In Acts 26 the Apostle Paul pleaded his legal case before King Herod Agippa. King Agippa was the grandson of King Herod the Great. The Jewish Religious leaders had levied many false charges against Paul, but they were unable to provide proof for their claims… which might have had something to do with the fact that the charges were fabricated. So, Paul, as was his right as a Roman Citizen, appealed his case to the Supreme Court of his day — Caesar — and King Herod was just a stop along the way to Rome.
But Paul, ever the missionary, seized the opportunity to stand in front of some of the most influential people of his day and present the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He boldly proclaimed Jesus as the risen Lord who had brought salvation to his life. His life-story of redemption was so compelling, that those listening were led to a point of decision… accept Jesus as Lord… or not.
Paul began by talking about his life before Christ. He shared that he was deeply religious… a Pharisee holding to the most strict form of the Law. He had hated Christians because he was convinced Jesus was a false prophet and Christianity a cult of his religion. He testified to persecuting them at every opportunity. In fact, one of the reasons the religious leaders of his day hated him so much was because, at one time, Paul had been their lead attack dog.
So what led to such life-change in Paul… he met Jesus. Paul told King Agrippa and his court about his encounter with the Risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, and he shared with them Jesus’ words… ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me… I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ Acts 26:15-18 NIV
Well, Paul assured King Agippa that he had been doing what Jesus commissioned him to do ever since — spread the Good News found in knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. His speech was so powerful and convicting that King Agippa actually cried out, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (vs 28) To which Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am…” (vs 29)
You’ve got to love the heart of Paul who so desperately wanted people to discover redemption in Christ. An attitude that would lead him to write, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people…” Romans 9:2-3 NIV Now, that is a heart for evangelism.
You have a story too. Just like the Apostle Paul, God wants to use your story to bring people to the point of decision… accept Jesus as Lord… or not. I have learned to follow Paul’s example when I tell my story. I talk about my life before knowing Jesus… I talk about how I came to know Jesus… and then I talk about how my life is different because of Jesus. It’s really not that difficult.
If you have never taken the time to write out your story, could I encourage you to consider doing just that this week. Our key verse from 1 Peter this week is… “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV Are you prepared?
If you would like a resource tool to help you in that process visit the Welcome Center and pick up the packet, The Second Greatest Story Ever Told.
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