Conversations That Change Lives

Good morning, everyone! I want to start by asking you a question. Have you ever noticed how we often talk about everything except the things that really matter? We chat about the weather, the latest Netflix series, or that funny video we saw on Facebook. But when was the last time we had a conversation that truly went deep?

In our world today, we’re more connected than ever before. We have smartphones, texting, social media, and countless ways to reach out. Yet somehow, meaningful dialogue seems to be slipping through our fingers. We text instead of talk. We scroll instead of share. We’re plugged in but feel more disconnected than ever.

But here’s the thing: What if engaging in deeper conversations could actually change lives—including our own? What if taking that step to talk about what truly matters could make a difference we never imagined?

This morning, I want to talk about how engaging others in meaningful conversations about Jesus can transform lives. We get into Acts chapter 17 today.

Step Out Intentionally (17:1)

This chapter gives us a great demonstration of cultural adaptation of the gospel. We saw some of it in chapter 14 where Paul preached about grace to the mob at Lystra, but Acts 17 represents the Bible’s most dramatic demonstration of how to explain biblical truth to intelligent unbelievers.

I. Step Out Intentionally (v. 1)

The first thing we notice is that Paul didn’t stumble into Thessalonica by accident. Verse 1 tells us that Paul and his companions passed through two other cities—Amphipolis and Apollonia—on their way to Thessalonica.

Paul and Silas endured 100 difficult miles of walking to get here. Why? Because Paul had a mission. He didn’t just hope to have a meaningful conversation about Jesus. He made it a priority to be where the people were. Thessalonica was a significant city. Not only was it the capital of Macedonia, but it was also a center for business.

Paul stepped out with intentionality. He didn’t wait for people to come to him or wait for the “right moment.” He went to the synagogue where he knew people were gathered, and he initiated the conversation. Paul had a sense of urgency. He knew that people needed to hear the message of Jesus, and he wasn’t going to sit back and wait for the perfect conditions.

Application: Here’s the thing: meaningful conversations about faith don’t always happen by chance. How many times have we thought, “I’ll talk to them about Jesus when the timing is better,” or, “Maybe if they bring it up, I’ll share my faith”? But just like Paul, we need to be intentional. If we wait for perfect moments, we might never have them. We need to step out and create opportunities for those conversations to happen.

Who in your life are you being called to step out for? Is there a friend, a family member, or a coworker who needs to hear the message of Jesus? What would it look like for you to take that first step, even if it feels uncomfortable?

Remember, Paul didn’t wait for someone to ask him about his faith. He saw the need, and he went where the people were. Let’s do the same—let’s step out intentionally and create space for conversations that can change lives.

II. Engage Through Reason and Dialogue (v. 2)

Once Paul stepped out, he didn’t just preach at people—he engaged them in conversation. Verse 2 says that Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” This word “reasoned” is important. Paul wasn’t there to shout at people or force them to believe. He was having a thoughtful, respectful dialogue. He opened the Scriptures, explained them, and answered questions.

We see four key words in verses 2-3. Verse one says he reasoned with them. This means he dialogued with them through questions and answers.

Paul’s approach was patient and relational. He spent time reasoning with them, for at least three weeks, and he welcomed their questions. He didn’t treat their doubts or confusion as a problem. Instead, he leaned into those questions and helped them see the truth of the gospel through thoughtful conversation.

Application: How often do we avoid difficult conversations because we’re afraid of not having all the answers? Or maybe we get frustrated when people don’t immediately agree with us. But look at Paul’s example—he engaged in reasoned dialogue. He didn’t dismiss questions or concerns; he welcomed them as part of the process.

In today’s culture, we need to be willing to have these kinds of conversations. People have real questions about faith, life, and God, and it’s okay to take time to explain things, to reason together, and to listen well. It’s not about winning an argument; it’s about walking alongside someone as they explore the truth.

Think about it: are you creating space for these kinds of conversations in your life? When someone questions your faith or brings up doubts, do you lean into the conversation or shy away? Paul shows us that life-changing conversations happen when we’re willing to engage through reason and dialogue, and let the Word of God do it’s work.

III. Focus on the Core Message of Jesus (v. 3)

Now, here’s where Paul really sets the example for us. In verse 3, Paul zeroes in on the heart of the message. He explained that the Messiah had to suffer, die, and rise again. Then, he pointed to Jesus and said, “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.”

In verse three we see the next three key words. He explained the Scriptures to them and proved (alleging) that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. And Paul was careful to announce (preach) the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the message of the gospel.

Paul didn’t get sidetracked by secondary issues or cultural debates. He kept the main thing the main thing: Jesus. He knew that the power to change lives wasn’t in clever arguments or in-depth discussions about side topics. The power was in the message of Jesus Christ—His death, resurrection, and what that means for our salvation.

Paul understood that if people could just grasp the truth about who Jesus is and what He did, everything else would fall into place. The core message of Jesus was his focus, and he didn’t let anything distract him from it.

Application: How often do we get caught up in side issues? In today’s world, it’s easy to get pulled into debates about politics, social issues, or even theological differences. While those things can be important, we can’t let them overshadow the main message we need to share: Jesus.

When you’re having conversations about your faith, are you keeping Jesus at the center? Are you focusing on who He is and what He’s done? Or do you find yourself drifting into less important topics? If we want to have conversations that change lives, we have to make sure the core message of Jesus is always front and center.

IV. Witness the Transformation (v. 4)

Finally, when Paul stepped out intentionally, engaged in dialogue, and focused on Jesus, something incredible happened. Verse 4 tells us that “some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.”

Lives were changed. People who had never known Jesus came to faith. Entire families were transformed. Paul and Silas didn’t just have a theological debate—they had conversations that led to real-life change.

This is the result of conversations that focus on Jesus. It might not happen right away, and it might not happen in every conversation, but when we faithfully share the message of Jesus, lives are transformed. Sometimes we plant the seeds, and sometimes we get to see the fruit. Either way, God is at work.

Application: We don’t always get to see the results of our conversations immediately. Sometimes it takes time. But when we step out in faith, engage in meaningful dialogue, and share the core message of Jesus, we can trust that God is working in people’s hearts. Whether we see the transformation right away or later down the road, we know that conversations about Jesus have the power to change lives.

Conclusion:

So, what does Acts 17 teach us? It shows us that conversations can change lives, but we need to be intentional about them. Just like Paul, we need to step out of our comfort zones, engage with people through thoughtful dialogue, keep the focus on Jesus, and then trust God to do the transforming.

This week, who can you have a conversation with that might lead to life change? Maybe it’s a coworker, a neighbor, or even a family member. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Step out, start the conversation, focus on Jesus, and watch how God works. Conversations that change lives begin with intentionality and are fueled by the power of the gospel.

Let’s commit to having those kinds of conversations—conversations that point people to Jesus and ultimately change lives for eternity.