ONLINE CHURCH BULLETIN

"Be like me!" 

Acts 26.22 But I have had God’s help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner.
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?"
29 Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

Paul preached Christ to King Agrippa. He understood that he was fulfilling God’s purpose for his life when he testified about the Risen Savior. He was more interested in the case for Christ than the case for Paul. 

He prayed for a harvest--that all who listened would follow him as he was following Christ. These words challenge us to examine our lives. When we follow Christ as Paul did, we will show Him--the Hope of glory--to those around us. It may be easy to do this when we have no "chains" but we appreciate the way Paul lived his faith while in chains. He recognized that through the opposition of the Jews, God had given him opportunities to talk to "small and great" about the Risen Savior.

Philippians 1.12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

What are your "chains"? Trust that God can use you--with your unique circumstances--to serve Him and to show Christ to others. Let us live so that we can say, "I want you to be like me."

Dear Father, we know You have saved us and protected us so that we can offer up our lives to the praise of Your glory. We are grateful for Your help and we are grateful for our mission. Forgive us when we are distracted from our great purpose. Help us to live so that others will see Christ in us. Help those who are hurting. We ask this in the name of the Risen One. Amen.
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Love
Brad Forgy