I sincerely apologize that it has been over a month since I've updated my blog! I have truly missed doing so, yet never do anything to change my habit... :( Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what I've been up to recently before I jump into Acts 24 (can you believe it? How are we already almost done with Acts???) Just this Thursday, I began writing a novel for NaNoWriMo. For those of you who have never heard of this, it is National Novel Writing Month where people all over the world attempt to write their own 50,000 word novel in the month of November (that's right, only 30 days!). This is my first year attempting to do something so crazy, but I am loving it! So between NaNo, schoolwork, and everything else that keeps popping up, my blog is continually pushed to the back burner. I've noticed that when I don't blog, I end up skipping reading the NT, which in turn affects my daily life. I won't promise that I'll keep up with this faithfully, especially this month, but I would like to set a sort of "goal" here for all to read: I plan on continuing to read one chapter of the New Testament every day, and continue to blog about my reactions to the text. I'd also like to ask for your encouragement as I continue all of these endeavors. It's a lot, I know, but I'm excited for all the possibilities. I am hoping to catch up and re-blog on the chapters I've missed after finals are over, we'll have to see if that really happens or not... (insert nervous laugh here). I'd love to continue on about what I would like to do, but now is not the time for that. Instead, we turn our attention to Acts 24.
In this chapter, Paul is before Felix, the governor, after he was accused by the Jews of stirring up riots. He cannot be found guilty based on any of the evidence presented. However, Felix wants to stay on the "good side" of the Jews. So instead of releasing Paul, he has him kept in custody until Lysias comes. I could go into more of the "history lesson" of the chapter, but there's something in verses 24-25 I'd like to focus on, particularly verse 25.
Felix has Paul summoned several times during his time in custody while in Caesarea. However, notice what verse 25 says:
"And as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgement, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."
Do you see what is happening here? Paul is preaching the Word of God, and as soon as he touches on something that is unpleasing to Felix, he is demanded to stop. We may think that Felix is being harsh, but think about it. How many times do we as Christians do that, let alone unbelievers? How many times do we read something in God's Word or hear something in a sermon that we are uncomfortable with, something that points out our flaws and sins, and try to ignore it? I know I do that frequently. We don't want to be told we are doing wrong. But that's the whole point of the Gospel: we are sinners undeserving of salvation, and we need a Savior, one who is perfect, to save us! It's hard to see the sin and wrongs in our lives, but it is a necessary step to understanding the truth and the amazing grace of the Gospel! The next time God is showing you your sin, don't ignore it. Listen to His voice, and acknowledge His work in your life!
That's it for now. I hope you will come back and join me as we finish Acts and head into Romans toward the end of this week! :)
In this chapter, Paul is before Felix, the governor, after he was accused by the Jews of stirring up riots. He cannot be found guilty based on any of the evidence presented. However, Felix wants to stay on the "good side" of the Jews. So instead of releasing Paul, he has him kept in custody until Lysias comes. I could go into more of the "history lesson" of the chapter, but there's something in verses 24-25 I'd like to focus on, particularly verse 25.
Felix has Paul summoned several times during his time in custody while in Caesarea. However, notice what verse 25 says:
"And as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgement, Felix was alarmed and said, "Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you."
Do you see what is happening here? Paul is preaching the Word of God, and as soon as he touches on something that is unpleasing to Felix, he is demanded to stop. We may think that Felix is being harsh, but think about it. How many times do we as Christians do that, let alone unbelievers? How many times do we read something in God's Word or hear something in a sermon that we are uncomfortable with, something that points out our flaws and sins, and try to ignore it? I know I do that frequently. We don't want to be told we are doing wrong. But that's the whole point of the Gospel: we are sinners undeserving of salvation, and we need a Savior, one who is perfect, to save us! It's hard to see the sin and wrongs in our lives, but it is a necessary step to understanding the truth and the amazing grace of the Gospel! The next time God is showing you your sin, don't ignore it. Listen to His voice, and acknowledge His work in your life!
That's it for now. I hope you will come back and join me as we finish Acts and head into Romans toward the end of this week! :)
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