Acts 28:1-16 Paul on the Island of Malta

Paul on the Island of Malta
Acts 28:1-16

Whom would you elect "Mr. or Mrs. Hospitality" at work? In your neighborhood? In your church? In your family?

#God                  #People           #Time                #Place              #Obedient faith          #Sin    #Key Idea

Acts 28:1-16 (ESV)

 

Paul on Malta

1After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta. 2The native people^a showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice^b has not allowed him to live.” 5He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

7Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him. 9And when this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases also came and were cured. 10They also honored us greatly,^c and when we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods^d as a figurehead. 12Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14There we found brothers^e and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him.

Hashtags 

People
#Paul
#we – Paul and Luke
#native people
#chief man “Pubilus”
#Pubilus’ father
#people on island
#the brothers
#the soldier

Places
#Malta
#Sea = Mediterranean
#Syracuse
#Rhegium
#Puteoli

Topics
#Hospitality
#Viper – May or may not have been poisonous, but the people viewed it that way. Mark 16
#Justice = much like karma
#people’s change of mind.
#apostle power to heal sick people (prayer) laying on of hands too
#generosity of native people.
#sailing determined by the wind.
#Paul’s imprisonment

 

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• In your opinion, why did Luke describe the ship voyage to Rome at such length—longer than Paul’s time in Corinth or Ephesus? What was so important about this episode?
• In light of the fact God wanted Paul to get to Rome, why do you think he allowed all the events of 27:1-28:9 to happen? What stories would the centurion tell his fellow officers once they arrive? 
• Do you see God’s providence working in these events? How?
• Did God miraculously protect Paul from the snakebite? (Acts 28:3–6)
• As Paul neared Rome, who came out to meet him? What was the impact of this greeting on Paul? Explain.
• Describe a time when someone encouraged you in a stressful situation.
• How restricted was Paul? (Acts 28:16)
• How could this set the stage for Paul to write about the way his imprisonment at Rome served to advance the Gospel (see Philippians 1:12-13)? 
• How do you see Acts 1:8 still being carried out? 
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• How has God used a disaster in your life for ministry? What have you learned from this?
• Who can you encourage during the next week?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Does it Matter What You Believe?

Back in 2014 Jamie Coots made the news with his death. Jamie died after being bitten by a poisonous snake during a "snake handling church service."  Coots could have received medical treatment, but he refused it based on his religious convictions and died. 

Coots became a celebrity of sorts by appearing in the National Geographic television series, "Snake Salvation."  This television show documented the beliefs and practices of a church in southeast Kentucky that "handles poisonous snakes."

Members of this religious sect believe that Mark 16:17-18 commands them to engage in this practice. However, a more careful study of the Bible will reveal that Jesus wasn't commanding Christians to be involved in a "side show" involving snakes.  He was stating that his followers would be given miraculous abilities that would assist them in confirming the message they preached.  An example of what Jesus was talking about is found in Acts 28:1-6 when the apostle Paul was bitten by a poisonous viper on the Island of Malta.  Instead of dying as the natives surely thought he would, Paul simply shook the snake from his hand, and he was alright.  Furthermore, these miraculous gifts were temporary (1 Corinthians 13:8-10; Ephesians 4:8-13) and were never intended to last for all time.

Sadly, Mr. Coots' misguided faith and interpretation of the Bible cost him his life.  While, most of us reading this will not make the same mistake that Mr. Coots did, we may make other mistakes that could be just as harmful to our spiritual health?  If we don't give great care and attention to reading and studying the word of God, we too can be hurt. 

You see, in spite of what you've heard some people say, it does matter what you believe.

Gratuity Not Included: Servers

The natives showed us unusual kindness. . . . Acts 28:2


Ask almost any waiter, waitress, or server and they'll tell you that they dread the Sunday after-church crowd. Perhaps it's undeserved, but many churchgoers have a reputation for being demanding and stingy. Somehow, we have gotten a bad name in the restaurant community, at least on Sundays.

