Be the Gospel – Acts 26:27-29

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe. Then Agrippa said to Paul, Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily? I wish before God, replied Paul, that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains” (Acts 26:27-29, HCSB).

In the book, The King Jesus Gospel, Scot McKnight contrasted how the gospel was presented and what was the message preached by the apostles with how we present the gospel and what we preach today.

The Apostle Paul’s presentation of the gospel to King Agrippa in these verses provides a good example of this contrast.

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Youth Ministry for the Mature – Psalm 71:17-18

“God, You have taught me from my youth, and I still proclaim Your wonderful works. Even when I am old and gray, God, do not abandon me. Then I will proclaim Your power to another generation, Your strength to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:17-18, HCSB)

WANTED: MATURE PEOPLE FOR YOUTH MINISTRY!

That’s the message contained in these verses. The Psalmist exclaims that God needs him for youth ministry even though he is an old man.

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Proving the Gospel by Example – Titus 2:7-8

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” The Apostle Paul encourages Titus to become a living testimony of the gospel by being a model or example in word and deed of the gospel he teaches. Living out the gospel in one’s daily life through ethical behavior–honesty, respect, and wholesome speech–keeps Christians from providing any legitimate grounds for the gospel to be criticized and actually influences others to believe the gospel. By becoming a living testimony,you prove the gospel to those who don’t believe it and even to those who oppose it.