* What is it about Jesus that inspired such a radical transformation and devotion in the Apostle Paul? How did he go from being a religious man, hostile against the very name of Jesus who persecuted Christians, to being a friend and follower of Christ who was persecuted himself and eventually martyred for proclaiming the Name of Jesus? May we present this same Jesus today by the evidence of transformation and devotion walked out in our own lives. (v. 4-23)
* May we never be so concerned how radical others may think we are about our faith that we lack boldness and conviction in sharing Christ. Like Paul, let it be said we are out of our minds! Remind us it is not our job to defend ourselves, but to defend the Gospel! Give us courage to respond to our mandate to testify about Jesus and His work and power in our lives, regardless how we are perceived. (v. 24-25)
* May we remember that hardship, trial and injustice against us platform us to share the gospel! You used Paul's torture and arrest to bring him into the presence of King Agrippa. May we not waste an opportunity to speak sober truth to the 'kings' that you bring us to testify before. (v. 25-27)
* Give us favor with these 'kings', that they will be drawn to follow Christ by our testimony. (v. 28)
* May the heart of our message and mission always be like the one desire of Pauls' heart: "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." (v. 29)
* Paul may or may not have been aware that he would have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. But he was told by the Lord that he would testify about Him to Caesar, and to Caesar he would choose to go. Regardless if that meant taking a much harder road, he had clearly resolved to obey what God had called him to do. May we who follow you today have the same resolve to obey you, O God! (v. 30-32)
* May we never be so concerned how radical others may think we are about our faith that we lack boldness and conviction in sharing Christ. Like Paul, let it be said we are out of our minds! Remind us it is not our job to defend ourselves, but to defend the Gospel! Give us courage to respond to our mandate to testify about Jesus and His work and power in our lives, regardless how we are perceived. (v. 24-25)
* May we remember that hardship, trial and injustice against us platform us to share the gospel! You used Paul's torture and arrest to bring him into the presence of King Agrippa. May we not waste an opportunity to speak sober truth to the 'kings' that you bring us to testify before. (v. 25-27)
* Give us favor with these 'kings', that they will be drawn to follow Christ by our testimony. (v. 28)
* May the heart of our message and mission always be like the one desire of Pauls' heart: "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." (v. 29)
* Paul may or may not have been aware that he would have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. But he was told by the Lord that he would testify about Him to Caesar, and to Caesar he would choose to go. Regardless if that meant taking a much harder road, he had clearly resolved to obey what God had called him to do. May we who follow you today have the same resolve to obey you, O God! (v. 30-32)
We agree,
in the Name of Jesus
and according to Your Word.
