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- Oct 26, 2007
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- 12,538
"Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now." Acts 22:1 NKJV
Paul found himself in the court of public opinion, and it was uncomfortable. He had a testimony to share, and the atmosphere was tense with opposing perspectives. For the third day you get to read about a court case. Solomon appealed to God on behalf of people who sinned, David appealed to God for his enemies to recognize the power of God, and Paul appealed to people to consider the rescuing power of God.
All three instances invited people to think, consider, and ultimately respond to what they learn about God. In two cases, it was an appeal to allow His voice to be heard among all the other noise humans encounter. It was a crowd who had one agenda stopping long enough to hear about a different agenda.
Yes, this was an appeal to the mind, but it had the elements needed to inspire an emotional response. Perhaps the people would remember what Paul said about his past and God’s new story for him.
Think about ways three unusual court cases found in God’s Word could be used to share Jesus.
Prayer: Letting people think whatever they want about You is easy, God. I can avoid arguments that way, but three times in three days I learn that people who loved You wanted others to know You too. Help me be wise enough to want the same thing.
Paul found himself in the court of public opinion, and it was uncomfortable. He had a testimony to share, and the atmosphere was tense with opposing perspectives. For the third day you get to read about a court case. Solomon appealed to God on behalf of people who sinned, David appealed to God for his enemies to recognize the power of God, and Paul appealed to people to consider the rescuing power of God.
All three instances invited people to think, consider, and ultimately respond to what they learn about God. In two cases, it was an appeal to allow His voice to be heard among all the other noise humans encounter. It was a crowd who had one agenda stopping long enough to hear about a different agenda.
Yes, this was an appeal to the mind, but it had the elements needed to inspire an emotional response. Perhaps the people would remember what Paul said about his past and God’s new story for him.
Think about ways three unusual court cases found in God’s Word could be used to share Jesus.
Prayer: Letting people think whatever they want about You is easy, God. I can avoid arguments that way, but three times in three days I learn that people who loved You wanted others to know You too. Help me be wise enough to want the same thing.
