THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:23-31 “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:31) The hope of God’s better world, as seen in the life and love of Jesus. This is the message of Paul, and it is the message I want to preach too. Notice, nothing about Christianity or…
Chain of hope!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:17-22 “It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” (Acts 28:20) The people of Israel were a people of hope. From their origins as oppressed slaves, they hoped for freedom, land, peace and prosperity. They had moments they were close, but again and again it…
An encouraging grace community!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:11-16 “At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” (Acts 28:15) To follow Jesus is not an easy path, it has many challenges. But meeting with other Jesus followers is very encouraging. To know that we are not alone, that others believe like us. Paul is refreshed by…
Whether healing happens or not… Jesus!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 28:1-10 “Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.” (Acts 28:8) Been there, done that… well most of that anyway. I’ve gone in to see sick people, prayed and laid my hands on them. But to the best of my knowledge, there were…
Praise the Lord with every breath!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 150 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6) What response will you make to the greatness and goodness of God? We are all different, and so we will all have different responses. I am not much of a dancer, but I do play the trumpet, and a pipe (recorder)….
Do we really hate sin?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 15-16 “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.” (Revelation 16:1) I am reflecting on ‘God’s wrath’ (thymos: intense, passionate anger). When describing humans (Galatians 5:20), this word refers to fits of rage. Does God finally blow His top, lose His cool, and explode in rage? God’s anger is…
A defeated enemy!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 12-14 “He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Revelation 12:12) When I was a teenager, my neighbour was trying to scare a raccoon with a broom. She had cornered it, and was waving the broom threateningly towards it. Cornered, it became vicious, and was a frightening…
God’s hand behind it all!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 27:39-44 “The centurion… kept them from carrying out their plan.” (Acts 27:43) I love the layers in this chapter of the story. We have the soldiers preparing to kill the prisoners, including Paul. We have the centurion wanting to spare Paul’s life – for some reason he liked Paul. And silently behind…
Breaking bread in the storm!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 27:27-38 “He took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all.” (Acts 27:35) Paul breaks bread with the sailors and soldiers, and they are encouraged. These words sound similar to words used when sharing the Lord’s Supper. Some would speak against this, since the Lord’s Supper signifies and…
An aura of grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 27:13-26 “God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” (Acts 27:24) I picked this verse because I want to explore how God’s blessing spreads. God’s plans for Paul meant that those who were with him were safe as well. God’s grace in one person’s life has an…