acts 24

People, Places, and Things

Many people become flustered when they are criticized and forget to stay focused on the truth. Paul weathered the storm of criticism before the Jews and governor Felix by sticking to the facts. The great apostle refused to be sidetracked because he knew that he was primarily responsible to speak the truth in love, AND GOD WOULD HANDLE THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS AROUND HIM

1. People fear of what they do not yet understand

5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. [7] 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.” 9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

This has caused many people to leave out or add to a story that needs not be changed. Be it your own truth in what situation you are in or the truth about Jesus. Tell the Truth and let God handle the rest

5 For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to profane the temple, and we seized him, and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the commander Lysias came by and with great violence took him out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so. NKJV

commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also assented, maintaining that these things were so.

When we are plotting and scheming and things do’t go our way, we feel as if we are attacked

2.Places we have gone help prove, good or bad, what we have been up to.

11 You can quickly discover that I arrived in Jerusalem no more than twelve days ago to worship at the Temple. 12 My accusers never found me arguing with anyone in the Temple, nor stirring up a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13 These men cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.

9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

God knows the truth!!! Can that be good enough for us?

It is when we want to be forgiven or don’t want to be judged. Also let it be enough when we are living out our daily lives

3.There are things resulting from our actions that confirm our motives.

17 “After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. 18 My accusers saw me in the Temple as I was completing a purification ceremony. There was no crowd around me and no rioting. 19 But some Jews from the province of Asia were there—and they ought to be here to bring charges if they have anything against me! 20 Ask these men here what crime the Jewish high council found me guilty of, 21 except for the one time I shouted out, ‘I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!’ ” NLT

I cannot tell you how many times I have been challenged for hanging out in places you don’t see most pastors. These are where some of the most impactful testimonies have come from. (Karen at Converse and waitress at Show Me’s)

4.Don’t get hung up on those who’s motive is selfish, the seed of truth is still planted.

You see when we don’g give worship to God, We begin to seek and take from others. Are you a giver or a taker?

Satan was not always a taker he was once a worshiper of the one true God. Then he chose to try to be God

24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”

People who experience true love, whether they are themselves truly loving, will be changed by your truth in Love.

26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison. NLT

Someone elses faults are a great hiding place for our own

26 He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him. 27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison. NLT

27 After two years went by in this way, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, he left Paul in prison.

Someone elses faults are a great hiding place for our own

We may not get to see the transformation, however there are addicts, alcoholics, thieves, adulterers, abusers, depressed, fearful, anxious, angry people who are changed by Jesus reaching down pulling them up from the muck and mire and clothed them in mercy and grace. Give him the glory and celebrate a moment with him right now

We may or may not get to see the transformation in others from our work, however GODS work is all around us!!! Right here right now there are addicts, alcoholics, thieves, adulterers, abusers, depressed, fearful, anxious, angry people who are changed by Jesus reaching down pulling them up from the muck and mire and clothed them in mercy and grace. Give him the glory and celebrate a moment with him right now

Whether this is your first moment or another great moment he has blessed you with give him some praise right now!!!