It opens to the East and Southeast, but is not fit to winter in. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. Read Chapter All Versions. If Paul had been right before, and his words had come to pass, he had even more important words to speak now, not from his own perception or judgment, but from the God whom he served. (5) The storm, and the gospel which leads to salvation. To Paul, the sovereignty of God was not an excuse to avoid his human obligations or his personal responsibility; it was the motivation for him to live responsibly. Here is a list of famous examples of democratic leaders: Dwight Eisenhower, The 34th U.S. President Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Larry Page, Co-founder of Google Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter Read more about these Famous examples of democratic leadership and feel inspired. When you are walking in accordance with Gods purposes, whatever obstacles to the accomplishing of His will are encountered, He will overcome. His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. The time which had been lost, due to unfavorable winds, made it evident that they would not be able to reach Rome, not without wintering at some port, and finishing the journey in the Spring.550 The only question now was where they would winter, and whether or not they would press on to some more favorable port. He did get disgusted. Petty criticism wears on the leader. It was the crew of the ship who lived dangerously, foolishly risking the ship, the cargo, and the lives of all on board, just to get ahead a little. I confess, I am distressed at the ways in which Christians are trying to take control of the political and governmental positions of authority. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. Without God's constant guidance in our lives, how can we be confident of what we are teaching, how we are ministering, or why we are even leading? Democratic style on the other hand refers to leadership style in which leaders are the final decision makers with the input of followers. 553 The storm was now heavy upon the lumbering vessel, as it came roaring out of the north-east. The sovereignty of God means not only that God is able to intervene supernaturally, but that He is also able to work naturally, through human instruments (like the Roman soldiers, and in our story, like the centurion, in Pauls behalf). The dangerous season for sailing began about September 14 and lasted until November 11; after the latter date all navigation on the open sea came to an end until winter was over. Just so you know, the person they are talking about in Acts 18:26 is Apollos. The God who was to rescue them was Pauls God, the God whom he served, and to whom he would bear testimony before Caesar. This inside information was, I think, a factor in their plan to abandon ship. Airline pilots must constantly monitor weather conditions, and make decisions as to the route they will take, their altitude, and even their destination. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. A centurion of the Augustan cohort by the name of Julius543 was placed in charge of the prisoners. 542 The ship in which they embarked belonged to Adramyttium (modern Edremit), a seaport of Mysia in northwest Asia Minor, opposite the island of Lesbos. They were not in control of the ship. 550 As they waited for a change of wind at Fair Havens, it soon became clear that they could not complete the voyage to Italy before the onset of winter. The centurion found an Alexandrian ship,547 laden with wheat that was headed for Italy. The journey was delayed by unfavorable winds. Why not get better at it? The sovereignty of God is no excuse for us not to work, but the assurance that our work is not in vain, in the Lord. As the journey to Rome continues, there are yet to be more signs and wonders accomplished through the hands of Paul (see 28:3-10). It was simpler, it seems, to forbid them from killing any of them. Here are three unique leaders who serve as great examples of democratic leadership: Abraham Lincoln President Lincoln took office understanding his decisions over the next four years would determine the fate of the United States. The death penalty is certainly one possibility. Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. Because of its size and cargo, it required deeper water. They had little to gain and much to lose. He bridged the gaps between the Greek and Jewish worlds. He would later, on the island, work signs and wonders. What are we to make of this dramatic change in Pauls standing before his fellow-shipmates? Until now, they had been trying to save the ships cargo, but now some of it555 was thrown overboard, lightening the ship and reducing the stress on the hull. In all of this God protected Paul. This was, I think, to cause the ship to draw less water, and thus to float higher in the water, so that it would not as easily drag bottom.560 The ship would therefore be closer to shore when it struck bottom, making it a shorter swim (or float). The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a pastor is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other's. The angel of God told Paul not to be afraid, which would indicate that he was afraid. Gods Word gives us those answers. 554 The wind would tend to blow the ship much more quickly than the current, and so a sea anchor would reduce the force of the wind on the ship by using the sea as a brake. