When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” Acts 28:4

As we wrap up the book of Acts, one of the memorable stories is when Paul was bitten by a viper or snake. This happened on the Island of Malta , where Paul and the other passengers ended up landing after fierce storms while they were sailing to Rome. The Islanders believed Paul was cursed because he was bitten by this snake, also they assumed he would quickly die because of the venom of the snake

First we need to understand that bad things don’t happen to us because we are cursed, bad things even happen to “good people” because we live in an evil and broken world. When sin was entered into this world through Adam and Eve, the world has become fallen because of the consequences of sin. We are all going to encounter trials and tragedies, but don’t blame God, this is a result of a broken world

Second, even though we live in a fallen world, God is still in control. Paul may have been bitten by the deadly snake, but God saved Paul because of his faith. God has granted everyone “Free Will” therefor he cant intercede in every incident that happens. However if we call on him to intercede, if its his will, he will intercede and save us

Paul went on to lead many more people to Christ through his ministry, God was not through with him yet. God may not be done with you also, call upon him in times of trouble to deliver you from this evil and broken world

Heavenly Father, we know whether in life or death, you are with us and you will deliver us. Help us to have the faith that can move mountains in Jesus Name Amen

“Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. Acts 27:25

While Paul was being sailed to Rome for his court hearing, they encountered a fierce storm which everyone believed they would lose their life. But Paul knowing Gods will by the Holy Spirit assured them they would all survive, they just need to keep courage!

You may be going through a storm today in your life, maybe your going through a personal battle today, remember that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). Remember one day to God is a thousand years for us (2 Peter 3:8) Our timing is not the same as Gods timing, we need to have patience and faith!

The men on the ship have been stuck in the storm for 14 days now and running out of food. Most of the men were planning on abandoning ship and try to swim to shore. But Paul told them “Unless you remain with the ship, you cant be saved (Acts 27:31). This happens in our own lives also, many times when things get tough our initial instinct is to “cut and run”. But sometimes in order to see Gods miracles we need to stay in the storm and ride it out.

Eventually they made it safely to land, just as the Holy Spirit promised to Paul. What if they went against Gods will and jumped overboard. They might have all lost their lives. Its import to trust in God because his ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts! Keep Your Courage In Jesus Name!

Heavenly Father, please help us to put our faith and trust in you, even during our storms we know you have made a way for our salvation in Jesus name Amen

While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” Acts 26:24

While Paul was on trial for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Festus, who was a Roman procurator that had Paul on trial, yelled out to Paul “ You are out of your mind” this may be the same reaction many of us get even today as Christians.

King Agrippa , who had prior knowledge of Jesus ministry and the prophecies about him, was intrigued to hear Pauls testimony and even challenged Paul  “Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?”

To the world the gospel of Jesus Christ sounds insane, because their hearts and minds are closed and they don’t have the Holy Spirit. I believe the gospel of Jesus Christ can be explained logically and reasonably, but I also believe without the Holy Spirit you will never fully grasp the truth that God has revealed to us

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

We need to renew our minds, forget your preconceived notions about God. Listen to the gospel of Jesus Christ with a clean heart and mind. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you, to give you greater understanding beyond human comprehension in Jesus name Amen!

Heavenly Father, give us a clean heart and mind, renew us so we may understand you more, fill us with your Holy Spirit in Jesus Name Amen

other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.'” Acts 24:21

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything! It set the entire world  upside down, no longer are we captive to sin and death, Jesus defeated all of this at the cross. This is why Satan uses anyone to strongly oppose any Christian. No other religion or group of followers faces more persecution than Christians. As is clearly evident with Jesus and the apostles.

While Paul was put on trial for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, he made this statement. The only reason he can think of why he is being put on trial was because of his mention of the resurrection. Why are people so strongly offended and opposed to the idea of the resurrection? Because when you understand the resurrection, you understand that Satan was defeated and left powerless by the power of God

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.  John 19:30

When Jesus said “It Is Finished” on the cross, he defeated all evil and darkness. The power of Satan and even death has no hold on us any longer. Since the Resurrection that Sunday morning, the world has been trying to cover it up. Millions upon millions have been killed and persecuted because of Gods victory!

Just like Paul, its because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ you are on trial today as a Christian. But be strong and courageous because Jesus has already won the war Amen!

Heavenly Father, be with us during our trials and tribulations, remind us of your victory in Jesus Name Amen!