https://youtu.be/xyDfbVh1WEw

Crazy Talk  (Acts 26:19-32)               New King James Version

Read Acts 26:19-32

Previously, in the Book of Acts…

• The Apostle Paul had been a Jewish Pharisees, and led the charge of persecuting Christians. He became radically saved, and given the mission by Jesus to preach the Gospel to the Jews/Gentiles.

• Not long ago, when in Jerusalem, Paul was seized by an angry Jewish mob that wanted to kill him, accusing him of teaching against the Laws of Moses.

• The Pharisees were mad that he taught salvation was also for the Gentiles, and the Sadducees were mad that he taught Jesus was resurrected from the dead. Both are key truths of the Gospel!

• Paul was arrested and taken into custody by the Roman soldiers, mostly for his own protection. Even though they couldn’t find a Roman law he had broken, he remained captive for over 2 years.

• He now finds himself sharing his testimony in front of the King of Judea, King Agrippa, and a room full of the most influential people in Caesarea and the surrounding areas.

1: Fear did not stop Paul from being obedient.

• Acts 26:15-19, So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

- Paul was obedient, but look where it has gotten him. He’s standing trial, falsely accused, before Gentiles with the power to kill him, and Jews lying in wait to kill him if he is released.

• Example: My fear of leadership, bootcamp story, setting up tents and getting punished for no reason. Avoided those with power over me ever since. Then invited Chiefs to church.

- I got burned before, but needed to get over that hurt, and move forward with ministry.

- Paul dealt with significant hardship before this day, but he held onto the words of Jesus, “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,”

• YOU have a word from the Lord too! Luke 12:4, (Jesus said) “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.”

• Just like for Paul, Jesus has given YOU the ability to share the gospel and your testimony “with both small and great.”  Don’t be afraid to be committed to your Christian faith in public.

• Psalm 56:11, In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

2: Paul’s “crazy talk” almost worked!

• Verse 24, Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” (crazy)

• Agrippa insulted Paul about his persistence in the faith, but Paul wasn’t offended or deterred.

• Christianity is counter cultural. It’s common to get push back from people when you make life decisions based on your beliefs, especially when they conflict with the cultural norms.

• Example: Vegan, many were antagonistic even almost offended by it, I couldn’t understand why people cared so much about what I ate. I felt great, healthy, and getting good results…

• Isn’t this what happens with your Christian faith also? Healthy, good results, but people want to criticize it, and tell you what you’re missing out on. (Instead of meat, cut out sin.)

• The reason is, that you changing your life takes away their excuse for NOT changing theirs. You show it’s possible to live for Jesus,