One Above All Others

Acts 17:16-34

1. God commands all people in all places to repent (Acts 17:30)
   1. God desires that all would repent and believe. This desire is for both Jew and Gentile. (Acts 17:27-27, 2 Peter 3:9)
   2. Ignorance of the gospel does not absolve mankind of the need to repent (Acts 17:30, Romans 1:18-20)
   3. Repentance is necessary to avoid God’s judgment (Acts 17:30-31)
2. The direction or focus of our faith – the one, true living God – is essential (Acts 17:22-31, John 14:6)
   1. Being religious or spiritual is not saving faith. The direction or focus of our faith – the one, true living God – is essential (Acts 17:22-31, John 14:6)
   2. It is possible to sincerely believe in “false gods” that do not have the power to save:
      1. Monotheistic – Islam
      2. Polytheistic – Hinduism
      3. Pantheistic (God is present in all things) – Taoism, Hinduism
3. Possible applications
   1. If you consider yourself to be a spiritual person but do not follow Jesus and Lord and Savior, repent of your sins and put your faith in Christ
   2. Consider how you would explain to someone that “being spiritual” is not sufficient for salvation.
   3. Pray that God would lead you to people who are open to spiritual ideas but in need of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