Today's Reading:
Judges 8:18-9:21
Acts 26:1-32
Psalm 70:1-5
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Acts 26:25-27
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."
Insight:
When
Paul testified before King Agrippa, he explained that his belief in the
possibility of resurrection did not contradict his Jewish beliefs or
background. Even as a Pharisee Paul would have accepted the possibility
of resurrection. He admitted that early on, he too opposed the
Christians, and was, in fact, obsessed with opposing them. One day,
however, he came face to face with the resurrected Jesus himself.
Paul
told Agrippa that he had become convinced that the suffering, death,
burial, and resurrection were exactly what Moses and prophets said would
happen. What's more, Paul said, he was sure Agrippa was already
familiar with the accounts of Jesus' resurrection, since none of the
things he was describing were "done in a corner."
Response and Action:
What
could turn a Pharisee who opposed the followers of Jesus into a
believer and bold ambassador for Jesus? 1) his realization that Jesus'
resurrection was consistent with his faith in God; 2) his discovery that
the suffering and resurrection of Jesus were actually consistent with
Jewish prophecy; 3) his face-to-face encounter with the resurrected
Jesus; and, 4) the wide-spread testimony of so many others who had also
seen and encountered the resurrected Christ.
My faith
and confidence in the resurrected Jesus grows stronger: 1) as I am
discovering that it is reasonable and not inconsistent with other forms
of knowledge; 2) as I am testing and proving my faith through my
practice and daily life; 3) as I am finding the claims of Jesus and the
Apostles to be consistent with the hopes and promises of the Hebrew
Scriptures; 4) as I consider the experiential and historical testimony
of so many others who have considered the claims of Christ.
O
God, I believe that you have the power of life and death. Resurrection
is not too difficult for you. I see from reading scripture that Jesus'
birth, life, death, and resurrection are perfectly consistent with
prophecy. My own walk with Jesus has confirmed and strengthened my
faith. The countless testimonies of people throughout history and around
the world serve to increase my belief. May the same Spirit that raised
Christ from the dead raise and transform my life. Through Christ, I
pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 12:2
2 Let
us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who
for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Resources:
Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics
by William Lane Craig
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Thursday, December 31, 2020
True and Reasonable
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