Homiletics Acts 26

 Content:

1. King Agrippa opens the floor to Paul. 1
2. Paul makes pleasantries with king Agrippa asking he patiently listen. 2-3
3. Paul says the Jews know Paul has been a faithful Jew. 4-5
4. Paul says it is his hope in the promise that he was raised on, that he now stands. 6-8
5. Paul had been fighting against the name of Jesus persecuting his followers. 9-11
6. Paul tells of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. 12-18
7. Paul says he was faithful to that vision, preaching repentance and turning to God. 19-20
8. Paul says the Jews are persecuting him for this but he is saying nothing Moses and the prophets did not declare. 21-23
9. Festus calls Paul crazy. 24
10. Paul appeals to King Agrippa's belief in the prophets. 25-27
11. King Agrippa says, "are you trying to convert me so quickly?" 28
12. Paul speaks his desire for Agrippa and all to experience as Paul has, minus the chains of course. 29
13. Festus, Agrippa and Bernice leave declaring Paul is doing nothing wrong but due to his appeal, they can't set him free. 30-32

Divisions:

1. Paul tells his testimony as a faithful Jew who encounters Jesus, becoming his faithful follower. 1-20
2. Paul says that his teaching and mission fulfills the teaching of Moses and the prophets. 21-28
3. Paul declares his desire is for all to experience the encounter with Jesus that he has. 29-32

Subject Sentence:

• Paul testifies to encountering Jesus, desiring for all to experience.

Aim:

• To cause me to desire that others experience an encounter with Jesus such that I fearlessly act upon God's leading to speak of him.

Application:

1. Who do I need to tell me testimony of how I have encountered Jesus, and how this has impacted my life?
2. Do I study God's word so that I can see and tell how the bible is a continual story of God and his redemption of man?
3. Do I let fear of others or what they might do to me, overshadow my desire for all to know and believe in Jesus.

Steve's Next journey

This weekend Pete the Cat loaned Steve his best travel bag and helped him prepare for his next journey.  On Monday via Priority Mail, Steve headed to Michigan to meet up with Marcia Baugh and her boys. Marcia is a dear friend from my time in Uganda.  She and her boys are headed to visit the ministry, The Way Home Africa, she and her husband developed in Uganda. Steve has been invited to go along. Marcia's husband Russ was unexpectedly promoted to Heaven in August. She has faced numerous obstacles as they approach the scheduled departure next week.  Thank you for praying that God's plan will be clear. That there will be miracles of overcoming roadblocks or great peace that this is not the time, to direct her. I am confident that either way, Steve will be in for a great adventure.  He has never been to Michigan nor Uganda before!!

Homiletcis

 Acts 25:1-27

Content:

1. Jews present case to Festus, new governor asking for Paul to be moved to Jerusalem so they could ambush him. 1-3
2. Festus invites them to Caesarea to press charges. 4-5
3. A couple weeks later in Caesarea, Paul is brought before Festus and accusing Jews. 6-7
4. Paul claims defense of innocents'. 8
5. Festus seeking to please the Jews, ask if Paul is willing to go to Jerusalem for trial. 9
6. Paul claims innocents' , says no, and appeals to Caesar. 10-12
7. Festus discusses case with King Agrippa and Bernice. 13-15
8. Festus tells of his accurate process and loss over what to do. 16-20
9. Festus says he is holding Paul until he can be sent to the Emperor as Paul so appealed. 21
10. King Agrippa wants to meet Paul. 22
11. Agrippa and Bernice arriving with great pomp are presented with Paul. 23
12. Festus declares Jewish wish for death of Paul on whom Festus finds no guilt. 24-25
13. Festus is seeking their help to know what to charge Paul. 26-27

Divisions:

1. Paul brought to trial before Governor Festus and appeals to Caesar. 1-12
2. Festus consults with King Agrippa bringing Paul before him. 13-27

Subject Sentence:

• Paul stands trial before Festus then is presented before Agrippa.

Aim:

• To Cause me to know that in the waiting, God is working.

Application:

1. How might God be protecting you as you wait? Can you trust that God is orchestrating things even when you sit in silence?
2. Who is God giving you audience to while you wait? 

Steve attends a Wedding

Steve had been anticipating Jordan and Nicole's wedding ever since we received the invitation.  He donned his black tie and had a grand time.  He said it was the BEST wedding he had ever attended.  Right I know,  it is the only wedding he has attended.  But it was a fantastic wedding.  I would put it in my top 5 and I have been to a lot of weddings!!! Here is just a few pics of the Big Day!

Church steps selfie!

Flower woman and Ring Man - hysterical!!!

the new Mr. and Mrs. Parham

The reception was really nice! Steve was impressed with the Gold plates! I had to explain what a Charger was.

As he waited for the newlyweds, Steve got a little bored and well.....

So Kim and I took him to look at the Cake and get snacks.

Steve likes Cake!

I am afraid Steve now thinks ALL bride and grooms come to the reception via Helicopter.

Steve was SO excited to have a minute with his buddy Jordan.

Signing the Guest Globe

Steve was so excited to attend the wedding that I was afraid there would be let down when all was said and done.  He did seem a little blue on Monday and then he got the BIG news.  He is getting ready to travel again.  And this one is BIG.  Steve is headed for Uganda later this month!!!!!  More news on that to come!