Two years passed since Paul's trial before Felix, and Festus was now governor. After surviving another assassination attempt, Paul stood trial before Festus. Paul's ambition was to preach the Gospel to Caesar in Rome, so he appealed his case to Caesar. A few days later, King Agrippa and his sister Bernice visited Festus, and, after learning about Paul's Gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection, decided to hear Paul as well. Paul gave a detailed account of his conversion and preached the Gospel to these three powerful officials. King Agrippa seemed to be almost persuaded, but sadly, ultimately resumed to the regular business of life, unmoved by the message of salvation.

Having already looked at doctrinal-related objections against Christianity, in this lesson we examine a handful of cultural - societal objections people have against Christianity, and how to respond to them. The selected objections are particularly relevant to Manhattan - NYC culture -and other similar cultures-, such as- denying miracles, claiming Christianity is oppressive, supporting sexual immorality, and pro-abortion ideology.

Paul is brought before Felix the governor to be tried. Tertullus, a smooth-talking lawyer, opens with a flattering introduction, and proceeds to accuse Paul of causing political unrest and religious blasphemy. Paul, in contrast, succinctly defends himself. He later bravely proclaims Jesus and discusses righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment to the corrupt governor and his immoral wife Drusilla. Felix, being motivated by greed and wanting to appease the Jews, detains Paul for two years. We see the urgency to believe in the Gospel and God's sovereignty working while we wait for him.

As we start a new Bible study series in Paul's letter to Titus, we note that this series will have a special emphasis on the applications directed at duties of church membership - applications in the context of the local church. Paul begins his letter to Titus with an introduction, talking about his apostolic mission statement, motivation for ministry, commission from God to do the work, and a result of this work - namely, discipleship of Titus. We see how Paul's mission, motivation, commission, and discipleship ought to be connected with the daily life and duty of the local church member.

Jesus came to his hometown, where he testified that he would receive no honor. A desperate official came begging Jesus to heal his son, and Jesus gave a gracious response. The official believed in Jesus' word and his son was healed the same hour Jesus uttered those healing words. We see that the miracle working God does not have to be physically present for the miracle or wonder to be performed. His word alone is authoritative and sufficient. Furthermore, this second sign was given to show that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God.

The message starts with an overview of the Old Testament story, before going into Hebrews 11. Through this overview, we see that despite the Old Testament people often failing to obey God - sometimes being terrible people, God still makes His purposes prevail every time. Then jumping to Hebrews 11, we see that because of what we've seen in the overview, Hebrews 11 is not telling the Christian to 'be like these people'. Rather, the message is that you are a terrible person, just like everyone in Hebrews 11 - but you are called to be a witness to the same gospel truths that they were, shaking off sin while doing so even as those in Hebrews 11 tried to.

The Christian's past life was empty - he used to walk in the way of the Gentiles, darkened in his mind and understanding, alienated from God. However, the Christian's present life is eternal - he is putting off the old self, putting on the new self, and is being renewed in the spirit of his mind.

In this last sermon on Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, we see how spiritual birth results in mission-mindedness, how spiritual blindness results in the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' intentions, and how saving belief from the Samaritans is the result of the Messiah's work.

A plot to kill Paul was formed by the Jews, but was uncovered by Paul's nephew. The commander was informed and sent 470 soldiers to escort Paul to Caesarea to stand before the governor. We see how God can use unlikely means to provide for our needs far beyond our expectations.

Q60. What is faith in Jesus Christ-----A. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from God, which we receive from the Holy Spirit because of God's grace. Through it, we look to God alone for salvation, trusting Him to forgive our sins, and guide us to eternal joy. We are assured of this because of Jesus Christ's incarnation, perfect life, substitutionary atoning death on the cross, resurrection from the dead, and ascension to heaven. The gospel freely offers the person and work of Christ to make us right with God - as if we had never sinned nor been a sinner, and as if we had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for us. -Heb. 10-39- John 1-12- Phil. 3-9- Gal. 2-15-16- The Apostle's Creed------Q61. What is repentance from sin-----A. Repentance from sin is a result of receiving faith in Jesus Christ, and it too is a gift of God's grace. It means that a sinner is able to see how horrible and wicked his sin is, and how desirable and glorious and beautiful Jesus Christ is. Through the mercy of God in Christ, the sinner turns away from sin with sorrow and hatred, and turns towards God with love and obedience.---Acts 2-37- Joel 2-13- Jer. 31-18-19- 2 Cor. 7-10-11- Rom. 6-18-