need to worship GOD. [We here on the forum, know every human being has this inborn need to worship. If we don't get it right and worship the ONLY and ONE TRUE God, we will find something or someone to worship. Hindus build their grotesque 20 armed idols, Buddhists have their Buddah, Atheists worship themselves. Most people worship money, toys, etc...Let's not get technical. You guys are smart enough and know what I mean..]

So to my point:
For what ever reason, that particular account of Paul and the accounts of Jesus' Ministry have helped me to share the gospel in different ways. Since having left the LC and having attended a few churches, the altar call usually goes something like: If you're not sure you're going to heaven and want to be sure..come forward or raise your hand etc..

The Holy Spirit through the gospels, has shown me how Jesus did not use the same formula in reaching people. So I try to follow the Lord's example. (I've led more people to the Lord outside a church building setting. To God be the Glory and Praise. )
On a very few occassions Jesus spoke from the Jewish Temple. Most of the time, He mingled w/the people. Sometimes there were crowds of thousands and sometimes He spoke to a few. On a couple of occassions, He ministered One on one with no one but He and the person.

I think Paul received that revelation when he addressed the people on Mars Hill. So when I read how he used his sermon about 'the unknown god' to get the people's attention, I learned something. Then I went back and remembered how Jesus did not use the same formula in drawing people to God.

Landing the plane now.

Carol