Tell Him You Know Him 11.18.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of Acts, please read Chapters 26-28 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one onto your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2026-28&version=9

Today we will read about Paul defending himself before Agrippa; a storm at sea; a shipwreck; and Paul in Rome. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that like many things in life, almost is not good enough, especially when it comes to being saved. It is not enough to believe in the Lord Jesus Chirst, we must also tell Him that we believe in Him.

Paul got his chance to speak before the three most powerful rulers of his time, after no luck with Felix he now stood before King Agrippa and Festus, Paul testified how before his accepting the Lord Jesus into his life that he opposed Him and all Chirstians and than it wasn't until Jesus approached him that He believed.. "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me." (Acts 28:8-13).

As Paul spoke and confessed his faith in Jesus Christ as the risen Savior and promised Messiah, Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea spoke out and said that he was crazy. "And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness." (26:24-25). Paul then appealed to King Agrippa and felt that he was really touched in his heart and believed in Jesus, but put it off without actually accepting Him into his life. "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." (26:26-29). Sadly, Agrippa represents the many people of the past and today that know the truth about Jesus, but have not actually accepted Him into their lives.

Since Paul, was a Roman citizen, and had appealed his case to Caesar, Festus placed him in the custody of one named Julius. Julius was to take Paul safely to Rome to stand trial before Nero, the Roman Emperor. "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band." (27:1). They set sail and, after a brief docking at Sidon, continued along the northern coast of Cyprus. Stormy winds kept them from making much progress. Paul urged them to stay there during the winter months, but the majority of the people on board urged Julius to continue on to Phenice. Shortly afterwards, furious hurricane-like winds beat upon them. After two stormy weeks, their ship began to sink off the coast of Melita. As the men were getting worried Paul assured them that they would survive. "And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve," (27:20-23).

From this experience we learn that our judgment is only as good as our source of information. Our life's voyage, like Paul's, may also be filled with violent storms. We may experience physical, financial, or and emotional shipwreck and feel as if all hope that we would be saved may appear to be gone. But, there will come a day when the storms we have weathered will seem insignificant compared to what God has accomplished through our faithfulness. Trust in Him and He will calm all your storms.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon You. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wondeful and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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