Wellspring of Life Church

These verses chronicle Paul's continued journey on to Rome. Upon arriving in Rome, Paul is granted leniency to live under house arrest guarded by a soldier while he awaits an audience with Caesar Nero. Due to what Paul had already gone through and the fate he knew awaited him, his peace was not dependent on "perfect situations but on God's perfect love".  Paul never lost his perspective, which he declared,  "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for Me."

Dave Bartlett

After Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta, he encounters a snake bite, survives and is used by God to heal some of the islanders. God desires to use us just as He used Paul. The good news is, we don't have to be perfect or have it all together because the same power that lived in Paul lives in us.  

By Dave Bartlett

We can make bad choices that can lead to hardship and heartache. However, we can also make the one right choice that can change the trajectory of our life forever. It's never too late to make the right choice. Do it today!

By Jake Higuera and Dave Bartlett

On his way to Rome by sea, Paul along with seasoned sailors encountered a severe storm, being shipwrecked was inevitable. God reassured Paul that neither he, nor, the other men on board would lose their lives. In this life, we will encounter storms that sometimes feel like there is no hope of surviving. Yet, God promises us that He is in the storms we face and will never lose His grip on us. 

Dave Bartlett

Paul always took God at His word and relied on His promises. He declared to the men on board the ship that had set sail for Rome, that in spite of storms, shipwrecks or human methods, God had a plan and would preserve their lives. When storms try to overtake us, we can trust that God is our anchor and will keep our souls firmly secure.

By Dave Bartlett

The apostle Paul again shines as the perfect example of how to respond with a passionate heart for those needing to find the Savior, no matter the tenseness of the circumstance or the position of the person, Paul remained true to the Gospel and his mission. We are reminded from this encounter with Agrippa, that pride clothed in self-sufficiency will always lead one away from their need for God, such as in the case of this king of Israel.

By Dave Bartlett

When we walk by faith as Paul did, we will follow God's leading even if we don't know all the details of what may be ahead of us. The Christian life is all about "going...yet not knowing". In choosing to courageously obey God's directives we will encounter His eternal promises and purposes for our lives.

By Dave Bartlett

Once again Paul finds himself on trial, this time before Festus who wanted to deal with this situation quickly as well as find favor with the religious leaders. God's hand, is as always orchestrating and directing Paul's life, no matter who seems to be in charge. Paul knows he is to stand before Caesar Nero. Therefore, he trusted in God's plan and we are invited to do the same. The Lord is our strong tower and as we trust Him and run to Him, we will find safety.

By Dave Bartlett

 

Paul continues to declare his innocence of the accusations brought against him in theses verses. Because this was a matter of Jewish religious conviction and not a matter of Roman law, Felix refuses to give a verdict. We learn from Felix as well as another character that enters the story, Drusilla, that indecision upon hearing the gospel, will lead to  despair and eventually death. We also find encouragement to be like Paul, to not give up and rely on the power of God that lies within us. You are not alone!

By Dave Bartlett

Paul is facing the trial for his faith. He takes this opportunity to tie the roots of Christianity to the God of the Jews. He declared himself a fulfilled Jew because of the salvation afforded to him through the Messiah, Jesus. He was secure because of that salvation. We too, do not live with wishful thinking or blind optimism, our hope is grounded in something that has already happened. The finished work of Jesus on the cross. 

By Dave Bartlett