Sermon On the Net

ROME

 

ACTS 27&28: We conclude our series of the book of Acts finding Paul sailing to Rome. The trip was not an easy one as they encountered many difficulties, including the loss of their ship following an encounter with a storm. Paul had warned them of the impending disaster but they refused to listen to him. When it was inevitable that the ship would sink Paul told them not to fear for he knew that God would bring them all to safety, and sure enough they were all able to get to shore after the ship broke up on a sand bar.

 

The island was called Malta and the natives were friendly and helped Paul and all those who were on the ship. At one point when Paul was gathering wood for the fire a poisonous viper attached itself to Paul’s hand. When the natives saw this they waited for Paul to die but he didn’t and they thought Paul was a god. Nearby there was an estate owned by Publius, the chief official of the island and he invited them to his home and he entertained them for three days. While they were there Paul was told that Publius’ father was very sick, so Paul went to him and laid his lands on him and prayed that he might be healed and he was. After this miracle many of the sick people on the island came to Paul to be healed. After being on the island for three months they boarded a ship that had wintered on the island and set sail for Rome. When they got there some brothers met Paul and spent a week with him. When they finally got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself under the care of a guard.

 

A few days later Paul summoned some of the Jews and explained why he was in Rome. They told him they had heard nothing about him but they wanted to hear from him directly, about his views of the Way, which everyone seemed to be talking against. They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day and he explained to them the kingdom of God from Moses to the Prophets and how Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Many believed him but there were those who did not. Upon their disagreement they all began to leave. Paul explained a portion of Isaiah’s prophecy speaking about the hardness of their hearts and because of their attitude, the way of salvation was now being delivered to the Gentiles who would listen and believe in the Lord Jesus. For two years Paul preached the g Good News of Jesus, boldly and without hindrance to all those who came to him.

 

In the final chapters of Acts we witness God’s power and grace. He spared the lives of those on Paul’s ship and delivered Paul to Rome as he said He would. Suffice to say that Paul’s fortitude would have been enough for all of us. He never gave up, regardless of the circumstances, because he believed; his faith unshakeable; his goal although seemingly impossible fulfilled his mission. I look forward to the day when I will meet Paul and thank him for his legacy to us. Praise God for His kindness and love. Amen

 

John 16:33; “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

 

Sermon On the Net

DEDICATED TO THE END

 

ACTS 26: With the permission of King Agrippa Paul told his story. After a proper addressing to the council Paul begins to explain that from the beginning of his life, he lived as a dedicated member of the Pharisees in the strictest sense, and now finds himself on trial for the promise and hope made by God to our fathers. Paul was taught that he had to be hostile to the name of Jesus and His followers, and he was very dedicated to that task, putting them in prison; even to casting his vote against them for death.

 

Paul then explains the time of the Lord appearing to him on the road to Damascus and speaking to him, asking why he was persecuting Him. Paul, blinded by a very bright light surrounding him and his men, asked whom it was that was talking and the Lord told him who He was. He told him that He was appointing him to be a minister and witness of all that he had seen and all the things that He would show him. Paul explained to King Agrippa that he was immediately obedient to God and began to preach repentance to all, and the fact that they should turn to Jesus for their salvation. For this very reason the Jews were trying to kill Paul. Paul told Agrippa he was and is still committed to the preaching of the Good News of salvation through Jesus. Paul reiterated reason for the death of Jesus. Agrippa responded by telling Paul he was crazy. Of course Paul denied his accusation and actually told Agrippa that he should have been aware of this. Paul told Agrippa that that he (Agrippa) believes in the Prophets, at which Agrippa accused Paul of trying to convert him. Agrippa and his people arose and conferred with each other admitting that Paul could have been free if he had not appealed to Caesar.

 

A very significant point was made in this chapter in verse 18 when Jesus told Paul that his mission was to “open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Paul was a very dedicated religious person, but was on the wrong path as so many dedicated, religious people are today. It appears to me that many people would rather dedicate themselves to a religion than to the Bible (God’s word) and freedom from the consequences of sin. We do not have to experience what Paul did on the road to Damascus, all we need is faith, the same faith that Paul had. It was his faith in God that saved him, nothing else. If you don’t have faith you cannot find God, therefore I ask you to pray for the faith you need to realize that Jesus died for you on the cross and believing in Him releases you from the dominion of Satan to the freedom of God’s world.