Making Faith Relevant in a Modern World

Imagine walking through a bustling city, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the hum of people going about their daily lives. In the midst of all this activity, you notice something intriguing—a small, unassuming monument with an inscription that reads, "To an Unknown God." It’s a curious sight, isn’t it? It makes you wonder about the people who put it there and what they were searching for.

Today, we’re looking at the story where the Apostle Paul encounters a similar scene in the ancient city of Athens. Athens was a place filled with thinkers, philosophers, and people searching for meaning in life. They had temples and altars dedicated to all sorts of gods, but there was one altar that caught Paul’s attention—an altar to an "Unknown God."

Paul saw this as an opportunity. He realized that the Athenians were searching for something more, something beyond the idols and philosophies they knew. And he knew exactly who that "Unknown God" was. Paul used this moment to introduce them to the one true God, the Creator of the universe, who had revealed Himself through Jesus Christ.

As we explore this story, think about the world we live in today. Just like Athens, our world is filled with people searching for purpose and meaning. They might not have altars, but they have their own "unknown gods"—things they turn to for fulfillment, like success, relationships, or material possessions. Our challenge is to meet people where they are, just like Paul did, and help them discover the God they’re really searching for.

So, let’s unpack this fascinating encounter in Athens and see how we can make faith relevant in our modern world.

I need to clear up one thing. Please understand that the gospel is relevant in all times. We don't make it relevant. It already is. We must simply proclaim this faith in a relevant way. By and large, people don't think the way they did 50 years ago. People aren't concerned about certain things the way they were then. We have to reach people in a way that resonates with them today. We need to use language and illustrations that they can relate to.

Let's take a look. Let's start with verses 22-23.

Acts 17:22–23 (NKJV)

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:

Let's start by imagining the scene in Athens. The Areopagus was a hill in Athens, also called Mars Hill. Picture Paul, a passionate follower of Jesus, walking through this vibrant city. Athens was a hub of culture and intellect, filled with philosophers and thinkers who loved to debate and discuss new ideas. As Paul wandered through the city, he noticed something that caught his attention—an altar with the inscription, "To an Unknown God." This was a city full of idols and temples dedicated to various gods, yet here was an altar acknowledging a god they didn’t even know.

Paul saw this as a perfect opportunity. Instead of criticizing the Athenians for their idol worship, he started by acknowledging their spiritual curiosity. He said, "I see that in every way you are very religious."

The word Paul used means "pertaining to be religious." It may be used either in a good or bad sense, that is, it may mean either “devout,” ”very religious" or in later years, it came to possibly mean ”superstitious." The meaning ‘superstitious’ is primarily a later development in the meaning of this word than when Luke wrote this. In Acts 17:22, there seems every reason to believe that Paul was using the term in a positive sense.

We learn from Paul that we should...

I. Start Where They Are (22-23)

Paul didn’t begin with judgment or condemnation. He didn’t point fingers or tell them how wrong they were. Instead, he found common ground. He recognized that they were searching for something greater, something beyond what they already knew.

This approach is a powerful lesson for us today. We live in a world where people are searching for meaning and purpose, often without realizing that what they’re really seeking is God. They might not have physical altars, but they have their own "unknown altars"—places where they look for fulfillment, like careers, relationships, or even social media. These are the things they turn to, hoping to find satisfaction and identity.

Our job, like Paul’s, is to meet people where they are. We need to start conversations with curiosity and respect, not by pointing out where they’re wrong, but by finding that common ground. It’s about recognizing their spiritual hunger and gently guiding them toward the truth of Jesus. When we approach people with understanding and empathy, we open the door for meaningful conversations about faith.

For instance, when talking to a friend who finds fulfillment in their career, we might acknowledge their dedication and hard work, and then gently introduce the idea that true, lasting purpose comes from a relationship with God.

So, as we think about the people in our lives—our friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers—let’s consider how we can connect with them. Let’s look for those "unknown altars" in their lives and use them as starting points to introduce them to the God who loves them and wants to be known by them. Just like Paul, we can make a difference by starting where they are.

Now, let's move on. Let's look at verses 24-28.

Acts 17:24–28 (NKJV)

24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

Imagine standing on a hill overlooking a beautiful landscape. The sun is setting, painting the sky with vibrant colors, and you can feel a gentle breeze on your face. In moments like these, it’s hard not to feel a sense of wonder and awe. I believe this is the kind of experience that Paul wanted the Athenians to have when he spoke to them about God.

After acknowledging their spiritual curiosity, Paul took the next step by revealing the Creator behind all of creation. He told the Athenians about the God who made the world and everything in it. This God, Paul explained, doesn’t live in temples built by human hands. He isn’t confined to statues or altars. Instead, He is the Lord of heaven and earth, the one who gives life and breath to everything.

Many people today wonder if there even is a God. What can we do?

