HAPPY EASTER
The power for awe factor living is found in this chapter of the Bible. It is the resurrection power of Jesus, celebrated by God’s people today. Jesus is alive! He is forming His people into what He wants them to be. Resurrection power transforms lives.
What is Jesus telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy our risen Savior today as you worship Him.
HAVE A BLESSED RESURRECTION DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
Acts 28:1-03
The Book of Acts seems to end rather abruptly, leaving the reader to wonder what happened to Paul? He is left in Rome under house arrest faithfully preaching the Gospel to all who will listen. A website that gives a good summary of Paul’s life is http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/paul.html .
Paul was martyred for his faithfulness to Christ. Throughout history God has used the writings of Paul found in the New Testament to bring people to faith in Christ and to keep Christians strong in faith. Paul is a role model for taking the Gospel to the world without hesitation for personal expense.
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you share the Gospel.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The awe factor proclaims the Kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness. Paul reached his final destination, Rome. He had much freedom as a prisoner being under house arrest with minimal security.
After three days he invited the Jewish leaders in Rome to meet with him. He explained his situation to them, of which they knew nothing. Then he invited them back and shared the Gospel with them. Some became Christians as a result of Paul’s faithfulness.
The last paragraph of the Book of Acts states: He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. What a role model!
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you boldly share the Gospel.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The awe factor is encouraged by the body of Christ. After spending three months of winter on the Island of Malta the travelers found passage on another ship heading to Rome. At various ports on the trip, Paul was allowed to get off the ship and spend time with Christian brothers.
Paul was encouraged by God’s faithfulness in growing His church. When Paul finally reached Rome he was not placed in prison. He was under house arrest, guarded by one soldier. This gave Paul the freedom to lay the foundation for the church of Rome.
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you are encouraged by other Christians.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The awe factor is protected by providential grace. All of the crew and passengers on the ship made it safely to the island near the ship wreck. God had prepared special care for the wreck victims from the hands of the people who lived on this island named Malta.
God’s providence brought Paul to these people so the good news of the Gospel could be given to them. The text doesn’t indicate that Paul preached. It does say he spent much time healing people and it would seem that in the process they were told about Jesus.
The people of the island provided all the goods the visitors needed until they could travel; then the natives of Malta provided what was needed for their trip. Providential grace was at work. What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God as you see His providential grace at work in your life.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The awe factor protects others because of providential grace. The inevitable shipwreck occurred as foretold by Paul. God promised that there would be no loss of life when the ship went aground. The soldiers, however, made a plan to kill all of the prisoners so they could not escape.
But, Julian the centurion, wanted to keep Paul alive; so none of the prisoners were killed. Rather they were instructed to head for the shore by swimming or on planks. And so it was all were brought safely to land.
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you see His grace at work in the world.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The awe factor encourages others with faith in times of crisis. The trip to Rome had become very dangerous because of a fierce storm at sea. Paul’s suggestion of waiting the winter out at one of the ports they had visited was overruled by the owner of the ship. So they found themselves at sea in the middle of the storm facing certain death.
The sailors worked tirelessly, without eating, trying to make the situation safer. But their future seemed hopeless. Paul informed them of a message he was given from an angel; no lives would be lost even though the ship was lost. The situation became so dire that sailors were jumping overboard and soldiers were recommending putting the prisoners to death before the ship went down.
Paul urged the sailors to eat because the task ahead of them was physically demanding. He broke bread and thanked God, then began to eat. Paul’s calm expression of faith encouraged all those around him.
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you faith encourages others.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The awe factor lives one day at a time knowing that God is working all things for good. Paul was placed in the custody of a Roman centurion named Julius, who would transport Paul and other prisoners to Rome. The best mode of transportation was a ship, and much of this chapter describes the details of travelling by ship in the first century AD.
Paul was allowed to have companions travelling with him. Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, was on board the ship. Aristarchus, a Christian from Thessalonica was also on board. There could have been more friends who are not named. Julius also allowed Paul to get off the ship to visit friends in Sidon.
Even though the trip to Rome was extremely difficult, God provided encouragement through Paul’s Christian friends.
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you thank Him for your Christian friends.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The deepest desire of the awe factor is that those who hear the Gospel will come to salvation in Christ. Paul presented his case to King Agrippa, as the Roman governor Festus, listened. Paul, you are out of your mind! Festus responded. In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian? Agrippa responded.
Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am. Paul listened to the excuses of, ‘this is crazy’ and ‘I need more time’, before stating his hearts desire. Agrippa found no reason for legal action against Paul. However, Paul’s appeal to Caesar kept him a prisoner heading for trial in Rome.
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you pray that people who hear the Gospel will come to faith in Christ.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
AWE FACTOR LIVING
The awe factor presents the Gospel to people in all walks of life. Festus was visited by King Agrippa and his wife, Bernice. During their discussions, Festus brought up the case of Paul. King Agrippa asked to have a hearing with Paul.
Festus presented his need to have King Agrippa give an opinion as to what he should write regarding sending Paul to be tried in Rome. So, Paul was asked to explain his situation to this influential royal family.
What is God telling you about Himself and how should you respond?
Glorify and enjoy God today as you faithfully share the Gospel.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY!
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