Welcome to
Zion Bread of Life Christian Church

Sunday, 29th June 2025

Rev Daniel Xi An Poon

While we may believe in God, living out that faith in our daily lives is often difficult. Between work stress, family tensions, health struggles, and the endless demands of everyday life, faith can easily become compartmentalized—something we engage with during Sunday services or brief devotions, but not something that permeates our routines.

Faith and life are not enemies, but integrating them is not easy. Often, we don’t reject God’s word—we simply feel powerless, unsure where to begin, or discouraged by past failures. Over time, we may even stop trying.

As we reach the final chapter of Acts, chapter 28, we encounter a striking image: Paul, under house arrest and physically chained, still lives out his faith with freedom, strength, and fruitfulness. This challenges us to ask: what truly binds us? Is it our circumstances, our bodies, or our own hearts?

In today’s message, there are three key lessons from Paul’s witness in Acts 28—lessons that help us identify and overcome invisible chains so that faith can once again become part of our everyday lives.

1. Physical Chains — But Not Spiritually Bound

In Acts 28:20, Paul says to the Jews, “For the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” Though physically restrained and limited in movement, Paul did not stop preaching the gospel. In the house he rented, he continued to welcome visitors, teach them, and testify to the hope of Christ.

This reminds us that limitations in our environment do not mean our spiritual lives must stop. Paul’s example shows that faith is not something we wait to live out only when everything is perfect—it is meant to shine even in imperfect situations.

Are we letting tiredness, time pressure, or busyness stop us from practicing our faith? Do we wait for ideal conditions before stepping out in obedience? If so, we’re missing the point. Faith is meant to be lived in the midst of real life—not apart from it.

2. Chains of Destiny — Choosing the Hard Path

Paul’s journey was not a surprise to him. In Acts 20:23, he said, “The Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.” Yet in verse 24, he declares, “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus.”

Paul knew the cost of his calling, but he chose to walk that path anyway. His life reminds us that someone who understands their divine calling will not let hardship block their way.

Do we know the burden, direction, and calling God has placed in our hearts? And if we do—are we walking in it, or have we stopped because of fear? Fear of difficulty, sacrifice, or failure often causes us to retreat. But Paul’s life teaches us that some paths are not easy, yet they are worth walking.

Faith is not just about believing—it’s about choosing to live out that belief, even when the road is hard.

3. Chains of the Heart — Finding True Freedom

The final verse of Acts says, “Paul preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all confidence, and no one forbidding him” (Acts 28:31). Though still physically chained, Paul’s heart was completely free. His words, actions, and attitude radiated God’s peace and power.

This leads to a deeper reflection: true freedom is not about external circumstances—it’s about the condition of our hearts. Are we bound by fear, disappointment, past wounds, or self-condemnation? Are we held back by others’ judgments or our own insecurities?

Rev. Daniel urged us to examine whether there are “chains of the heart” that prevent us from stepping out in faith. We may appear free on the outside, but inside, we hesitate, afraid to take bold steps for God.

God’s peace is meant to transcend circumstances. Like Paul, we can live with boldness and confidence—even in difficult situations—when our hearts are anchored in Christ.

Many of us believe in God, but we struggle to live out that belief in the messiness of life. We are not alone in this struggle—but we must choose to confront it.

Faith is not passive. It is active, resilient, and transformative. Paul’s life in Acts 28 shows us that even in chains, we can live with freedom. Even in hardship, we can walk with purpose. Even in weakness, we can testify to the strength of God.

The gospel is not just a message—it’s a life. Paul’s witness challenges us to move beyond belief into action. To live out our faith not just in church, but in the kitchen, the workplace, the hospital, and the quiet moments of our day.

Faith is not something we perform—it’s something we embody. And when we do, even the chains around us cannot stop the light of Christ from shining through.