World Religions

The Gospel and Friendship in a Pluralistic Suburb

A Little Bit of Diversity

In what religion were you raised? (If Christian, what denomination?)

What other religions are you most familiar with?

What other religions do you find most foreign or intimidating?

What do you hope to gain from this class?

1.

2.

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4.

Evangelism in 2013

The World has gotten a

lot smaller in the last 20 years.

Alternative worldviews clash

all the time.

A Lot of Diversity

How can I be light in the midst of so

many competing

worldviews?

A Gospel (and the Gospelers)

A gospel message was good news

because it upheld the Roman Imperial

worldview.

A Gospel (and the Gospelers)

Providence... has given us Augustus, whom she filled with virtue that he might benefit humankind, sending him as a savior, both for us and for our descendants, that he might end war and arrange all things... The birthday of the god Augustus was the beginning of the good news for the world.-- Inscription from a Roman Calendar, 9BC

I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-- yes, the Messiah, the Lord-- has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! …Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. -- Luke 2:8-14 (NLT)

The Gospel of Jesus

To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn-- not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.

-- John 1:12-14 (NLT)

The Gospel of Jesus

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves.

Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

-- John 15:13-15 (NLT)

The Golden Rule of Evangelism

In everything, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

-- Matthew 7:12 (NAS)

In everything evangelism, treat evangelize people the same way you want them to treat evangelize you.

-- Jesus

Evangelism on Mars Hill

Acts 17:16-33

Evangelism on Mars Hill

Paul doesn’t name JesusPaul doesn’t quote ScripturePaul quotes their Scripture

Knowing the Unknown God

Other worldviews contain seeds of the Gospel

He who knows one, knows none.

Be able to say,

“I understand”

before “I disagree”

Our “Mars Hill” Methodology

or: what you should expect from this class

1.

• A basic introduction to the faith’s worldview

2.

• Areas of agreement between that faith and Orthodox Christian theology and practice

3.

• Areas of disagreement between that faith and Orthodox Christian theology and practice

GOAL: To equip you to build a truth-seeking relationship with someone of another faith.