STAY RELAXED! NO ONE WILL GET LOST...

'ACTS 27'

Paul travels to Rome

1It was that we should embark for Italy. They then handed Paul and the other prisoners over to Julius, a Roman officer who was from the battalion called "Battalion of the Emperor." 2We boarded a ship from the city of Adramitius, which was ready to sail to the ports of the province of Asia. And so we started the journey. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from the city of Thessalonica, was with us. 3The next day we arrived at the port of Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go see his friends and get what he needed from them. 4After leaving Sidon, we sailed north to the island of Cyprus to avoid the winds that were blowing against us. 5We cross the sea in front of the coast of the Cilicia region and the province of Pamphylia and arrive at Mirra, a city in the province of Lycia. 6There the Roman officer found a ship from the city of Alexandria on its way to Italy, and he made us board it.

7We sailed very slowly for several days and with great difficulty arrived in front of the city of Cnido. As the wind wouldn't let us continue in that direction, we passed Cape Salmona on the island of Crete and followed the south side of that island, which is protected from the winds. 8So we sailed very close to the coast and, still with difficulty, we arrived at a place called “Bons Portos”, close to the city of Laseia.

9We stayed there for a long time, and it became dangerous to continue our journey because winter was approaching. So Paulo warned:

10— Men, I see that from now on our journey will be dangerous. There will be great damage not only to the ship and its cargo, but there will also be loss of life.

11But the Roman officer had more confidence in the captain and owner of the ship than in Paul. 12The harbor was not a good place to spend the winter. That's why most people thought we should get out of there and try to get to Phoenix. This city is a port of Crete that has one side to the southwest and the other to the northwest. And they thought we could winter there.

the storm at sea

13A light wind began to blow from the south, so they thought they could do what they had planned. We weighed anchor and sailed as close as possible to the coast of Crete. 14But suddenly a very strong wind called “Northeast” came from the island 15and swept the ship in such a way that we could not make it go in the right direction. So we gave up and let the wind take us. 16To escape the wind, we passed south of a small island called Tail. There, with great difficulty, we managed to retrieve the boat from the ship. 17The sailors lifted the dinghy into the ship and tied the ship's hull with thick ropes. They were afraid that the ship would be dragged to the sandbars that are close to the Libyan coast. Then they lowered the sails and let the ship drift away. 18And the terrible storm continued. The next day they started to throw the cargo into the sea. 19And the other day, the sailors, with their own hands, threw a part of the ship's equipment into the sea.

20For many days we could not see the sun or the stars, and the wind continued to blow strong. We finally lost all hope of saving ourselves.

21 It had been a long time since they had eaten anything. So Paul stood in their midst and said:

“Men, you should have heeded what I said and stayed in Crete; and so we would not have had all this loss and loss. 22But now I ask you to have courage. Nobody will die; we will only miss the ship. 23I say this because last night an angel of God to whom I belong and serve appeared to me 24and said, “Paul, don't be afraid! You need to go to the Emperor's presence. And God, in His goodness, has already given you the lives of all who are traveling with you.” 25Therefore, men, be brave! I trust God and am sure he will do as he tells me. 26But we are going to be dragged to some island.

27Two weeks later, at night, we were still being carried away by storm in the Mediterranean Sea. Around midnight, the sailors began to feel that we were getting close to land. 28Then they threw a rope with a weight at the end into the sea and saw that the water there was thirty-six meters deep. Later they measured again, and it got twenty-seven meters. 29They were very afraid that the ship was going to crash against the rocks. So they dropped four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for dawn soon. 30Then the sailors tried to escape the ship. They lowered the boat into the sea, pretending they were going to drop anchors from the front of the ship. 31Then Paul said to the Roman officer and the soldiers,

“If the sailors don't stay on the ship, you won't be able to save yourselves.

32Then the soldiers cut the ropes holding the boat and dropped it into the sea.

33At dawn Paul asked everyone to eat something and said:

“You've been waiting for fourteen days and during that time you haven't eaten anything. 34Now have something to eat, please. You need to feed yourself to be able to continue living. Because no one is going to lose even a hair.

35Then Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of everyone. Then he broke the bread and began to eat. 36So they got more courageous and ate too. 37On the ship there were a total of two hundred and seventy-six people. 38After everyone had eaten, they threw the wheat into the sea to make the ship lighter.

All arrive safe and sound

39When morning came, the sailors did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay where there was a beach. So they decided to do their best to ground the ship there. 40They cut the ropes of the anchors, and dropped them into the sea, and untied the rudders. Then they lifted the sail from the front side so that they could head towards the beach. 41But the ship hit a sandbar and ran aground. The front part got stuck, and the back part started to be ripped apart by the force of the waves.

42The soldiers agreed to kill all the prisoners so that none could reach the beach and flee. 43But the Roman official wanted to save Paul and would not let them do that. On the contrary, he ordered everyone who could swim to be the first to jump into the water and swim to shore. 44And he also ordered the others to be saved, holding on to boards or pieces of the ship. And that's how we all arrived on earth safe and sound.

