Pastor Doug Heisel – March 16, 2024

Acts 27 and 28

Acts 27:1 – When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.

What God wants to say to you

1. 1. Ask God for HELP and LISTEN for His guidance.

Acts 27:9-12

Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.”

But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.

Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there.

Acts 27:21-26

After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

2. No matter what bad choices others make, trust God’s GOODNESS and SOVEREIGNTY to get you where He plans for you to be.

Vs. 23 – You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sailnwith you.’

Genesis 50:20 – You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Vs. 35-37 – After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board.

3. Get (or stay) CONNECTED to some other godly people. You cannot do all God made you to do by YOURSELF.

Vs. 37 – Altogether there were 276 of us on board.

4. In Christ, SHAKE OFF what attempts to latch ahold of you, so that you are EFFECTIVE for all that is ahead.

Acts 28:1-6

Vs. 2 – The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

Vs. 3 – Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.

Vs. 5 – But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.

Acts 28:30-31 — For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

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Worship Night - March 19, 6:30-7:30pm

Church Workday - March 29, 8AM-2PM