June 9, 2010
Acts 25
Pastor Stan Wilson
More than likely - in the near future and possibly even today - someone will assault your faith. It would seem most likely that such an assault would come from a critic or co-worker. However, don’t be caught off guard if it comes from a close friend. Brace yourself, because it could even come from someone that you love dearly. While it may not be intentional, it is highly probable that words will be spoken that will challenge the Christ-centered belief system upon which you have built and continue to build your life.
In Acts 25, Festus assaulted the core of Paul’s spiritual foundation. As he spoke to King Agrippa about the charges that had been brought against Paul (verse 19), he referred to “…a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” Can you believe it? He called Jesus a dead man! Because of our own faith in and love for Jesus, we find this statement ludicrous and unnerving. Such an attack calls for a response. Don’t you agree?
If you, like Paul, find someone challenging your faith today or in the near future, how will you respond? I believe that Paul has provided us with a great example. Although we don’t see where he had a direct opportunity to respond to the words spoken by Festus, we see a pattern throughout the book of Acts. When placed on trial for his faith, Paul never lashed out. He never became defensive or wasted his words. Instead, Paul told and retold the story of how Jesus changed his life.
I’ll never forget the wise words a Bible college professor once spoke to our class, “My experience will always outweigh your argument.” This was Paul’s approach, and a good one for each of us.
When your faith is on trial, simply tell your story.
Did you know? Pastor Stan is a Food Network junkie and wanna-be chef who believes that good relationship is built and strengthened over a good meal.
