How to Navigate through the SHIP….in the Seas of HardSHIP.
In the Storm, you must stay with the Ship to Survive! Acts 27:9-44
I find it extremely interesting why Luke dedicates an entire chapter to Paul’s experience of this voyage on his way to Rome. I think it holds substantial spiritual and prophetic significance to us and to the Church in these last days.
(Act 14:22 NIV) strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
(Jhn 16:33 NKJV) "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
If we will but allow the Holy Spirit to show us, we can see that there is a storm brewing, from the weather bureau of God’s Word we can forecast what is coming.
I don’t if you have ever been at sea in the midst of a serious storm; but there is an overwhelming sense of helplessness, vulnerability and ambiguity.
I spent over a year with the U.S.S. Carl Vinson CVN70 -- We entered a storm Typhoon sailing through 50+ foot seas to say it was terrifying would have been an understatement. This Ship was 1096ft long displaced 90,000 tons of water with four Nuclear reactors 6500 sailors and over 100 aircraft.
As daunting as that ship was it was nothing compared to the North Pacific seas in the winter.
I’m not going to “Preach” per say through this chapter but rather read it with some observations as to how it might be relevant to the Church and these perilous times we live in.
(2Ti 3:1 NKJV) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
I want to navigate through this story and fish out the truths that can help us as we sail through the seas of Hardships in this Christian Experience. Three levels of Storms: Entering One, In the Middle of One, or Coming Out of One!
I. The Setup (9-12)
A. The Purpose: The Apostle was on board; along with Luke the Physician (remember this is his narrative and account) this ship on his way to Rome because after nearly being torn to pieces by an angry mob in Jerusalem while trying to go to the Temple, He was beaten and dragged out, being saved by a Roman Centurion; followed by a plot to kill Paul; he was taken to the Governor Felix and jailed for over two years after pleading his case to the new Gov. Festus, who would have turned him over to the Jews; He appealed to Caesar in fear that he would not receive justice from his fellow Jewish countrymen.
1. The Vessel: Was an Alexandrian Ship hired by the Roman regiment charged with transporting prisoners to Roam to be sentenced usually by death in the arena/colosseum.
a) Paul was different from the other prisoners on board. The other prisoners were probably all condemned criminals being sent to Rome to die in the arena.
2. This was a grain freighter, taking grain grown in Egypt to Italy. According to Hughes, the typical grain freighter of that period was 140 feet long and 36 feet wide. It had one mast with a big square sail, and instead of what we think of as a rudder, it steered with two paddles on the back part of the ship. They were sturdy, but because of its design, it couldn’t sail into the wind.
B. The Warning: (9-11) Paul did not necessarily speak here as a prophet of God, but perhaps as an experienced traveler on the Mediterranean, having already traveled some 3,500 miles by sea. Knowing the seasons and conditions – and perhaps with supernatural wisdom – Paul advised that they not go on.
1. i. 2 Corinthians 11:25 tells us that by this time, Paul had already shipwrecked three times. He, like most everyone, knew that sailing in this season was dangerous.
2. No Big Surprise they didn’t listen to Pual, Many of us will be tempted to listen to men rather than listening to God…(i.e. What did Paul know about sailing?
3. Some storms can be avoided by listening to God rather than men....
4. Turned out to be Prophetic…(vs. 21)
II. The Storm. (13-15) -- Many times throughout the bible we see great Storms often reflecting the Judgement of God (Pharaoh -- the the Thundering and Hail mingled with fire) Job: the lighting and Tornado that killed his cattle and children...this was Satan’s doings.
A. The Sultle Winds -- (13) There is often a calm before the Storm...some of the most beautiful days I have seen at the beach are the days right before a Hurricane!
1. We never come to find out that God is a Water walker in Calm seas.
B. The Strong Winds -- (14) Euroclydon -- yoo-rok-loo'-dohn; -- This wind was feared among ancient sailors for its destructive power. Produced Huge Waves Helpless to navigate with this wind in their face, all they could do is let her drive.
C. The Submission to the Winds (15) -- It’s only Natural to try and find a way out of the storms...there comes a point when you realize there is nothing you can do, but hang on and go along for the ride.
