Author: looking2jesus13

November 19

Bible Reading: Acts 26:9-11

Acts 26:9-11,“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.”

In the recent election, millions of Americans cast their votes for various candidates.  Some candidates won, some lost.  Winners will be privileged to serve in their new roles, whatever they might be.  Saul casts some votes too, but it was the very lives of Christians that hung in the balance.

Our passage speaks to the depth of Saul’s depravity.  Sent out under the authority of the chief priests, his mission was to hunt down and imprison Christians.  Though these folks had committed no crime, they had identified themselves to be followers of Christ, and that was enough.  With raging fury, Saul pursued them with vengeance.  When brought before the court, Saul tried to make them blaspheme.  When the vote was taken whether to put them to death, Paul voted against them.  He joined with others in that wicked enterprise.  Imagine the terror that was visited upon those folks and their families!  And Saul was at the heart of it.

The Lord Jesus was well aware of all that was happening.  In persecuting Christians, Saul was persecuting Christ Himself, as Jesus made clear: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me” (Acts 26:14)?  Every true believer is intimately united with Christ in a relationship that cannot be broken (Romans 8:37-39).  The evil leaders may have cast their vote against those Christians, but God had already decreed and won their victory (Romans 8:37).

In his wicked conflict against Christians, Saul engaged in an unwinnable war.  The Lord Jesus intervened and saved Saul in miraculous fashion, transforming the worst enemy of the church into the church’s best friend.  The fact that the Lord worked to save and transform such a man testifies to the riches of His grace and mercy (1 Timothy 1:14).  Evil men cast wicked votes.  But the Lord has the final say.  Saul was Christian enemy #1, but then God turned Him around.  His ability to save and transform knows no limits.  Think back to how God intervened in your life (Ephesians 2:1-3) and give thanks again for the miracle of your salvation!

“Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.” –Proverbs 16:33 (The Message)

IT IS NO SECRET
The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened
For I have news for you
It is no secret what God can do
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

There is no night for in His light
You never walk alone
Always feel at home
Wherever you may go
There is no power can conquer you
While God is on your side
Take Him at His promise
Don’t run away and hide
It is no secret what God can do
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do

November 18

Bible Reading: Acts 26:1-8

Acts 26:8, “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?”

She was tired, in pain, and dying.  She told me so.  Her discomfort was plain for me to see.  Doctors and nurses were doing their best to help alleviate her pain, but there was nothing to be done about her failing heart. In her 90s, she’d lived a rich, full life, but her journey was nearing the end.  It’s a scenario I’ve witnessed countless times.  Questions rise to the surface.  “Why am I still here?”  “Is God mad at me about something?”  “What’s going to happen to me?”  Situations like that remind us of how precious the gospel message is.  That Jesus Christ died for sins and rose from the dead represents a glorious message of hope for all who believe.  Death is not the end; a future resurrection awaits.  Yet not all share in such hope.

The Apostle Paul was not on trial for any crime he’d committed, but for his belief in Jesus.  Certain Jews despised him for his outreach to the Gentiles, and for his message of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.  According to Paul’s own words, he was “on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers” (Acts 26:6).  Foundational to that hope was the resurrection of the Jesus Christ.

Paul spoke to a room full of doubters, religious folks who believed in God, but didn’t accept Paul’s message.  Their God was too small.  His question to them is a question pertinent to many, for many profess faith in God, but are skeptical regarding such miracles.  Why would anyone think it too difficult for God to raise the dead?  Why question the ability of the One who created the heavens and the earth and who gives life to all (Isaiah 42:5)?  He is the Lord omnipotent whose power knows no limits.  Nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17)!

“The immeasurable greatness of his power,” “according to the working of his great might,” worked to raise Christ “from the dead and seat him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20)! What He did with Christ, He’ll do for those who belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-21). And that’s good news for the living and the dying!

It is not at all incredible to believe that the God who created all things can raise the dead!

AH, LORD GOD
Ah, Lord God, Thou has made the heavens
And the earth by thy great power
Ah, Lord God, Thou has made the heavens
And the earth by Thine out – stretched arm

Nothing is too difficult for Thee
Nothing is too difficult for Thee
Great and mighty God
Great in counsel and mighty in deed
Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing
Nothing is too difficult for Thee

By Don Moen; Copyright 2002 Integrity Music

November 15

Bible Reading: Acts 25:23-27

Acts 25:23, “So on the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and they entered the audience hall with the military tribunes and the prominent men of the city.”

