LIVING YOUR FAITH IN DIFFICULT TIMES ACTS Bible Study Lesson # 12 Join us online Thursdays @ 7:00 PM ET www.zoom.us Meeting ID: 903 988 1805 Passcode: 982846 Call 301 715 8592 ID :903 988 1805 Passcode: 982846
New Revised Standard Version
Living Your Faith In Difficult Times
1
The Storm at Sea 13
Paul had placed his life in God’s hands. He had already faced death many times, and he fully expected to die in God’s service in some way. His plans to visit Rome had taken a long detour but were finally coming to pass. But then disaster struck. He and his companions, along with their guards, were stuck on a ship in a life-threatening storm. As the storm raged on for fourteen days, Paul was able to share with sailors what it meant to live with God’s
Acts 27:13-25
When a moderate south wind began to blow, they thought they could achieve their purpose; so they weighed anchor and began to sail past Crete, close to the shore. 14 But soon a violent wind, called the northeaster, rushed down from Crete.15 Since the ship was caught and could not be turned head-on
Faithhope.seems to shine out when we experience times that are challenging or disastrous. In the 12th and final installment of our Acts Bible Study, we will explore how effective is our faith when it is tested.
2 into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven. 16 By running under the lee of a small island called Cauda we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. 17 After hoisting it up they took measures to undergird the ship; then, fearing that they would run on the Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and so were driven. 18 We were being pounded by the storm so violently that on the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard, 19 and on the third day with their own hands they threw the ship’s tackle overboard. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul then stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and thereby avoided this damage and loss. 22 I urge you now to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For last night there stood by me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.
3 Bible Study Questions
5.
4. How did Paul demonstrate his faith in the midst of a hopeless situation? Why and how did Paul reprimand the men on the did Paul encourage everyone while warning them of the danger?
2.
3.storm?When
6.boat?How
seemingly
1. Describe the life threatening situation Paul faced on his way to Rome? What steps did the sailors take to survive the did the people on board the ship lose hope of surviving?
hope? 8. In
9. What does it mean to live out your faith in front some ways to remind yourself that others are watching the way you live? are some “perfect storms” that you have faced in your life?
of 10.others?What are
Why
11. What
12. do you need to hear from God today in the midst of the trials you are experiencing?
What
7. was Paul able to maintain his confidence in God when others had given up what ways would you like to be more like Paul?
4 Reflections
Just as Jesus promised, the fragile group of men and women who gathered in Jerusalem were given the power to become effective witnesses --sometimes even against their own wishes. They left a legacy of faith for us to use and pass on.
Final Thoughts
The book of Acts does not end here. The record may end but the acts of disciples go on and on.
5
Regardless of the circumstances God was always with them, following their every step. It was their role to run the race and keep the faith by sharing it with others. However, it was God that was the driving force that kept them running despite the odds. Therefore, as we close out this study of the Book of Acts, I hope you will consider what kinds of “acts of discipleship” will your run on behalf of God.
Pray with me… Father without you we know it is impossible to live righteously. So, we ask you to come alongside us and give us the strength to live out what we believe. Help us to stand out as beacons of light for you in this sometimes dark and hurting world.
Journaling Use this space to write your thoughts about our 12week journey in the book of Acts.
6 Closing Prayer
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