1st Century Christianity PART 2

1^st Century Christianity PART 2
Acts 26:1-32

Intro:

                Last post we began a small series on 1^st century Christianity.  Last post we discussed the first characteristic of being a 1^st century Christian, and that was Studying the Word of God.  One reason they were first called Christians in Antioch was because of their love for the Word of God.  Last post, I asked you where the Word of God measures in your life.  We need to be getting back to the foundation of TRUE Christianity.  This post we are going to look at the second occurrence where the term Christian is used.

Acts 26:28 – Sharing the Gospel

                “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

• The Method Paul Used

Paul didn’t use the “

Romans Road

” or the “Good person test.”  I have nothing again these methods of witnessing, but all Paul had done was give his testimony. 

In verses 9-12 he tells of his life BEFORE Christ.

In verses 13-19 he tells of his encounter with Christ

In verses 20-23 he tells of his life AFTER Christ

                There was a change in Paul’s life and he was telling others about what Christ did for him!  2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

• The Message Paul Preached

Paul was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  He was letting the people know how to be saved.  In verse 20 he preaches to them repentance.  The Gospel is called the “Good News.”  The Gospel MUST be our message to the lost.  We MUST preach to them of repentance and faith in Christ alone! 

Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

• The Mission Paul Had

In verse 29, Paul indicates to Agrippa that he wanted Agrippa and all that heard his testimony to be saved.  In verse 32 Agrippa states that Paul could be a free man, but Paul appealed to go see Caesar.  He wanted all of Rome to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

                Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”

Conc:

                If we are going to have a 1^st century church we must have a burden for the lost.  Our message must be the Gospel and NOTHING else!  Do you have a burden for the lost?  This is another check-up:  Where does the lost measure up in your life?