Pomp, defined as a grand and ostentatious display, is exemplified in Acts 25:23, where King Agrippa and Bernice entered the audience hall with great spectacle, surrounded by military tribunes and prominent citizens. This moment contrasts sharply with the life of the Apostle Paul, whose humble ministry unfolded amid significant trials.

After his conversion, God informed Ananias that Paul would be a chosen instrument to proclaim His name to Jews, Gentiles, and kings (Acts 9:15). Paul’s journey was fraught with difficulties, yet each circumstance was part of God’s predetermined plan to spread the message of Jesus in unexpected ways.

During his two-year imprisonment under Felix, Paul faced many serious charges that his opponents could not prove (Acts 25:7). Ultimately, he chose to appeal to Caesar rather than return to Jerusalem (Acts 25:8-12). When Agrippa arrived in Caesarea, he expressed a desire to hear Paul, leading to a grand assembly filled with political elites.

King Agrippa, a man of significant power and influence, was accompanied by his sister Bernice, whose tumultuous personal life was the subject of scandal. Their ostentatious entrance was designed to impress, but in that audience hall, Paul stood as the most powerful figure, despite his lack of worldly status. While Agrippa was adorned in physical splendor, Paul was spiritually so in Christ and had been used by Christ to beautify countless souls.

Though Paul’s appearance lacked pomp and circumstance, his faithful devotion left a profound legacy (2 Timothy 4:7-8, 18). Like Jesus, whose ministry was marked by humility (Isaiah 53:2), Paul exemplified a true and lasting spiritual beauty before God, showing that greatness in God’s kingdom often comes without outward display.  Inside his ordinary and fragile jar of clay, Paul possessed the treasure of the “knowledge of the glory of God I the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:7)!  And that’s true splendor!

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”- The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 4:7).

GOD OF GRACE AND GOD OF GLORY
God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow’r;
crown your ancient Church’s story,
bring its bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.

Lo, the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways.
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.

Cure your children’s warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.

Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.

November 14

Bible Reading: Acts 25:13-22

Acts 25:19, “Rather they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”

The cross of the Jesus represents the most important event in human history, for by His death for sins and resurrection from the dead He provided a way of salvation for all who believe.  But not everyone views the cross that way.  That which is “the power of God and wisdom of God to those who are called” is “a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). 

The Apostle Paul gloried in the cross and boldly proclaimed it (Galatians 6:14).  The opposing Jews relentlessly opposed Paul’s message and even sought his death (Acts 23:12).  Festus did not understand what all the fuss was about regarding a “certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive” (Acts 25:19).

Things haven’t changed.  People vary in their response to the “Christ crucified” message.  But the crucial question for us each is how do we ourselves view it?  Paul said, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14)!

In his book, “The Cross,” Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote: “My dear friends, there never can be a more important question than this: what does this cross do to you? Where do you find yourself as you think of it and face it? It is one of these two, it is either an offence or else you glory in it. Are we all clear about our position? Do we know exactly where we stand? There are some perhaps saying, ‘Well, quite certainly it is not an offence to me, but I am afraid I cannot say I glory in it.’ Well, my friend, you are in an impossible position. These are the only two positions—offence, or glory.”

Do you glory in the cross?  Do you understand it to be the sole basis for the forgiveness of your sins?  Is your hope firmly set on the risen Christ and His soon return? 

“All of heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, hell afraid of it, while men are the only ones to ignore its meaning.” — Oswald Chambers

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary. [Refrain]

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me. [Refrain]

To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he’ll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I’ll share. [Refrain]

November 13

Bible Reading: Acts 25:9-12

Acts 25:10-11, “But Paul said, ‘I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.’”

There are few guarantees in this world, but when it comes to the will and promises of God, there need be no doubt—God will do as He says.  That Paul was destined to be brought safely to Rome was a sure thing, for Jesus had said so (Acts 23:11).  In fact, the Lord Himself stood by Paul and encouraged him that way.

