Christ's command to his followers before his ascension to heaven was for them to be his

witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea, in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.

Our Lord did not intend for the good news of his death and resurrection to stay local,

but instead it was to be taken globally.

In this third section of Acts, the adventure continues as the gospel is taken to the ends of the earth.

Let's join Scott Pauley now for today's study.

Are you a cheerful Christian?

Let me ask it a different way.

Would others who watch your life,

who listen to your speak, who observe your spirit, would they say that you are a cheerful

Christian? I'm using a Bible word here, you see, because in Acts chapter 23 in verse number 11,

at a very low moment, the Lord himself said to the apostle Paul, be of good cheer, Paul.

I love that. Be of good cheer. For as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou

bear witness also at Rome. And when we pick up the story in Acts chapter 24, the cheer that the Lord puts in him begins to come out of him.

Let's read the opening verses of Acts 24.

And after five days, Anonias of the high priest descended with the elders with a certain orator named Tortulus, who informed the governor against Paul.

It seems like everybody's against him, doesn't it?

Oh, but remember, friends, if God be for us, who can be against us?

Verse two, and when it was called forth, Turtoulos began to accuse him, saying,

seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness and that very worthy deeds are done

unto this nation by thy providence, we accept it always and in all

places, most noble Felix with all thankfulness, notwithstanding that I be not further tedious

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