Acts 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
As we are tested with following the Law (traditions observed) and following God (His instructions on our character), we must be reminded that so were the disciples on their journey of spreading the Good News. These past few chapters, talk about the ministry efforts of Paul (Saul). He battled over the Law that the Sanhedrin observed and what it means to follow Christ.
3Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” Acts 23:3
14However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:14-16
8Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” Acts 25:8
11If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. Acts 25:11
20First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. Acts 26:20
Paul preached about repentance and it was then that I realized that I should do exactly as Acts 26:20 states: “…that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”
Dear Lord, I ask for your forgiveness. I come to you humbly and repent. I ask that as I develop in my faith and as I learn more of your Word, that I will take it with conviction and in stride to let that show through my deeds. As Pastor Ahn shared in his sermon yesterday, I ask that I am able to give off a “Christian” scent – one that proudly lets everyone know that I am forgiven through His blood, which is best portrayed through my actions/deeds/words. I ask for strength as I walk through this world, resisting life’s temptations but also that when I am tempted, I can boldly proclaim my salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Nourished by His Word 