Paul is going on this dangerous journey because Jesus loves him, has saved him, called him, and is sending him to the work that He has called him to do!

Paul is going on this dangerous journey because this is the way God chose to fulfill His plans for him. This is not the way Paul would have chosen to get to Rome; but, it is the way God had chosen to get him to Rome!

Here again we see the great mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility at work: God has determined that Paul is going to Rome, so there is no possibility of him not getting to Rome; but, there are many practical human actions that have to take place for Paul to safely arrive.

You and I have been through storms, you may be in a storm right now, and all of us certainly face more storms ahead. What we need to learn from these verses is this – God has decreed the length and events of our life, but we are still responsible to obey Him faithfully and trust Him to get us through whatever storm may come our way!

As I mentioned earlier… remember, sometimes those things which appear to be an obstacle to our accomplishing God’s will may be the very means by which we accomplish God’s will. As you read over, pray over, and think through these verses in preparation for the sermon on Sunday, think about these questions:

We all love and appreciate calm weather, but, does calm weather always mean that a storm is not just ahead?

What is the very best way to survive a storm? What impact does obeying the Word of God have on us as we go through the storms of life?

Believers are both commanded and called to care about and for unbelievers. What do you think is the best thing that we can do for someone who does not know Jesus?

Does the promise of God to take care of His people mean that we do not have any responsibility for our situation? Are there some practical things we can – and must do – to take care of ourselves?

Finally, do the promises of God mean that believers will never pay a great price for loving and serving Him? If this is true, how do you reconcile these two “seemingly” contradictory truths?

It has been a great joy (as always) to work through this great chapter of Acts and prepare this sermon for you. I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, a Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!!