Scripture-
Acts 24:14-16 – “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets. I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous. Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people.
Observation- Paul is in Caesarea speaking before Governor Felix in defense of preaching about Jesus.
Paul opens by acknowledging that he is a follower of the Way and worships the same God as the Jewish people who will resurrect both the righteous and unrighteous. Paul has hope in God through Christ and maintains a clear conscience with both God and all people.
Application- Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one gets to know the Father without knowing the Son. I need to be prepared and strong like Paul in defense of the reason I am a follower of Christ. We worship the God who created the heaven and earth along with everything in it. He loved us so much that He sent his incarnate Son to die for us so that those who place their faith in the name of Jesus may be seen as righteous and have everlasting life with God! This is the hope that we have to be right with God and to live out and share with all.
Prayer-
Father,
Thank you for your love, grace and mercy in sending Jesus to pay for my sin debt in full. Let the power of the Holy Spirit give me courage, boldness and wisdom to share/ defend my faith to bring you glory.