Sunday morning at our local church, we were greeted by an unusual sight, pictured above. Dozens of coffee cups were displayed on a makeshift table. The Pastor explained. “We are completing our series of the Book of Acts, and as you know, one of the important messages of this book is for us to carry the good news of Jesus Christ. Whenever I preach, I always wonder if the young people in our congregation understand the message. Well, let me share this with you. Every Sunday morning, after the sermon, a middle school member of our congregation would come up to me and show a coffee cup that she had illustrated with the key message of each sermon and the accompanying Bible verse from the Book of Acts. I was so impressed that I wanted to recognize what she did and share it with all of you.” The entire congregation gasped in amazement and clapped! The Pastor beamed. “I think God was showing me that our young people absolutely get the message of the Bible. Praise God!”

It was a Coffee Cup Evangelism. It was a lovely and practical way to share the good news of Jesus Christ! It warmed my heart, more than the coffee, to witness this young lady brilliantly demonstrate that not only did she understand the message of each sermon, she was willing to share the Good News with others by giving these coffee cups, a familiar everyday object, to others, as an outreach. 

So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”
Acts 17:22-24 (ESV)

The Bible is replete with creative ways the great saints have shared the Gospel. In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul used a familiar cultural landmark, an altar to an unknown god, to evangelize to the citizens of Athens. Paul used it as a springboard to introduce the message of Jesus Christ. Even in this hostile environment, the Holy Spirit prompted Paul to observe and utilize the city’s art and architecture to reach its citizens. 

Praise God for the faithfulness of this young woman in our local church and countless others who have utilized their God-given talents to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.