SUNDAY February 18, 2024
Is Christianity Madness?
Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.”
Acts 26:24-25
Festus, the Roman Governor, had finally had enough of Paul’s preaching. After listening to his defense, he shouted out, “Paul you are really crazy; you are beside yourself! You have been studying way too many books, and it has caused you to go mad.” Paul quickly responded, “Excuse me, Festus, I am not mad.” The bold Apostle was an expert at reasoning from the Scriptures. He assured Festus that all he spoke from the Scriptures was truth.
How many times have you heard the same kind of statement Festus gave to Paul? People who knew you before you became a Christian, or those who are listening to what you have to say about Christ, react by saying, “Reading the Bible has made you lose your mind! You have really lost it––you have gone completely mad!”
Your unsaved friends may even try to coax you into doing some of the things you used to do. They may ask, “Why not sit with me awhile, and we can get loaded together?” Testing your resolve, they may temptingly ask, “Why not just relax, sit down with us, and drink a couple of Coronas like you used to do with us?” Give them this response: “I do not need those things in my life anymore. The Lord Jesus Christ has changed my life!”
Like Paul, as the Lord gives you opportunity, continue to reason with your friends from the Scriptures. Seeds of faith will be sown in their lives, and in the end, as these seeds are watered, your friends may grow to come and know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
The assurance of every truth of Scripture is just the beauty of it. First because He has promised to do it; and God’s promises are bonds that never yet were dishonored. Secondly, because Christ Jesus hath taken an oath that He will do it.
~Charles H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
