Acts 28: The End of the Beginning

Notes: Acts 28: the End of the Beginning

Pastor John Collins

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Valor

Are we asked to do something great? In Acts we are.

In these chapters we met challenges, perseverance and commitment.

Most commentators believe that Paul was released from his house arrest at the end of Acts, around the age of 60.

This would have been at the time when the Roman Empire would have been beginning to crumble.

Here is where Paul wrote many of the Epistles that we learn from today in the Bible.

Acts 28 is the end of the beginning, we are all living out Acts 29 now.

We see cycles, proclaiming the Gospel, accepting it, denying it and the Apostles being chased out of town.

Acts 28:1-10 NKJV

[1] Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. [2] And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. [3] But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." [5] But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. [6] However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. [7] In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. [8] And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. [9] So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. [10] They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Paul was received by happy people, they showed him unusual kindness.

Many received healing from Paul, so it would be safe to assume that they heard and received the Gospel willingly.

Acts 28:11-16 NKJV

[11] After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. [12] And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. [13] From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, [14] where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. [15] And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. [16] Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Puteoli is modern day Naples.

Acts 23:11 NKJV

[11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

Jesus was teaching His disciples all throughout Acts that even though He was not in the flesh, He was always there. Paul understood this throughout his ministry.

Acts 27:24 NKJV

[24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

Paul could move with confidence and continue to encourage those around him. All the men with Paul were on this crazy adventure of faith.

Paul was moving with a bold, crazy, leap of faith.

Acts 28:14 NKJV

[14] ... And so we went toward Rome.

After all the amazing things that have happened to these men they were finally headed to Rome.

God used the boards of the broken ships to bring His people to shore.

God uses old used parts to accomplish His purposes.

God has a mission for all of us in our Christian walk.

God draws straight lines with crooked sticks.

All of the events and tragedies in Acts were used by God to accomplish His purposes.

Acts 28:17-29 NKJV

[17] And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, [18] who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. [19] But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. [20] For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain." [21] Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. [22] But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." [23] So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. [24] And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. [25] So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, [26] saying, 'Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; [27] For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."' [28] "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" [29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

Paul has faced this story many times. Some believed and some rejected.

It is the law itself that pointed to their freedom in Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30-31 NKJV

[30] Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, [31] preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Being in his own rented house was significant because he was free from the influence of the government.

Paul's primary objective was preaching and teaching.

Our mission at Harvest is knowing God and making God known.

A Hellfire and Brimstone Message

Notes: A Hellfire and Brimstone Message
Luke 16
Pastor Greg Laurie
Series: God Came Near
Sunday, May 17, 2015 — 8:00 a.m.

Greg says he plans on giving us a message about hell today.

We have to talk about hell because the Bible talks about it.

Jesus spoke more about hell then any other preacher in the Bible.

When a believer dies, they go directly to Heaven.

When the nonbeliever dies, the Bible says, they go straight to hell.

We need to let people know that in a loving way so that they understand.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NKJV
[1] To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: [2] A time to be born, And a time to die;A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

We all will die someday, but none of us can know when. 

3 people die every second. They are all going to Heaven or Hell.

Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
[13] "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

God doesn't want any person to go to hell. It is a persons decisions that get them to hell.

Hell is a joke to many people, but it is no joke. It is a miserable place of torment that will last all of eternity.

Many say they think that it is a contradiction, that a God of love would not send a person to hell.

It is said that in our times that divine judgement is one of the most offensive doctrines.

You can't pick an endless Heaven and reject an endless hell.

Atheists say that the doctrine of hell is a cruel teaching of the Bible and has brought cruelty into our world.

Yet, do you think if the horrible people in this world knew that they would be actually sent there that they would do the horrible things that they are doing. 

Matthew 5:22 NKJV
[22] But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:29 NKJV
[29] If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

This is not a parable:
Luke 16:19-22 NKJV
[19] "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. [20] But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, [21] desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

A story of two men, one has everything and one has nothing.

