Sunday, October 28, 2012 - Mission Baptist Blue Ash
It's Youth Sunday for October, 2012 and Associate Pastor Tim Rains is preaching a message entitled: "I Believe God" from Acts 27:10-25. This is the infamous account by Luke of his and Paul the Apostle's harrowing voyage to Rome and the wicked storm that they experienced. Pastor begins by reading the text verses followed by prayer for the Holy Spirit to teach us important lessons.
Paul, a Roman citizen and a prisoner, was being delivered to Rome for his requested appearance before Caesar's court for his hearing. They encountered a terrible tempest that had scared hardened sailors and soldiers to their core. Before they sailed, Paul had given advice for them to not sail, to no avail because the centurion listened to the ship owner rather than the man of God (Acts 27:10-11).
• PAUL BELIEVED GOD When Those Around Him Discounted God
People have a hard time believing God, even faithful christians. We mostly go by sight and not by the word of God that speaks truth that doesn't seem to make sense to our limited minds. Paul was very bold with his assertions, as he was God's chosen man sent to the gentiles. He believed God when many discounted his sayings. Believing God requires faith in God. We are told things by God in the Bible that sound very unlikely, but it's never been proven wrong on any of its saying, Not once. God has a plan and he makes sure it comes to pass.
• PAUL BELIEVED GOD In the Absence Of Others
Many of us christians are strong when we are with other christians and that's great Once we are alone, with nobody watching, many of us become weak. Paul wasn't like that, even when he was mocked for his message in the midst of the storm, he found a place to himself to pray. He prayed for the men who didn't believe him and they didn't believe God who was using Paul. After praying, Paul stands up and informs everyone to cheer up, no loss of life was coming, but the ship was doomed. He explained an angel of God told him this news. (Acts 27:21-23) So we see PAUL BELIEVED GOD In Every Situation (Public And Private).
• PAUL BELIEVED GOD When Others Needed Him To
Leaders in the church (like Luke) and Fathers of families who believe God, must sometimes put on the good face when we are feeling weak for the benefit of those looking up to us. Paul wasn't like this, he had an unshakable faith and he stood up and gave good news when others were sure of their own death. Paul reassured Luke when he was weak and it was exactly what Luke needed. It's not a waste of time for Fathers (and Mothers) who make sure their children are in Sunday school and Church. Your faith will benefit your children! (Acts 27:23-24)