Devotionals for May 23, 2024
The next round of Starting Point will begin on Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30pm. CLICK HERE to sign up.
READ
Acts 26:22-29
So, I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen — 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.”
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
So, I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen — 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.”
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
REFLECT
On trial and chained before King Agrippa, Paul boldly testified about the Gospel of Jesus. The crowds wanted Paul dead—or at least jailed—for preaching the resurrection and reign of Jesus. In this moment of stress, Paul reaches out to the king to persuade him of the Gospel. Paul wished all people knew Jesus like he did…at any cost. Yes, the Gospel is beautiful and good. It brings freedom to anyone who embraces Christ. But it also means putting our lives on the line for Jesus and for the sake of others.
APPLY
Q: Why does Paul continue sharing the Gospel despite the king thinking Paul is out of his mind?
Q: What do you feel is a personal ‘risk’ to sharing the Gospel to others? How can you overcome the fear of this risk?
Q: Pause and pray for your list of people. Pray for them to be freed from their chains of sin and loneliness. Pray for their true healing in Jesus and ask God for the boldness of Paul today.
Q: What do you feel is a personal ‘risk’ to sharing the Gospel to others? How can you overcome the fear of this risk?
Q: Pause and pray for your list of people. Pray for them to be freed from their chains of sin and loneliness. Pray for their true healing in Jesus and ask God for the boldness of Paul today.
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for putting my own comfort ahead of your Gospel. Help my unbelief and give me the courage of Paul and the compassion of John when I share the Gospel with others. Amen.
Lord, forgive me for putting my own comfort ahead of your Gospel. Help my unbelief and give me the courage of Paul and the compassion of John when I share the Gospel with others. Amen.