THE FOUNDERY CHURCH

Road Trippin'Final Stop

Still
Sent.

Malta | Acts 28

DATEAugust 30, 2026DESTINATIONMalta
Print notes
THE COMMISSION→THE MISSION
YOU ARESENT
STORMSHIPWRECKSNAKECHAINS

NONE OF ITunsends us.

ACTS 28 · ISAIAH 6:8

Your route5 stops

Storm. Shipwreck.
Still sent.

The question isn't just 'Am I moving?' but 'Am I following Jesus, and am I joining His mission?' Tap any stop to move through the message.

Sermon ContentActs 28

The storm cannot strip away
God's presence or call.

01The storm

1. Still Sent in the Storm

Motion is not the same as direction — time doesn't automatically produce spiritual maturity. Paul was sent to testify in Rome (Acts 23:11), but before arriving, he endured a violent storm that stripped away hope, strength, and navigation. Yet the storm could not strip away God's presence or God's call. Being 'sent' is bigger than geography — it's a commission for every believer.

02The snake

2. Still Sent Through Misunderstanding

When a viper attached to Paul's hand, the islanders assumed he must be a murderer under divine judgment. Suffering does not always reveal God's disposition toward us. Scripture gives categories for suffering (a fallen world, human sin, spiritual opposition) but doesn't always let us diagnose the exact source. Paul simply shook the snake off — refusing to let people's shifting opinions (murderer, then god) define his identity. He belonged to Jesus, not to the crowd's verdict.

03The mission

3. Still Sent With a Mission

Paul didn't waste his pain — his trial became part of his testimony. Instead of asking 'Why did this happen to me?' he modeled asking 'Jesus, how can You use me here?' On Malta, Paul prayed for Publius's sick father, who was healed, leading to healing for many others on the island. The place of his shipwreck became a place of ministry — Malta remains largely Christian today, tracing roots back to this event.

04The chains

4. Sent Without Hindrance

Acts closes with Paul under house arrest, yet proclaiming the Kingdom 'with all boldness and without hindrance' (Acts 28:31). Chains restricted Paul, but not the Gospel. We are not spectators or consumers — we are witnesses, sent by Jesus into everyday life: our jobs, schools, neighborhoods, and relationships. God already factored in our imperfections when He called us.

05The sending

5. Go As One Who Is Sent

The question isn't just 'Am I moving?' but 'Am I following Jesus, and am I joining His mission?' Storm, shipwreck, snake, chains — none of it unsends us. Like Isaiah, our response should be: 'Here am I. Send me.' Go to work, school, and home not just as an attendee, but as one sent by Jesus, carrying His name into every space.

STORM. SHIPWRECK. SNAKE. CHAINS.

NONE OF IT
UNSENDS US.HERE AM I. SEND ME.

Scripture References8 passages

Open the road map.

Tap a passage to read it.

“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'”

“Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'”

“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”

“The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.”

“But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.”

“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.”

“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'”

Discussion Questions5 prompts

Pause. Reflect.
Where are you sent?

For personal reflection or group discussion
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Key Takeaways5 truths

Main points to
remember & apply.

Tap each truth as you sit with it. Your progress stays on this device.

Additional NotesFinal stop

A place of refuge.
A place of ministry.

01

—
This sermon concludes the 'Road Trippin' series, following stops at Samaria, Emmaus, Zarephath, and Bethsaida before arriving at Malta.

02

—
Key Greek words: apostolos (sent one), Euroclydon (violent storm wind), barbaroi (islanders/non-Greek speakers), philanthrōpia (unusual kindness).

03

—
Malta means 'place of refuge or safe haven' — fitting for where the shipwrecked travelers found rest and ministry.

04

—
Space for personal reflection: Where is God sending you this week?

Your next stepRespond

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who is sent.

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