Book - Acts

During times of difficulty we can often wonder if God has forsaken us. He hasn't. His gaurdianship continues, His promises do not fail, He will guide us to our end haven. The Apostle finally arrives in Rome just as God has promised. It was a rough ride but he got there. God does not promise an easy path but one that will ultimately lead to exactly where he wants us. Let's Trust Him!

Description: "Christian Superstition"? What? Yep, its an oxymoron. We chose that title because of a divisive trend among the more "Charasmaniac" type of Christians in the Church. Paul's response to the snake bite is normal, but listen to the response of the natives of Malta. They spiritualize it! Its pagan superstition! How many Christians do that concerning supposed "signs" in their daily lives! They think that God is giving them a sign when some unusual event happens to them. Be careful not to read into life's events some "spiritual sign from God" - this is not necessarily some "sign from God" or the Holy Spirit - this kind of thinking is "Christian superstition". Its a twisted sort of mysticism all in the name of the Holy Spirit. It's not Charismatic --- it's Charismania!

Description: This is not just any 'storm'! The Apostle and the crew were about to die! This was the 'Perfect Storm'! This was a hurricane of intense magnitude! Yet, all under the soveriegn hand of the Almighty! Hard to believe that God would guide into a storm....but he does and it can be a nightmare! Words cannot really comfort from this kind of storm! It is more than a "trial" or "hardship". This is the Death Storm. Ever been there? No words can bring comfort in this kind of storm - except to know - God is with you, and you will make it through to the other side of it.

The Apostle now stands before 2 Kings, 2 Rulers, he is not afraid, intimidated or ashamed! He give his bold testimony of how and what Changed his Life! He commission by God was to turn people from the Power of Satan to God, from Darkness to Light! To bring forgivness of sins through faith in Jesus! Three people in these chapters - The No I will not believe - Festus; the Almost will believe - Agrippa, and Paul the YES I will believe! Which one are you?

Sometimes we hear pastors say that "politics should stay out of the pulpit". Well, I disagree. In Acts we see the Apostle speak to lots of different politicians. In this passage the Apostle speaks very precisely in his defense of accusations then he shares the truth with Felix the Roman governor. It is a very interesting what he will tell him. It is certainly not "seeker sensitive". He lays his moral and spiritual condition on the line very firmly.

Paul's visit to Jerusalem turned into a disaster! Could his ministry be finished? Is he done? Everything went sideways on him. He is now bound in custody, no longer free. Could he have missed God's perfect will? What a disaster! NOPE! God was pleased with it all! God's hand was in it all! How important it is that we hear from the Lord during those times in life when all seems to be lost, broken, defeated, and failed. Only God knows the truth of the matter and God says, I'm pleased, I have a plan, and My Presence is with you!"

People may argue with your theology, your church, your beliefs, but they cannot argue with your personal experience with Jesus Christ. Your testimony - how you came to faith in Christ. That is your salvation experience: what your life was like BEFORE you followed Jesus; how you came to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and what you life is like AFTER He saved you and entered into your heart.

The Apostle Paul gives us a great example of being faithful to the Lord til the very end, no matter what we may face!

We learn so much from Apollos. A highly talented man, who was "mighty in the scriptures". He had it all: intelligence, speaking ability, charisma, persuasiveness, great background, great education. That is not what made him great - it was his teachableness! He was humble, He did not let pride interfere with receiving further instruction. His greatness came from his teachableness!

It's pretty amazing to see all the various reactions to preaching Jesus resurrection from the dead! It's powerful because if He is alive that means His Word is Truth! And, we will one day be accountable to Him for our lives! So, when people heard it in Acts 17 they either rioted, caused division, some procrastinated, some investigated, some rejected, and some believed. Wow - Jesus is a very polarizing figure! I choose to bow my knee and believe for He is Risen Indeed!