Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 22, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 27. This chapter covers the majority of Paul’s voyage from Caesarea to Rome. This voyage was filled with turmoil and tribulation. The crew was actually shipwrecked after multiple days at sea. However, Paul kept his focus on Jesus and offered hope to a boat filled with people that had no hope. This story reminds us that Christians have a vital role to play in our world, we are like salt and light — offering hope to a world filled with turmoil.
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Paul, an experienced sailor, warned that to continue sailing now would be dangerous, but according to verse 11, the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and owner of the ship than to Paul. Have you given people in your life warnings, especially in the last couple of years, that have been ignored? How did you respond to the rejection?
Luke's voyage description paints a detailed picture of chaos, panic, loss of hope, and crisis. Yet, Paul remains steadfast in his faith. How? He dwelled close to God. Are you in close communication with our Heavenly Father? Do you make time with Him a priority?
Paul reminded them of his previous advice yet followed it with encouragement to not lose heart. Why? Because an angel of God visited him and told him not to be afraid and all those with him would be brought to land safely. Paul was calm in the midst of the chaos. He also had the courage to speak boldly about what God had told him and his faith. Does peace and boldness describe your reaction in times of crisis?
Paul’s advice, prayers, courage, hope in God, and actions impacted those around him. What kind of impact are you having on the people around you? Your family, co-workers, friends, people you encounter in traffic, the store? Are you carrying the message of hope in Jesus to those who need it most?