#Jesusestanoboat  

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DECLARE IN FAITH!

 NO WEAPONS FORGED AGAINST US WILL PREVAIL!

GOLDEN TEXT.

“And when Paul had gathered a number of vines and put them in the fire, a viper, fleeing from the heat, took hold of his hand.” Acts 28:3.

TRUTH APPLIED.

There is no diabolic onslaught that does not reveal itself before the fire produced by the Eternal or that can stop a believer filled with the Holy Spirit.

REFERENCE TEXTS.

Acts 28:5-8

INTRODUCTION.

The shipwreck experience had been extremely traumatic and rest was all those men needed before continuing on their journey. It was dark and cold and the apostle decided to add wood to the fire to warm everyone, to bring some comfort in that difficult time.

I. A VIPER IN THE MIDDLE OF FIRE.

Much worse than the struggles and situations we live in. Paul still faced judgments by being misinterpreted. People judged that situation as judgment. Paulo had escaped from the shipwreck but “justice” would come through the bite of the snake to not let him live. Paul traveled as a prisoner, had already been wronged by the Jews, had gone through trials and accusations, faced a tremendous storm, survived yet another shipwreck and now a viper clings to his hand (Acts 28:4).

With the viper in his hand.

Paul's life goes through a chain of trials and temptations that don't seem to end. Now, in Malta, a viper clings to his hand (Acts 28:3). There are times when we must choose between mourning or acting, waiting for the screen of probation to close, or shaking our hands. In people's interpretation, some curse was under Paul's life. But he didn't let himself be carried away by the viper or by other people's opinions. There are words that paralyze us and at these times it is important not only to shake the hands, but also the mind (Rom. 12:1,2). The right attitude and hope (Rom 4.18; Col 1.23; I Thess 5.8). No matter how many vipers cling to our hand, God has not called us to be consumed by the vipers of hopelessness and doubt, but to shake them in the fire.

A viper fleeing the fire.

The barbarians were in solidarity with the survivors of the shipwreck (Acts 28.2). Because of the cold and rain, they went to warm themselves by the fire and Paulo gathered some dry sticks to throw into the existing fire. Then, to escape the “heat”, the viper revealed itself from where it was camouflaged (Acts 28:3). The text is clear: “the fire” revealed where the viper was. If we wholeheartedly desire revival in our time, we will be surprised to see Satan at work in seemingly normal places and lives. The fire has the characteristic of illuminating and everything that is covered by darkness must declare itself (Dan 2.22; I Cor 3.13; Eph 5.13).

A viper thrown into the fire.

Everyone expected Paul to die, but he simply shook the viper at the stake and acted as if nothing had happened (Acts 29:4, 5). Suddenly, they saw that Paul was no longer a curse and began to compare him with a “god” (Acts 29:6). In our life, there will always be phases that will mark us and it is up to us to let situations drown us or push us forward (Phil. 3.12, 13). Being in the hands of Jesus is always going beyond the essential (Phil. 4:12). We cannot be stopped by what they think or think of us. Many do not understand how God is acting with us and draw a profile according to what they see. For some we are cursed, for others we are gods, but what really matters is what we are to God and what He is to us.

II. THE DECLARATIONS OF FIRE.

The barbarians were polytheists and the “justice” to which they refer was personified in the goddess “Dike” who, according to their beliefs, intervened to punish evildoers (Acts 28:4). Paul was within the divine purpose and circumstances created possibilities for him to act in the name of the Lord.

Between dry sticks.

Drawing here a parallel of spiritual life, we understand that to be “dry” is to be lifeless (Ezek 37:11; Mk 11:12-14; 20:21). Note that the fire was already lit and Paul was carrying dry sticks to add them to the fire and this would increase (Acts 28:2). The viper among the dry sticks is a symbol of Satan's action in a life without fruit and without fellowship (30:19). When this life is brought into the fire of God's presence, the heat of the Holy Spirit generates discomfort, causing the enemy to manifest and retreat. The anointing that was on Paul's life was stronger than the venom of the serpent and so it is with everyone who is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 10:19; Mk 16:17; Eph 6:16).

Viper grasped in hand.

The fact that the viper bites Paul's hand teaches us how Satan tries to stop us, making useless of our work tools, which, in this case, were Paul's hands (2Co 10:4; Acts 28:3). The bite didn't just happen because the viper fled the fire, it was a retaliatory blow, a last blow before defeat. In several cases of liberation and spiritual battle, retaliation is certain, so we must be prepared like Paul, who did not care about the viper, immediately threw it into the fire, which is its place (Mt 25:41; Rev 20:10).

Wonders on the island of Malta.

Paul did not allow rejection and criticism to frustrate God's projects in his life. Publius, the chief of the island of Malta, was the main Roman representative of that island. His father was sick and Paul had the opportunity to exercise his gift of healing and bring him comfort. After being informed about the miracle, the other inhabitants of the island who were sick also came and were healed by the hands of Paul (Acts 28:9).

