Doing something a little different today. 3 parts, mishmashed into one theme (disclose that theme @ end of message)
Today’s key passage is found in Acts 28:1-10
I want us to:
start in chapter 24,
to see how we get to chapter 27, as we examine chapter 28
(are ya with me so far?)
Chapter 24- Paul is accused of inciting an insurrection
Chapter 25- Since Paul is a Roman citizen, he makes an appeal to Caesar
Chapter 26- Leading up to the appeal, he recounts his early life before his conversion to Christianity and we’ll touch on that a little later
Chapter 27- We see that Paul begins his journey to Rome
The voyage is to be taken by ship from Caeserea(Kay-sa-REE-a) to Rome and it is about a 2000 mile journey, for safe travel reasons they will be hugging the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea.
Along the way, Paul advises the Roman Centurion of a path they should take, but the centurion ignores Paul’s advice, and as a result a violent storm pushes the ship, carrying 276 passengers, many of them Roman prisoners, out to sea.
This storm lasts for 14 days, and was so violent that the crew feared the ship would go down at any moment. They couldn’t see any sunlight in the day, nor any stars, at night.
I can imagine they were feeling very claustrophobic.
Ship runs aground at Malta.
Malta is an island situated just south of Sicily, and east of North Africa. It was an important strategic military base because of how it sat in a tight area between Western Italy and Northern Africa. Whatever empire held this base, largely controlled what entered into that northern part of the Mediterranean Sea.
This geographical outlay is similar to how the Bahamas are positioned in relation to Miami and Havana.
The title of today’s message is:
Kindling the Fire
The purpose of the message is for us to consider what we do with our shipwrecks.
Because we all have them!
---Pray-----
Acts 28:1-10
Stand with me as we honor God while reading His word.
v.2- Besides being near the ocean, another favorite pastime of mine is being around a campfire.
In our backyard we have a burn pit that is about 15 ft wide, and about 2 ft deep, surrounded by a rock wall of about a foot tall.
I love getting Lisa and the kids together and listening to music while we watch the fire burn.
v.2 They kindled a fire and made us all welcome
You see, it was raining and cold.
v.3- Paul gathered a bundle of sticks (Tristan is usually our stick gatherer when we have a fire)
A viper came out because of the heat of the fire, and fastened on Paul’s hand.
v.4 Church I want y’all to catch this as I re-read v.4:
Read from my bible
No doubt this is a murderer:
A few years back, I brought a message titled: Damascus or Emmaus.
In that message, I assumed every one knew the story of who Saul was before he became Paul. I don’t want to make that assumption today.
I want to read a verse for you that introduces Saul to us. Acts 7:58
“And they cast him(Stephen) out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
Saul was a persecutor of Christians, and he condoned the murder of Stephen!
Read Acts 28:4 again then say:
Look what God has done with Paul, the murderer formerly known as Saul. These people were amazed that nothing happened to Paul after the serpent latched onto his hand! Paul was now one of God’s own!
This is what God can do, with lives that are misdirected, misused, broken and even evil.
We are about to discover the REAL reason for the shipwreck. Don’t misunderstand, the CAUSE the shipwreck was the storm, but that wasn’t the REASON for the shipwreck!
The storms of life were nothing new to Paul. Let’s look at Acts 16:25 “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”
I’d like to set this “storm” up for us, as we consider how we handle life’s storms.
Beginning in:
v.16-slave girl with demon spirit who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling
v.17-she was shouting in the streets in a mocking way about what the apostles were doing.
v.18 after many of days of this, Paul had had enough, and commanded the spirit out of her. And the spirit obeyed the command and came out of her.
v.19 masters saw their golden egg had been cracked, they took these men to the magistrates and the multitude arose against them
v.23 beaten and thrown into prison
The Holy Spirit had come upon Paul, and he was prepared for the storm!
Back to Acts 28.
