Are You on Trial?

<p>The Gospel is unfettered!</p><p>Paul’s defense:</p><ol><li>His Innocence with a clear conscience –</li><li>The chief priest is an example of sin and the law being abused.</li><li>Why did he order Paul to be hit?</li><li>For pronouncing the Devine name, speaking out of turn, or claiming a clear conscience?</li><li>The testimony of Jesus resurrection and thus the Messiah of Israel?</li></ol><p>How did Jesus see his witness? Both to the mob and now to the Sanhedrin? – take it to Rome!</p><p>The importance of the resurrection at the center of our witness? (See Athens and here)</p><p>This is the key to a relationship with God in a whole new way, not available in any religion!  </p><p>            Are we hoping to go to heaven, so we believe?</p><p>            Or do we believe, and the result is the gift of eternal life? </p><p>            Are we keen to be with Jesus, or are we afraid of death?</p><p>What are the responses to this declaration of the Gospel?  They are universal to our day as well:</p><ol><li>We do not believe in life after death.</li><li>We believe that there is life after death, but Jesus is not central to that.</li><li>The Pharisees have a wait and see attitude.</li><li>They align themselves with the legalists.</li><li>They reject Jesus as the Savior.</li><li>We believe in Jesus and live our life in relationship with him!</li></ol>