Trying to do the Right Thing?

Acts 25:4-9

Festus answered, "Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me and press charges against the man there, if he has done anything wrong." After spending eight or ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him, which they could not prove. Then Paul made his defense: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar." Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?"

 

 

Thoughts for Today:

 

Festus was kind of between a rock and a hard place. Paul had been in prison for over two years, yet when confronted the Jews could not prove any of the charges they had brought against him. From a legal (and fairness) point of view Festus should have released Paul immediately. Instead, wanting to appease the Jews he asks Paul if he will go to Jerusalem to stand trial -- rather than admitting his predecessor was wrong he thereby compounds the problem. Perhaps in some strange way Festus thought he was doing the right thing.

Like Festus if our decisions seem complicated and convoluted, it can be because we've allowed a selfish influence to affect our decision making process. Sometimes pressure comes from the outside, but most of the time it springs from the desire to protect our own interests. Festus thought he was negotiating a win/win settlement. If Paul agreed, the Jews got what they wanted, and Festus would rule over a very happy constituency. I wonder if he thought or cared about what might happen to Paul? Sounds like it was really win/win/lose to me.

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

The next time you have a difficult decision to make, place the facts outside of your own interests. Without considering what the best outcome for you personally might be, what seems to be best for all parties? Is your decision becoming clouded by what you want? Will anyone be hurt? What is the right decision even if it is not the most beneficial to you?

"The Pocket Testament League" What is membership?

The Pocket Testament League has, since 1893, motivated Christians to read, carry and share the Word of God. Started as the vision of a teenage girl named Helen Cadbury, The Pocket Testament League provides resources to help believers develop a lifestyle of biblical discipline and personal evangelism. The ministry also encourages people to support others who are sharing their faith, through a unique sponsorship program in which sponsors actually receive feedback from those they sponsor showing how lives are being changed.

Our members have shared more than 110 million Gospels during the history of this Christian outreach ministry, forever changing millions of lives around the world. The ministry is designed to equip Christians who are serious about sharing their faith with others.

Our Gospels of John and other resources are offered in English, Spanish and Chinese, and in several Scripture versions. Membership is completely free. Members may order Gospels to give away as special gifts in one-on-one encounters in their day-to-day lives.




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 What is membership?

As a member and a Christian, you're invited to dedicate one of your pockets to the Lord, even the pocket of a purse or briefcase. Then use that pocket to share your faith with others. We've made it easy!
As a member, you have access to a number of free resources.
And it costs you nothing to join.

Every morning, place one of our Gospels of John in your pocket or purse as you leave your home. Prayerfully look for an evangelism opportunity throughout the course of the day to give that Gospel away as a free gift to someone you meet. More often than not, people are delighted to receive these quality publications and many decisions for Christ have been made. 

Spreading the Word of the Lord

“The word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.” - Acts 13:49 

 

The word of the Lord spread when evangelists Paul and Barnabas went out and preached the Gospel to other nations! And that’s what’s happening today as The Pocket Testament League establishes a presence in countries around the world. People are hearing, believing, and sharing God’s message of salvation with their family, friends, and neighbors.

In recent months, we’ve launched a Spanish site. We have also launched in Italy and Japan. Our website has been translated into these languages and we have printed Pocket Testament Gospels of John in Spanish, Italian and Japanese.

Later this year we plan to launch our ministry in Brazil, Germany and Russia. Our mission is no different than that of Paul, Barnabas, and every member of The Pocket Testament League—to spread the Gospel message throughout the world!

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Please pray for the success of our launches so that all may come to know the love of God through Jesus Christ

Make Plans to Share the Gospel this Veterans Day !

 

Do you know someone who is serving or has served in our military? Do you meet men and women who have fought for your freedom? Then show your gratitude this Veterans Day by telling them about the freedom they have in Jesus Christ! The DESERT CAMO Pocket Testament Gospel of John is the perfect way to reach active military personnel and veterans alike. Here are 3 ways you can share:

Include several DESERT CAMO Gospels in the letters and care packages you send overseas so recipients can give Gospels to the people they work with. Volunteer at a VA hospital and spend time listening to those who are wounded, recovering, or in rehab. Remind them of God’s continuing love for them, and leave a DESERT CAMO Gospel with them to read later. Provide practical help to someone in your community whose spouse is serving overseas or transitioning back to civilian life. Offer to babysit or run errands as needed. They have made a great sacrifice for you—now it’s time to tell them about the all-sufficient sacrifice that Jesus made for them! Order now for Veterans Day – Monday, November 11.

Learn to share your faith with confidence!

Most people will talk about anything except the most important thing—faith!

How about you? It takes confidence, plus a little know-how, to get comfortable talking about Jesus Christ and God’s plan of salvation. Our EVANGELISM BOOT CAMP is designed to give you both! Through a series of well-defined steps, you will discover how easy it is to share your faith with boldness, confidence, and effectiveness.

It’s online, it’s free, and it works. Start EVANGELISM BOOT CAMP today and get the conversation going!

Insight Provided by the Spirit

Acts 23:6-8

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

 

 

Thoughts for Today:

 

Have you ever been in a difficult spot before, one you didn't think you were going to escape? Then when all seemed lost, in a sudden flash of inspiration, you saw things differently, and your way out was clear. Jesus tells us in Mark 13:11 this inspiration is from the Holy Spirit, "Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit."

Previously as Paul looked into the room he saw an unruly crowd that was united in its desire to literally tear him apart. In our passage today, his vision is suddenly cleared and he now sees the division among them. I believe both Paul's insight and his inspired words were given to him by the Holy Spirit. Rather than an angry crowd, Paul saw Sadducees (who recognized only Genesis through Deuteronomy) and Pharisees (who firmly believed in the supernatural). Through Paul's testimony he revealed the differences between them and the debate which had raged for centuries. The emphasis was taken off of the man, Paul; and placed on the resurrected savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Questions to Ponder:

 

Many times we take too much responsibility for completing God's work. It is our responsibility to allow Christ to work in us and thereby do good works, however it God's job to complete that work. So how do we do that? Just as Paul from our passage today did -- by allowing and following the Holy Spirit's provision of both insight and inspiration. However, if we are not careful, fear and logic can be the great killers of the Holy Spirit's influence upon us -- fearfulness because it blocks the Holy Spirit's voice; and logic because sometimes the Spirit's instruction will defy reason. Will you allow the Lord to do a great work through you? And when faced with difficult circumstances faithfully listen for the Spirit's voice? Is there a situation you have now in which you can apply this lesson? How will you begin?

How to equip your kids to share the Gospel!

“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” – Proverbs 20:11

Yes, even kids are known by their actions! That’s why it’s never too early to equip them to share the Gospel.

To get your kids, grandkids or neighborhood kids excited, we suggest getting them involved when you are picking out which Gospels to order. When the Gospels arrive, take the time to read through it with them. Then introduce the concept of sharing this others.

James D. from Rockville, Missouri, sent us this inspiring story:

“We always carry a couple of Pocket Testament Gospels with us. While we were recently at a doctor's appointment, our oldest two children (ages 11 and 9) were in the waiting room playing with a small boy. We found out later that they witnessed to him gave him a gospel.”

As James told us, “It’s so awesome to see our kids share with others!” We agree! Our heart is to see more Christians that are motivated and equipped to share God's Word. If you share that vision, we hope that you are actively investing in and equipping the next generation!

Who can you equip to share the Gospel? Get started today by ordering Pocket Testament Gospels at www.ptl.org/gospels. When you order, please consider a donation to the League. Every dollar helps us to motivate and equip more Christians to read, carry, and share God's Word.