Chapter 28 teaches us a few lessons on what to do with our shipwrecks (because we all have them)
Shipwrecks can lead to:
Fellowship
Service to God and others
Revival
Acts 28:8–9 “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. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.”
3 months they were there.
Scripture says “the rest of those on the island” were healed.
We need to be aware that in the middle of storms, troubles, and trials God is still in control and He is with us!
Your shipwreck, just like Pauls’ is no mistake.
your testimony can bring about revival for those around you! (REPEAT THIS)
Shipwreck to revival
History tells us that the shipwreck led to the first Christian church in the west, right there in Malta, and that Publius(PUB-lee-us) was the first pastor in the west, right there in Malta! The first Christian church of the west, was born out of a shipwreck, y’all!
Don’t you let the devil tell you that your shipwreck is your ending- It’s your beginning!!!
Because the same power that was in Malta 2,000 years ago, is in you today!
The purpose of all miracles, but especially healing ones, is to authenticate the gospel message.
We aren’t told in scripture that Paul brought the gospel to the people of this island, but simply knowing Paul’s story, we can be confident that he did, and many were undoubtably saved.
I want you to receive what I am about to say as a soul tattoo- The greatest joy next to the joy of your own salvation is winning another soul to Christ.
Marinate in that a minute.
The greatest joy next to the joy of your own salvation is winning another soul to Christ.
Your shipwreck is someone else’s miracle
Your shipwreck is the beginning of a revival
Your shipwreck is someone else’s healing
Your shipwreck lays the groundwork for a ministry
Your shipwreck is a sweet aroma to God as you surrender to Him
Ok, that was part 1.
Let’s go to part 2:
Let’s begin in v2 of Acts 28.
Acts 28:2 “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.”
We can never predict how God may make return to us for acts of kindness, which we may do for others.
Some of you have heard this story, so just indulge me if you will please.
Years ago, Lisa and I bought a feed store. After about 3 years we had to sell it. Just wasn’t working out for us.
My pride was crushed. Failure was not in my vocabulary until then.
One night as Lisa and I were having dinner @ Rancho Viejo (currently Lalos), a couple walked in, who were customers of ours @ the feed store.
Apparently, my countenance wreaked of wounded pride and the woman spoke this over me:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I have no idea how God returned to her that blessing that she spoke over us, but her words began a healing in me.
She may have been hurting over something, but if she was, her “hurting” began a “healing” in me!
Check this out:
Have you ever called someone to console them in their time of grief or hurting, but come out of that conversation being the one who was blessed?
Acts 28:2 “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.”
I’d like to look at this passage a little differently, and maybe by the time it’s over, I can wrap it up nicely, in a way that makes sense.
Let’s begin with this question:
“Have you ever experienced times in your life when a spiritual chill has come over you?”
I know that is a strange question. But if you have, how did you respond?
There may be ones in your hemisphere, who are experiencing a spiritual winter.
We have to be discerning and intentional, in kindling a fire in others.
I think this a good time to remind us that when we do kindle a fire in others, Satan attacks, like that viper that came out of the wood pile in v3.
Satan doesn’t want us to be spiritually kindled!
Acts 28:3 “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.”
So, how do we “kindle the fire”?
First, we stay close to the Word of God- Jeremiah 23:29a ““Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord,
Read God’s word diligently and the fire will not easily be put out.
Our fire Saturday night...(speak a little about this)
As I was out by the fire, I began thinking about deer hunting.
I don’t deer hunt anymore. Never was an avid deer hunter.
I love venison but deer hunting is a lot of work, as well as a lot of money.
But the part I disliked the most was when my toes and fingers got bitterly cold.
When that happens, I’m done. Time to get to the campfire.
The most painful part about cold fingers and toes, is when you get them near the fire. The pain briefly intensifies.
When we encounter Christians or non-believers who are bitterly cold, the toughest part is getting them near the fire!
