Finding the Bridge to the Gospel
5 Day Devotional
This five day devotional will be taking a deeper dive into the sermon from Sunday, August 16, 2026. Join us as we explore how to find and build bridges to share the Gospel in a shifting culture, inspired by Paul's journey to Athens as recounted in Acts 17.
Day 1
Acts 17:22-23
On the first day of our devotional, we reflect on how Paul approached the Athenians by acknowledging their spiritual search. He recognized their longing for the divine in the altar to an unknown god. Paul teaches us to start not with criticism, but with empathy and understanding of others' genuine quests for truth. The bridge to sharing the Gospel begins with identifying the truth within the other person’s search.
This approach challenges us to appreciate the divine longing present in others and to respectfully engage in meaningful dialogue. By studying and understanding those we wish to reach, we prepare pathways that honor and respect their spiritual journey, making the Truth we hold accessible and relevant.
Have you ever experienced a 'skill gap' when it comes to sharing your faith? How did it make you feel?
What are the 'unknown god' altars in today's culture that people might be worshiping?
How can you identify and affirm the genuine spiritual searches in the people around you?
Pray for the discernment to recognize spiritual thirst in others and the wisdom to address it with compassion.
Ask God to open doors for conversations that honor others' sincerity while pointing them towards Him.
Day 2
Acts 17:24-27
Today, we consider Paul's description of God as a creator who is not far from each of us. To the distant God of the Epicureans and the impersonal force of the Stoics, Paul presents a God who is personal and near. Despite the cultural and personal differences we face today, this intimacy and closeness of God remain a potent message of hope and truth.
No matter how many altars we create in our lives to unknown gods, God's closeness assures us that while we reached up in the dark, He was already reaching down to us. Our efforts to find significance and meaning culminate and find rest in Him, a relational God who cares deeply for us.
What does it mean to you that God is 'not far from each of us'?
How can you be more aware of God's presence in your daily life?
Reflect on the ways modern culture reaches for unknown gods. How can you introduce them to the personal God?
Thank God for His closeness and presence in your life.
Seek opportunities to build bridges of understanding to showcase God’s nearness to others.
Day 3
Acts 17:28-29
As we proceed into the third day, we acknowledge how Paul used familiar cultural references to connect with the Athenians. By quoting their poets, Paul affirmed the truth that the Athenians already possessed. His profound respect for their culture enabled him to show them the true God without alienating them.
We are reminded of the importance of listening and engaging with the culture around us. Our mission is not one of tearing down but building up those around us, guiding them with understanding towards the truth of Christ. When we honor others’ perspectives, we create a foundation of trust, opening the door to deeper spiritual conversations.
How can cultural references and shared experiences be used to build bridges in your spiritual conversations?
Reflect on how you can honor the spiritual undertones in others’ lives as a bridge to share the Gospel.
What parallels can you draw between Paul's approach and your personal method of engaging those with different beliefs?
Pray for the ability to listen well and find common ground with those of different beliefs.
Ask God for creativity in using cultural touchpoints to share His truth today.
Day 4
Acts 17:30-31
Paul's message reached a climax when he called for repentance, speaking boldly about God’s judgment and resurrection through Jesus. This invitation to turn to God is at the heart of our message to the world. The call to acknowledge our need for a Savior remains the non-negotiable core of our faith.
This day, reflect on the balance between building bridges and being firm on the Gospel's foundational truths. While we adapt our approach, the heart of the message must remain unchanged. Real transformation is only possible through accepting the resurrected Christ as Savior and Lord.
Consider how you can courageously present the truth of the Gospel, even when faced with skepticism.
Reflect on your own life's journey. How have you responded to God’s call for repentance?
Why is the resurrection a crucial point of faith that cannot be compromised?
Pray for boldness and wisdom to share the complete truth of the Gospel.
Ask for strength to present the unchangeable core of the message of Jesus with love.
Day 5
Acts 17:32-34
As we conclude our devotional, we are reminded that our message may not always be welcomed, but it can be transformational. Just like some mocked Paul while others believed, our experiences will be varied. However, the power of our message lies in the truth of the resurrection. We need to build bridges with grace and be unyielding in the central truths of our faith.
The response may vary from resistance to acceptance, but our role is to confidently share what we know to be true. Understanding that the outcome is ultimately in God’s hands allows us to faithfully be His ambassadors, knowing that even a single heart turned to Christ can ripple into eternity.
Reflect on a time where you faced mockery or skepticism because of your faith. How did you respond?
In what ways can you prepare yourself to be an effective ambassador for Christ when faced with opposition?
Consider what it feels like knowing you have been entrusted with the message of the resurrection. How will you respond?
Pray for the insight to see where God is leading you as His ambassador.
Ask for courage to stand firm in your faith and to confidently speak of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
