The Tree Church Bible Study

In this powerful exploration of Acts 27, we journey alongside Paul as he faces a critical decision aboard a ship bound for Rome. The passage reveals a profound tension between worldly common sense and divine wisdom—a tension we all navigate in our daily lives. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit's insight, warns the ship's officers of impending danger: shipwreck, loss of cargo, and threats to life. Yet his wisdom is rejected in favor of the ship captain's expertise. This story challenges us to examine how we make decisions when faced with difficult choices where neither option seems ideal. Do we default to what appears logical, safe, or endorsed by experts? Or do we pause to seek God's supernatural wisdom? The historical details—the dangerous late fall sailing season, the limitations of an Alexandrian ship with its single square sail, the timing around Yom Kippur—all paint a vivid picture of real people facing real danger. But more importantly, they remind us that God is present in every detail of our lives. We're called to cultivate spiritual disciplines—prayer, Scripture study, quiet listening—that attune our hearts to hear God's voice above the noise of conventional wisdom. Sometimes God calls us to paths that don't make worldly sense, yet lead to His greater purposes. The key is learning to discern when common sense aligns with God's will and when He's asking us to trust Him beyond what we can see or understand.

In this Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastors Chris Reed and Phil Venrick as they continue their study of the book of Acts, focusing on Acts 27:1–6. This episode follows Paul as he begins his journey to Italy after appealing to Caesar, offering insight into both the historical setting of Roman maritime travel and the personal character Paul displays along the way.

The Pastors discuss Luke’s first-person narration, the role of the Roman centurion Julius, and why Paul was trusted and treated with kindness despite being a prisoner. The conversation then turns practical, exploring how followers of Jesus are often recognized not only by their words, but by their actions.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how faith is lived out through patience, humility, integrity, and grace in everyday moments.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzr7TQ5Ox3E

In this Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford, Pastor Chris Reed, and Pastor Phil Venrick continue their journey through the book of Acts by examining Paul’s defense before Festus and King Agrippa in Acts 26. This episode focuses on why Paul’s faith appeared foolish to some and how obedience to God often challenges what feels logical or comfortable.

The pastors discuss faith, evidence, and testimony, highlighting that belief is not blind but rooted in trust and lived experience. They reflect on Paul’s heart for others, his refusal to control outcomes, and his commitment to planting seeds faithfully while trusting God to work over time. The conversation also encourages believers to remain obedient even when faith is misunderstood or rejected.

Watch the full Bible study here: (Watch on YouTube)

In this Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastors Mary Johnson and Chris Reed as they continue through Acts 26, focusing on Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and the transformation that followed. The conversation centers on Acts 26:12–23, where Paul describes his vision of Jesus, his calling to the Gentiles, and his obedience to that calling despite suffering and opposition.

The pastors discuss how transformation is not a one-time moment but an ongoing process of repentance, trust, and growth. They explore how genuine faith leads to obedience, even when it is uncomfortable or costly, and how Paul’s outward focus kept him faithful to God’s mission rather than personal comfort.

This episode encourages listeners to live with an outward focus, trust God through seasons of change, and remain open to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in everyday life.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMNqcM9Jo0w

In this Tree Church Bible Study, Pastors Stacey Crawford, Mary Johnson, and Chris Reed continue the conversation through Acts 26 as Paul gives his defense before King Agrippa. The episode focuses on how Paul uses his past as a Pharisee and persecutor of Christians to explain that his faith in Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish hope, centered on the resurrection.

The pastors discuss why Paul’s testimony mattered in this moment and how God redeemed his past to encourage others. The conversation highlights that no one is too far gone for God’s grace and that personal struggles and failures do not disqualify someone from being used by God. Instead, identity in Christ brings freedom from shame and a new way of living through the Holy Spirit.

This episode encourages listeners to see their past through the lens of redemption and to trust that God can use every part of their story for His purposes.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vqGv5fcrn8