Maybe the pain of “church-hurt” is re-kindled, or maybe seeing the hypocrisy of some Christians is repulsive to them.
Whatever the case, we are called to be the “ice-breakers” of spiritual coldness, dispassion, and empathy.
So we kindle the fire with fellowship.
We also kindle the fire with prayer.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a series on prayer.
A few weeks before that, we read how Job worshipped God in the middle of his storm.
Scripture tells us that the way Job came out of his storm was praying for others.
Job 42:10 “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
We kindle the fire, by praying for others in the middle of our own storms!
We kindle the fire through fellowship, through prayer and:
by serving God and others.
Service is about:
Action- Acts 28:3 “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.”
When we serve others, it can get messy! “a viper came out because of the heat”.
Service is action and it can be messy, but it is also about:
Setting the example. Jesus was the best @ setting the example.
John 13:14–15 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
Perhaps the most critical aspect of service is:
Reaching the lost
Jesus’ words teach us about reaching the lost.
Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””
Service is about (cover the list again)
Service must be conducted with:
Humility
Matthew 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.””
In this verse we see not only is serving others about humility, but it is also about giving “to give His life a ransom for many”.
Service is sacrifice!
As we wrap up Part 2 today, let us consider these things:
Service is about action
Service can be messy
Service is setting the example for others to follow
Service is about reaching the lost
Service happens inside and outside the church walls
Service is being humble
Christian service is upside-down from worldview
Service is about giving
Now, part 3 of today’s message:
Begin the ordination...
Call Johan and Gordon forward
Today, we are thrilled to announce the ordination of two new deacons.
We’ll go into some details of that shortly, but I’d like us to examine what scripture instructs us about deacons.
The heading or pericope in NKJV, of this portion of the chapter reads:
Seven chosen to serve
Acts 6:1 “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”
Ever heard a complaint in the church? I mean, I know you haven’t at this church, I mean in any other churches?
The best I can tell, this is the first recording of an issue inside the church.
The two factions in the church were:
The Hebrews-natives of Israel who spoke the Hebrew, or Aramaic language, and
The Hellenist who were Jews, but natives of the Greco-Roman world and spoke Greek.
The church was experiencing in growing pangs, and as a result, some things were being overlooked.
We see even in the early church, there was not perfection.
I believe sometimes we go to church expecting perfection, then experience disappointment, when perfection isn’t found.
I read this recently. If your church’s shortcomings distress you, ask yourself: “would a perfect church have me”?
Here’s my point: If the answer to the above question of “would a perfect church have me” is no, then go about beginning today to make your church better.
The 12, were presented with a problem.
Acts 6:2 “Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.”
It is my belief that the apostles didn’t think themselves ABOVE serving tables, but rather they needed to continue to devote themselves to God’s word.
Obviously this was a real issue that required a real solution.
They needed help and recognized that fact!
Gordon and Johan, this is no mundane task that you are accepting. It is a vital aspect of a healthy, growing church!
Acts 6:3 “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;”
Acts 6:4 “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””
I find it interesting that v2 says:
Acts 6:2 “Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.”
but something vital is added in v4
Acts 6:4 “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””
Not only the ministry of the word, but prayer as well.
Church, here’s something we can never forget;
We must continually be in prayer, because spiritual warfare is continuous!
I’d like to go back to v3 for just a quick minute:
Acts 6:3 “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;”
I want y’all to know that of these 15 verses, this is the one I’ve struggled with. Please allow me to attempt to explain.
Years ago, I was part of an upstart church, and was the first elder appointed in that church.
As the church began to grow, we; as a church voted for the elders and lay pastors (deacons).
To a large degree it became a popularity contest.
Qualifications were not discussed, nor presented. Simply a list of “candidates”.
Notice the qualifications in v3:
Good reputation
full of the Holy Spirit
Wisdom
The apostles were getting into some “meat” weren’t they.
Also, in that church that I was part of, we had entirely too many occasions to vote for a pastor.