II. Reveal the Creator Behind the Creation (24-28)

Paul wanted the Athenians to see that God is not distant or detached. He is not a god who needs to be served by human hands, as if He needed anything from us. Instead, He is the Creator who is intimately involved in His creation. Paul emphasized that in God, "we live and move and have our being." This means that God is present in every aspect of our lives, from the beauty of nature to the relationships we cherish.

In our world today, many people struggle to see God in the everyday. They might attribute the wonders of the universe to chance or science, missing the divine hand behind it all. Our role is to help them see that the beauty and complexity of the world point to a Creator who cares deeply for His creation.

As we engage with others, let’s talk about how God is present in the world around us. We can share stories of how we’ve seen God at work in our lives, whether through the beauty of nature, the love of family and friends, or even in the challenges we face. By doing so, we can help others recognize that God is not just an abstract idea but a personal and loving Creator who desires to be known. Just like Paul, we can reveal the Creator behind creation and invite others to experience His presence in their lives.

After Paul connected with the Athenians and revealed the Creator behind creation, he took a bold step. He moved from talking about who God is to what God calls us to do. Let's look.

Acts 17:29–31 (NKJV)

29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Paul challenged the Athenians to rethink their lives, to turn away from their idols and ignorance. He explained that God is not made of gold, silver, or stone — He is not an image crafted by human hands. Instead, God is living and active, and He calls all people everywhere to repent.

No gospel explanation is complete without letting people know what God expects of them. Like Paul we should give them a...

III. Call to Repent and Seek God (29-31)

Repentance is a word that might sound heavy or old-fashioned, but it’s really about change. It’s like when you’re using a GPS, and you realize you’ve taken a wrong turn. The GPS recalculates and guides you back on track. Repentance is similar; it’s about recognizing that we’ve been heading in the wrong direction and choosing to turn back to God.

Paul didn’t shy away from this message. He made it clear that God commands everyone to repent because a day of judgment is coming. This isn’t meant to scare us but to remind us of the seriousness of our choices. Paul pointed to the resurrection of Jesus as proof of this coming judgment. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith, showing us that Jesus is who He claimed to be—the Son of God who conquered death.

In our world, people often chase after idols—whether it’s money, success, or relationships—hoping these things will fill the void in their hearts. But these idols always leave us empty. Our message, like Paul’s, is to call people to turn away from these false promises and seek the true fulfillment that comes from knowing God.

As we share our faith, we need to be honest about the need for repentance. It’s not just about knowing God exists; it’s about responding to His call to change direction. We can encourage others to see that repentance is not a burden but a gift—a chance to start fresh and align our lives with God’s purpose. By calling people to repent and seek God, we invite them into a relationship with the One who loves them and offers true life.

As Paul wrapped up his message to the Athenians, he faced a range of reactions. Let's see what those reactions were.

Acts 17:32–34 (NKJV)

32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Some people mocked him, especially when he talked about the resurrection of the dead. Others were curious and wanted to hear more. But a few believed and became followers of Jesus, including a man named Dionysius and a woman named Damaris. This mixed response teaches us an important lesson about sharing our faith: we are responsible for sharing the message, but we must trust God for the results.

IV. Trust God for the Results (32-34)

Think about a farmer planting seeds. He doesn’t know which seeds will sprout and grow, but he plants them anyway, trusting that some will take root. Sharing the gospel is a lot like that. We plant seeds of faith in the hearts of those we meet, but it’s God who makes them grow. Our job is to be faithful in sharing the message, not to control how people respond.

In our world, it’s easy to get discouraged when people don’t immediately accept the gospel. We might feel like we’ve failed if someone rejects the message or seems indifferent. But we need to remember that even the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest missionaries of all time, faced rejection. Not everyone will respond positively, and that’s okay. Our role is to be faithful witnesses, trusting that God is at work even when we can’t see it.

When we share our faith, we should do so with love and patience, knowing that every conversation matters. Sometimes, it might take time for the seeds we plant to grow. Other times, we might not see the results at all. But we can trust that God is using our efforts in ways we might not understand.

So, let’s not be discouraged by what seems like small or unsuccessful efforts. Let’s remember that even if one person comes to faith, it’s worth it. Every soul matters to God, and every step we take in sharing the gospel is significant. By trusting God for the results, we can be confident that He is working through us to make a lasting impact in the world.

Conclusion:

As we wind this up, let's remember Paul's journey in Athens and how it mirrors our world today. People are still searching for meaning, often in the wrong places, with their own "unknown gods." Our challenge is to be like Paul—meeting people where they are, revealing the Creator in everyday life, calling them to a transformative relationship with God, and trusting Him with the results. You don’t need all the answers; just a willingness to share Christ’s love.

This week, think about who in your life is searching for more and start that conversation. Think about asking them, 'What gives you a sense of purpose?' or 'Have you ever wondered if there's more to life than what we see?' These questions can open the door to deeper discussions about faith.

Be the bridge to the God who knows and loves them. Let’s carry this message of hope, be bold in faith, compassionate in approach, and trust in God’s power to change lives, one conversation at a time.