But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. (Acts 27:21-25)
Paul had warned the crew not to sail from Crete for the storms but now that they were in one, Paul encouraged all that they would be safe despite the horrible weather which they were experiencing. Not one soldier, sailor, or prisoner would be lost, though the ship would not survive the storm. God had promised not only Paul’s life but all that were with him. Paul’s faith in the God of creation who has power over the storm was such that he knew it would be as the angel said. Though they were going through a terrible storm which could have been avoided they would all be safe as God promised.
Though staying at Fair Havens would have been better than risking the storms, once in them they had to trust that God would watch over them. Paul voiced his opinion but could not control the choices others make, especially those who do not know God nor believe in His Son. He then, especially as a prisoner of Rome simply sailed on the ship as directed. He knew that God was in control, but could not stop them sailing the ship. When faced with a dangerous and life-threatening storm, his courage and comfort despite the winds encourage the rest to trust Paul if not Paul’s God. Paul’s testimony was believed because they had seen and knew of Paul’s character. Paul had further opportunity to witness for God even in the circumstances of his transport as a prisoner.
We may not be able to persuade others to Christ or to do that which is necessary or proper, especially those who are lost and do not follow the ways of God. We can only respond to what is going on around us as Christ would have us act, in love, with a gentle spirit even when rebuking others, and in meekness and fear when giving and answer of the hope that is in us. The quiet strength which we have because of Christ should be evident even in the storms of this life and the fear of the Lord should be demonstrated in our obedience to Him and our respect of others. Though we must preach the Word of God for others to be saved from their sins through repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary if our actions are not also preaching Truth and grace they will not hear us.
As we live the Gospel we preach, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
Though staying at Fair Havens would have been better than risking the storms, once in them they had to trust that God would watch over them. Paul voiced his opinion but could not control the choices others make, especially those who do not know God nor believe in His Son. He then, especially as a prisoner of Rome simply sailed on the ship as directed. He knew that God was in control, but could not stop them sailing the ship. When faced with a dangerous and life-threatening storm, his courage and comfort despite the winds encourage the rest to trust Paul if not Paul’s God. Paul’s testimony was believed because they had seen and knew of Paul’s character. Paul had further opportunity to witness for God even in the circumstances of his transport as a prisoner.
We may not be able to persuade others to Christ or to do that which is necessary or proper, especially those who are lost and do not follow the ways of God. We can only respond to what is going on around us as Christ would have us act, in love, with a gentle spirit even when rebuking others, and in meekness and fear when giving and answer of the hope that is in us. The quiet strength which we have because of Christ should be evident even in the storms of this life and the fear of the Lord should be demonstrated in our obedience to Him and our respect of others. Though we must preach the Word of God for others to be saved from their sins through repentance and faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary if our actions are not also preaching Truth and grace they will not hear us.
As we live the Gospel we preach, God calls His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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