Though that matter was settled, the question of how it would happen was not.  Paul was on trial before Festus.  The Jews wanted Paul dead and were “planning an ambush to kill him on the way” to Jerusalem (Acts 25:3).  Festus was inclined to do the Jews a favor and suggested to Paul a return to Jerusalem for the trial.  Paul’s response was to exercise his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar.  Festus granted his request.

A change of venue happens when a trial is moved to a new location.  In a high-profile case, that can be granted when it may not be possible due to widespread publicity to get impartial jurors.  The court granted a change in venue for the trial of the Oklahoma City bomber for that very reason. 

Paul could not have received a fair trial in Jerusalem, but worse than that, they planned to ambush him on the way.  But God providentially worked, via Roman law, Paul’s citizenship, and Festus’ verdict, to move Paul’s trial to Rome.  Not only was Paul kept safe, but the gospel message also went with him “before the Gentiles and kings” (Acts 9:11).

We might sometimes wonder about the circumstances we find ourselves in, but regarding the promises of God regarding His protection and deliverance, we need not doubt.  God will always do as He says.

“Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God’s ordering and permission. There is no such thing as “chance,” “luck” or “accident” in the Christian’s journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are ‘working together’ for the believer’s good.” – J.C. Ryle

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

Refrain:
God will take care of you,
through ev’ry day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you. [Refrain]

November 12

Bible Reading: Acts 25:6-8

Acts 25:7, “When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.”

Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Even after 2 years, the Jews still had no solid evidence against Paul.  Despite that, their hatred was so great that nothing would deter them from trying to destroy him.  The Jews who’d come down from Jerusalem stood around him.  Imagine that scene, with Paul surrounded by folks with hearts full of hatred and eyes filled with fury!  They came down from Jerusalem, since Jerusalem was at a higher elevation, but they came down not just physically, but morally, for they came to cast falsehoods.

Paul, like Jesus, was falsely accused (Matthew 27:13).  They may have been serious, but they were groundless, unfounded, and uncorroborated.  The truth mattered not to these Jews.  The only thing that mattered was the elimination of Paul and his message by any means necessary!

From an earthly perspective, it appeared as if the whole world was against Paul.  He was seemingly all alone in the fight.  But he was never truly alone, for the Lord stood with him.  And by the Spirit, he was emboldened and encouraged to keep on fighting the good fight. 

John G. Butler wrote, “The world may put Christianity in a lowly, scorned position. But that does not change the value of Christianity or the vileness of evil. When evil seems overpowering and threatening to destroy, be encouraged that God is with the righteous; and, therefore, they will eventually be the victors.”

You may never face persecution to the extent as the Apostle Paul.  But all those who stand for truth do, in one way or another (2 Timothy 3:12).  The Lord, who is greater than all, stood with Paul.  And He stands with all those who belong to Him!   

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” – 1 John 4:4

O JESUS, I HAVE PROMISED
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my Guide.

Oh, let me feel Thee near me;
The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

Oh, let me hear Thee speaking,
In accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion,
The murmurs of self-will;
Oh, speak to reassure me,
To hasten, or control;
Oh, speak, and make me listen,
Thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

November 11

Bible Reading: Acts 25:1-5

Acts 25:2-3, “And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way.”

How are we to understand what is happening to the Apostle Paul?  Why place the most useful Christian in the world at the time in prison?  Why subject him to repeated interrogations at the hands of wicked men?  Why allow evildoers to continue to plot his murder?  Mysterious?  But, later, from his imprisonment in Rome, Paul explained how God worked through his circumstances to extend his gospel outreach to unexpected places, and even to the imperial guard (Philippians 1:12-14, 4:22).

The hymn, “God Moves in Mysterious Ways,” (see below) was penned by William Cowper (1731–1800).  His life ran a mysterious course, marked by profound heartache. He and his brother were the only two among seven siblings to survive past childhood. The death of his mother during childbirth, when Cowper was just six years old, deeply affected him. Throughout his school years, he faced relentless bullying, compounding his sense of isolation.

Cowper fell in love, but his beloved’s father denied his request to marry her. In 1763, he was offered a job that sent him spiraling into depression at the thought of an interview. He attempted suicide three times during this dark period, which led to his admission to an asylum. There, he met an evangelical believer who revealed the love of Christ to him. Through the truth of Romans 3:25, Cowper’s eyes were opened, and he was saved.

