The High Places Acts 17:17-32

On the Areopagus

Paul’s sermon:The nature of man is mortal The nature of God is SpiritualGod can be found

On the whole:These Pagans rejected the Truth

PaganismPagan – worshipper of the “high places”

The enticement of High Place WorshipGenesis 11:1-4Deuteronomy 12:1-4Nevertheless the people still sacrificed on the high places, but only to the LORD their God. 2 Chronicles 33:17

Paganism

The appeal of High PlacesSense of AweSense of PowerSense of Superiority

Paganism

Paganism was in fact demon worshipThen he appointed for himself priests for the high places, for the demons, and the calf idols which he had made.

2 Chronicles 11:15

Paganism

Paganism was in fact demon worshipPaganism ended with human sacrifice

They have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come into My mind

Jeremiah 19:5

Pagans Vs. ChristiansThe Pagan had the establishment with him

The Pagan had mass support with him

The Pagan had “common” sense with him

Is there a modern parallel?

The New Paganism

Charles DarwinKarl Marx

"Darwin's Origin of Species and Marx's Das Capital...heralded the two great secular faiths of modern times--Evolutionism and Communism."

Geoffrey Taylor

Humanism: The New Paganism

Supported by the establishment

Supported by the masses of people

Supported by “common” sense

Ends with violence

The Impact of Humanism

Social Thinking and Atheism:CommunismFascism

Cultural conclusion of the new Paganism

75,000,000Dead

Spiritual Warfare

2 Corinthians 10:1-6Equipped for battle

I Peter 2:11-12Trained to stand

firm

The More Things Change……

We fight the same battles early Saints didAgainst the religious establishmentAgainst the pagan establishment

Paul won at Mars HillFew listenedFew listened

The More Things Stay the Same……

Paul’s Lesson is still valid:There is a Creator GodHe has authority over all menHe can be foundThere is a Day of Judgment

Are you ready?