Faith in a World of Idols
The early church wasn’t tidy – it was bold, messy, and world-shaking. Born from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, it flipped power upside down: serving instead of ruling, giving instead of grasping. In this message from Acts 17, Pastor Robyn Elliott takes us along with Paul, who steps into Athens, a city full of idols. But instead of anger, he sees longing. Their search is the same as ours: security and certainty. And he shows how to bridge the gap and share the love of God with others. He honours their search, quotes their poets, and points them to the God who needs nothing but gives everything.
Discussion Questions:
- When have you faced a “way forward” moment in life – a season where you couldn’t go back, but moving ahead felt overwhelming? How did you navigate it?
- Why do you think change, even when good, is so difficult? Where does fear most often show up when we face transitions?
- The early church was messy, disruptive, and countercultural. If you look at the church today, do you think we’ve lost some of that energy? Why or why not?
- What are the “idols” in your world right now? What do you trust, cling to, or find security in – even good things – that could take God’s place?
- The Bible is a signpost, not the destination. How have you seen Scripture used as a weapon – or as a source of love and transformation?
- Paul entered Athens distressed, but curious and respectful. How might we engage a culture with very different values without shaming or withdrawing?
- Faith isn’t certainty; it’s trust in the unknown. Where is God asking you to trust him in uncertainty right now?
- Paul quoted Greek poets to reveal God. Where do you see truth, beauty, or goodness in unexpected places or people outside the church?
- The gospel flips power upside down – crowns become towels, thrones become crosses. How does this challenge our ambitions, politics, or daily lives?
- Are we too tame? If following Jesus sometimes caused riots, are we living a faith that’s bold enough to disrupt injustice, comfort the hurting, or challenge the status quo?