Comfort Zones: Let's do some rezoning

The Prelude: Paul has been falsely accused by the Jewish elders and after applying pressure to the governor of Caesarea Felix, had convinced Felix to imprison him there.  Felix had shortly thereafter been succeeded by the new governor Porcius Festus.  After two years (wow) of imprisonment the fervor of the Jewish leaders was by no means quenched
and they had asked to have him (Paul) released that they might kill him.  Festus fortunately wanted to have a hearing and see where their rage came from and if it was indeed just.  Paul had asked to be seen seen at a Roman court as was his right as a Roman citizen.  Festus agreed and had King Agrippa and a man with him named Bernice come to hear what the tumult was about.  
So..here we are...Paul after two years of imprisonment..standing before the King (Samuel 2:8 comes to mind) of the known world at that time, has been asked by the king himself to "speak for yourself."

He could have said anything.  He could have slammed the Jewish elders for falsely accusing him.  He could have thwarted his Roman citizenship in the face of injustice.  He could have pitifully and rightfully pleaded for release and justice for two years of imprisonment.  He could have..he could have..he could have...but he didn't.

He simply gave his testimony

After two long years of imprisonment his likely one chance to be free and have his appeal before the king and the crowd had arrived..and he sacrificed all of it for the sake of them and their salvation.  He cared not for his own physical freedom but for the very real spiritual freedom of the King and all who would hear the power of God in his life, his testimony. 

"Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ"

 Every follower of Christ has a testimony.  Every testimony is different, but none lack in power.  In fact  Revelation 12:11 states that the Devil and his works are overcome by the "word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb"  Jesus is the Saviour of the world.  He defeated our Adversary by conquering sin and death; and by repenting and believing in Christ we too overcome the Enemy and are empowered by His Spirit to live righteous lives unto Christ.  Our testimony proves it.  For our testimony is not of our own, but the power of Christ upon our lives that took us from darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9) and proves that, as the Newsboys might say "our God's not dead He's surely alive.  He's living on the inside roaring like a lion."  Christ in us, the hope of glory!

Encouragement:  God has ordained everyday and has set before us opportunities to do the good works He prepared in advance that we should walk in them.  Be on the lookout for opportunities.  Sometimes they are obvious, but sometimes it takes a little boldness to step out in faith and share the good news and His story in your life. Let's step out of our comfort zones and step into what God is up to this day

2 Corinthians 3:12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,