CULTURE SHIFT LESSON 3

ADOPTING CULTURALLY

REALATIONAL EVANGELISM

(Acts 10, Acts 11:1-18)

Introduction: Though we may not fully understand the different ways people live, we care about their souls above any of our own preferences (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

1. HOW DID THE EARLY CHURCH REACH PEOPLE?

A. The gospel preached publically (Acts 2:22ff, 8:5ff).

B. The gospel shared individually (Acts 5:42, 8:26ff).

2. WERE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES A FACTOR?

A. Philip preached to Samaritans (Acts 8:1,5).

B. Peter preached to Gentiles (Acts 10:34-35, 11:1-18).

3. HOW CAN WE CROSS “THE DIVIDE”?

A. Become “a servant to all” (1 Corinthians 9:19).

B. Enter their world/their point of view (9:20-22).

C. Do this for “the gospel’s sake” (1 Cor. 9:23, Mark 16:15).

D. Do this “voluntarily” (9:19).

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! (1 Cor. 9:21-23, The Message)

CULTURE SHIFT LESSON 2

FOCUSING ON MISSION OVER TRADITION

(Acts 15:6-11)

Introduction: Standard church practices should never interfere with the church’s goal of spreading the gospel.

1. ARE CHURCH TRADITIONS GOOD?

A. Certain traditions must be kept (2 Thess. 2:15).

B. The church has a standard of conduct (1 Tim. 3:15).

2. ARE SOME TRADITIONS HARMFUL?

A. Traditions should be reexamined (Acts 15:1-5).

B. Some traditions hinder the gospel (Acts 15:6-11).

3. HOW DO WE REFOCUS ON THE MISSION?

A. Look to the Scriptures (Acts 15:12-17).

B. Teach only what’s necessary (Acts 15:25-29).

C. Emphasize belief in the gospel (Acts 15:7).

CULTURE SHIFT LESSON 1

INCLUSIVITY AND UNITY IN DIVERSITY

(Galatians 3:28)

Introduction: A culture of radical inclusivity fosters unity and growth.

1. IS GOD PREJUDICED?

A. He chose a special people (Deuteronomy 7:1-6).

B. He still has a chosen people (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9-10).

2. WHAT MAKES US ONE?

A. Jesus did it through the cross (Ephesians 2:11-16).

B. Our faith response makes us one (Galatians 3:26-28).

3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIVERSITY?

A. It positions people to seek the Lord (Acts 17:26-27).

B. It causes us to rely on others (Romans 12:3-8).