DECEMBER 30, Acts 27:1, 44; 28:16, 30-31

King Agrippa found no guilt in Paul and would have him released if Paul had not appealed to Caesar. Paul was on the way to see Caesar in Rome, according to God’s plan. A Roman centurion called Julius was in charge of bringing Paul to Rome and they travelled on a ship. On board the ship were other passengers who were prisoners like Paul. They suffered a shipwreck and God protected all two hundred and seventy-six of them. God had promised safety to those who would stay with Paul and God kept His word. Finally all of them reached Rome.

What would happen to Paul in Rome? Persecution? Death? Far from it – by the grace of God, he enjoyed relative freedom instead. He was kept under house arrest in the palace. This means he had to stay in a part of the palace, but under very decent circumstances; certainly not like in a jail. He had freedom to preach the Gospel. In fact, Jews in Rome could come to hear Paul and the church grew in Rome! Is it not amazing – that through a very difficult time for Paul, God blesses the church?

Do you remember that at the beginning of this month, we learnt that God gave the command that His disciples must witness for Christ everywhere? By their obedience, the Gospel went to many places, to the Jews, Samaritans and the Gentiles. The Gospel went to Rome too. As a result, many churches sprung up. God is the One building His church.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Are you happy in your church?
• Are you learning about God’s goodness in your church?
• Does your church teach the Bible?
• Do you have fellowship with other Christians?
• Do you attend church camps or vacation bible camps?
• Do you pray with other Christians?

The answers to the above questions should be yes. God wants every one of His children to belong to a church to grow in their faith in God’s Word and to have Christian love for one another. If you are not attending one, obey God and start to go to church.

Thought: May the Lord bless and protect my church.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for my church. Help me to grow spiritually and to love other Christians who attend my church. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.