-
Imagine A Ship Filled With People Crossing The ...
Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007 (message contributor)
Imagine a ship filled with people crossing the Atlantic. In the middle of the ocean the captain announces that the ship is sinking and that everyone must leave the big, towering ship and get into the little lifeboats being lowered over the sides of the boat into the swelling ocean.
a. One person doesn’t believe the Captain that the ship is sinking, “it doesn’t look like it is” so he stays on board.
i. Will he be saved when the ship sinks? Why Not?
b. Another person doesn’t hear the call to abandon ship. He stays on board.
i. Will he be saved when the ship sinks? Why Not?
c. Another looks at the little boats and thinks, “that will never protect me from this ocean, I’m staying on this big thing, it seems safer.”
i. Will his faith in the ship save him? Why Not?
d. Suppose another man knows about the lifeboat and believes it will save his life, but his handicapped wife can’t get into the boat so he chooses not to get aboard.
i. Will his love for his wife save him? Why Not?
e. Others believe the captain, so they get into the boats.
i. They are saved by faith. However, it is not really their faith that saves them—no matter how much they have.
ii. It is the boat that saves them, their faith, their trust in it and what the captain has told them has simply been the vehicle that has caused them to get into the lifeboats.
f. Saving faith trusts Christ, and Christ saves.
5. This morning God is saying to us, “trust me enough to step off of the big ship of your self-run life.”
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Church Is Like Noah's Ark: The Stench Inside ... PRO
Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 29, 2003
“The church is like Noah’s ark: The stench inside would be unbearable if it weren’t for the storm outside. It’s true—sometimes we stink and the world is stormy. But as imperfect as we are on this side of heaven, the miracle is that God in fact chooses to ...read more
-
In 1829 A Man Named George Wilson Was Arrested ...
Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
In 1829 a man named George Wilson was arrested for robbery and murder in a US mail heist. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to obtain his pardon from President Andrew Jackson. But when told of this, Wilson refused it ...read more
-
Like Bill Hybels, I Believe That There Is Nothing ... PRO
Contributed by Jim Kane on May 25, 2004
Like Bill Hybels, I believe that there is nothing like the local church when it is working right. In addition, I agree with what he says after that sentence: “Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the ...read more
-
Finding Nemo
Contributed by Darrin Hunt on Feb 5, 2007
Many of you have seen the movie, “Finding Nemo”. •It’s a powerful story of the love and determination of a caring father. •It’s the story of being lost, and then found. •It’s a story that can help us understand our Heavenly Father and His love for us. In the movie, Nemo’s father Marlin loved ...read more
-
A.w. Tozer Writes, "Whoever Will Listen Will Hear ... PRO
Contributed by Richard Wafford on Nov 24, 2004
A.W. Tozer writes, "whoever will listen will hear the speaking heaven. This is definitely not the hour when men take kindly to an exhortation to listen, for listening is not today a part of popular religion. We are at the opposite end of the pole from there. Religion has accepted the monstrous ...read more
Related Sermons
-
How To Win The Battles Of Life Series
Contributed by Tom Shepard on Feb 18, 2016
This sermon looks at seven principles to win the battles of life. 1. Identify Your ENEMY 2. Don’t Be Driven By EMOTION 3. Take Your Problems To The LORD 4. Admit You Need HELP 5. Rely On God’s POWER 6. Relax In FAITH 7. Thank God In ADVANCE
-
"How God Tests Our Faith?” (Paano Pinatatatag Ang Ating Pananampalataya?) Part_1 Series
Contributed by Ritchie Guerrero on Oct 15, 2020
James 1:3-4 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
-
God Of All Possibilities
Contributed by John Newbaker on Mar 15, 2020
I come today bringing good news. In a world full of bad news, could you use some good news?
-
Doors: Open Or Closed
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Aug 24, 2017
The majority of the body of Christ believes that God opens doors (a "yes" answer to prayer) and closes doors (a "no" answer to prayer) in their lives. Does scripture support such a belief?
-
Faith In Every Season Of Life Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 8, 2017
The natural seasons are winter, spring, summer and autumn; there are also spiritual seasons in our lives. What spiritual season are you experiencing now? Are you trusting God to help you in the season you are in?