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Why Am I Here? | Acts 17 | Nathan Hughes

Episode Summary

This week's message focuses on the importance of connecting with God and understanding our purpose. Many people struggle to define their purpose, but the truth is that we were created with intention — primarily for a relationship with God. However, various distractions, such as the pursuit of pleasure, security, power and money, often hinder this connection. The message this week emphasizes that our true connection with God is found through Jesus Christ, and it grows through time spent in God's word. How would you define your purpose in life?

Episode Notes

Episode Overview

This week, we kick off our series, PURPOSE, by diving into one of life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? In this sermon, we explore how we were created to connect with a very real and personal God, and how that connection begins by repenting and believing in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Acts 17, we examine the spiritual hunger of humanity and the incomparable fulfillment found in Jesus.

Key Scripture References

• Acts 17:22-23 – Paul addresses the Athenians' religious practices and introduces the "Unknown God."
• Acts 17:24-28 – God is revealed as Creator and sustainer, inviting us into relationship with Him.
• Acts 17:29-30 – A call to repentance and turning away from idols.
• Acts 17:11-12 – The Bereans' noble character in studying God’s Word leads to belief.

Major Points

Humanity’s Search for Meaning

• Across philosophical, scientific, and spiritual realms, people seek purpose.
• We all tether ourselves to something, whether tangible (careers, relationships) or intangible (belief systems, idols).

The Unknown God

• Paul observed the Athenians’ worship and challenged them to know the true God.
• Modern parallels: idols of materialism, technology, and personal gratification.

The God Who Made Us

• God, the Creator of all, desires relationship with us.
• "In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Repentance and Faith

• True purpose begins with repentance and belief in Jesus Christ.
• Jesus embodies unconditional love and fulfills our deepest desires for connection.

The Berean Example

• Our greatest connection to God is through His Word.
• A life built on Scripture leads to purpose and fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

• What "unknown gods" have you allowed to take priority in your life?
• How does knowing you were created for connection with God change your perspective on purpose?
• What steps can you take to build a foundation on God’s Word this week?

Practical Application

• Spend time daily in Scripture, asking God to reveal Himself to you.
• Identify one area of your life where you need to repent and invite Jesus in.
• Reflect on Acts 17:27—how can you "reach out for Him and find Him" this week?

Closing

• Action Step: Embrace your purpose by connecting with Jesus personally.
• Call to Action: Join us next week as we continue the PURPOSE series, exploring how to connect with your story.