Transformed for a Purpose by Pastor Jeremy Collins

Acts 26

The story begins with Paul being on trial for preaching the Gospel. He offered evidence for the Gospel being true. And what is that evidence? His own life! Paul told the very public story of his life. He was Jewish, lived in Jerusalem, trained in the strictest tradition of Jewish religious teaching, lived as a Pharisee, and shared with all other Jews a full hope in God's promise of a Messiah. Paul reminded the court how he opposed the name of Jesus of Nazareth and all who followed him. Paul recounted his activities to rid Israel of Jesus' followers, putting them in prison and even to death. Paul's life took a turn when he met the risen Lord Jesus! Having met the risen Lord, Paul believed in Jesus' resurrection, his Lordship, and the calling on Paul's life to preach the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles.

Transformed lives are significant evidence of the Gospel being true. Hearing the Gospel allows people to learn that they are sinners before a holy God, who need to be saved from judgment and eternal damnation for their sins. The Gospel enables people to place faith in Jesus' death on the cross, which Jesus offers as a free gift. The Gospel gives saved sinners the opportunity to respond to their salvation with grateful hearts, rendered in service to the Lordship and commandments of Jesus to live as he lived.

How did Festus and Herod Agrippa respond to the evidence of the power of the Gospel in Paul's testimony? Festus interrupted Paul and said that Paul was out of his mind. King Agrippa was more tolerant of the Gospel, but when it came time to choose Jesus, he decided to "kick the can down the road." These reactions continue to this day.

How do you personally respond to the Gospel? Do you dismiss it as a delusion? Do you dismiss the Gospel as a tolerable, even noble way of life, but not for your life?

How is your transformation going if you have professed Jesus as Savior and the Lord of your life? Are you making progress? Do you need some help? How are you making yourself available to live a transformed life? At FPCB, we encourage you to be on a growth journey that involves reading scripture alone and with others, personal and communal worship, prayer, regular participation in the Lord's Table, and contributing to the growth of the body of Christ. When we grow in Christ, the evidence strengthens our faith in the transforming power of the Gospel about Jesus Christ!

It's a great day to live the Gospel!

See you on Sundays!