Becoming bilingual

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.” — Acts 17:28

Is it possible — in a society that seems increasingly indifferent to the gospel — to communicate the Good News to people who don’t share our faith?

One way to connect with people who are unfamiliar with the things of Christ is to become culturally “bilingual.” We do this by communicating in ways people can easily relate to. Knowing about and discussing music, film, sports, and television, for example, can offer just such an opportunity. If people hear us “speak their language,” without endorsing or condoning the media or events we refer to, it could open the door to sharing the timeless message of Christ.

Paul gave us an example of this in Acts 17. While visiting the Areopagus in Athens, he spoke to a thoroughly secular culture by quoting pagan Greek poets as a point of reference for the spiritual values he sought to communicate. He said, “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’” (Acts 17:28). Just as Paul addressed that culture by knowing what they were reading, we may have greater impact for the gospel by relating it to people in terms they can readily embrace.

Are you trying to reach a neighbor or a co-worker with the gospel? Try becoming bilingual. — Bill Crowder

To earn your neighbor’s ear

And prove you really care,

Use terms he understands

To show you are aware. — Branon

Read: Acts 17:19-31

The content of the Bible must be brought into contact with the world.

The Bible in one year:

• Ezekiel 8-10;

• Hebrews 13