By the way in which Paul preaches to the philosophers in Athens, Paul gives a helpful example of how to bring the gospel to people with different worldviews.
Read Acts 17:16-32
The Contrast Between Light and Darkness
Jesus had claimed to be the light of the world. The Pharisees did not accept this claim thus indicating that they were walking in darkness. In the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees in these verses, the contrast between the light and the darkness is observed.
Read John 8:19-30
The Basis for Faith
Jesus claims to be the light of the world and calls us to follow him. When asked by the Pharisees about the validity of his claim, Jesus give two reasons. 1) “I know where I came from and where I am going.” 2) “My other witness is the one who sent me – the Father.” Jesus’ point is that we are to believe his claims for these reasons.
Read John 8:12-18
Be Prepared to Give an Answer
This is a key passage instructing Christians to be prepared to defend their faith. Peter begins by exhorting us: “in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” Apologetics must flow from a relationship with Christ as Lord. Peter assumes that Christians will have enough contact with unbelievers that they will be asked to give the reason for the hope that they have and he urges us to be prepared to do so.
Read 1 Peter 3:15-16
Continue to Walk in Christ
The exhortation to continue to walk in Christ is an implied warning not to fall away from Christ. We are to continue to walk in Christ, 1) just as we received Him as Lord, 2) rooted and built up in Him, 3) strengthened in the faith as we were taught, and 4) overflowing with thankfulness.
Read Colossians 2:6-7
Jesus Fulfills the Feast of Tabernacles
The feast of Tabernacles was a celebration of the harvest which included thanksgiving for rainfall. The idea of rainfall and fruitful harvests was used by the prophets as imagery to describe the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the blessed results of that. Jesus in this passage calls people to himself to receive the fulfillment of the prophetic promises.
Read John 7:25-52
Jethro Visits Moses (2)
This passage deals with the idea of leadership over God’s people. It teaches that human leadership over God’s people must be shared leadership exercised by men who are both capable and godly.
Read Exodus 18:13-27
Building the Body of Christ
This passage is all about the way in which the body of Christ is built up. Christ is the One who builds his body through his gifts and power. Among the gifts he gives are pastor teachers who task it is to equip “God’s people for works of service, so that the body may be built up.”
Read Ephesians 4:7-16
Jethro Visits Moses (1)
This story in which Jethro, who is Moses’s father-in-law and a priest of Midian, hears about God’s mighty acts and praises him, is part of a theme in the bible that shows God’s plan is not only for Israel to know him, but also the nations. This theme is fulfilled in Christ and through him in the New Testament church.
Read Exodus 18:1-12
Jesus' Relationship to Sin
In this passage, Jesus exposes the sins of those who oppose him. The references to Jesus’ “time” not yet having come powerfully convey the truth that Jesus was deliberately heading to the cross where he would pay for the sins of his people.
Read John 7:1-30