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[Acts 17:16-23 KJV] “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. [17] Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
[18] Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. [19] And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is ? [20] For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. [21] (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. [23] For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD . Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you”.
One of the greatest challenges to missions is the widespread superstitious beliefs that define the culture and lifestyle of our cities. In many of our cities, the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ is not making a significant impact because our populace have bought into religious superstitions.
The story of Paul in Athens is very similar to what prevails in many of our cities. Many of us are given to idolatry and superstition. For instance, in our cities in Ghana, we follow the craze for money and fame, and many are deceived and led astray by the popular notions and beliefs without even cross-checking to see their truthfulness.
As we decide to embark on missions, many of us will have to confront the status quo. We must challenge the popular notions and belief systems that are contrary to the doctrine of Christ. This is the time to stand up with the truth and fight off every error that plagues the generation of men and women in our cities.
When the apostles entered the city and saw that the city was given to idolatry, they began to preach to them. They preached Christ Jesus as the doctrine. Paul did not mince words, he taught them the doctrine of Christ and exhorted them to believe on Him.
This is the time to preach Jesus Christ to the cities. We must rebuke darkness and bring in light. We must preach the gospel to the city and cause the Lord to reign in the city.
Stay blessed; I love you!
Noah Simpe Bediako
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