Our Messages

So, what does having compassion for the lost look like and how do we put in that into action? One of the ways is sharing the gospel. Not only corporately, but as individuals. But, to share the gospel, we have to know what it is. That is what we will look at today.

How do you see the lost? How does God see them? If you don't see them as God does, it is time to change your perspective. It is time to recognize how valuable the harvest really is.

God has made a way for our salvation to be a restoration to Himself in the face of the worst failures. We will survey Peter's failure and restoration. How could someone who walked and talked with Jesus fail? Why didn't Jesus give up on Peter? This shows us that He won't give up on us.

Last week, Paul and the rest of the crew washed up on the shores of Malta. The local inhabitants showed them great kindness and made sure they were warm. While putting wood on the fire, Paul is bitten by a poisonous snake. However, when he did not die, they decided he was a god. Afterwards, God healed many people through Paul, and when they prepared to leave, the local people made sure they had what they needed. After 3 months in Malta, they set sail for Rome, and that is where we find ourselves today. Paul calls the local Jewish leaders that were there and declares his innocence and shares the gospel with them.

Everyone survived the shipwreck and find out they're on Malta. The natives kindly light a fire and when Paul throws some sticks in a snake tries to kill him. When he doesn't die, they think he's a god. Paul prays for the "Governor" of the island's father and the rest of the people come for healing. After 3 months they sail away and meet other Christians along the way. Finally arriving in Rome, Paul is allowed to continue under house arrest instead of prison.

Last week an angel came and told Paul that not only would he live, but all the people on board would live as well. There would only be loss of the ship, but they had to run aground on some island. Today, we see them wreck on that island. The ship runs aground and begins breaking apart of the coast of Malta. However, all 276 people survive and are able to swim successfully to the shore. It happened just as Paul had said it was, and his faith was rewarded with his own life and the life of the people on this ship. Once again, we see the theme that the plan of God will not be thwarted, even if it doesn’t look like how we might have done it.

Once again, the conclusion is reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death and that had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right then. Today we see the journey to Rome begin in probably October of 59. This was too late in the fall to be on the open seas, and wouldn’t you know that things get a little rough. Paul understood there was real danger ahead and encouraged the crew to find safe harbor for the winter. However, the leaders of the voyage decided to press on. But despite the problems and opposition, God’s plan moves forward.

Paul had begun to make his defense before King Agrippa last week as we left off on a cliff hanger once again. Today, we will see Paul continue to make his defense, describing his experience with Jesus on the Damascus Road. Finally, Paul demonstrates that he was just being obedient to Jesus in sharing Him as a light to both Jews and Gentiles alike. And just as before, the conclusion reached that Paul had done nothing deserving death Had he not appealed to Caesar, he would have been released right then.

Still in "protective custody," Paul has appealed to Ceasar's judgment seat, probably remembering the assassination plot from a couple of years ago. He's done nothing worthy of the death penalty. But God's plan is for him to go to Rome, and this appeal appears to that end. Governor Festus needs some help understanding the charges against Paul. King Agrippa ll arrives to pay his respects to Festus' new position. Since the king is more familiar with Jewish law, he wants to hear from Paul. So, Paul once again testifies.

Not too long ago, we found ourselves with Paul in “protective custody.” While there, some Jews had taken a foolish vow to not eat or drink until he was killed. However, Paul’s nephew warned Paul of this plan. After informing the tribune, he sends Paul to the governor Felix in Caesarea soon as he arrived, Governor Felix agrees to hear Paul’s case as soon as his accusers arrive. It is not long before the Jewish leader show up and present their case to Felix against Paul, falsely accusing him of being a plague, stirring up riots, and profaning the temple. However, Paul deftly gives his defense to Felix, explaining that every accusation is false. Today, we see Felix tell them that when Lysias the tribune arrives, he would decide their case. While waiting, Felix and his wife both listen to Paul speaking about faith in Christ, righteousness, and the coming judgment. Understandably, this made Felix a little concerned and unfortunately for Paul, Felix was trying to placate the Jews as he left and left him in prison. Finally, after another trial where the Jews bring false accusation against Paul, Paul appeals to Caesar.

Last week, Paul arrived in Caesarea and Felix read the letter from Claudius Lysias. Afterwards, Felix agrees to hear Paul’s case as soon as his accusers arrive. Today, we will see Ananias the high priest arrives with some elders and a spokesman, Tertullus. He delivers his case to Felix against Paul, falsely accusing him of being a plague, stirring up riots, and profaning the temple. Paul then begins to cheerfully give his defense to Felix, explaining that every accusation is false.

Paul's Roman citizenship affords him further protection. A plot to deceive the tribune and murder Paul is uncovered, so the tribune sends Paul by night to Governor Felix under heavily armed guard. Accompanied by a letter from the tribune, Paul arrives in Caesarea and is placed in protective custody until his accusers can come and present their case.