This past week I was recording the MANNA IN THE MORNING classes that will run just after our upcoming ‘Virtual PTP: God’s Vision for Hot Springs’ and the text was the last chapters of Acts.
Acts 26:25-27 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”
The passage above is from Paul’s defense before King Herod Agrippa II. The king came from a long line of murderers as his father was the Herod who killed James the Apostle, his grandfather beheaded John the Baptist and his great-grandfather was the Herod who killed the babies when Jesus was born.
Despite the king’s bloody family tree, Paul stands before Herod Agrippa II, along with the Roman Governor Festus, and pleads for faith. With Paul, he did not look at people as men and women but as potential converts, future brothers and sisters in the faith, even a man who had murder in his family bloodline.
As Paul said in verse 29… “I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”
That makes me think…do I see the people I come into contact on a daily basis as potential converts? Do I recognize their need for salvation? Do I see people the way Paul (and of course, Jesus) saw people? Am I living in such a way folks can see Jesus living in me? They could with Paul…how about you and me?
Are you excited about our upcoming VIRTUAL PTP (Polishing the Pulpit)? It all kicks off in just two weeks! It’s going to be GREAT with a very talented local speaker here in Hot Springs plus many fantastic recorded speakers throughout the days! For more information please consult the church’s website: (hotspringschurchofchrist.org).
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