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose. The great leaders of the Bible, men like Joseph, Moses, David, and Daniel, were men who had an impact because they were men of God, men of great skill and ability, and men who God raised up. Joshua had been in the presence of God. There is nothing wrong with a healthy fear of danger. To reinforce his words, Paul now did what he urged each of them to dohe ate. He was not an "out front" kind of person, but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. 1 Timothy 3:5. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Doing so would be certain death, for the larger vessel offered more protection, so long as it held together. The broad issue is that of leadership. The bottom line is that everyone leads in some fashion, be it great or small. Few managers or politicians understand that. This channel is the place between two seas. Here the ship, in Smiths words, would strike a bottom of mud graduating into tenacious clay, into which the fore part would fix itself and be held fast, whilst the stern was exposed to the worst of the waves. After the long battering which the ship had endured for the past two weeks, its exposed part could not take this further punishment, and it quickly disintegrated. Bruce, p. 494. Brooks Faulkner previously served as the senior pastoral ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love, but also a time for courage. In spite of Pauls words of encouragement, the passengers had still not eaten. The centurion respected and trusted Paul a great deal, as can be seen by his previous dealings with him (see verse 3). Here are seven whose leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering the gospel. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:26). Allow me to make one last observation here. Here is a man whose personal safety was assured, and yet who lived with care and caution. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. The storm caught the ship in its force, and so they could do nothing but allow the ship to be driven along by it. Had people ceased eating, in part perhaps, because they thought they were going to die anyway? Paul encouragement the passengers to trust God to do all that He promised. Even when John Mark was being severely ostracized by Paul, Barnabas stood by John Mark. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. Scripture offers examples of both. Second, the majority of those who voted on this issue favored going further. No one followed Paul because he was a man of God, or even because they concluded the God was with him. They followed Paul because he knew where he was going and inspired confidence in others to follow him. Focus on who you are and allow God to develop you into the leader he has called you to be. Inclusive Meetings A weekly meeting provides the best illustrations of the democratic ideology. It was needlessly endangering others that Paul was trying to avoid. . The doctrine of Gods sovereignty is multi-faceted, something which careless and thoughtless Christians often forget or set aside. He only said that their remaining on ship was necessary if these soldiers wanted to survive. When he spoke, there was no vote taken. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. The soldiers who were guarding them were not as concerned about their survival as much as the possibility of an escape. In A.D. 59 it fell on October 5, but in all the neighboring years from 57 to 62 it fell earlier. 564 Would he not have dared to command the soldiers not to kill Paul, but to have allowed the others to be put to death? It would seem that they had fasted nearly two weeksthroughout the entire time the storm was raging. Paul strongly urged them to stay where they were, at Fair Havens. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Finally, in the following chapter, there will be the snake bite, from which Paul will be spared as well. Moses was seen as the patient leader of a people with little faith (Ex. If this was all that Paul said to these soldiers, he did not tell them that these men were attempting to abandon ship. He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Think of it. Unsaved men do not have the answers. Obedient Daniel. They took down the sail, which would have been ripped to shreds by the winds, and lashed down the rudders, which would have been broken up as they were smashed against the ship by the waves. But today, we want to focus on a . "Perhaps he's sleeping and will wake up!" The Greek-speaking Jewish believers complained that their widows were being overlooked in the distribution of food when compared to the widows who were Hebrew-speaking. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, {being} more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:3-9). A crucial decision had to be made at Fair Havens.549 Sailing was not safe in the winter, due to wind conditions and seasonal storms. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:12-14). They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:3-6). This was probably due to seasickness, and perhaps to the difficulty of cooking under such circumstances. His military role came at a pivotal time in world history- World War II. They were now well into the dangerous season; as Luke notes, even the Fast had now gone by. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. 