Today's encouragement comes from Acts 24:25a, which says this:
"Now as [Paul] reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid . . . “Have you ever noticed how nervous people get, when we talk to them about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come? This is understand-able. We sinners simply cannot long-tolerate any discussion of issues that touch on our guilt, and the holiness of God.
Felix’ fear was an appropriate initial response. Had he listened longer (and more carefully) to Paul, Felix would have heard the sweet sound of the gospel of grace and mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not stop at guilt; instead, may we go all the way to glory in the forgiveness wrought in Jesus’ blood.
[Puritan quote of the day: "The word 'Father' is a sweet word, for it sweetens all our duties.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up For the Downcast"]