This is where I saw first hand that essentially the process of voting for a pastor, was window dressing, while a corruptive abuse of power percolated for control.
I say all of that church, to explain why this decision was made without the prior presentation to you.
No malicious intent whatsoever.
Now back to scripture:
Acts 6:3–4 “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””
I cannot definitively state that the “whom we may appoint” is exclusively the apostles, or the church and the apostles, however; I believe the “we” is the apostles solely.
Acts 6:5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor (nie-KAY-nor), Timon (TEE-moan), Parmenas (PAR-ma-nas), and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,”
This may have been the first and only time “the whole multitude” was pleased. Can I get an amen?
Gordon and Johan, there will be some decisions made, and actions taken, that just may not please everyone. Welcome to leadership!
I believe because the apostles were so intent on doing the right thing in response to the issue, they choose 7 Hellenists.
Acts 6:6 “whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”
The laying on of hands in this situation was not to receive the Holy Spirit because we see in v3 and 5 this had already taken place.
This was about setting them apart and confessing on these men the responsibility of carrying out the ministry they were charged with!
Acts 6:7 “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
Couple of noteworthy mentions about this verse:
Priests were converted!
then the word of God spread- this is the first of 6 progress reports found in Acts.
Acts 6:7 “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
That’s good news isn’t it. I would say that is progress!
Johan and Gordon, I believe I speak for the church when I say we look forward to hearing reports of progress from you, from time to time!
Now we move to the second half of Acts 6.
The heading or pericope of this passage is:
Stephen is arrested
Stephen is accused of blasphemy
Acts 6:8 “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.”
Church, we need to be cognizant of the fact that wonders and signs are not an exclusive characteristic of apostolic ministry.
Stephen was not one of the 12, but he was full of faith and power.
Johan and Gordon, I’m convinced that when we increase our faith, we increase our power!
Acts 6:9 “Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.”
The Synagogue of the Freedmen, were a group of Jewish slaves who had been freed from Rome, and had formed a synagogue in Jerusalem.
Didn’t take long for Stephen to stir the pot did it?
Gordon and Johan, oftentimes doing the right thing for God, stirs the pot!
Acts 6:10 “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”
Oh darn, lookout, they weren’t able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Hallelujah!
Church, testifying of our faith, is not about saying all the right things.
Listen to me. It is a spiritual battle that requires the wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, as witnesses.
Acts 6:11 “Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.””
We’re going to come back to that.
Acts 6:12 “And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council.”
Acts 6:13–14 “They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.””
Do you realize Jesus faced nearly the same charges and accusations?
Johan and Gordon, hear me on this:
In all likelihood, you will face attack!
Those saying you aren’t worthy.
You don’t deserve.
You don’t qualify.
You may even face attack from false witnesses.
Seek God
Reach out to your church family.
We will go to battle with you, with Jesus as our Supreme Leader!
Acts 6:15 “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.”
Even Stephens enemies could recognize God’s presence in his life!
Church, is that you and me?
Can our enemies see God’s presence in our lives?
As a finish up, I want to encourage you all to read two passages:
Acts 5:34-39 repeat a couple of times
Acts chapter 7 in it’s entirety.
Let’s wrap this up:
In Acts 6, we see spiritual warfare, and Satan’s strategy in the church:
Church, I want to throw this challenge out to us:
Have their backs
Be there when they need us
Pray, pray, pray
Here’s my challenge to you Gordon and Roman:
Be willing to serve God in whatever way He call you to serve
Be full of the Holy Spirit, like Stephen
Honor Holy Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Strive to be like Jesus in all you do-this is the process of sanctification.
Always remember that you never know whose life you will be a part of changing for God’s glory.
I can’t help but consider that Stephens life and death impacted Paul’s life, for God’s glory.
Ask Tony to come forward
Present certificate
Call church to circle the family, lay hands and pray over them.
Say goodbye to online viewers
Close out in prayer