Despite this newfound faith, he continued to struggle with depression. In 1767, Cowper encountered John Newton, the former slave trader turned pastor and author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Newton became a mentor to Cowper, offering encouragement and support during his tumultuous life.

Cowper went on to write 68 hymns, including well-known pieces like “Oh, for a Closer Walk with God,” “There Is a Fountain,” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” Tragically, shortly after composing the last hymn, Cowper attempted suicide by drowning. He ultimately died on April 25, 1800, still grappling with his mental health.

Nevertheless, from the grave, Cowper experienced that of which he wrote “when in a nobler, sweeter song, (He sang) Thy pow’r to save!”  His life ran a mysterious course, but His legacy endures in the beautiful hymns he created, which continue to encourage those who sing them.

“Judge not the Lord by feeble sense but trust Him for His grace.” – William Cowper

GOD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
of never-failing skill;
He treasures up His bright designs,
and works His sov’reign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy and shall break
in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust Him for His grace;
behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
and He will make it plain.

November 8

Bible Reading: Acts 24:24-27

Acts 24:27, “After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.”

Felix and Drusilla were quite a pair!  Wealthy.  Powerful.  Wicked.  Felix was the younger brother of a man named Pallas.  The two brothers shrewdly advanced from low positions in the Royal household to gain favored status.  Pallas was the secretary of the treasury during the reign of Emperor Claudius.  Felix became the procurator of Judea by the petition of his brother.  Both men became quite wealthy.

Internal troubles and an increase in crime throughout Judea marked the period of Felix’s rule in Judea.  He dealt with such matters with severity.  He not only displayed cruelty but also had a tendency towards licentiousness and accepting bribes (Acts 24:26).  One historian described him to be “a master of cruelty and lust who exercised the powers of a king in the spirit of a slave.”

Felix was married three times.  Drusilla was his second wife, the youngest of three daughters of King Herod Agrippa I—the same Herod who slew James, the brother of John.  Her great-grandfather was the Herod who slew the babes in Bethlehem.  Her great uncle was Herod Antipas, the Herod who slew John the Baptist. She married for the first time to a petty king in Syria.  Always looking to climb the social ladder, she divorced him to marry Felix.  In their shrewd and wicked ways, they were obviously made for each other.

By God’s providence, Paul was brought to Felix’s court.  Felix listened to the charges made by Tertullus and the Jews against Paul (Acts 24:1-9).  After hearing Paul’s case, he then instructed the centurion to keep Paul in custody but allow him some freedom, and to not stop any of his friends from looking after his needs (Acts 24:22-23).

After some days Felix and Drusilla sent for Paul and heard him speak about “faith in Christ Jesus” (Acts 24:24).  Imagine that!  They had the privilege of personally listening to the writer of those epistles you’ve read from.  They could do no better than to hear about faith in Christ Jesus from the Apostle Paul himself.  We’re not privy to the details of their response.  The last word is that Felix “sent for him often and conversed with him” (Acts 24:26).  They were wicked folks. Their family had done much harm to the cause of Christ. But God, who “desires all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4), worked to provide them ample opportunity to trust in Jesus. 

“The Gospel is open to all; the most respectable sinner has no more claim on it than the worst.”—Marty Lloyd Jones

THERE’S ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOU
The cross upon which Jesus died
Is a shelter in which we can hide
And its grace so free is sufficient for me
And deep is its fountain as wide as the sea.

Chorus:
There’s room at the cross for you
There’s room at the cross for you
Though millions have come, there’s still room for one
Yes there’s room at the cross for you.

Though millions have found him a friend
And have turned from the sins they have sinned
The Savior still waits to open the gates
And welcome a sinner before it’s too late. [Chorus]

The hand of my Savior is strong
And the love of my Savior is long
Through sunshine or rain, through loss or in gain,
The blood flows from Calvary to cleanse every stain. [Chorus]

November 7

Bible Reading: Acts 24:22-23

Acts 24:22, “But Felix, having a rather accurate knowledge of the Way…”

The governor Felix had a rather accurate knowledge of the Way.  Despite that, it is apparent in what we read about him, that he didn’t know Jesus.

