be prepared Archives – Sonshine's Journal

Acts 25

Paul has been charged with crimes against the Temple and the Jewish religion. But, confidently and boldly answers: “I have committed no offense against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.” [Acts 25:8] Being perceptive, Paul knew what the Jewish leaders were conspiring to do, so he again responded to the Gentile ruler, Felix: “I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well.” [Acts 25:10]

How do we respond or react when we must defend ourselves? Are we like Paul, who knew if he answered wrongly, his head was on the chopping block, yet he trusted Messiah to be there for him? Again we hear Paul say, “This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and people.” [Acts 24:16] Is our conscience clear?

Peter reminded his readers: “always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” [1Pet 3:15] Each day, we are put into positions where we must respond with grace and truth. Peter reminds us to be ready because “the devil like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour, so resist him, strong in the faith.” [1Pet 5:8, 9]

Are you facing the devil’s schemes? Be strong believer! Be courageous believer! God is before you, behind you, and before you.

frank turek stealing from God Frank Turek, author of “Stealing from God” wrote: “the amazing evidence of God’s sovereignty is revealed in how even those who don’t believe in Him call upon Him to remind them of the source that paved the way to their disavowal of belief in His existence.”

Skeptics then and skeptics now are those John wrote about: “You study the scriptures that testify about me,” [Jn 5] yet you deny the evidence. The religious leaders did believe in Jehovah but modern day skeptics are living proof of Romans 1 claiming to be wise but are fools. Then and now they struggle with the evidence before them and so just as Turek says; they steal from God’s domain to seek their own understanding of truth while denying it when it is revealed.

The religious leaders came asking “by what authority do you do these things.” “Do we pay taxes or not?” ”Prove there is a resurrection from the dead.” Instead of a blanket yes/no statement Jesus fired back his own questions. Today we can apply that same principle when asked these types of questions by asking: “What do you mean by that.” The burden of proof falls upon them. The religious leaders faced a dilemma: believe or deny; and just as the skeptics today they answered, “we don’t know.”

Beloved, you can be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” with those you meet today. Be prepared; hide God’s word in your heart so you can “discern both good and evil.” [Heb 5]

Some other books to consider:

“Tactics” by Greg Koukl; also his website: http://www.str.org/ and articles here on Bible.org

“Letters to a Young Progressive” by Mike Adams

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How bold are you?

Are You Prepared?