MESSAGE FROM SUNDAY AUGUST 16, 2026

Respond to the Message of the Gospel

The readings are from Acts 24, 25 and 26.

We are looking at four men, Paul, governors Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa.

Paul as he so often does is sharing his testimony, we see this especially in Acts 26. He tells of his early life as a persecutor of Christians and how as he traveled from Jerusalem to Demascus Jesus met him, verse 15. There on that road he surrendered his life to God and was transformed from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher of the Gospel. From that moment he took every opportunity available to share the life changing message of salvation in Christ. Even when he was before kings and governors who had authority to have him killed or set free he ceased not to preach the gospel “which is the power of God  unto salvation to everyone who believes” Romans 1:16.

Felix ,Acts 24; 24-25 listens as Paul preaches of Righteousness – a right relationship with God. Self Control – a right relationship with people and Judgement to come – a right preparation for eternity.  His response was fear and procrastination, this went on for two whole years and then he was out of office and his opportunity to hear Paul was gone.

Festus, Acts 25 and 26 Had opportunity to hear the same gospel and listen to Paul’s testimony. Festus response was to get agitated and accuse Paul of madness  26:24.

Agrippa, Acts 26. Paul called him an expert in Jewish customs and questions v3, he referred to Agrippa’s knowledge of recent events surrounding Jesus and Paul’s own conversion v26. Paul also underlined the fact that Agrippa believed the prophets.

Agrippa’s response was “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” v28.

The application of all this to us today is to ask, what is your response to the message of the Gospel, Procrastinate? get angry and reject the message? be convicted and admit your need of a Saviour but fail to take that step? or like Paul surrender to Jesus and become a true disciple.

John Bennett