March 2nd, Monday: Acts chap. 26 & 27

Acts 26

Paul saw the light!

Instead of defending himself, Paul use the opportunity to present the Gospel to King Agrippa and others with him.

When Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he made some important and life-changing discoveries:-

His religion was out of date; his zeal for God was only hurting God; Jesus was alive; and Jesus had a job for Paul to do.

Talk about a rude awakening!

Then we'll see Agrippa rejects the light.

He turned his back on the light.

He was, you know, almost, when he might have been altogether.

Charles Spurgeon wrote, 'Almost persuaded to be a Christian is like the man who was almost pardoned, but he was hanged. Like the man who was almost rescued, but he was burned in the house.'

See, a man who is almost saved - is damned.

Acts 27

Paul's counsel gets rejected.

What does a Jewish tentmaker know about sailing a ship anyway?

So the advice of the experts and the vote of the majority carried the day.

When you are impatient and are uncomfortable, and the golden opportunity seems to come along, beware – a storm may be brewing.

And they hear Paul's encouragement.

Paul was right to say, 'I told you so.'

But he followed it with a promise from the Lord and a word of encouragement from his believing heart.

At a time like that, people need promises, not preaching.

And they were following Paul's example.

Paul publicly gave thanks and directed their hearts to God – which encouraged everybody.

The weary passengers needed strength for what lay ahead.

And meant taking time to eat.

Paul was practical and as well as very perceptive.

Although Paul started the voyage as a prisoner and passenger, he ended it as the captain of the ship.

The ship was lost, but by the grace of God, Paul's presence saved all the passengers.

Can the Lord depend on you to sail by faith when you face the storms?

Can others depend on you?