Reading in Acts this morning brought me to a place of reflection. You see, I have talked to a significant number of unbelievers in the past years that were right there. They understood what I was saying about Jesus; they understood the Scriptures from having been raised around the church, but they couldn’t or wouldn’t make a decision about Jesus – to accept Him or not. One particular person knew the bible better than I did at the time, but stated he didn’t want to change the way he was living. I’m sorry, but I think that is grieving the Holy Spirit of God. Paul was faced with making his defense for being in prison for his faith, before King Agrippa. Governor Festus was there at the time. As he was making his defense before King Agrippa, Festus spoke up: “As he was making his defense this way, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice ‘You’re out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad!’ But Paul replied, ‘I’m not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment. For the king knows about these matters. It is to him I am actually speaking boldly. For I am convinced that none of these things escapes his notice, since this was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?’ ‘I wish before God,’ replied Paul, ‘that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am -except for these chains.'” Acts 26:24-29 Now about the time that Paul was told he was out of his mind, is the time that many of us would have remained silent, and felt any more talking would be a lost cause. But not Paul. He was determined to speak the truth to King Agrippa and Festus, for his goal was not on himself or his personal safety, but his goal was on speaking the truth to a lost and darkened world. He was put in front of King Agrippa and Governor Festus for a reason, and he knew that reason was the Lord. So speak he did! When we are put in places that may seem uncomfortable, and think it does us no good to speak the truth of Christ, we should speak anyway, because it is not for ourselves that we are doing it, but for the sake of the Lord. That’s what being a disciple is all about. Speaking the truth when everyone around you is calling you crazy. Speaking the truth because that is our desire to serve the Lord, when He puts us in situations in which He desires us to defend our faith. Could you defend your faith? It’s something that should be on everyone of our hearts and minds to think about. Could we defend our faith when put in front of those who will not believe? We can, if we keep our goal of service to Christ at the front of our thoughts. We can when we rely on Him to give us words and courage to speak. We can when we care enough about others to share the hope that is found in Christ our Lord. Pastor Andy
Barnabas Man 