Acts 24:25 – And as he discussed righteousness, and dominion over oneself, and the coming judgment at hand, Felix became terrified saying, “Go away until another time, then I will send for you and receive you.”
When Paul ministered, Felix was terrified. The subject of the coming judgment against all unrighteousness is central to both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Romans 1:18, 2:8). Today, many behave as though the subject of judgment has no place in the New Testament Church, but such a notion is entirely wrong. Paul said, “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we try to persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). Many people who sit in the churches today may say, “What terror?” Was there anyone who knew the subject of grace better than Paul? Yet, you will not find Paul shy in warning others against sin and the judgment against iniquity.
The responsibility of God’s priests is to turn the people from their sins (Acts 26:18; Romans 2:2-5, 6:1-2; Jeremiah 23:11,14, 22; 2 Peter 2:21). We are required to blow the trumpet today as much as at any time in the past (Joel 2:1; Ezekiel 3:20, 33:5-6; Acts 20:26-27). Yet, the social pressures for preachers are probably more difficult today than ever before. Many people will not tolerate some passionate preacher who begins to personalize evils within the congregation and demand repentance. Then, to further warn of a coming judgment upon all unrighteousness and condemning the adopted practices of many in today’s churches? Well, the outcry is much the same as those who worshipped the goddess Diana, “Away with such men from the Earth; for it is not right that they should live!” (Acts 22:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
