Reaching Out to aReaching Out to aConfused WorldConfused World

Why the Confusion?

• The increase of organized religion:– 1890 – 143 religious denominations listed– The 2001 edition of Barrett's World Christian

Encyclopedia, identifies 10,000 distinct religions, of which 150 have 1 million or more followers. Within Christianity (counted as just one religion), 33,830 different denominations are counted.

• ________ are listed as religious groups in the Yellow Pages.

How do we Reach a Confused World?

• Create opportunities to present the truth:

– Open, public service times– Promote teaching opportunities (Bible classes)– Greater, increase public teaching– Mailings, cards, emails, newsletters…

What is the Confusion about?

• The Truth

– Most religious groups claim the truth.

– Great confusions on teachings• Healings, music, ways of worship, time of

communion, terms of salvation, etc…

How do we Encounter the Confusion?

Pro-activePassive-active

We need both… Both help to achieve our purpose…

But certain things can only reach so far…

How do we Encounter the Confusion?

Pro-active– More to come…

Passive-active– Ads placed in papers, yellow pages, website,

etc.

– We place things so people call us (they must be actively pursueing a goal)

Pro-Active like Paul

• Paul was pro-active in discussing religion in public places.

• Paul used current events; i.e - noteable objects to reach his modern world.

• The object was worldly and transformed into a spiritual message.

The Results of Dealing with Confusion

Positive Results:

People believed

The gospel proclaimed

The seed was planted

Negative Results:

People mocked

People missed Christ