Anchors
So many times we are faced with circumstances that test our character. God has a plan for us to overcome every trouble that attempt to destroy us. (John 10:10) When we consistently come to hear the taught and preached Word p God we learn valuable lesson. Lessons that help us navigate across deadly mine fields. God has the map we need. We can only access the directions through the anointing (supernatural power found in God’s presence).
Anchors are tools that a ship’s captain uses to steady the vassal providing a strong foundation. We all need strong foundation in order to live the victorious Christian life.. God has anchors for the Christian to learn to use to weather every storm of life. We must be instructed in the efficient handling of these weapons of warfare.
Paul was on his way to appear for his trial. On the way trudge was about to descend upon the crew and prisoners. But in the midst of gloom and doom hope appeared..........
MAIN TEXT - Acts 27:14-44 Acts 27:20) And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
New Living Translation - Hebrews 6:19
This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God’s inner sanctuary . . .
God’s Word Translation - Hebrews 6:19
We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives . . .
New Century Version - Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong . . . Now let us look at the first anchor in our message.....
I. ANCHOR OF GOD’S PRESENCE
Acts 27:23
“For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve.”
Paul was not alone, an angel was watching. The Bible says that angels encircle those that fear God and delivers them. (Psalms 34:6 KJV) Have you ever been to the point of seeing no way out of the problem? Don’t look down, look up to your Redeemer (Jesus Christ), he is there (1John 2:1) Jesus is our Source of hope and strength. Be like Paul don’t throw in the towel, keep holding on to faith. Your faith and trust in God will calm the storms you face!
They needed deliverance from this gloom and doom. No doubt Paul had on his mind God’s promises:
Be still, and know that I am God? (Psalms 46:10)
Hebrews 13:5 says, “…I (God) will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Matthew 28:20 says “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Psalms 23:4 says “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”
In Acts 27: 25 Paul says, “I believe God.”
Can you believe God even in dyer times of negativity? Paul did and so can we! Now let us look at another anchor.
II. ANCHOR OF THE PROMISES OF GOD
Acts 27:24-25
“Saying, ‘Fear not Paul; thou must be brought to Caesar; and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.’ “…I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told to me.’”
We have a Word from God. His promises are “Yes and amen!”(2 Corinthians 1:20) Paul knew God was a PROMISE KEEPING GOD! Even when it look like hope was exhausred. He kept the faith. He lived by faith.
Romans 4:21 says, “What he promises He is able to perform.”
The Word of God is full of promises. 7,847 promises from God to man.
Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekial have over 1,000 promises each. Psalms 22, 23, 34, 37, 90-91, 100-150, and many others are full of the promises and benefits of being a child of God (Psalms 68:19; 103; etc.) That is why it is so vitally important we keep studying the Word. Now let us look at another anchor........
III. ANCHOR OF THE PLAN OF GOD
Acts 27:24 says,
“…fear not Paul thou must be brought before Caesar…”
Verse 42 says the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, because they were afraid they would swim away and escape. But God’s plan was for everyone to live. God’s plan always supersceedes others. He knows all things and is everwhere.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future.” Now let us look at the last anchor........
IV. ANCHOR OF GOD’S POWER:
Acts 27:44
“…and it came to pass that they all escaped safe to land.”
Luke 1:37 states, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Jeremiah 32:17 resounds the infinite powr of the Creator, “…for thou hast made the heavens by thy great power…nothing is too hard for thee.”
Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think according to the power that is at work within us.”
Paul lived what he wrote in the New Testament under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
God has the POWER to keep me safe through the storm…
The anchors are for the believer to embrace. It is our lifeline. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call unto me (God), and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.”
Let’s pray
