Spring 2018 Weekly Tip #2
Acts 26
1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense… 4 “The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
The Apostle Paul makes several key points as he begins his defense of the Gospel before Agrippa. First, in verse 4-5 he begins with the testimony of his life as witnessed by others (the Jews). Second, he references three times the “hope” of the coming of the Messiah as seen in the Old Testament. Thirdly, Paul shares one of his most powerful points as he communicates the good news – that God raises the dead, and indeed Jesus was raised from the dead.
As we look at Paul’s defense, he was bold, straight forward, transparent, and truthful. He was used powerfully during his almost 32 years of active missionary work after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus in chapter 9.
What about you? Are you making a clear defense of the Gospel in your ministry situation?
Be Sure You Know The Gospel Message
Next week, consider refreshing everyone on the training of the “Knowing God Personally” booklet, called the “Big Six”. Here is the training on video:
Transition from Survey to the Knowing God Personally Booklet
Bring Someone To The Point Of Receiving Christ
Here is the training in print:
The key here is to insure everyone understands the clear message of the Gospel so they can be confident when they share with others, now and for the rest of their lives. A great plan is to do this training in place of one of your Bible studies just for one week. Then you can creatively take them on an outreach that week or next.
Finally, continue to encourage students to consider going on a Summer Missions. This is a life-changing experience for almost everyone who goes. How about you?
Talk to you next week,
Ben with Cru