050221- “Paul’s Story” Acts 25:1-12. ".....while Paul made the defense that, “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned at all.” Then Festus, wanting to do a favor for the Jews, replied to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be tried before me on these charges?” But Paul said: “I am standing at Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you can see very well. If then I am doing wrong, or have done anything deserving of death, I do not refuse to die, but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!” After Festus conferred with his council, he replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!”

Our Sermon In A Sentence:God is the Sovereign Author of the story of our lives & He writes a story that brings Him greater glory; and, us greater good. Acts 9:15-16 “This man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!”

Sovereignty Is:“The quality or state of having supreme, absolute power or authority.” Ezekiel 24:14 “I am the Lord. I have spoken; it shall come to pass; I will do it.”

Providence Is:“The governance of God by which He, with wisdom & love, cares for & directs all things according to His will.” Genesis 50:19-20 “But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.”

Paul’s Story Teaches Us That:
God Has A Sovereign Plan For Us
God Providentially Works It Out
God Controls Evil For His Glory
God Uses Politics For His Purpose

Exodus 14:4,17 “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am Yahweh… I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh, all his army, and his chariots
and horsemen.”

Our Sermon In A Sentence:God is the Sovereign Author of the story of our lives & He writes a story that brings Him greater glory; and, us greater good.