Paul proclaimed that Jesus was raised from the dead.  He proclaimed this message in Athens, a city filled with idols and philosophers and people who wanted to “hear something new.”  (Acts 17:16-21)

Paul used an altar “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD” to proclaim God:

God the Creator (Acts 17:24-25)
God the Giver of life (Acts 17:25)
God established all nations (Acts 17:26)
God is findable (Acts 17:27)
God brought all people into existence (Acts 17:28)
God’s divine nature (Acts 17:29)
God declares all people should repent (Acts 17:30)
God has fixed the day the world will be judged in righteousness (Acts 17:31)
God has appointed One Man (Acts 17:31)
God has given proof to all people (Acts 17:31)

There were mixed reactions to this “something new”, Paul said that Jesus had been raised from the dead.  Some sneered; others wanted to hear more at another time.
(Acts 17:32)

There were those who made a courageous decision – to believe in the Lord Jesus, resurrected from the dead.
(NASB) Acts 17:34 “But some men joined him (Paul) and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

One by one, people believe what God’s word states.  We do not know anything about the individuals that are named.  Perhaps they were people of prominence, well-known in their community.
Leaders, who have courage, step out of their unbelief and into believing God’s word.  Followers of Christ worship and follow the living Savior because He was resurrected!

Today: courage is needed.  Belief includes yielding, surrendering to Jesus Christ, Who was raised from the dead.  Belief requires commitment.  Belief also includes living consistently as a witness to the living God.  Courage, surrender, commitment, consistent living – is to live differently from our culture.

Living differently to please our God!

 Living differently from those who do not believe in the living God takes:

Courage     Commitment     Consistency