Hey Element Church! Today is day #24 in our journey. Our prayer today is “Lord, make us intentional!”. Please lift up the churches on the calendar today as well. You can read Acts 24 online HERE. Here are my thoughts:
Acts 24:1-9 — So the Jewish leaders get a lawyer. Are they REALLY that desperate? Talk about being more concerned about an agenda. Notice the accusations made against Paul. 1. Troublemaker — really? Who was he a trouble maker too? The ONLY people who were opposed to Paul were the RELIGIOUS people. And THEY were the ones causing trouble. 2. Stirring up riots — Again, really? This next one is the one that gets me. 3. Ringleader of a cult known as the Nazarenes — Wow! First off, the following his with were now known as “Christians”. This is so common even today among the religious. We experienced it some even at Element. Being accused of being something you absolutely are not. If they would have really watched and listened, they would have seen that Paul was non of those things but they were clouded by their agenda. Sometimes if we would listen and watch, we wouldn’t accuse other people of things either when they are not true.
Acts 24:10-13 — Paul describes his actions. #1 I was worshiping in the temple. #2 I never argued. #3 Nor did I stir a riot. He put the responsibility back on the religious leaders.
Acts 24:14-15 — I LOVE this statement. Paul didn’t back down from ANY TRUTH! “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult” Paul was committed to Jesus and His Way even if ALL the religious community called it a cult AND even if it cost him his life. Our hope is in JESUS and it shouldn’t matter what anyone thinks about that or what we’re accused of.
Acts 24:16 — God will raise everyone to judgment, Paul took that seriously!
Acts 24:24-25 — MAN, this is where so many people are when it comes to the Gospel message. “When it’s more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” More convenient? So many people, like Felix, are familiar with Jesus, they’ve heard of Jesus, they may even want to follow Jesus, but they keep waiting for a time when it is “more convenient”. Jesus said “If you want to be my follower you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me.” Convenience has NOTHING to do with following Jesus. NOTHING!
Acts 24:26-27 — Felix had the “there is always tomorrow” complex. He sent for Paul often and talked with him but it went on for two years. And why did Felix not accept the Way or let Paul out of prison? V. 27 says that he wanted to gain the favor with the Jewish people. He was more concerned with mans view of him than God’s. Again, still VERY common today.
Standing Strong,
Jeff
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