"If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Although it's been a long time since I've seen this bumper sticker, I often ponder it's searching question.
The apostle Paul was literally arrested for being a Christian and was privileged to make his defense before the highest court of the day. The stakes could not have been higher; he could have babbled like a mad man and been discredited in the eyes of the court, or presented his case concisely and intelligently and gained his freedom. Apparently the latter was true, based on the response of the powerful magistrate before whom he stood: "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar." (Acts 26:32)
So what was Paul's compelling argument? In his own words, "I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." (Acts 26:22-23)
Paul's entire defense was based upon the believer's hope of resurrection made possible through the resurrection of Jesus, as revealed in Scripture. This was the key non-negotiable belief for Paul. This key truth made it possible "to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith" (Acts 26:18). Without Christ's resurrection and the believer's resurrection there is no kingdom hope.
A worthy cause inspires sacrifice and service. There is no higher cause worthy of our highest sacrifice and service than this - the hope of resurrection through Christ. This belief provides the energy and enthusiasm for Christian living, outreach, and mission.
Several years ago I grappled with the question, "What do I believe strongly enough that I would be willing to die for?" The hope of resurrection through Christ's resurrection was at the top of the list, followed closely by the future Kingdom of God on earth, the sleep of the dead, the oneness of God, and the sonship of Jesus. These are my resolute beliefs and worthy of my utmost in service and sacrifice.
May you find powerful motivation today in the truths that matter.
Steve
The apostle Paul was literally arrested for being a Christian and was privileged to make his defense before the highest court of the day. The stakes could not have been higher; he could have babbled like a mad man and been discredited in the eyes of the court, or presented his case concisely and intelligently and gained his freedom. Apparently the latter was true, based on the response of the powerful magistrate before whom he stood: "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar." (Acts 26:32)
So what was Paul's compelling argument? In his own words, "I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." (Acts 26:22-23)
Paul's entire defense was based upon the believer's hope of resurrection made possible through the resurrection of Jesus, as revealed in Scripture. This was the key non-negotiable belief for Paul. This key truth made it possible "to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith" (Acts 26:18). Without Christ's resurrection and the believer's resurrection there is no kingdom hope.
A worthy cause inspires sacrifice and service. There is no higher cause worthy of our highest sacrifice and service than this - the hope of resurrection through Christ. This belief provides the energy and enthusiasm for Christian living, outreach, and mission.
Several years ago I grappled with the question, "What do I believe strongly enough that I would be willing to die for?" The hope of resurrection through Christ's resurrection was at the top of the list, followed closely by the future Kingdom of God on earth, the sleep of the dead, the oneness of God, and the sonship of Jesus. These are my resolute beliefs and worthy of my utmost in service and sacrifice.
May you find powerful motivation today in the truths that matter.
Steve
posted by steve @ 10:37 AM
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