It behooves us to be kind to those who serve us. One of the ways we express our thanksgiving to God is by treating others with gratitude and kindness. Proverbs 19:22 says, "What is desired in a man is kindness."

Those who serve us -- waiters, clerks, tellers, flight attendants, bellhops and skycaps, ushers, babysitters, valets, supermarket baggers, parking attendants, shuttle drivers, and so forth -- often work long hours and receive minimal pay. Yet they bear the brunt of complaints. They often have to put up with arrogant, unkind, irritable clients.

Go out of your way to smile at the guy behind the counter. Be pleasant to the woman on the phone. Tip when appropriate. Be a pleasure to serve. Show unusual kindness. A dash of gratitude can brighten the skies of others and represent Christ in their hearts.

A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
William Arthur Ward

Blessings Abound: Blessings From Another

When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15

In Acts 28, the apostle Paul grappled with disappointment, fatigue, and a sense of failure. He had hoped to be on his way to Spain as a free man, but he had encountered a series of unfortunate events—hostility, arrest, a near flogging, a prolonged legal battle, a terrifying storm, a shipwreck, a snakebite, and a forced march to Rome where prison awaited him. Imagine even one of those things happening to you!


But as Paul approached the city of Rome, he looked up and saw a delegation of brothers and sisters coming to meet him. At the sight of his friends, his spirits revived. He thanked God and took courage. As we visualize the scene in our minds, we can almost see a smile coming to his face, a grateful whisper on his lips, and a bounce entering his steps.

You and I have people like that in our lives too, but perhaps we don’t thank God enough for them. Take a few moments today to appreciate those who strengthen you and give you courage. Thank God for the blessings that abound and for the people who surround you.

Whoever is happy will make others happy too.
Anne Frank

Paul's Life - Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard - July 31

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard (First Roman Captivity)

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 61-63 A.D.

Scripture: 28:10-31

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Rome

#Prison

#PrisonEpistles

As Paul arrives in Rome, Luke does not reveal what happened to Paul’s case. Apparently, it had not yet been decided when Luke finished Acts.  there is no indication that he will appear before any court or government official to press his appeal. Instead, it seems that he is placed under house arrest, being permitted to maintain his living quarters while being guarded by a Roman soldier. Paul is given the freedom to continue preaching from his lodging place. Luke thereafter records that Paul invites the local Jewish leaders to his house to tell them about Jesus and the kingdom of God. Characteristically, some believe while others do not, a result which Paul attributes to the openness of mind with which a person might listen to the good news about Jesus.

There are good reasons for believing that Paul was released since he had been found innocent by all Roman officials up to this point. Ancient tradition tells us that Paul actually went to Spain as he desired (see Rom. 15:24). In his captivity letters, Paul expressed his hope of being released (see Philem. 22) and his confidence that he would be released (Phil. 1:25). Paul’s pastoral epistles contain items that cannot be fitted into the Book of Acts, suggesting that they were written later. For instance, Titus 1:5 implies that Paul ministered on the island of Crete, something that is not reported in the Book of Acts. Paul most likely resumed his missionary travels for a few more years before being rearrested, retried, condemned, and executed as a martyr sometime between A.D. 64 and 67.

A Harmony Of The Life Of Paul

First Roman Captivity

(61-63 A.D.)

INTRODUCTION

• After his fateful voyage, Paul and his companions arrived at Rome...
• Where he was placed under house arrest - Acts 28:16
• Where he waited two years to make his appeal before Caesar - cf. Acts 25:9-12; 28:30
• Yet Paul was not idle during this time - cf. Acts 28:30-31
• He received many visitors
• He was not forbidden to teach those who came to see him
• He likely composed several epistles -- Indeed, it was a fruitful time for Paul

 [At the close of the book of Acts, we are given an indication of what it must have been like during those two years, as we read of...]

