Key Verse – Matthew 16:18b - I (Jesus) will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Acts:24:1-3 - 1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. 2 When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. 3 Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude.

1. The Danger of Flattery

Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Acts 24:4-9 But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly. 5 “We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 8 By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”9 The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.

2. A Bold Witness

Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

3. A Bold Proclamation

Acts 24:11-14 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple,or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city.13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect.

John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Acts 24:14-25 ….I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

4. A Fearful Response – Conviction without Conversion

Acts 24:22-23 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.

Acts:24:24-25:25 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Acts 26-27 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. 27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

HERE’S WHAT I WANT US TO DO THIS WEEK

Live Boldly: We must live our faith boldly, even when others may ridicule or resist it. Staying faithful in our witness, even when things get challenging, or we don't see immediate results. Love Boldly: Remember that by our love one for another will the world know that we are His disciples. At the same time we must lovingly care for the needy, the broken, the hurting, and the lost.

Share Boldly: Share your story, the power of the gospel, and your faith with others through conversations, acts of kindness, or participating in opportunities to do outreach. Step out of your comfort zone and try inviting someone to church or talking to someone you normally wouldn't talk to about Jesus

*Scripture Assignment this Week: 1. Write/Type following Verses, One Each Day, in your Own Words. 2. Write/Typewhat God is Saying to You Personally through it. 3. Write/Type what You will Do as a Result. Mon – Acts 24:2-3 and Proverbs 26:28, Tue – Acts 24:10 and Hebrews 13:6, Wed – Acts 24:11-14 and John 14:6, Thu – Acts 24:14-25, Fri – Isaiah 55:6, Sat –Matthew 16:26

(All Scriptures used are from the NIV 2011 unless otherwise noted.) *If you miss a Sunday & want to catch up, want to watch or listen to a message again, or want a friend to see it, visit our Church App, Website www.gothope.cc , FaceBook, or YouTube.