I vaguely remember taking a World Religions class in high school.  I can’t remember the details of what was taught, but I suppose it had to do with the basic tenets of the major world religions.  Though I gained a knowledge of some basics regarding Christianity, I didn’t know Jesus at the time. 

A person can know of Jesus—even secular historians acknowledge his existence—but that doesn’t mean that they “know” Him.  A person can know about Jesus, and even about the facts of His death and resurrection, but again that doesn’t mean that they are saved.  A person can even gain much and accurate theological knowledge of Jesus or Christianity without knowing Him in a personal way.

A person can even claim the name of Jesus and engage in religious works without being saved, as Jesus once warned: “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’ (Matthew 7:22-23).”

Paul’s message to Felix, the powerful and ruthless governor, was “about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment” (Acts 24:25).  Spirit-filled Paul was speaking the Spirit’s language (John 16:8).  Paul did not shrink back from being used by the Spirit to convict a wicked man of his wicked ways.  Felix was wealthy, powerful, and knowledgeable, but devoid of righteousness.  He ruthlessly exercised control over the lives of others but had no control of self.  He himself sat as a judge over the affairs of men, but was woefully unprepared for the coming judgment of God.  Felix could only listen so long—he had no heart for truth—till, being alarmed, he had to send Paul away (Acts 24:25).  There is no reason to believe that he ever trusted in Jesus.  But he was given ample opportunity to be set free from sin when his prisoner spoke to him about Jesus.

What about you?  It is not enough to know of Jesus or know about Jesus. What matters is knowing Him and, more than that, being known by Him as one of His own (2 Timothy 2:19).  The right is bestowed on those who receive Him, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12).  There is nothing of greater importance in life than being assured of one’s eternal destiny (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10).  Do you know Jesus personally, as your Lord and Savior?

There is nothing of greater importance in life than being assured of one’s eternal destiny!

HAVE YOU ANY ROOM FOR JESUS?
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinner, will you let Him in?

Refrain:
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
Hasten now, His Word obey.
Swing the heart’s door widely open;
Bid Him enter while you may.

Room for pleasure, room for business;
But for Christ, the Crucified,
Not a place that He can enter,
In the heart for which He died? [Refrain]

Room and time now give to Jesus;
Soon will pass God’s day of grace –
Soon your heart left cold and silent,
And your Savior’s pleading cease. [Refrain]

November 6

Bible Reading: Acts 24:10-21

Acts 24:20-21, “Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

Put simply, the gospel message is that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  This “gospel of the glory of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:11) represents the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

First proclaimed by Peter on Pentecost, the message of Christ’s resurrection was the Spirit-borne message that worked like a glorious sunrise to spread life and hope in Jesus to Jerusalem and beyond.  It was the message that Peter and John boldly proclaimed despite threats against them, for they could not “but speak of what (they) had seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).  A great persecution later spread the message to Samaria.  And then through Peter to Cornelius and the Gentiles (Acts 10:40). God saved Saul and called him to take the message to the Gentiles on his three missionary journeys.  The message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ was at the heart of what he proclaimed.  That good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, who died for our sins and rose from the dead, stands triumphant through this age as the great message of hope amidst the ever-constant bad news associated with living in this sin-broken world.

There can be no true Christianity apart from the message of Christ’s resurrection.  John MacArthur put it this way: “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the single greatest event in the history of the world. It is so foundational to Christianity that no one who denies it can be a true Christian…A person who believes in a Christ who was not raised believes in a powerless Christ, a dead Christ. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then no redemption was accomplished at the cross and “your faith is worthless,” Paul goes on to say; “you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).”

As Paul understood it, he was on trial for the statement he’d made (Acts 24:21).  He was on trial that day for that statement, but he faced countless other “trials” because he refused to be moved from the truth of Christ’s resurrection.  By His grace, God brought to you that same great message of hope.  There’ll come a day when you’ll trade hope for sight in the presence of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:50-57).  The good news of Christ’s resurrection is the message, above all others, worth sharing—no matter the cost!

“No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good.”—Josh McDowell

MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD
My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary

Refrain:
For me He died
For me He lives
And everlasting life
And light He freely gives

No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus’ righteousness [Refrain]

And now for me He stands
Before the Father’s throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own [Refrain]

His grace has planned it all
‘Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive [Refrain]