Sunday Oct 29 2006

Sunday Oct 29 2006
In a world where Christianity is marketed and sold under the guise of “life enhancement,” there is a basic truth that strikes at the heart of the issue. That truth is simple yet profound.

In Paul’s defense before Festus in Acts 25:1-22, we get a glimpse of that truth being defended.

The Storyline
Festus becomes governor of the region, taking over for Felix
Festus came into power and immediately began righting Felix’s wrongs, including this situation with Paul.
The Jews are still committed to seeing Paul dead (vs. 3)
Festus convenes the court in Caesarea (vs. 6-8)
Paul appeals to Caesar (9-12)
Festus confers with Agrippa for council (13-22)

KEY VERSE: “Instead, they [the Jews] had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” vs. 19

At the heart of Christianity is the belief that Jesus died on the cross and in three days came back to life. (1 Cor. 15:3-4)

Like Paul, we must give a defense for why we believe Jesus is alive. In doing so, we must appeal to three the basic parts to faith:

The Mind- The most intelligent decision to make is to believe in the resurrection
1. It allows for a “open universe” philosophy while staying true to the earthly science of today.
2. The evidence points to a resurrection
3. We have a book that gives us reliable testimony of others who experienced the resurrected Jesus.
4. We have an empty tomb.

Change Lives- Those who believe in the resurrection are never the same.
1. People are spiritually healed
2. People are given purpose and passion
3. People are set free from guilt, shame and addictions
4. Example: the Disciples

Personal Knowledge- My intimacy with God
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16