 

I. HIS MEETINGS WITH JEWISH LEADERS

A. THE FIRST MEETING...

• Paul called for the leaders of the Jews in Rome - Acts 28:17a
• He explained why he was there, and the reason for his appeal - Acts 28:17b-20
• He had done nothing against the Jews or their customs
• Though Roman officials wanted to let him go, Jews from Jerusalem spoke against it, forcing him to appeal to Caesar
• Yet it was for the hope of Israel he was bound in chains
• The Jewish leaders desire to learn more - Acts 28:21-22
• For they neither received letters nor heard anything evil of Paul
• But they did want to hear what he had to say about this “sect” spoken against everywhere

B. THE SECOND MEETING...

• On an appointed day, they came to his lodging - Acts 28:23a
• They heard him explain and solemnly testify - Acts 28:23b
• Of the kingdom of God and concerning Jesus - cf. Acts 8:12
• From both the Law of Moses and the Prophets - cf. Luke 24:44-47
• Lasting from morning until evening
• Their reaction was mixed; some were persuaded, while others disbelieved - Acts 28:24
• They departed after Paul gave them a solemn warning - Acts 28:25-28
• Of being hard of hearing and closing their eyes - cf. Isaiah 6:9-10
• That the message of God’s salvation has been sent to Gentiles and they will hear it
• They departed and disputed among themselves - Acts 28:29

 

[The closing verses in Acts indicate that similar meetings were repeated time and again during the two years of Paul’s first Roman captivity (Acts 28:30-31). When we turn to Paul’s epistles, we can glean more things about...]

 

II. HIS CIRCUMSTANCES IN ROME

A. PAUL’S COMPANIONS...

• Timothy
• The young disciple Paul had picked up on his second journey - Acts 16:1-3
• Who joined Paul in several salutations in epistles written from Rome - Philemon 1; Colossians 1:1; Philippians 1:1
• Who was sent to Philippi on behalf of Paul - Philippians 2:19-23
• Epaphras
• Whose visit to Paul prompted the writing of Colossians - Colossians 1:3-8
• Who sent his greetings to his beloved brethren at Colosse - Colossians 4:12-13
• Who was described as Paul’s “fellow-prisoner” - Philemon 1:23
• Onesimus and Tychicus
• Onesimus, the runaway slave converted to Jesus Christ, was sent along with the letter to his master Philemon - Philemon 10-21
• Onesimus also accompanied Tychicus who bore the epistle to the Colossians - Colossians 4: 7-9
• Tychicus, who was from Asia (Acts 20:4) was also the bearer of the epistle to the Ephesians - Ephesians 6:21-22
• Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, Jesus (Justus) - Philemon 24
• Marcus, also known as John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin - Colossians 4:10; cf. Acts 12:25; 13:5, 13; 15:37-40
• Aristarchus, Paul’s “fellow-prisoner” - Colossians 4:10; cf. Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2
• Demas, who later forsook Paul - Colossians 4:14; cf. 2 Timothy 4:10
• Luke, the beloved physician who traveled off and on again with Paul, and accompanied him on his voyage to Rome - Colossians 4:14; cf. Acts 16:10-12; 20:6; 21:1-17; 27:1-28:16
• Jesus (also called Justus), a “fellow-worker” with Paul - Colossians 4:11
• Epaphroditus
• Who brought a gift to Paul from the Philippians - Philippians 4:18
• Who became the bearer of the epistle to the Philippians - Philippians 2:25-30 -- His companions undoubtedly were a great source of comfort for Paul and enabled him to do much good while imprisoned in Rome

B. PAUL’S PREACHING...

• Continued preaching despite his chains - Colossians 1:23-29; Ephesians 3:1-9
• Requested prayers for wisdom and boldness to continue preaching - Colossians 4:3-4; Ephesians 6:18-20
• Converted Onesimus, the runaway slave - Philemon 10
• Had opportunities among the palace guard, and apparent success in Caesar’s household - Philippians 1:12-20; 4:22 -- Paul’s success in preaching reinforces the idea that the gospel cannot be bound

