https://youtu.be/xyDfbVh1WEw

Crazy Talk  (Acts 26:19-32)               *New King James Version*

Read Acts 26:19-32

Previously, in the Book of Acts…

- The Apostle Paul had been a Jewish Pharisees, and led

the charge of persecuting Christians. He became radically saved, and given the

mission by Jesus to preach the Gospel to the Jews/Gentiles.

- Not long ago, when in Jerusalem, Paul was seized by an

angry Jewish mob that wanted to kill him, accusing him of teaching against the

Laws of Moses.

- The Pharisees were mad that he taught salvation was also

for the Gentiles, and the Sadducees were mad that he taught Jesus was

resurrected from the dead. Both are key truths of the Gospel!

- Paul was arrested and taken into custody by the Roman

soldiers, mostly for his own protection. Even though they couldn’t find a Roman

law he had broken, he remained captive for over 2 years.

- He now finds himself sharing his testimony in front of the King of Judea, King Agrippa, and a room full of the most influential people in Caesarea and the surrounding areas.

#1: Fear did not stop Paul from being obedient.

- Acts 26:15-19, So

I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are

persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I

have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness

both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet

reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people,

as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to

open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the

power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an

inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to

the heavenly vision,

-

Paul was obedient, but look where it has gotten him. He’s standing trial,

falsely accused, before Gentiles with the power to kill him, and Jews lying in

wait to kill him if he is released.

- Example:

My fear of leadership, bootcamp story, setting up tents and getting punished

for no reason. Avoided those with power over me ever since. Then invited

Chiefs to church.

          - I got burned before, but needed to

get over that hurt, and move forward with ministry.

-

Paul dealt with significant hardship before this day, but he held onto the

words of Jesus, “I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from

the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,”

- YOU

have a word from the Lord too! Luke 12:4, (Jesus said) “And I say to

you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that

have no more that they can do.”

- Just

like for Paul, Jesus has given YOU the ability to share the gospel and your

testimony “with both small and great.”  Don’t be afraid to be committed to your

Christian faith in public.

- Psalm 56:11, In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

#2: Paul’s “crazy talk” almost worked!

- Verse 24, Now as he thus made his defense,

Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is

driving you mad!” (crazy)

- Agrippa insulted Paul about his persistence in the

faith,