A BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF RELEVANCE

A BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF RELEVANCE

UNIT EIGHT INTRODUCTION
This last unit focuses on the concept of relevance in preaching. Christians have the most important message in the world. Because of this, we need to know how best to approach our audience for the greatest chance at reception. This approach is what we will study this last week.

UNIT EIGHT RESOURCES
 Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
 Bible
 8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance

UNIT EIGHT ASSIGNMENTS
8.1 TEXT/MEDIA: TEXTBOOK; POWERPOINT
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
These reading assignments will prepare you to participate in the discussion regarding the concept of relevance in preaching.

Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
 Explain the view of The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching regarding the concept of relevance in preaching.

RESOURCES
 Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
 8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Chapters 29-57 of The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching.
2. View the Unit 8 Points on Relevance PowerPoint.

8.2 THREADED DISCUSSION: A BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF RELEVANCE
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
This discussion is intended to help examine a biblical example of relevance. The goal of this discussion is to help the student see an example of how relevance was modeled in scripture.

RESOURCES
 Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
 Bible
 8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Paul was a master at “being all things to all people.” Mars Hill is proof positive – he went to where they were, he spoke their language, and he quoted their poets. Yet, even for Paul, Mars Hill proved to be a challenge. Notice in v34 that only “a few men became followers of Paul and believed”. If the proof of relevance is numerical reaction, Paul failed. On the other hand, might it be that one proof of Paul’s relevance was precisely the fact that so few did become followers? In other words, was he so good at relating to the heart of the issue that they grew uncomfortable? We do not know that for sure, but what we do know is this – we can become masters at relating to our culture, and yet see that same culture reject Christ.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. For your initial post, give substantive answers to at least 4 of the questions below:
a. Why was he greatly distressed?
b. Why did he reason both in the synagogue and in the marketplace?
c. Why do you suppose they disputed with him, calling him a “babbler”?
d. Why do you suppose the resurrection was part of his preaching repertoire?
e. He piqued their interest- they wanted to know “this new teaching.” How did he create interest?
f. Why did he stand up when he addressed them?
g. What significance do you make of Paul’s line, “now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you”?
h. Why did he quote their own poets, and how did he know to quote them?
i. If he is getting at idolatry in v29, why does he confront that head on?
j. Why does he talk about repentance?
k. Why did some sneer, while others wanted to hear him again?
l. Are there any other thoughts you feel are germane?

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