Grow Guide | July 14, 2024
The Good Book
Reading: Acts 27:7-11, 13-14, 18-22
Connecting Question
When was your last small accident with a vehicle?
Who is someone who can tell you the truth?
Prayer for Illumination
Let your Spirit, our Advocate, guide us still— preserving us from judgment, protecting us from sin, and leading us into righteousness, so that we may testify to the good news: fullness of life and joy for all; through Jesus Christ our Savior and in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Context
The Good Book: Meeting Our Ancestors in Faith, One Story at a Time
The Bible can be a barrier for a lot of people of faith. It’s large, intimidating, and can be confusing! Many people are wary of reading these texts, carry bruises from their upbringing, or simply do not have enough information for the stories to make any sense. This summer, we invite you to spend time reclaiming the “good” in The Good Book - learning and relearning how ancient stories relate to our stories here and now. We are so glad you are here!
From Pastor Saraj Henrich at EntertheBible.org:
A dangerous storm at sea, shipwreck, sojourn on the island of Malta where Paul heals many ills, and welcome outside Rome precede his two-year stay there. Acts ends with Paul preaching in Rome, and the book’s final word is a Greek term meaning “without hindrance” (akōlytōs), which describes the way that God’s story presses forward in spite of difficulties.
Look at the Book
Open to Acts 27:1. What is going on in this story?
This is the end of the book of Acts—also called the Gospel of the Spirit. Remind yourself what the Spirit did in Acts 2.
Jump to Acts 27:7. Who is going onboard the boat?
Tell about a memorable time you were on a boat.
What do you know about the Apostle Paul? Google him to get a biography. He was no stranger to sailing!
In Acts 27:9, Paul mentions the “Fast.” That is the day of Yom Kippur. What is that Jewish religious holiday? Google for help!
In Acts 27:10, what is Paul’s advice to those in charge of the boat?
What was the response of the centurion?
What happens in Acts 27:13-14? Have you had an experience like this on sea or land?
What happens in verses 19-20? What was the last thing to be thrown overboard?
What does Paul counsel in verses 21-22
The people lost a boat with everything in it. What is something you have lost that cost you very much?
What might Paul be trying to encourage people who have experienced their own kinds of “shipwrecks?”
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Text someone going through a “shipwreck” this week and remind them they are not alone.
Paul helps us see priorities. How does Jesus help you reset your priorities over time?
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.