Sharing your beliefs with others can feel like walking through a field of landmines. It’s hard to know when to speak up and when to stay quiet, and the fear of damaging relationships often keeps us from sharing at all. In this message, we’ll explore a powerful example from history on navigating these tricky situations – discovering practical ways to stay true to our beliefs without pushing people away. Whether at work, with family, or in tough social situations, learn how to share what’s important to you while keeping doors open for real conversation. You’ll walk away with proven ways to talk about your faith with both confidence and wisdom.

MESSAGE NOTES

Unstoppable: God’s Plan For Multiplication

How To Talk About Your Faith

The Context of God’s Bigger Picture

  • God’s plan to bring humanity back to Himself and into community
  • Jesus’ atonement and reconciliation through His spiritual bloodline
  • The unstoppable nature of God’s community

Paul’s Three Trials Before Roman Rulers

  1. Trial Before Felix (Governor of Judea, AD 52-59)

[Acts 24:10-14] “The governor then motioned for Paul to speak. Paul said, ‘I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, so I gladly present my defense before you… 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.'”

Key Points:

  • Charges: causing riots, leading “Nazarenes,” polluting temple
  • Paul’s defense focuses on legal matters and basic faith
  • Felix keeps Paul imprisoned hoping for a bribe
  1. Trial Before Festus

[Acts 25:10-12] “But Paul replied, ‘No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty of harming the Jews. If I have done something worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die. But if I am innocent, no one has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!'”

  1. Trial Before King Agrippa

[Acts 26:2-3] “I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense today against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders, for I know you are an expert on all Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!”

Paul’s powerful testimony:

  • His thorough education in Jewish law
  • His persecution of Christians
  • His encounter with Jesus
  • His mission to Jews and Gentiles

[Acts 26:25-29] “I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. What I am saying is the sober truth… King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do–“

Paul’s Journey to Rome

  • Shipwreck near Malta
  • All 276 passengers survive
  • Final recorded words in Acts:

[Acts 28:28] “So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”

Key Principles for Sharing Faith

  1. Tailor Your Message to Your Audience
    • Felix: Brief, focused on righteousness and judgment
    • Festus: Very brief, legal focus
    • Agrippa: Detailed sermon with scripture
  2. Build Bridges According to Interest Level
    • Maintain innocence
    • Show respect to authority
    • Always point to the resurrection

Application

  1. Following Jesus will not make you popular
    • People resist admitting sin and surrendering
    • STAND FIRM IN YOUR FAITH
  2. Following Jesus will get you dismissed
    • Share truth according to curiosity level
    • Don’t shy away from hard topics
    • SPEAK TRUTH KINDLY
  3. Following Jesus will take you to amazing places
    • Share your story: Pre-Jesus, Jesus, Post-Jesus
    • Ask others what they think of Jesus
    • Invite them to follow Jesus

“Paul recognized that their attacks AND curiosity were opportunities to introduce them to God but he wasn’t forcing it.”

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Application Questions

  1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
  2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
  3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
  4. How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?