Reframing: Faith’s Relationship with Culture
Acts 17:22-28
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, stepbystepjourney.com
There are three truths that empower us to overcome “ bible only” and “culture only” imbalances, so that our relationship with culture can become redemptive and incarnational.
I. God is Already at Work in Every Human Heart
II. Look for Truth Everywhere (Acts 17:16)
III. Build Bridges
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1. In the introduction of his sermon, Richard claimed "We cannot unscrew people's heads and pour the Bible in. It doesn't work because it's not incarnational."
a. Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not.
b. How does it measure with your own experience?
2. As we think about testifying to the person of Christ in our culture, there are two views:
(1) Everything in the world is suspect so separate yourself (2 Cor 6:17) OR
(2) Use/engage the idols of culture to point people towards Christ - in other words be in the world (Titus 1:15).
a. Which posture resonates with your experience?
b. What potential problems do you see with each approach?
3. According to Romans 2:14-15 God's law is written on every human heart.
a. What evidence do you see of this in your own sphere?
b. Where do you see people following God's laws and way, without profession belief in God?
4. Read Acts 17:16-34 aloud.
a. What initial observations do you have about this text?
b. How does this shape our calling?
5. Richard claimed that if we are rooted and grounded in Christ we have discernment to learn from truth everywhere- in movies, songs, books and experiences.
a. Can you recall a time where a biblical truth was clarified to you via a cultural mechanism, or something not overtly "Christian"?
b. What does it mean to be "rooted in Christ"?
6. In light of Christ's incarnational example and Paul's example in Acts 17, why is it important to become students of culture verses separating ourselves?
a. What is one way you can be more intentional about engaging with culture?
b. Perhaps one thing you could do as a group?
7. Richard talks about the importance of building bridges and finding commonalities with folks that serve as an entryway to gospel truths.
a. What examples have you seen of bridge building in this capacity?
b. When have you experienced it?
c. Is there an area God might be calling you to be a bridge builder?