An Angel Visits Paul
Scripture: Acts 27:21-26
Sermon Points:
- Salvation is a matter of OWNERSHIP
Saul, the persecutor of Christians, was converted by the resurrected Jesus Christ while on a journey to Damascus. He was knocked off his horse by a blinding noonday light brighter than the sun. Paul immediately recognized that God did this, and he submitted to Jesus and was saved. After a few years learning from God and the other apostles, Paul began an incredible mission for the cause of Christ to the Gentiles, as Jesus had told him. Paul preached outside of Israel boldly, enraging the Jews and Gentiles who opposed Jesus. They joined together to kill him once he arrived back in Jerusalem. The Roman chief captain arrested him, and Paul appealed, saying he was a Roman citizen with rights. This caused a handing off of Paul among various legal authorities of the Romans. His appeal finally ended in the order of sending Paul on a journey to Caesar in Rome.
The transport ships used went to several ports along the way, including a stop at a place called Fair Havens. The weather was becoming unpredictable because it was late in the season and was already turning worse. Paul warned them via the Holy Spirit not to attempt to launch, but the wind softened and they decided to sail. It was a disastrous decision that looked deadly to all of them. However, Paul settled them down by saying, "be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship." What he said next is key to this point: "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 27:23-25). Paul's statement about "whose I am" shows us that Salvation is a matter of OWNERSHIP. God owns Paul, and He owns all who are saved! Christians: when is the last time you told someone that God owns you? It's a powerful statement that will get their attention.
- Issue Of SERVICE To God
We are all in service to something or someone in our life in the flesh. But God has a specific SERVICE for us that we must find. It's one thing to be owned by the Savior, and it's commanded by God for us to serve Him once we're saved. Paul said, "God, whose I am, and WHOM I SERVE," telling us who his master is... God. We must put aside all our earthly desires and decide to serve God to further His Kingdom. Have we done this?
- Matter Of PROVIDENCE To Consider
No matter how the world wants to dismiss God's Holy Word, His PROVIDENCE is undeniable. He makes sure His will is done regardless of unbelief or any other excuse mankind can come up with. Most times, we don't even recognize when God's Providence is happening before us. Many of you reading this summary might not recognize that it was God's Providence that had you listening and watching. Have you bowed down to your Creator? Don't put God off; pray and ask forgiveness, believing Jesus died to save you from your sins.
