METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR 23RD SEPTEMBER, 2026 - THE DEFENCE OF THE GOSPEL

METHODIST DAILY REFLECTION FOR TODAY WEDNESSDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER, 2026 - THE DEFENCE OF THE GOSPEL

DATE: WEDNESDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER 2026

THEME: THE DEFENCE OF THE GOSPEL

PASSAGE: ACTS 26:1-8

1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:

7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

MESSAGE: 

In our passage today, we find ourselves in the courtroorn and the offender defending himself of the charge against him. The defence is not only rich but also doctrinal historical and apologetic"

Paul, who was arrested and brought for trial considered it a privilege when he was told by Agrippa to defend hiraself. He acknowledged Agrippa's knowledge of the Jewish laws above Festus who had brought him to question before Agrippa.

The word of the Lord charges us to be calm whenever we are brought before council for trial that the Lord will always come for us by the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is evidert that Aggripa's trying of Paul brought God's intervention for him to obtain a fair hearing.

The strongest accusation against Paul was that he was teaching a new doctrine capable of misleading the people. However, Apostle Paul seized the opportunity to introduce what the new doctrine is all about. He therefore presented the inherent power of the gospel that caught up with him then as persecutor of the brethren and how that power got him converted and gave him the mandate he was running with.

Furthermore, he stressed that on his own account he could not do anything of such. But that he was suffering for believing in God's promised Messiah who will suffer and rise from the dead. Apostle Paul, while defending the gospel, was all out not only to defend the gospel but also to win as many people as were listening to him including Agrippa and his household!

The gospel of the Kingdom is fit for sharing in every condition. So, child of God, like Pau be at alert always, in every condition whether good or ugly to present the message of our Lord Jesus Christ, not for what you stand to gain for yourself but for God, and the salvation of souls..

MEMORY VERSE:

"But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason." Acts 26:25

HYMN: MHB 821 (7.6.7.6.D.) STAND up, stand up for Jesus!

1. STAND up, stand up for Jesus

Ye soldiers of the Cross;

Lift high His royal banner;

It must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory

His army shall He lead,

Till every foe Is vanquished

And Christ is Lord indeed.

2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus

The trumpet-call obey;

Forth to the mighty conflict

In this His glorious day!

Ye that are men, now serve Him

Against unnumbered foes;

Let courage rise with danger,

And strength to strength oppose.

3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus

Stand in His strength alone :

The arm of flesh will fail you;

Ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the Christian's armour,

And watching unto prayer,

Where duty calls, or danger,

Be never wanting there

4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus

The strife will not be long;

This day the noise of battle,

The next the victor's song.

To him that overcometh

A crown of life shall be;

He with the King of

Glory Shall reign eternally.

PRAYER

Father of our Lord Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, equip Your children with wisdom and strength to overcome every attack of the gospel in Jesus' Christ's name. Amen.

READ: 

DAY: Daniel 4-5

NIGHT Daniel 6