The message of the Gospel is like the check engine light on our car.  Many ignore it, but the consequences can be catastrophic.  The Gospel message calls us out for our sin.  To ignore the message of the Gospel has eternal consequences.  Through this message, the believer is called to be a peacemaker.  But this does not mean we compromise on the truth for the sake of peace.  For this reason, the world does not always respond to the Gospel message in a peaceable manner.

As we continue in our study of Acts, we find Paul appearing before the governor, Felix, to answer the charges brought by his accusers.  Among these is the charge that Paul, and the sect of which he is the ringleader, is a pest; literally a pestilence, a cancer which threatens to contaminate the nation with heresy and blasphemy.  They charge him with desecrating the temple, supposing that Paul brought a gentile into the temple.

In today's lesson we draw four lessons from Paul's responses to the charges and his accusers.

1. We don't need to worry about the charges against us.  Don't compromise the truth, but trust God.


2. We are only messengers; the message is from God.  And the message offends.


3. Recognize that God is working and act accordingly.


4. Be prepared to speak the Truth, even in difficult circumstances.

Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will be blessed through the teaching of God's Holy Word.