C. PAUL’S LETTERS...

• The Epistle to Philemon (61 or 62 AD.) - Philemon 1
• Purpose: To secure forgiveness for Onesimus
• Theme: Restoration Of A Slave Brother
• Brief Outline:
• Greetings - Philemon 1-3
• Thanksgiving and prayer for Philemon - Philemon 4-7
• Plea on behalf of Onesimus - Philemon 8-21
• Concluding remarks - Philemon 22-25
• The epistle to the Colossians (61 or 62 A.D.) - Colossians 1:1-2
• Purpose: To warn against the “Colossian heresy”
• Theme: Christ, The Fullness Of God, And Preeminent, All-Sufficient Savior
• Brief Outline:
• The preeminence of Christ - Colossians 1:1-23
• The apostle of Christ - Colossians 1:24-2:7
• Warnings against the Colossian heresy - Colossians 2:8-23
• The Christian solution - Colossians 3:1-4:6
• Paul’s companions - Colossians 4:7-18
• The Epistle to the Ephesians (61 or 62 A.D.) - Ephesians 1:1
• Purpose: To remind Christians of their spiritual blessings and responsibilities
• Theme: The Believer’s Riches In Christ
• Brief Outline:
• Doctrine: Our riches in Christ - Ephesians 1:1-3:21
• Duty: Our responsibilities in Christ - Ephesians 4:1-6:20
• The Epistle to the Philippians (63 A.D.) - Philippians 1:1
• Purpose: To thank the church for its gift, and encourage faithfulness
• Theme: Rejoice In The Lord!
• Brief Outline:
• The situation in Rome - Philippians 1:1-26
• Exhortation to behavior worthy of the gospel - Philippians 1:27-2:18
• Plans involving Timothy and Epaphroditus - Philippians 2:19-30
• Warnings against Judaism and antinomianism - Philippians 3:1-21
• Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace - Philippians 4:1-9
• Thanksgiving for their generous gift - Philippians 4:10-23 -- The letters of Paul exemplify the power of letter-writing, especially when limited by circumstances

D. PAUL’S LOVE AND CARE FOR THE CHURCHES...

• Evidenced in the epistles he wrote during this time
• Such as Colossians, to a church he had not seen - Colossians 2:1-5
• Such as Ephesians, to a church with whom he had spent much time - Acts 20:17-21
• Such as Philippians, to a church that was dear to his heart - Philippians 1:3-5; 4:1
• Evidenced in the prayers he offered for them
• His prayer for the Colossians - Colossians 1:9-11
• His prayers for the Ephesians - Ephesians 1:15-21; 3:14-19
• His prayer for the Philippians - Philippians 1:9-11 -- Paul’s love and concern for others despite his own circumstances exemplifies the mind of Christ - cf. Philippians 2:4-8

E. PAUL’S FAITH AND JOY IN HIS SUFFERING...

• He rejoiced in his sufferings - Colossians 1:24; Philippians 2:16-18
• He sought to magnify Christ in his sufferings - Philippians 1:20 -- Paul’s imprisonment allowed him to practice what he had been preaching (and practicing ) all along - cf. Romans 5:3-5

F. PAUL’S EXPECTATION OF RELEASE...

• Evidenced by his plans to visit Philemon - Philemon 22
• Expressed in his epistle to the Philippians - Philippians 1:23-27; 2:24

 

CONCLUSION

• Paul fully expected to be released from his imprisonment, as expressed...
• By his plans to visit Philemon - Philemon 22
• In his epistle to the Philippians - Philippians 1:23-27; 2:24
• That he was released and traveled some more is evidenced...
• By references made in such epistles as 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus
• By the testimony of those who came along later: Chrysostom, Jerome, Eusebius, and even Clement of Rome, who lived in the latter part of the first century A.D. 

J. W. McGarvey notes in his commentary on Acts: “No two years of Paul’s life were better filled with earnest labor than these two spent in his Roman prison.” Indeed, we have seen that such was the case, as Paul himself wrote:

Philippians 1:12-14 NLT - And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear.

May we learn from Paul’s example of how “good can come out of ill”, and use whatever circumstances in which we find ourselves to be utilized for the glory of God!