Heaven is a place of paradise and Hell is a place of torment.

Luke 16:22-31 NKJV
[22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. [23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' [25] But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. [26] And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' [27] "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, [28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' [29] Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' [30] And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' [31] But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.'"

The rich man's sin was not of being rich, it was of loving his stuff. He not just had wealth but he flaunted his wealth.

Lazarus was cripple and begged for his food.

Luke 16:22 NKJV
[22] So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

The Angels help carry us to Heaven too. 

As fathers we want to protect and make sure our children are ok.

1. People in Hell suffer.

Luke 16:23 NKJV
[23] And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

People don't go to purgatory, or eternal sleep, there is no reincarnation.

How can a God of love send people to Hell?

Hell was not invented for people it is for the devil and his angels.

1. God is giving to people in the afterlife, what they wanted in this life. 

If you don't want God's direction in this life, then He will make sure you don't have to in the afterlife.

2. Once you are in Hell then you can not cross over to Heaven.

3. You are conscious and fully aware that you are in Hell.

Luke 16:28 NKJV
[28] for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.'

He was blaming that he did not know that hell existed.

Luke 16:29 NKJV
[29] Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'

We have the only reliable source in, scriptures, about Heaven.

To promise Heaven and not warn about Hell, is a false message and false doctrine. 

This is not bad news as a believer, because you know you are going to Heaven.

You put your faith in Jesus Christ and you get to choose your eternal address in Heaven.

Jesus was forsaken so I can be forgiven.

Jesus doesn't want anyone to go to hell.

He came so that we can go to Heaven with Him!

Put your faith in Jesus and you can know for certainty that you will go to Heaven!

The road to hell is paved with excuses.

If you don't want to go to hell, then make the choice to go to Heaven.

Cling to God in Storms

Notes: Cling to God in Storms
Pastor Jason Powell
Acts 26
Valor Week 25
May 12, 2015

Jason is talking about how a few years ago was a great season for he and his wife. 

The Bible reflects on seasons in our lives.

Wonderful prospering seasons and dry seasons. Storm seasons come every year. Hurricane season is June 1st to November 30 on the East coast. There are tornado seasons in the mid west. We are taught how to prepare for those seasons. Being prepared is very important.

Paul's experiences in the storm teach us life lessons that we should apply during our life's storms.

In Acts 27, Paul is headed to Rome. Paul is heading to Rome in storm season.

Acts 27:9 NKJV
[9] Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,

The Fast was at the beginning of the storm season. To sail during this time was called "the Fools Challenge". It was not safe.

We can see 7 things in Paul's experiences:

Acts 27:1-8 NKJV
[1] And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. [2] So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. [3] And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. [4] When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. [5] And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. [6] There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board. [7] When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. [8] Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

Paul was with some of his friends on this boat. Luke, the writer of the Gospel, is with them now.

Julius let Paul go get help, that was not something they would typically do. 

Acts 27:6 NKJV
[6] There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.

They are now on a cargo ship from Egypt. It is filled with wheat and passengers. They are in the storm and now forced to go to Fair Haven.

1. Some storms can be avoided by using wisdom.

Acts 27:9-12 NKJV
[9] Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, [10] saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives." [11] Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. [12] And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

They were hoping to get to Phoenix, because it was nicer than Fair Haven. They were not happy with what they had, they wanted to be some place more fun.

Acts 27:13-15 NKJV
[13] When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. [14] But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. [15] So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.

2. Attempts to fight storms are futile. 

The wisdom from Paul is ignored and the result is the storm.

There are Perfecting, Protecting and Correcting storms in life.

Perfecting - Job
Protecting - Jesus Christ on sea of Galilee
Correcting - Jonah 

Many correcting storms can be avoided by wisdom. Wise counsel around me can save me.

3. Storms are governed by God

Psalm 107:27-30 NKJV
[27] They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end. [28] Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. [29] He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. [30] Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.

