Sermon Notes
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
"Jesus Christ himself is the definition of holiness and its living example.”
- Keith Drury, Holiness for Ordinary People
“ . . . perfect storms are more than setbacks or obstacles. They’re a confluence of events so overwhelming, so relentless, so terrifying that one of two things will come of them: They will make us better, or they will make us worse."
- Steve Deneff, Faultlines
Why?
Acts 27:14–15 (NIV84)
Before very long, a wind of hurricane (typhonikos--word we get typhoon from) force, called the “northeaster,” swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.
Acts 27:20 (NIV84)
When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.
Acts 27:22–26 (NIV84)
But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul.
So keep up your courage, . . . for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
2 Kings 6:16 (NIV84)
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
What do I truly believe?
Anchor #1—In a crisis, we will lose some things, but we will not lose all things.
Acts 27:22 (NIV84)
But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.
Anchor #2—God may not rescue us, but he will be with us.
Acts 27:25–26 (NIV84)
So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
"My friend, to believe in things that have not yet happened, to speak of things that are not as though they were, requires a faith that goes deep into our inner core. It is informed, but optimistic. Firm, but flexible. It absorbs the blows. It steadies us. And when the storm finally passes . . . it leaves a depth and a richness that cannot be had except by those who have weathered the perfect storm."
- Steve Deneff