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

Acts 27:27-44 The Shipwreck

The Shipwreck
Acts 27:27-44

Have you ever been seasick? What happened? How did you recover? 

#God                  #People           #Time                #Place              #Obedient faith          #Sin    #Key Idea

Acts 27:27-44 (ESV)

 

27When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.^d A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.^e 29And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go.

33As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,^f for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37(We were in all 276g persons in the ship.) 38And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

The Shipwreck

39Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41But striking a reef,^h they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

Hashtags

People
#Paul
#we – Paul and Luke
#the centurion = (Julius) of the Augustan Cohort named
#the sailors
#the soldiers
#prisoners
#276 persons

Places
# Adriatic Sea #Cnidus
#the land, a bay with a beach

Topics
#Skill of sailing
#Emotions of travel on sea
#praying for daylight, Paul’s prayer for food observed
#responsibility to passengers
#Importance of food for strength
#Everyone can contribute a positive in the midst of a “Storm”

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• How does one’s reaction to a crisis reveal character?
• What did this crisis show about Paul’s character?
• How is Paul’s role in the storm and wreck an example for us?
• Why would Julius listen to Paul’s advice about anything?
• How does one become the person whose advice others will seek?
• What do you think the angel meant by saying that God had graciously given Paul the lives of his fellow passengers (27:24)? What does this show that Paul had been doing?
• Why did Paul reprimand the men on the boat?
• Compare verse 31 with verse 11. How does the centurion feel about Paul now? About the God Paul serves?
• How do Paul's words and his example serve to encourage the others? How would your estimation of Paul change during the two weeks of the storm? 
• What do you imagine the scene in verses 39-44 was like? What was said? How did people look? Feel? 
• How do Paul's attitudes and actions compare with those of the sailors? To what would you attribute Paul's ability to remain calm under pressure?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• What situation in your life most dramatically shaped your character? What is the greatest pressure situation you're facing now? 
• How can Paul's example and the principles you've learned from his experience help you? What is your part and what is God's part in the resolution of your storm? 
• When have you been tempted to bail out of a stormy situation and slip away in a lifeboat? What happened? What did you learn?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

SERMON: Four Anchors that Stabilize our Soul

TEXT: Acts 27:29

1. GOD is our Anchor - Acts 27:24 "Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee."

2. FAITH is our Anchor - Acts 27:25 "I believe God."

3. PERSEVEREANCE is our Anchor - Acts 27:31, "except you abide in the ship."

4. STRENGTH is our Anchor - Acts 27:33, "take meat." Our soul needs spiritual food like our body needs nourishment.

Conclusion: Anchors hold; they hold our soul!

Acts 27:13-26 The Storm at Sea

The Storm at Sea
Acts 27:13-26

Have you ever been seasick? What happened? How did you recover?

#God                  #People           #Time                #Place              #Obedient faith          #Sin    #Key Idea

Acts 27:13-26 (ESV)

 

The Storm at Sea

13Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. 14But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. 15And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda,^b we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat. 17After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. Then, fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the gear,^c and thus they were driven along. 18Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 19And on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned.

21Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26But we must run aground on some island.”

Hashtags-People

#Paul

#we – Paul and Luke

#Caesar

 

Places

#Crete

#lee of a small island called Cauda

#aground on the Syrtis

 

Topics

#ship

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• What in verses 13-20 reveals how severe this storm was? Verse 27 indicates this situation lasted two weeks. How would you be feeling by the end of the first week? What would a page from your ship's diary sound like? 
• As a sailor on board, how would you feel about Paul's message in verses 21-26? 
• After being in Caesarea for at least two years. Why would Paul need to hear the promise of 23:11 repeated (v. 24)? 
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• In terms of a weather report, how would you describe your life at present? Your life five years ago? 
• In a crisis, Paul reacted with urgent forewarnings, maintaining hope, counseling, common sense, giving thanks, remaining calm, persevering to the end. In comparison, how do you react to a crisis? 
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist