Wawasee Bible Podcast Wawasee Community Bible Church

As far as we know the Apostle Paul never visited the church in Colossae. By the time of Paul the city was no longer a strategic hub. However, God still had big plans for Colossae. During his time as a prisoner in Rome Paul learns of the church there from the guy who likely planted it—Epaphras—and writes a letter to them. In it he encourages them to look for fullness not in the false teachings, philosophies, or rituals that appeared to be prevalent among them but in Jesus Christ. Verses 1:15-20 contain one of the best and most suscient theologies of Jesus Christ ever written. Paul emphasizes Jesus’s preeminence and full deity throughout the letter, encouraging the Colossians to put off their old self with his sinful deeds and put on the new self, walking with Christ by faith (just as they received him). Jesus is supreme and sufficient, so cling to him and pursue him in all things.

The book of Acts ends somewhat abruptly. What happened at Paul's trial? What came next for the early church? What about Peter and the others? In his wisdom, God chose not to tell us any more than he did but left the story without a clear ending. And because it hasn't ended, God's story keeps going today as the Spirit moves in and through the Church to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Acts, we've seen all kinds of obstacles in this endeavor for Paul, Peter, John, and others. Today, we continue to have similar obstacles. But despite those obstacles, our lives and ministry can flourish just as theirs did. God's work is not hindered by our limitations.

Acts 28 begins with Paul and the others having reached the beaches of Malta after a treacherous journey across that Mediterranean. For over two weeks they found themselves in rough weather and lost as sea. By God’s grace they made it through, and he brought them toward Malta—the same island they would have likely gone to anyway as it was part of the main trade route from Myra to Rome. Throughout their crazy circumstances, God was in control and he kept them. He does the same for us. On the island, Paul continued to live a missional life, recognizing that God had sent him to Malta, even, to love people and invite them to follow Jesus. Whatever the circumstances God has sent you to love people and invite them in the same way—first to relationship and friendship, and ultimately to follow Jesus with you.

After two years in Caesarea, Paul finally begins his journey to Rome—not as a free man, but as a prisoner. Under the supervision of Julius, a centurion, Paul begins the journey across the Mediterranean Sea to Rome. Along with Paul are other prisoners, as well as his friends Aristarchus and Luke. They board a commercial ship to Myra. In Myra they change to another, larger ship and begin their way further west, making their way to the island of Crete. And ill-advised decision to press further west along the southern coast of Crete ended in disaster. A strong storm drove them out to sea, resulting in over two weeks of peril and near death. Life’s storms come for many reasons, and when they hit, where we drop our anchors will determine how we make it through.

Our lives are full of problems. Some are external and the result of the hardship of life, or maybe due to someone else, and sometimes problems even come about because of living out our faith. Other times the storm we’re going through gets inside of us and our problems become internal, or they’re due to our sin. The good news is that while life is full of problems, God’s promises are greater. Paul experienced this in Acts 25-26. His problems seemed to keep coming, but he anchored his hope in God’s promises.

In Acts 22 through 24, Paul's plans are upended by the circumstances he faced. Curiously in 23:11, Jesus made it clear to Paul that Paul's desire to make it to Rome would be fulfilled—in fact, it was God's will as well! But the way Paul had planned to go to Rome was not the same way God had in mind. God accomplished his plan to get Paul to Rome in a way Paul would have never expected, and in the timing he would have never chosen. He does the same with us. So as you plan—do it it pencil, let God be God. Delight yourself in Jesus and trust with open hands as he leads and accomplishes his will in, for, and through you.