Paul was asked to speak to everyone assembled on Mars Hill. He began with absolute brilliance; Acts 17:22-23, “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.”

As Paul addressed the Athenians he didn’t begin with criticism, he wasn’t judgmental, he didn’t stand and berate them for being idol worshippers, no personal attacks, he didn’t mock them, there were no picket lines, he didn’t appear angry at them. He wasn’t telling them to repent or they would burn in Hell.

He began by complementing them! This was no clever trick used by a savvy public speaker to get people on board either. It’s all about the grace of God! The same grace of God extended to us is also extended to the world around us! Did you get that? God’s grace is extended to all because all have sinned! It is not right for us then to condemn the world because of its sin!  I have a proving text from scripture too!

John 3:17-18, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”

God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world because of its sin! This comes as such a shock to many! He came into the world so He could save the world! He came with grace and truth. The world stands condemned already why? Because they have not believed in the name of the God’s Son Jesus.

Jesus came to save. This is our mission too; not to bring condemnation and criticize their way of life or to make judgmental remarks! I know this will take some by surprise but it is true.

Jesus came to save not condemn!

Why, why & why?
Why do Christians appear to be so angry, negative, and so full of rules?
Why do so many regard the church as self righteous and hypocritical?
Why is the church almost always known by what it is against?
Why is the church portrayed as people with so many rules and regulations? 
Why is the church always taking an nonconstructive stance against issues, people and their sin?

Because we’ve lost sight of Jesus and forget God’s great love for people. Joseph Prince calls this the “scandal of GRACE!” I agree and believe the 21st Century Church in Europe is operating out of this scandelous grace. The practice of this grace is radical, impacting and powerful; just like Jesus was.