We finished yesterday by establishing that truth uncovers sin. Agrippa would have to confess his ruthless rule and he would have to admit his incestuous relationship with his sister. He would have to admit his utter moral depravity and selfish sinful desires. He was not prepared to do this.

Romans 1:16 says the gospel is “the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth.” When witnessing to hardened hearts, we don’t have to convince them, we just have to tell them the truth. God’s power alone brings about repentance and conversion.

#3 We must live in the acceptance of Christ, not the exceptions of life. 

Note Paul’s statement in verse 29. His prayer was that all of them would be “as I am except these bonds.” Why did he say that he wanted them to be like him instead of like Christ? Paul wanted them to know the light, love and forgiveness of Christ he had come to know.

Paul’s only exception was “these bonds or chains.” We have some exceptions too. We might say, “I want you to be just like me except for this sin… or this weakness… or this addiction.” All of us have exceptions. Our exceptions are like a heavy load that weighs us down and keeps us from being all Christ wants us to be. We often fail to share our faith because of insecurity stemming from the exceptions in our life. 

Christ already accepts you just as you are! He knows your sins, but He says that you are His “workmanship” and that He will complete the good work He started in you!