Sharing the gospel is only half the work. The harder, gentler half is inviting someone to respond and then trusting God with the outcome. This final lesson in the conversational evangelism series walks through Paul at the Areopagus to show how to move graciously from talking about Jesus to putting the ball in the other person's court.Main text: Acts 17v16-34Outline:- Evangelism will not be easy, so accept the awkwardness and opposition (John 15v18-25)- Identify the open doors where someone's life meets a spiritual need (Acts 17v16-23)- Share the gospel clearly and concisely in about 60 to 90 seconds (Acts 17v24-31)- Leave the door open and give the person room to think (Acts 17v32-34)- Extend a clear invitation they are free to decline, then trust the Spirit (John 6v44)Paul looks, listens, and links: he notices the idols, affirms the Athenians' search, and connects their unknown god to Jesus. The lesson frames four foundational truths of the gospel (creation, authority, our brokenness, and the rescue God sent) and points to 1 Corinthians 15v1-8 for anyone unsure how to put the gospel into words. It also names the three ways people respond to the message: mockers, mullers who are still thinking it over, and movers who come along and believe. Throughout, the charge is to treat every person as someone made in God's image rather than a project, to guard the relationship over the result, and to stay ready to give an answer with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3v15-17).Originally Aired: 2026-05-243949 Lithia Pinecrest Rd.Brandon, FL 33596Chapters: