Today I want to encourage you all to go to your Bibles and read the entirety of Acts 27.  It is the story of Paul’s journey to Rome.  It is quite the Adventureland, it is ultimately what leads to Paul bringing the gospel to Rome and his ultimate martyrdom.  The thing that strikes me today about the story is that with 276 soldiers on board a ship, many of them commanding officers, the Centurion and all of the soldiers look to Paul for guidance.  I’ve included a small sampling here but again I encourage you to read the entirety of Acts 27 today.  

On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away. 33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. 39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could.

The thing is when someone is truly seeking God and his guidance their wisdom, which is God’s wisdom, comes through.  Everyone is looking to Paul in the midst of the storm and shipwreck because Paul is looking to God.  The first step of Godly leadership is not working on your leadership skills or honing your motivational abilities.  The first step in Godly leadership is to seek God.  The more we are in tune with Him the more people will look to us to lead and guide them.  In 1 Corinthians Paul even verbalizes this concept when he says, “follow me as I follow Christ”.  That is the essence of Godly leadership when someone follows Jesus so well that others learn more about Jesus by simply watching them.  I pray that we might all share the love of Christ each day simply by the way we live (and with our words too).  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

As Paul continues his series of trials which are leading him to Caesar and Rome, he continues to use every opportunity to share the message of Jesus whenever he can.  He is prepared to die for his faith but also seems convinced that there are more people to reach first.  Let’s look at this account of his trial before Agrippa.  

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” 24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” 25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

One of the things that really strikes me about this long series of trials which Paul faces is how each and every person is fascinated by Paul and really wants to speak to him.  Paul has something about him which people are drawn toward.  Several of them even meet with Paul over and over again.  That’s the thing about the Holy Spirit within us.  When we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us others are drawn in.  People wanted to see Paul and hear him and spend time with him.  Even people who didn’t care for him much were drawn to him.  That is the power of Jesus working in us.  When we let Jesus’ love and light shine through our life others are drawn to it and to Jesus.  I pray that we all might let Jesus shine through us and point people to Him.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

How do you respond in difficult situations?  Do you have a tendency to tap into your fight or your flight instincts?  It is always interesting to see how people respond to the most stressful of situations in life.  Some turn to their support group of friends and family.  Others avoid people all together.  Some lash out and seek to hurt others.  Paul has this amazing tendency in the midst of difficult situations to use them to his advantage and share the message of the gospel.  Let’s look at his encounter with Felix in Acts 24.

When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man… 24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

Paul got opportunities over two years to share his faith with Felix and other key leaders while he was imprisoned but given tons of freedom.  He used this opportunity to write some of the books of the Bible that we have today as well.  It would have been very easy for Paul to lose heart or even become angry and discouraged.  Instead he made the very most of the situation and there is no telling how many people have been touched by the gospel as a result.  The next time that you are walking through a difficult situation or circumstance look for an opportunity to use that for ministry.  You just may be surprised at how God uses that and how He gives you extra strength to make it through.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

I am always amazed at the ways in which God chooses to rescue his people.  Throughout the Bible God often uses the craziest or most simple and ordinary ways to help His people out of impossible situations.  This is often the case in Paul’s life and in Acts 22 once again there are a group of people who want to kill Paul.  Let’s lookout the story together today.

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?” 20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.” 22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

Paul’s nephew happens to overhear this plot.  Who even knew that Paul had a nephew?  He goes to warn Paul who tells the commander of the guard who comes up with a plan to save Paul and ultimately send him toward Rome where he shares the gospel and reaches so many more with the message of Jesus.  God uses crazy things like talking Donkeys and burning bushes.  He also uses completely ordinary things to accomplish extraordinary things.  The point is that no matter what we are facing in life God is at work. He is working in your life even now.  Pray that He might use you to be a part of one of His extraordinary works.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

There are certain passages of Scripture that I think I will always be curious about.  Acts 21 is one of those passages.  Verse 4 says that some disciples pleaded with Paul through the Spirit not to return to Jerusalem but Paul felt led by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem.  Let’s look together at this passage today.   

After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2 We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail. 3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 We sought out the disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

So who was wrong?  Was it really the Spirit speaking to both Paul and the group of other believers?  Did the believers receive a message from God but misinterpret it?  This is probably the most common interpretation of this passage.  So if we have a sense that God is speaking to us, how do we ensure that we get the right message.  First we must compare our message to what we know of God from Scripture.  Then we must decide if we are really trusting in God.  Perhaps the Spirit was warning these disciples of danger and they did not trust God to use the situation for good.  God often does His very best work through challenging and difficult situations.  The God also speaks through our own desires when we are truly seeking His will in our lives.  Paul was willing and ready to die for the gospel.  Above all He wanted to follow God’s will.  I pray that we might all be as sensitive as Paul to the leading of God’s Spirit in our lives. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Every once in awhile I’ll look out while preaching and notice that someone is concentrating to the message so hard that their eyes are closed.  I have even noticed the concentration ratcheted up to the level where they even begin to snore.  Perhaps you remember the story of this happening once while Paul was preaching.  Let’s look at the story together today from Acts 20.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

While this has always served as a story to comfort young preachers that even Paul has people fall asleep while preaching, there is more here for us.  First of all I think of how important Paul considered this message that he would literally preach to the people all night long.  Then I think how amazing it is that the people considered the message of the gospel so important that they would listen that long. (except for those that fell asleep and died)  Perhaps this should serve as a reminder to us all of just how important the message we carry is.  We are all called to share the love of Christ with the world and Jesus’ message is critically important.  It’s the kind of thing you stay up all night talking about.  I pray that we might all get a fresh sense of the importance of our task to share the gospel and Jesus’ love with the world.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

I am always fascinated but the different ways that Jesus reaches people.  Sometimes through a friend, others through a big life event.  Maybe a sermon or a conference.  Perhaps even by simply watching and observing other Christians.  God reaches people in a variety of amazing ways in the early church through miracles and wonders.  Yet here is an example of a very ordinary way that we hear about in Acts 19.  Let’s look at it together today.  

8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

Often Paul’s preaching reaches people in amazing ways throughout the book of Acts.  Yet after three months of preaching people are not responding.  Instead he simply has discussions daily with believers.  In other words he is discipling people in an open setting where others can observe, and listen to what is going on.  He spends the next two years doing this.  That’s right Paul, the man constantly on the move sharing the gospel stays in one place for two years and simply talks with the believers about Jesus.  We are told that everyone in that region heard the Word of the Lord as a result.  To me this is another scripture that we could totally miss the significance of.  God uses this two years of discussions to reach so many people.  It reminds me that others are always listening to us and we always are sharing the gospel even if we aren’t preaching or proclaiming bit like Paul normally did.  Simple little conversations can impact others far more than we know or realize.  I pray that we all might share the gospel in such a way by our conversations over coffee or at the sports field or wherever we go in life.  If it was worth two years of Paul’s life and ministry it is worth our time each day as well.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

One of my favorite things about the Bible is that you can read a passage over and over and God can speak to you through it in different ways.  This morning as I was reading Acts 18 something jumped out at me in a way that it had not previously.  Let’s take a look at it together today. 

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. 6 But when they opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.

When I read the story of the early church it can be easy to simply focus on the main characters.  It is really incredible to think just how many people were actively involved in its development.  Just in this brief section of Acts 18 we have:  Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, Timothy, Titus Justus, Crispus, and of course Paul.  It reminds me of just how important our partners are.  Having people who partner in ministry is so important and such an incredible blessing.  They encourage you, push you, and help in ways that you are not necessarily gifted in.  It truly takes a team to accomplish great things for God.  Take a moment today and thank those in your life that partner with you in ministry and encourage you along the way.  Partners are crucial!

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

This Morning I want to talk about a Bible character that you might not be familiar with.  I’d like to talk about Jason.  Jason is probably not someone that you remember learning about in Sunday school when you were a kid.  The Jason’s of the Bible and the world play an incredibly important and vital role.  Let’s look at the story of Jason found in Acts 17 together today.

When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

Three things come to mind in this brief story of Jason.  First when the “Christians” are causing trouble the officials immediately go to Jason.  This means that he was a known follower of Jesus.  They assumed that he would be at the center of whatever was going on with Paul and Silas.  Then we find out that in fact Jason was hosting them at his house.  He was willing to embrace Paul even when he knew of the possibility of trouble because of it.  Jason is arrested simply because the officials cannot find Paul there.  He is forced to pay bond.  Jason’s efforts enable Paul to bring the Gospel to Thessalonica and also allow him to leave and continue to carry to Gospel to other places as well.  We all have a tendency to focus on Paul and the Paul’s of the world.  With Jason’s Paul’s cannot accomplish what God has called them to.  So today and every day know that whatever role you play in sharing the love of Jesus is a crucial and important one.  Be a Jason and use your gifts to build God’s kingdom. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Have you ever had a strong sense of direction from the Holy Spirit as to what to do? I suspect that we get these prompts more often than we know and simply “miss” them because of the business and noise of life.  When we are told to be still and know that I am God in Psalms we are reminded of the skill of listening to the Spirit.  Let’s look at Paul’s experience of this from Acts 16. 

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. 12 From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. 13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

I love this passage that might be easy to miss the significance of.  Paul wanted to go to Bithynia.  We are told that he tried to go there but the Spirit would not allow him to.  To be listening well enough to God that he was physically not able to go somewhere is pretty impressive.  Paul then has a dream which ultimately leads him in another direction.  It leads him to Philippi which ends up becoming one of the most important and significant early churches.  It’s amazing how God often orchestrates plans to do amazing things that we might never dream of ourselves.  Today and every day make it a point to listen you just might be amazed at the places God leads you.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave