Speaking to the government in a spirit-directed life Acts 25:13-14; 26:28

Sukkot / Festival of Booths What do you recall from last year?

Sukkot / Festival of Booths What should we note about the roof of a sukkah? Why? What should we note about the length and breath of a sukkah? Why? Recall our vulnerability | always able to look up to God | As expansive as possible | includes all who want to come | excludes those who do not want to come – the nature of God’s kingdom.

Video of all nations celebrating Sukkot

Zechariah 14 16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain. 

Why celebrate Sukkot ? The celebration blesses Israel It unites Jews and Gentiles | heritage, present possession It carries a powerful message through doing It anticipates the return of Jesus Christ and the kingdom to come

Connection: Sukkot & Acts 25-26? Sukkot: Kingdom Celebration Paul’s action: Kingdom proclamation

The Story of Paul the Prisoner Prisoner in Caesarea New governor (Festus) about to transfer Paul back to Jerusalem Paul had a pivotal moment – he is to go to Rome Paul appealed to Caesar – the nuclear option

While Paul was in prison in Caesarea, King Agrippa II (of the Jews) came to Caesarea to visit Festus. Festus sought advice of Agrippa, as he had no proper charge to write to send Paul to Caesar Christianity not legal, but not illegal

Paul was brought before Agrippa and his wife Bernice

Paul’s “Defense” Before Agrippa Not a real defense. Paul going to Rome, nothing he said mattered to his acquittal Paul told the story of his conversion

Paul’s “Defense” Before Agrippa Conclusion: Acts 26 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

Meaning of “I know you do.” Real claim to knowledge Trying to move Agrippa in a right direction by affirming what may be only weakly affirmed. Positive towards Agrippa.

Paul was fulfilling his calling Acts 9 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.

This calling is not only to Paul Matthew 10  17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

This calling is not only to Paul Matthew 10  19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

All believers are to testify before the authorities when called upon How did the early Christians gain audience? Today’s attitude: Avoid trouble. Stay under the radar. Don’t let the authorities open an investigation on you.

Staying safe is not a calling. Testifying to princes is a calling. Calling of each disciple: (1) Love God and man; (2) Make disciples Make disciples includes those in authority – if you are so equipped and positioned.

Making disciples of those in government requires a certain positivity towards them – despite the reality they may be bad people Agrippa and Bernice husband and wife, also brother and sister – incest Agrippa II, client (stooge) king of Rome

The problem of negativity You will lose your favor with those in authorities You will lose any opportunity to testify to them

The problem of compliance You will not see their faults and their desperate need for salvation You will not have the courage to speak to the government

Bible: their authority temporary Bible: their authority temporary. They need to come under the Kingdom of God Know their faults Pray for them (ALL can do) Persuade them to the truth of God (some can do)

Christians have lost perspective concerning proclaiming the kingdom to princes We changed the narrative to support or oppose this or that person – WRONG!!! We care more about the vote than the message to princes

Why proclaim to princes? A proclamation is an act of persuasion.

Why proclaim to princes? A proclamation is positive because you believe the one to whom you proclaim can change.

Why proclaim to princes? A proclamation of God’s kingdom calls the listener to come to terms with the kingdom of God – do you want to govern according to the principles of the kingdom or not? Without knowledge, there is no responsibility.

Why proclaim to princes? A proclamation calls for decision to accept or to reject.

Why proclaim to princes? A proclamation calls for decision to accept or to reject. Making a proclamation assumes a leadership position as Gods’ representative.

Why proclaim to princes? A proclamation calls for decision to accept or to reject. Making a proclamation assumes a leadership position as Gods’ representative. A proclamation says there is another kingdom – the kingdom of God

Sukkot is about the Kingdom of God One day, Jesus will take his rightful place as king and there will be righteousness on earth

Sukkot is about the Kingdom of God One day, Jesus will take his rightful place as king and there will be righteousness on earth The world will finally know peace.

Sukkot is about the Kingdom of God We will reign with him. Current rulers will give way to God’s children.

Sukkot is about the Kingdom of God Israel’s true place will be established. Luke 2 38 [Jesus] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, | and the glory of your people Israel.”

Sukkot is about the Kingdom of God Sukkot is the celebration of the kingdom to come

Kingdom proclamation & celebration Celebration is also proclamation One Jewish tradition: shaking the lulav

Kingdom proclamation & celebration Lulav comprises: Willow (no fragrance, no fruit) Myrtle (fragrance, no fruit) Date palm (fruit, no fragrance) Citrus / Etrog (fruit and fragrance)

Celebration and Testimony Celebration is attractive testimony to high and low alike Return to kingdom truth. Our prayer is for the KG, our life for KG, our celebration for the KG, our witness to princes for the KG.