2:2). The first 8 verses of the chapter take Paul from Caesarea to a harbor named Fair Havens, not far from the city of Lasea. He doesn't mince words when he calls them "a brood of vipers.". Your family. He must live wisely and be just. God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? If their safety was assured then let them do what they could to help themselveslet them eat. The amount of talking by the leader is another clue. Paul was a leader here because people followed him. Democratic leadership is an effective leadership style but can sometimes be too slow when fast decisions are needed. This centurion was to develop a deep respect for Paul, so that he would extend considerable liberties to him, take seriously his advice, and make every effort to protect him. Related Topics: Issues in Church Leadership/Ministry, Leadership, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. Clearly the answer is yes. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. But more than this, God had already assured Paul that he would reach Rome. Not once or twice the world has had to thank the great saints and mystics for providing timely help in moments of crisis when realistic, practical men of affairs were unable to supply it. Bruce, p. 475. These are examples of democratic leadership: All opinions are brought forward in team meetings. Jesus: A leader is a servant first. Looking at leadership honestly means looking at the best and the worst. If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. 31 What then shall we say to these things? Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. The meeting's facilitator will be acting democratically if they actively seek out the team's thoughts and opinions and encourage them to voice them. It seems as thought they had left it in the sea, towed along behind, when the storm suddenly came upon them and swamped it. Please see below for details. When this happens, there will be no protection for the lost. What the ships crew intended to do was a cowardly thing. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. They hoped that daybreak would come so that they could visually navigate the ship, rather than to attempt to make port (or even to ground the ship) in the dark. An elder must live a blameless life. In so doing, the sailors would not only be abandoning ship, they would be abandoning all the passengers on board ship, leaving them helpless. Christianity is not a fair weather religion. Paul is one of a number of prisoners, on his way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. Here is another example of Godly leadership in the Bible that sometimes gets overlooked. (1 Kings 18:27). Lets examine some of these, because whether you lead one, a few, or many we all have to lead. In verses 27-29, Luke describes the ships approach to some body of land. We live in a time of great crisis. Romans 13:1-3 ESV / 3 helpful votesNot Helpful. And so they were strengthened, both in spirit and in body. When I come to Acts chapter 27, it is like a breath of fresh air to me. In the early church there was a problem. How often, I wonder, are others benefited by the presence of a believer? Their safety was relative, however. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. He was not a sailor; in fact he was not even a paying passenger. But once the sailors discerned that land was nearby, staying on board ship became increasingly dangerous. They intended to put all the prisoners to death,563 thus eliminating the risk of an escape. Gods promise was fulfilled, just as Paul had said He would. (1) A look at leadership. It is not surprising, though, that he would take the advice of the ships captain and its pilot as being more expert. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. The encouraging news that Paul was about to tell them was that he was both right and wrong when he had warned them not to sail. I am not certain that anyone ever thought of Paul as the leader, but he did lead and they followed. 1. If there were but ten righteous in the city of Sodom, God would have spared the city for the sake of those righteous (Genesis 18:22-33). What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? Paul was a prisoner, on his way to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. All rights reserved. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. Did he do anything? It is as certain as the salvation of His own. There would be no one left who was an experienced sailor, who could help land the crippled ship. There was some level of favoritism going on. During the night, an angel of God had appeared to Paul, with a sure and certain word about the future, a word that would bring encouragement to all on board ship. This journey began on an Adramyttian ship, which took them as far as Myra, where they boarded an Alexandrian ship, headed for Italy. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. God used this two-year delay of Felix and the bungling of Festus to bring Paul to the point where he would appeal to Caesar. In a storm, control of the ship is limited, and so navigating a narrow entrance to a port would be almost impossible. I would like to have heard that prayer, but Lukes silence here requires us to wait till heaven to find out what was said. Paul assured them that not a hair from their head would perish (verse 34). Here are seven whose leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering the gospel. The sovereignty of God will then result in the overthrow of His enemies and in the judgment of the wicked. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:8-10). Those who could swim should jump first, and make their way to shore. In one of the more popular set of verses in the Bible, here is what Mordecai told Esther. 1. Flee to safety today. What are some examples of democratic leadership?
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