Paul, Tried Again

This sermon is based on Luke’s account of a real trial which took place in real time around a real man named Paul during the first century. Paul, who was Christ’s apostle, was facing his third interrogation before Roman officials for his witness that Christ had risen from the dead. At this trial Paul stood before a king and his wife, military tribunes, city officials and various of their attendants, in all their earthly glory - representing the power and authority of Rome. As the trial progressed, however, Paul told of his life before realizing that Jesus was Lord, how he came to have faith in Jesus, and what his life had been like after meeting Jesus; and in giving this account to these Roman officials, the glory of Rome was eclipsed by the glory of Christ and His gospel. The great lesson for those who do not follow Jesus Christ in the sermon is that the good news of Jesus opens blind spiritual eyes, delivers from the power of Satan, brings people to God and brings forgiveness of sin. The great lesson for Christians from this trial is simple: When faced with an opportunity to tell others about one’s faith in Jesus Christ, the best approach is to give a truthful three part story about how you met Jesus by explaining what life was like before following Jesus, how you came to believe Jesus is Lord and the difference this has made in your life since that time.