Building Bridges in Evangelism: Learning from Paul and Lydia

Introduction: The Importance of Bridge-Building in Evangelism

• Illustration: Share a personal or historical example of a bridge being built to connect people from different backgrounds.

• Theme Introduction: Explain that evangelism often requires crossing cultural, social, and personal divides. Building bridges means meeting people where they are and finding common ground.

• Transition: Paul’s encounter with Lydia is a powerful example of bridge-building in evangelism.

Context: Paul’s Journey to Philippi (Acts 16:11-12)

• Background: Paul and his team arrived in Philippi, a Roman colony, where they encountered Lydia.

• Location: Philippi was a Gentile-dominated area, and Paul’s Jewish background could have been a barrier.

• Application: Sometimes God calls us to evangelize in places where we might feel like outsiders. We are still called to build bridges and share the gospel.

Step 1: Find Common Ground (Acts 16:13)

• Explanation: Paul sought out a place of prayer by the river where people gathered, knowing he might meet people open to spiritual discussion.

• Application: In evangelism, we must go to places where people already have a desire to connect with God, whether they fully know Him yet or not. This could be a community center, a café, or any neutral ground.

• Illustration: Share a story or example of someone finding common ground with others for evangelism, such as meeting with colleagues over lunch to talk about faith.

Step 2: Speak to the Heart (Acts 16:14a)

• Explanation: Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, was a successful businesswoman, open to spiritual truths. Paul recognized her spiritual curiosity and spoke to her in a way that resonated.

• Application: Effective bridge-building means understanding and speaking to the needs and perspectives of others. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we meet people where they are.

• Illustration: Share a personal example or a biblical example (like Jesus with the woman at the well) of engaging people by addressing their unique needs.

Step 3: Trust God to Open Hearts (Acts 16:14b)

• Explanation: Ultimately, it was the Lord who opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message.

• Application: Our role is to build bridges and share the gospel; God’s role is to open hearts. Faithful evangelism depends on both our obedience and God’s power.

• Illustration: Use an analogy, such as planting seeds in a garden and trusting that God will provide the growth, emphasizing patience and reliance on God.

Result: A New Community is Born (Acts 16:15)

• Explanation: Lydia’s conversion led her to open her home to Paul and his companions, forming the first gathering of believers in Philippi.

• Application: True bridge-building results not only in conversions but in lasting community and fellowship. Evangelism should aim to create discipleship communities where faith can grow and multiply.

• Illustration: Mention a church plant or a home group that started through simple outreach efforts, showing how small beginnings can lead to vibrant communities.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• Summary: Recap the three steps in bridge-building evangelism—finding common ground, speaking to the heart, and trusting God to open hearts.

• Challenge: Encourage the congregation to consider where God might be calling them to build bridges. It could be at work, with neighbors, or even within their own families.

Closing Thought:

• Encouragement: Remind them that, like Paul with Lydia, one encounter can lead to unexpected ripple effects in building God’s kingdom.

• Prayer: Close with a prayer asking God to give courage, wisdom, and discernment for evangelistic opportunities and for open hearts to receive the gospel.