From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 6:05 AM

Subject: 3-25-24 THOUGHTS

3-25-24   THOUGHTS      

A case study of powerful evangelism is before us this morning.  Saul become Paul,  defending himself before Kings Agrippa and Festus.  He has told of his encounter on the road to Damascus and now tells of his response to God’s call.  The words “kept declaring” in verse 20 are telling.  The subject matter was that those listed as being preached to “should repent and turn to God,  performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”   Paul said he stated nothing but what the prophets and Moses had said would happen, “that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."       Paul encouraged this king and everybody else to become as he was... belonging to Christ fully!
   
Acts 26:12-29  
 19  "So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20  but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. 21  "For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death. 22  "So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23  that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." 24  While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad." 25  But Paul said, "I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.  26  "For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. 27  "King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you do." 28  Agrippa replied to Paul, "In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian." 29  And Paul said, "I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains."

My Prayer:
Help us to teach what we believe.  Help us to love and give in keeping with Your word.  May focus, zeal and priority direct our service to You, O God.  Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind.  Keep us in Your presence beneath the shadow of the cross, until we can abide with You forever.  We thank You and praise You for being our God.  How great You are.  

In the name of Jesus,    Amen.