Jeff Shelnutt Sermons

As Paul stood before the stately and dignified King Agrippa and Bernice, it was tempting for him to feel overwhelmed and insignificant. The world system represented by the Roman and Jewish authorities, looks upon the Christian as an afterthought, his beliefs as irrelevant, and makes accusations that are indefinite. What is an afterthought to the non-Christian is a forethought to God. Instead of seeking to understand the Christian, the world system changes definitions of words. Charges must be indefinite because objective truth is offensive. It is only in Christ that Paul, or anyone, finds significance and meaning. Only the Christian knows the "why" of life.   

Far from simply wise men who happened to notice a new star from their home east of Israel, the magi understood the significance of what they observed in the sky. Compelled to worship the recently born King of the Jews, they demonstrated the impulse that drives us all. Herod the Great denied the worship of God because he worshiped himself--a tendency we each must guard against. Finally, the magi found the Son of God and fell down prostrate before Him. The reality of their worship was on display as they presented their treasures to Jesus.    

The Roman governor, Felix, left Paul in prison for two years. Upon his installment, the new governor, Festus, immediately sets about to deal with Paul's case. In the meantime, the Lord has been working through Paul's season of inactivity and waiting. His confinement refined his character, and his time for reflection brought greater clarity on the will of God. As a result, Paul's defense is short and to the point. The Lord will accomplish His purposes even as He gives you and me the freedom to cooperate with His plan.

Felix is unwilling to rule on Paul's case. His indecision means Paul is left in custody for two more years. To live is to make decisions. Even refusing to choose is a choice. In Felix's dealings with Paul, we observe the excuses, the failure, and the tragedy of indecision. When Felix is confronted with the Gospel, Paul discusses righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. As he equivocates on deciding Paul's fate, Felix hovers in indecision about his own. Thankfully, there is a way out and a way forward in decision-making.      

In our last of seven messages that explore the essentials of the Christian faith, we consider the future. The physical resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ ensures that He will physically return as King and Judge. The eternal destination of each person is based on what each decides to do with Jesus in this life. It matters how we live today because choices we make now ripple into eternity. Christians long for the physical restoration of all creation, the merging of heaven and earth. Everything wrong will be made right. The Lord will leave no loose ends dangling, but will execute perfect justice.   

Paul is placed on trial before the provincial governor, Felix. According to Roman law, the accused must face his accusers. The attorney, Tertullus, brings charges on behalf of the ruling Jewish Council. In order to build a case, Tertullus obscures the truth. Essentially, Paul is accused of "hate speech." When Paul is allowed to answer the charges, he reveals the truth. Though lying takes many forms, there is only one way to tell the truth. God always honors the truth and vindicates the truth-teller. There is a day coming when every human being will give an account. Those who will be declared righteous on the Day of Judgment are those who are declared righteous by faith in Jesus Christ today.

The decision is made to quickly transfer Paul from Jerusalem to Casarea so that his case might be heard before the provincial governor, Felix. Over 400 hundred Roman soldiers accompany the apostle. The Lord protects His own when they are opposed for their witness. It is not a matter of whether you will encounter opposition for following the Lord Jesus. The question is what form will the opposition take? Through this passage the Christian is instructed both how to forget his fears, and how to forget himself when facing opposition. Whether you know it or not, Jesus is the center of your story. You are either acknowledging this centrality or the Holy Spirit is orchestrating events in your life to bring you to that realization. 

In Roman custody, Paul has already been rescued from the angry mob in the temple courts and from the wrath of the ruling Jewish council. At this juncture, the Lord stood by Paul in the night and gave him a word of encouragement and a promise. This promise is what will sustain Paul in the long season of imprisonment ahead. Paul then learns of a secret plot to have him killed. What the world so often calls coincidences, the Christian calls providence. The seeming coincidences confirm that God is working out His promises.

It is obvious from Scripture that the church is near and dear to the heart of God. His intention is to work through local congregations to accomplish His eternal plan. From this passage in Ephesians, we discover the church's identity, the church's foundation, and the church as God's dwelling place. Nowhere else on earth do we find a group of people from such different backgrounds, experiences, and personalities who are supernaturally brought together for such a common goal and a holy purpose. 

The Roman commander who arrested Paul places him before the Jewish Council. Paul begins his remarks with a reference to his conscience. We observe through this encounter what the conscience does, how the conscience works, and how to maintain a good conscience. Respecting those in authority positions is a matter of the conscience. Sometimes it is not clear whether one has sinned, made a mistake, or simply made a bad decision. In cases like this, one must appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.