III. REVIVAL AND PROVISION.

Experience teaches us that great trials are signs of great wonders on the part of our God. After the battle with the viper, Paul becomes the hope of those natives and, in gratitude for the blessing achieved, they both honored and supplied the apostle's needs (Acts 28:9, 10).

The wind of the Spirit.

The Spirit propelled Paul to Malta and what for many was a great trial, for God it was an opportunity to act with his Servant. Paul would never get there if it weren't for the force of contrary winds (Acts 27:4). He wasn't in his plans to be in Malta; His target was Rome (Acts 23:11). That viper did not bite anyone other than Paul, it was his action that revealed it and because of this incident a revival and the glorification of the name of Jesus was triggered.

The divine provision.

We gain credibility when we connect with individuals and show a genuine interest in helping them. By touching the hearts of the people on that island, Paul and the entire crew were provided for their needs (Ac 28:10). Look at your hands! Shake your hands. What do you have in your hands? Nothing, because the storm took over. Shake your hands and be ready to see what God will be putting on them. More important than full hands is to see how God can use those empty and scarred hands to heal the sick, perform miracles and embrace those who need hope (Rom. 4:18).

The purpose of God's supernatural power.

The moment people saw the viper clinging to Paul's hand, they drew their own conclusions, misinterpreting that situation. If at this very moment Paul was not aware of his mission and firm in the faith, the comments could alter his situation. Why did Paul shake the viper in the fire? Because he knew who he could trust. When we trust in God and remain faithful to His Word, He turns shame into honor and scarcity into abundance (Is 61:3; Acts 28:10).

CONCLUSION.

Nothing will happen to us until God does to us what he has determined to do. What will motivate this is our attitude towards each new stage we face. Let's shake hands, throw the viper into the fire, and walk steadily into the next phase of our lives.

 

Posted by: Pb. Ademilson Braga/ Lucilene adaptations

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ANALYSIS...

 WHO IS YOUR FATHER?

In 1 Corinthians the apostle Paul said, "Become imitators of me, as I am of Christ." But is it possible to be an imitator of Christ? Yes! God made us in his image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). We change and we can imitate him because the Holy Spirit is what transforms us.

If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit that dwells in you will be able to mold you and make you like Him every day. This will reflect in your actions and in the fruits of your attitude.

In simple terms, having the image and likeness of God means that we were made to resemble Him. The Holy Spirit is the transforming agent who, as you seek Him, will make you an imitator of the Father in spirit in truth.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR WORKS? DO AN ANALYSIS!!!

Galatians 5:16-24

The works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit

16 But I say, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these oppose one another; so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 For the works of the flesh are manifest, which are: fornication, uncleanness, lust, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, emulation, anger, strife, dissension, heresies, 21 jealousy, murder, drunkenness, gluttony, and the like these, of which I declare unto you, as I have told you before, that those who commit such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. 23 Against these things there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

Become my imitators, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children, Ephesians 5:1

In fact, you became imitators of us and of the Lord, because, despite much suffering, you received the word with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:6

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24

May your attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who, although being God,

did not consider

that being equal to God

it was something to cling to; but he emptied himself,

coming to be a servant,

becoming similar

to men. And, being found

in human form,

he humbled himself

and he was obedient to death,

and death on the cross! Philippians 2:5-8

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. Let him rule over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the great beasts of all the earth, and over all the small beasts ¬ that move close to the ground". Genesis 1:26

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen them and keep them from the Evil One. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

OR

"You belong to your father, the Devil, and you want to fulfill his wish. He was a murderer from the beginning and did not cling to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his own language, for he is a liar and father of lies. John 8:44

He who commits sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this the Son of God was manifested: to destroy the works of the devil.1 John 3:8

Be alert and watch. The Devil, your enemy, walks around like a lion, roaring and looking for someone to devour. Resist it by standing firm in the faith, knowing that the brothers you have all over the world are going through the same sufferings.1 Peter 5:8-9

This is not surprising, for Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

"When you get angry, do not sin". Soothe your anger before the sun goes down and don't make room for the Devil. Ephesians 4:26-27

Then there was a war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But these were not strong enough, and so they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was cast out. He is the ancient serpent called the Devil or Satan, who deceives the whole world. He and his angels were cast down to earth. Revelation 12:7-9

"Then he will say to those on his left: 'Cursed, depart from me into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41

When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations that are on the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, in order to gather them for battle. Number of him is like the sand of the sea. The nations marched across the surface of the earth and besieged the camp of the saints, the beloved city; but a fire descended from heaven and devoured them. The Devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet had already been cast. They will be tormented day and night, forever and ever. Revelation 20:7-10

We know that everyone who is born of God is not in sin; he who was born of God protects him, and the Evil One does not harm him. We know that we are of God and that the whole world is under the power of the Evil One.1 John 5:18-19

In this way we know who the children of God are and who the children of the Devil are: whoever does not do righteousness is not from God, nor whoever does not love his brother.1 John 3:10

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