Loyal Witness on Trial

CCC Worship Gathering 7.14.24 Witness series (part 43) Jeff Ehrhardt Loyal Witness on Trial Acts 24 Intro: the courtroom 1. The Judge Presiding Judge in the Cosmic Courtroom 2. The Prosecution (v.1-9) Nauseating Flattery Charges of Sedition and Sacrilege Strawman Construction Prosecution in the Cosmic Court 3. The Defense (v.10-21) Religious Record Civil Behavior Romans 13:1 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (ESV) 1 Timothy 2:1–2 - First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (ESV) Personal Message The Defense in the Cosmic Courtroom 1 John 2:1 - My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (ESV) Romans 8:31–34 - What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. (ESV) 4. The Ruling (v.22-27) Continued Freedoms Continued Questioning Continued Witness John 16:8–11 - And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: [9] concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; [10] concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; [11] concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (ESV) Continued Holding 2 Corinthians 5:7 - for we walk by faith, not by sight. (ESV) Ruling in Cosmic Court Romans 3:23–26 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, [25] whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. [26] It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (ESV) Conclusion: be all there