Maybe the storm is guiding you to where God wants you to be.

He is quoting from a short book "Don't Waste Your Cancer" You will waste your disease if... Lots of great points! 

God does give us storms and designs them, we need to learn from them.

Acts 27:16-17 NKJV
[16] And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. [17] When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.

4. Storms should cause us to protect what is precious.

In a storm we can run to God or away from Him!

God is the most precious thing we have. When a storm hits we need to protect God.

It is me and God.

Philippians 3:8 NKJV
[8] Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

5. Storms expose excess

When there is excess it is the first to go in a storm.

The clothes, house and job don't matter in a storm.

6. Storms teach us to trust God.

Acts 27:20-26 NKJV
[20] Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. [21] But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. [22] And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. [23] For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, [24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' [25] Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. [26] However, we must run aground on a certain island."

Storms really do teach us to trust God.

All hope was lost, God seems to respond most to our helplessness.

Cling to God.

7. In storms proclaim God's promises

Acts 27:27-38 NKJV
[27] Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. [28] And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. [29] Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. [30] And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, [31] Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." [32] Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off. [33] And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. [34] Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you." [35] And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. [36] Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. [37] And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. [38] So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.

Paul remembered God's promises and held onto them.

Acts 27:39-44 NKJV
[39] When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. [40] And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. [41] But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. [42] And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. [43] But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, [44] and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

God kept His promise!

What season are you in? 

Put your confidence in the God that controls the storm!

Can't Stop, Won't Stop (How Many Zeros?)

Notes: Can't Stop, Won't Stop (How Many Zeros?)

Matthew 15:21–28

Pastor Levi Lusko

MUSICAL GUEST: Marty Goetz

Sunday, May 10, 2015 — 12:00 p.m.

The thing about being a mom, the days are long but the years are short.

The mother in these verses went through a great trial with faith that impresses Jesus.

The whole sermon in one sentence: Expectation determines experience.

When we listen to a message, we should view ourselves as participants and not just spectators. It changes our whole experience.

Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV

[21] Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." [23] But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." [24] But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." [25] Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" [26] But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." [27] And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." [28] Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

She worshiped even when her first prayer was not appearing to be answered.

Passwords today seem to be out of control. We can make them so hard that we can never get back into that account again...it's just getting crazy. The thumb print on the iPhone is much easier. Faith is like our thumb print with God.

Great power is unlocked through great faith.

You can not receive from God what you don't give to Him in Faith.

Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Matthew 17:20 NKJV

[20] So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

The mothers faith was so strong that she kept asking.

Matthew 15:28 NKJV

[28] Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

She received the miracle she asked for.

Matthew 15:28 NKJV

[28] ?...Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

If you believe a little you may get a little, if you believe with it all then you open yourself up to all God has to offer.

Prayers are to be prayers, short and sweet can get it done for us.

See past the seed.

Faith is like a mustard seed. It starts little and ends up huge.

Huge things always start off small.

Zechariah 4:10 NKJV

[10] For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth."

Keep having faith.

Sometimes the mountain that needs moving is inside of you.

Trials can be there to change you on the inside.

Faith is the password.

For there to be faith there has to be mystery.

Hebrews 11:33 NKJV

[33] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Hebrews 11:37 NKJV

[37] They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented-

To be used by God may have a gory back story. You must always trust Him. Then you can get to the place you need to be.

You have to reinvest your miracles or you will run out of them.

The harvest is inside the seed. So if you stop sowing then you will stop reaping.

Seeds don't all germinate on the same schedule.

Even if we don't think sowing is working, we need to continue.

We don't get to evaluate if our faithfulness is working, that's God's work.

The lack of gifts today could be from the lack of sowing 2 years ago. We don't know, so we must continue to sow.

If your church is too big, then your love of people is too small!!

Genesis 15:2 NKJV

[2] But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"

Genesis 15:5 NKJV

[5] Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be."

You can't stop sowing and dreaming because God won't stop and neither shall you.

Whoever has the Son has life.