Homiletics

 Acts 24:1-27

Content:

1. Ananias, elders and lawyers present case against Paul before Governor Felix. 1
2. Lawyer Tertullus flatters Felix before getting to the point. 2-4
3. Tertullus presents case of Paul as a trouble maker to the point of desecrating the temple. 5-8
4. The Jews affirm this. 9
5. Paul presents his defense stating he went to Jerusalem 12 days ago but was not stirring up trouble. 10-13
6. Paul confesses to being a follower of the Way agreeing with the law striving to keep his conscience clear before God. 14-16
7. Paul explains his presence and conduct in Jerusalem and temple courts. 17-18
8. Paul says they need to declare his crime, all he knows is it has something to do with the resurrection. 19-21
9. Felix dismisses court, delaying decision, giving Paul freedom under guard. 22-23
10. Felix calls for Paul to speak before him and wife Drusilla. 24
11. Felix saw Paul off and on for 2 years hoping for a bribe. 25-26
12. When succeeded by Porcius Festus, Felix left Paul in prison for Jews favor. 27

Divisions:

1. Paul's accusers present case before Felix. 1-9
2. Paul presents facts in his defense. 10-21
3. Paul's case put on pause for two years. 22-27

Subject Sentence:

• Paul's case brought before Governor Felix encounters delays for outcome.

Aim:

• to cause me to remain faithful to gospel message and it's declaration in times of waiting.

Application:

1. What accusations are being made about me? by others around me or Satan's voice inside my mind?
2. What facts about the gospel do I need to remind myself of when Satan attacks my mind? Do I rely upon the facts of the gospel in defense to other's accusations?
3. How do I need to remain faithful to the gospel message in my time of waiting?

Homiletics

 Acts 23:1-35

Content:

1. Paul addresses Sanhedrin confidently, is struck as order of Ananias and Paul responds with harsh words. 1-3
2. Paul responds with sense of error and repentance. 4-5
3. Paul proclaims position as Pharisee and hope in the resurrection, stirring up assembly of Sadducees and Pharisees. 6-8
4. Outburst so violent, commander has Paul removed to barracks. 9-10
5. Jesus appears to Paul in the night speaking encouragement. 11
6. Jews form conspiracy plan to kill Paul. 12-15
7. Paul's nephew learned of  it warning Paul. 16
8. Paul uses centurion to get message to commander. 17-22
9. 470 men engaged to escort Paul to Caesarea in the night at the commander's request. 23-24
10. Commander sends letter of explanation with the troupes for Governor Felix. 25-30
11. Soldiers carry out orders delivering Paul to governor in Caesarea. 31-33
12. Governor puts Paul in Herod's palace under guard awaiting accusers to come make their case. 34-35

Divisions:

1. Paul is safely removed from the crowd when his appearance before Sanhedrin creates uproar. 1- 11
2. The Jews' Plot to trap and kill Paul is discovered and reported by his nephew. 12-22
3. Paul is moved in the night and sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea for safety. 23-35

Subject Sentence:

• Paul secretly removed to Caesarea when infuriated Sanhedrin plot his death. 

Aim:

• TCMT trust Jesus for deliverance in times of great accusation and turmoil.
• (explanation) Although I surely could have enemies trying to destroy me, especially if I was bolder about my faith, I related this passage to my internal persecution.  I do believe that although Satan can not touch me eternally because I am in Christ, he does like to mess with my head and my effectiveness.  He is the accuser who is out to destroy any impact that I might have for the cause of Jesus Christ.  I see that in my thought life.  So I related this passage to how Satan tries to accuse me and destroy what I might desire to do as a follower of Jesus.  My application questions reflect this.

Application:

1. Do I speak truth in humility when accused?  Do I recognize my sin AS WELL as my position and deliverance in Christ?  Am I giving God the time and ear to speak his encouragement to me?
2. Do I trust that God is using people and circumstances to guide me even when I fell threatened and out of control? When Satan accuses me, do I look for a way of escape in the truth of God's word and presence of the Holy Spirit.  Do I seek the help of trusted believers in such times?
3. Do I trust God's power to deliver me from Satan's accusations and the traps he has set before me?

Family update

I am going to post Homiletics here in just a few but wanted to share a couple of updates - see if you can find the prayer request within.  You know kind of like "Where's Waldo."

Peter started the EMT program at the local community college and I am really proud of his commitment to get up and go to class 4 early mornings a week.  However after 3 weeks he has concluded that this is not the profession for him and has dropped out.  He is on the search again for his dream career.  Okay so his dream career would be either a professional Madden Football Gamer or a Lyft driver (driving, listening to music and making money.) Since the Madden Guru thing is tricky and  he is currently uninsurable and sold his car last weekend, he thinks he wants to be a restaurant server and is in the process of trying to find a server job.  Beyond work Peter is pretty unmotivated and spends much time on the couch and the bed.  As his land lord, mom and primary cheerleader it is often hard to know how to handle all of this.  I prod and encourage but find it a tricky balance.  My constant question most of his life has been what behaviors of his am I enabling and what is really beyond his ability due to mental/emotional issues.  I continually wish for and  pray that Peter would put himself in the place of people who would be an encouragement and influence,  And when Peter does so that people would reach out to him. I am grateful that unlike his early years, Peter is usually pleasant to be around.  The fact I drive him a good bit gives me a chance to talk with him. He can be quiet funny and insightful though also delusional about real life.  Yet at the same time driving him and help him manage finances etc can be consuming.

Mama Millie is having some cosmetic work done at her condo which is exciting. Thus far (except for her ankles she says) she has been feeling really well.  We pray for continued protection of mom's health. 

I am on my second assistant in my classroom this year.  This is another lovely person that I enjoy working with but who finds managing a dozen 3 and 4 year olds way to stressful and is looking for an out.  This has impact on my load.  I am praying for someone who can finish out the school year with us that will love the kiddo's, be willing to share the workload and have some good "tiny human management" skills.

I am a procrastinator.  Have been my whole life.  I often use food and Entertainment (TV, Fiction, shopping, Wordle, Solitaire)  to put things off.  Shoot I will use just about anything, even washing dishes, to put off what I don't want to do. I understand the concept of "Eat the Frog First."  You know do the most unwanted task first and get it done.  But understanding and doing are not the same thing.  I keep thinking I could be more productive (and more peaceful) if I could overcome procrastinations - especially in the area of what I call paperwork.  That is  managing my side business, my finances, and basically anything requiring me to sit down and focus. This morning I face this very dilemma.   It's an area I believe the enemy likes to use accuse and attack.  Honestly I think I may have even used this post to procrastinate what I need to do next.  So on that note, until next time Peace be with You!