'28' - Day 17

Culture can be defined as a particular society at a particular time and place; 21st century American culture vs. 17th century Asian culture, Pop Culture, Post-Moderns vs. Baby Boomers, Suburban-American culture vs. Rural-American culture, Midwestern Living vs. Southern Hospitality. There are huge differences between these cultural groups.

When it comes to doing ministry and sharing Christ with others or what our worship service looks and feels like and how we communicate with people, cultural difference must be considered. What works in one culture won’t necessarily work in another. What works in the big city, won’t necessarily work in small-town Nebraska.

Paul realized that in Acts 17 as he ministered in three cities. He only had one message, but he used different methods to communicate it based on the culture he was in. The method he used in the synagogue was not the method he used in the marketplace. In the synagogue, people knew the Scriptures. So, he taught from the Scriptures they knew. But, the people in the marketplace did not accept the Jewish Scriptures. Therefore, Paul did not quote from them. It’s not enough to have the right message. We must also have the right method to present the message.