I BELIEVE GOD (Acts 27:25)

Sermon or study outline



I    Background: Paul - A Prisoner Preacher


· with an unusual pulpit
· a captive audience
· a message of hope


Paul, Missionary and Defender of the Faith


For years, desired to go to Rome. Now as a prisoner is on the way and the Empire provides the transportation.


The letter to Rome: (Book of Romans)

· "I must see Rome ..." Acts 19:21
· "I purpose to come ..." Rom. 1:13
· "I will come to you" Rom. 15:21, 28-29, 32
· "I am ready to preach" Rom. 1:15
· "I shall come in the fullness of the blessing" Rom. 15:29


Now, on a storm tossed ship, Paul the prisoner, is the only person out of 276 who has any message from God. (As Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon).

 II    The Believer


Always has a the advantage - He has special connections


· Acts 27:23 "There stood by me the angel of God ..."
· Has faith and Hope when "All hope that we should be saved was taken away" Acts 27:20
· Believers when in the minority; one in 276.
· Believers before relief is in sight
· Believers when surrounded by unbelievers


The Believer has: The brightest Outlook, the clearest conscience, and the surest hope.



III    The Basis of Belief


1. The Reason - Conscience, Experience


2. The Record - History of Christianity and Church


3. Revelation - The Word of God


· Doctrine: I believe in God - Apostles Creed
· Personal Relationship: Paul; "I believe God" Acts 27:25, "I know (Him) whom I believed" II Tim. 1:12
· "The Spirit himself beareth witness ... Rom. 8:16



 IV    The Boundaries of Belief - The Word of God: No More; No Less.


No additions, no subtractions, no evasions, no substitutions.


· I believe what God said about Himself and His Son.
· I believe what God said about sin.
· I believe what God said about salvation: Initial, Full, Final (Glorification)
· I believe what God said about eternity: Heaven and Hell.




V    The Blessings of Belief


Faith is the Divine Ability


· Able to save to the uttermost - Heb. 7:25
· Able to keep us from falling - Jude 24
· Able to preserve us blameless - I Thess. 5:23
· Able to present us faultless - Jude 24


Faith to be saved


Faith to overcome


Strength to Persevere


Comfort in all life's situations


Power to overcome Satan's attacks


Certain hope of eternal life


As usual, all comments are welcome and appreciated. If you have any suggestions or requests, please let me know.



pastoricholland@gmail.com