SERMON NOTES

Acts 9:15-16 - Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!

Acts 14:22 - “It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God.”

STORMS = UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CAUSE DELAY.
SHIPWRECKS = COURSE-ALTERING PROBLEMS THAT TAKE US AN UNEXPECTED WAY
SNAKE BITES = NEGATIVE ATTACKS (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL) THAT ATTEMPT TO DISCOURAGE, DISCREDIT OR DESTROY US ALONG THE WAY.

STORMS OF CIRCUMSTANCES
Acts 27:14-15,18-22 - 14 a fierce wind called the “northeaster” rushed down from the island. 15 Since the ship was caught and was unable to head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.

v18 Because we were being severely battered by the storm, they began to jettison the cargo the next day. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s gear overboard with their own hands. 20 For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing. 21 Since many were going without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “You men should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete and sustain this damage and loss. 22 Now I urge you to take courage, because there will be no loss of any of your lives, but only of the ship.

OFTEN THE STORMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE LEAD TO SHIPWRECKED EXPECTATIONS.

SHIPWRECKED EXPECTATIONS
Acts 27:39-44 - When daylight came, they did not recognize the land but sighted a bay with a beach. They planned to run the ship ashore if they could. 40 After casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach. 41 But they struck a sandbar and ran the ship aground. The bow jammed fast and remained immovable, while the stern began to break up by the pounding of the waves. 42 The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners so that no one could swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion kept them from carrying out their plan because he wanted to save Paul, so he ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to follow, some on planks and some on debris from the ship. In this way, everyone safely reached the shore.

SNAKE BITES OF NEGATIVITY
Acts 28:1-6 - Once ashore, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The local people showed us extraordinary kindness, for they lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold. 3 As Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself to his hand. 4 When the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man is probably a murderer, and though he has escaped the sea, Justice does not allow him to live!” 5 However, he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 They expected that he would swell up or suddenly drop dead.

WHEN THE SNAKES OF NEGATIVITY ATTACK WE HAVE TO SHAKE IT OFF AND MOVE FORWARD IN THE TRUTH.

Acts 28:7-10 - Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him. 9 After this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.10 So they heaped many honors on us, and when we sailed, they gave us what we needed.

GOD HAS A PURPOSE OR CAN RE-PURPOSE THE STORMS, SHIPWRECKS AND SNAKE BITES WE ENDURE.

IN EVERY STORM GOD CAN TEACH US SOMETHING.
IN EVERY SHIPWRECK GOD CAN WORK THROUGH US IN UNEXPECTEDLY.
IN EVERY SNAKE BITE GOD WANTS TO REMIND OF US HIS TRUTH.

WAYFINDING THROUGH STORMS, SHIPWRECKS AND SNAKE BITES REQUIRES US TO RELY ON GOD, TO OBEDIENTLY FOLLOW GOD & REMEMBER HIS TRUTH.

FURTHER DISCUSSION:

Remember & Respond: (To Quotes & Main Points from the Sermon)
Reflect on the idea that suffering is often a part of our journey. How did Paul's suffering align with the expectations set by Jesus and the disciples?

Consider the definitions provided for storms, shipwrecks, and snake bites. How do these definitions resonate with your own experiences?

Read & Reflect: (On Scripture(s) from the Sermon)
Analyze the events in Acts 27 and 28. How did Paul handle the storms, shipwrecks, and snake bites? What lessons can be drawn from his responses?

Acts 28:7-10: Reflect on the aftermath of the shipwreck on the island of Malta. How did Paul turn adversity into an opportunity for healing and hope?

Relate & React: (Apply the Sermon to your life this week)
Identify any ongoing storms in your life—unexpected circumstances causing delays. How can you discern what needs to be removed, akin to jettisoning cargo, to move forward?

Reflect on any expectations you had at the beginning of the year. Have circumstances altered your course? How can you find God's presence and purpose in these unexpected turns?

Consider recent instances of negativity, whether internal or external. How can you follow Paul's example of shaking off negativity and holding onto the truth of who God is?

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the storms, shipwrecks, and snake bites in our lives, we seek Your guidance and understanding. Help us recognize the burdens we need to release, the expectations we need to surrender, and the negativity we need to shake off. In the midst of storms, may we find Your purpose. In the face of shipwrecks, may we discover unexpected opportunities. When bitten by negativity, may we cling to Your truth. Empower us to follow Paul's example, bringing healing and hope to others even in the aftermath of life's challenges. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Series Content
Wayfinding