Text Box: GOD’S MESSAGE IN A POLYTHEISTIC LAND   TEXT:      Acts 17: 16-34 THESIS:    We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no                 God but one.  I Corinthians 8:4          I.     “The Apostle Paul was greatly _____________ to see that the city was full               of _____________ .”  (vs. 16)   “Athens had long since left behind her great days of action but was still the greatest university town in the world, to which men seeking learning came from all over.  She was a city of many gods.  It was said that there were more statues of gods in Athens than all the rest of Greece put together and that in Athens it was easier to meet a god than a man.”  William Barclay                 A.    Paul _____________ with the Jews in the synagogue and the God-                      fearing Greeks in the marketplace.   I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  (Romans  1:16)                 B.    Paul was witnessing to people whose spiritual problem was caused by                      intellectual _____________ .                        1.     This sounds much like 21st century humanity.   Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is ~ his good, pleasing and perfect will.  (Romans 12:2)          II.    “The Apostle Paul was _____________  the good news of Jesus Christ and               the resurrection.”  (vs 18c)   And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?”  (Romans 10:14-15)                 A.    Greek philosophers _____________ the Apostle Paul to the Areopagus                      (Greek for Mars’ Hill).  (vs. 19)   “Areopagus was the name both of the hill and the court that met on it. The court was a very select, perhaps only thirty members.  It dealt with cases of homicide and had the oversight of public morals.  There, in the most learned city in the world and the most exclusive of courts, Paul had to state his faith.”  William Barclay                 B.    God does _____________ his people to share their faith with                      intimidating people and in overwhelming situations.   On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.  But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.  (Matthew 10:18-20)                 C.    God _____________ unto Paul, from the Greeks own altars a method                      of building an intellectual bridge to the heart and minds of the Greeks.   Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens!  I see that in every way you are very religious.  For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found and altar with this inscription:  TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.  (Acts 17:22-23)                 D.    God gave Paul _____________ .  (vs. 34)

Text Box: Sermon Notes Text Box: Welcome to...

Text Box: Church of the Nazarene

February 4, 2007

Text Box: Our Staff                 Senior Pastor..................  Chuck Ryan                    NMI President........  Steve Schultz         Assoc/Youth Pastor.......   Jeff Edmiston                 Youth Intern............ Jayson Martindale          Visitation Pastor.............  Bill Watson                    Administration........  Tierney Cooper         Children’s Pastor............  Susan Dwello                  Receptionist............   Audrey Morten office: 208-337-3151  *  fax: 208-337-6176  *  www.mvcnaz.org

Text Box: Praise & Worship Text Box:   Visitors    Please take a moment to fill out the yellow “First-time Visitor” slip in front of you.  Bring it                  to the welcome center in the foyer after the service where you’ll receive a free gift! Nursery    Nursery care is available for newborns thru 3 years old. Children’s Church                  4, 5 & 6 yr. olds not yet in 1st grade meet in the children’s center.                  1st thru 4th grades meet in the fellowship hall. Sermon Tapes/CDs                  Tapes & CDs of sermons are available for a suggested donation of $2 per tape                  Sermons can also be heard on the church website—www.mvcnaz.org. See Steve, or                  Larry in the sound booth. Lost and Found                  Located in the hall next to the Children’s Center.

Text Box: Things You Should Know! Text Box:   OPENING MUSIC.............................................  “That’s Why We Praise Him”   INVOCATION   WELCOME   GREETING..........................................................  “Let’s Just Praise the Lord”   WORSHIP IN SONG........................................  “Victory in Jesus”                                                                                “I Love To Tell the Story”                                                                                “Forever”                                                                                “Enough”                                                                                “I Give You My Heart”   PASTORAL PRAYER   CHILDREN’S CHURCH.................................  Children Dismissed (ages 4—4th grades)   TITHES & OFFERINGS   SPECIAL MUSIC...............................................  Sara Goodloe & Donna Willard   TODAY’S MESSAGE.........................................  Pastor Chuck Ryan   CLOSING MUSIC.............................................. “Praise the Name of Jesus”   BENEDICTION —–   This Evening’s Service is Canceled  

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