Acts 24:22-27 This Morning’s Bible Text

But the Lord said to him [Ananias], “Go, for he [Paul] is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.” Acts 9:15

“Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause in Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” Acts 23:11

We need to stop seeing our difficult or trying times as reasons or excuses not to share Christ and rather see them as opportunities for sharing Christ. Thought

I.The Gospel is Universal (24:22-24) Five Truths About the Gospel “Go into all creation and preach the gospel” Mark 16:15 “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” Acts 17:30-31

II.The Gospel is Reasonable (24:24-25) Five Truths About the Gospel 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences…20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:11, 20

2 And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” Acts 17:2-3

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

And he [Paul] was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. Acts 18:4

…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a DEFENSE (apology) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15

III.The Gospel is Clear (24:25) Five Truths About the Gospel 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe… Romans 3:21-22 “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31

19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20

IV.The Gospel is Life-changing (24:25) Five Truths About the Gospel 34 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.” Acts 10: This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. John 3:19-21

V.The Gospel is Urgent (24:25) Five Truths About the Gospel “…behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 21 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. John 3:19-21

18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-20

25 Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:25-27

And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” Acts 2:40