Breaking Cultural Barriers In Evangelism Series

BREAKING CULTURAL BARRIERS IN EVANGELISM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 10:34-35

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Galatians 3:28, Revelation 7:9, John 4:9-10

INTRODUCTION:

Evangelism is the heartbeat of God, and He desires that the gospel reaches every tribe, nation, and culture. However, cultural barriers have often hindered the spread of the gospel. These barriers include language, traditions, prejudices, and societal norms that make it difficult for people of different backgrounds to receive the message of Christ.

In Acts 10, Peter had a vision that challenged his Jewish cultural beliefs and led him to preach to Cornelius, a Gentile. This encounter signified that salvation was for all, regardless of culture or background. As believers, we must learn to break these barriers and effectively communicate the gospel to all people.

Let us examine how we can overcome cultural obstacles in evangelism.

1. UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL BARRIERS IN EVANGELISM

Many factors create cultural hindrances to spreading the gospel.

a) Language differences can hinder communication (Genesis 11:7-9)

When people do not understand the message due to language barriers, evangelism becomes difficult.

b) Religious traditions create resistance (Mark 7:8-9)

Some cultures hold on to traditions that contradict the gospel, making it hard for them to accept Christ.

c) Social prejudices prevent openness to the gospel (John 4:9-10)

Just as Jews avoided Samaritans, cultural biases can hinder outreach.

d) Fear of persecution discourages conversions (John 12:42-43)

Some cultures oppose Christianity, making it difficult for converts to openly follow Christ.

e) Biblical Example: The early church struggled with Jewish-Gentile differences (Acts 15:1-11)

Some Jewish believers insisted that Gentiles must follow Jewish customs to be saved, creating a major barrier to evangelism.

2. GOD’S VISION FOR A GLOBAL GOSPEL

The gospel is for every tribe, nation, and people group.

a) God desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

Salvation is not limited to a particular culture; it is for all humanity.

b) The Great Commission commands global evangelism (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jesus instructed His disciples to preach to all nations, breaking cultural barriers.

c) In Christ, all are one (Galatians 3:28)

There is no division of race, culture, or class in the body of Christ.

d) Heaven will be filled with people from every culture (Revelation 7:9)

God's kingdom is made up of believers from all backgrounds.

e) Biblical Example: Paul preached to both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48)

He recognised that salvation was not just for the Jews but for the Gentiles as well.

3. STRATEGIES FOR BREAKING CULTURAL BARRIERS

We must take deliberate steps to overcome cultural hindrances in evangelism.

a) Learn about the culture you are reaching (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

Understanding people’s traditions and beliefs helps us communicate effectively.

b) Adapt your approach without compromising the gospel (Acts 17:22-23)

Paul used the Athenians’ culture to introduce Christ to them.

c) Build relationships to create trust (John 4:7-9)

Jesus engaged the Samaritan woman in conversation before presenting the gospel.

d) Use interpreters and cultural mediators (Nehemiah 8:8)

Language barriers can be overcome through translation.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s vision and acceptance of Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16)

God showed Peter that no culture is unclean and that all need salvation.

4. THE ROLE OF LOVE AND HUMILITY IN CROSS-CULTURAL EVANGELISM

Love breaks all barriers and draws people to Christ.

a) Love compels us to reach all people (2 Corinthians 5:14)

The love of Christ should drive our passion for evangelism.

b) Humility allows us to serve all people (Philippians 2:3-4)

We must not see our culture as superior to others.

c) Avoiding cultural arrogance opens doors (Romans 12:16)

We must be respectful and sensitive when sharing the gospel.

d) Listening and understanding people's concerns builds trust (James 1:19)

People respond better when they feel heard and understood.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus demonstrated love across cultural boundaries (Luke 10:33-37)

The Good Samaritan showed kindness despite cultural differences.

5. THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN BREAKING CULTURAL BARRIERS

We need the Holy Spirit to overcome challenges in evangelism.

a) The Holy Spirit empowers us to witness boldly (Acts 1:8)

He gives us courage to preach in difficult situations.

b) He grants wisdom to communicate effectively (Luke 12:12)

The Spirit helps us present the gospel in a way that people understand.

c) He convicts hearts beyond cultural limitations (John 16:8)

Only the Holy Spirit can truly change people’s hearts.

d) He unites believers across cultural backgrounds (Ephesians 2:14-15)

In Christ, cultural divisions are broken, and we become one.

e) Biblical Example: The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to preach in different languages (Acts 2:4-6)

On Pentecost, people from various cultures heard the gospel in their own language.