THE GOSPEL THAT CAN’T BE REFUTED

Today’s Bible readings are 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81, Acts 26:1-32, Psalm 6:1-10, & Proverbs 18:20-21

Acts 26:19-23

¹⁹ “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. ²⁰ First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. ²¹ That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ²² But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

Have you ever suffered for doing what is right? Have you ever been persecuted for standing up for your faith? In today’s reading we see Paul going through great persecution because of his faith in Christ. It is ironic, that a few short years before this he was the one doing the persecuting but now he is willing ot die for the cause of the cross.

When I sit & think about it in these terms it convinces me all the more in the power of the gospel to transform a person’s life. There is nothing else in the world that could have done such a dramatic transformation in a person’s life than the gospel did in Paul. He was radically saved & radically changed. It only proves that the gospel is real. It is just one more proof that Christ is alive & is KING!!!

Why would someone be willing to die for something that they were so opposed against if it wasn’t real? What could make a person do such a 180* change? Why would there be such of change of heart? The only logical answer is that Jesus is the Christ & He is RISEN!!!

I also want to share another though about today’s reading. If God was able to strengthen Paul through all of these things, then God is MORE THAN ABLE to strengthen each of us in ours! I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for Paul in the natural. Yet, I see that he found strength through the Spirit that caused him to rise above everything that the enemy attacked him with. In the end, it only lead to more people believing.

This is the wonderful opportunity that we have when we find ourselves in trials or every kind. We have an opportunity to shine with the glory & goodness of God. This is a huge catalyst to effect witnessing. People normally don’t see others handle trials the way that we can when we walk in the Spirit. As He empowers us with love, joy, peace, etc… it becomes obvious that there is more to us than just us. There must be a source behind the virtues that are displayed in us. It becomes the draw at their heart that they can’t refuse or deny.

Think about this—Paul was used to show kings the great grace of Christ. Nations were going to be changed because of Paul allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in Paul during a season of persecution.

Next time that you find yourself in a difficult place, let the grace of Christ overtake you. As you do, others will see the difference that knowing Jesus makes. This will speak the clearest gospel presentation they have ever heard. People aren’t used to seeing others respond the way that Jesus will lead you to respond. When they ask what give you the ability to do it then you have access to tell the about God & His Son—JESUS CHRIST!!! This is the way that you preach the gospel that can’t be refuted!

 

Pastor Richard