1. Prayer during times of Strong Winds... putting one’s focus on Jesus rather than the Storms is the only Salvation one can have.
2. The bible says that Peter sank while walking on the water to Jesus because he became distracted by the STORM!
3. Don’t let anyone tell you that Storms aren't real.
4. They are very real and all you can do: Is Fasten your Seatbelt, adjust your dentures and grab a glass of water if you can get it! RIDE IT OUT!
III. The Shelter and the Skiff. (16-17)
A. Shelter -- (16a) At the just the right time in the midst of the storms, you will find these little blessings that will give you a reprieve and allow you to recover from the winds before you get back about the journey.
1. God...will be Our Refuge will be a Shelter in a Time of Storms.
2. Use this time wisely.
B. Skiff -- (16b) The skiff was normally towed behind the boat, but taken aboard in bad weather – so they brought it in.
1. Use this time to get little boats to safety, bring them on board. What’s the significance of that?
2. Guys we all have little Skiff that are in tow.
a) Children, Widows, Elderly, (Use this brief time of shelter to get them secured.) THIS WILL NOT BE EASY! “We secured the skiff with difficulty.”
C. Shore it Up -- (17) “they used the cables to undergird the ship” During a brief reprieve, use this time wisely to shore some things up. (This was done to keep the Ship from breaking apart)
1. Understand -- the Enemy is going to do everything in his power to break up this ship...wanting each and everyone to drown. We must use everything...to undergird this ship and keep her together.
2. (Isa 25:4 NKJV) For You have been a strength to the poor, A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat; For the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.
3. Fearing running a ground on the Syrtis Sands (an infamous wrecking area of ships off the coast of North Africa) made them go with the wind and give up hope of navigating the ship in the storm.
D. Sail On --
IV. The Scared. (18-20) In times of great storms...everyone is scared. FEAR! The Great enemy.
A. The Tossing (18) -- The Ships Cargo (Grain, supplies, mercantile, The purpose of this ship was to get supplies where needed and hopefully make a profit.
1. Things became so intense...that the things that were valuable are suddenly no longer valuable.
2. Living was more important than making a living!
B. The Tackle (19) The Ship’s Gear and Equipment -- I think it’s interesting that when you are in the Tempest and it’s life and death….STUFF DOESN’T MATTER ANYMORE!
1. I.E. after a Hurricane or Tornado --- News is showing the destruction and interviewing people….what do the people usually say? “ Thank God no one was hurt, no one died. They all say: it’s just stuff we can rebuild.
C. The Tragic (20) On the open sea the only means of navigation was either the Sun or the Stars.
1. Total desperation “all hope that we would be saved was finally given up”
2. Acts 27:37 tells us there were 276 people on board, both passengers and crew. It seems that they had all finally given up, and had no hope of survival.
3. Things are ripe for God to come through! Notice the text does not say that Paul lost hope. WHY? Because Jesus told him that He was going to Rome.
a) (Act 23:11 NKJV) But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
4. This is proof that man does not live by bread alone but rather by the Word of God!
a) Storms are real...and extremely scary, but those fears are squelched when like the disciples in the boat saw Jesus walking on the water and they shouted “It’s the Lord!”
5. Nothing like a Timely Word from GOD!
V. The Sermon (21-26) -- So many times the “Hearing of the Word of God” comes when our ears have been tuned through hardship! Through hardship my ears are ready to receive.
A. The Memo (21-22) -- I told you so! God has never rubbed salt into our wounds inflicted by our own failure to listen. Fear and Sea Sickness kept folks from eating.
1. The day you eat of the tree, you will surely die! “We were afraid because we were naked” Have you Eaten of the Tree?
2. (22) “take heart” no loss of life only the ship”
3. God made a provision for Adams' failure.
4. We are eternal beings in Christ; however this SHIP...this TENT, is not going to make the Journey.
a) (1Co 15:44-46, 50 NKJV) It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam [became] a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. ... Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
5. The Promise that no life would be lost was hard to believe if the ship were lost!
B. The Messenger (23-24) -- God is able to get you a message when you need it the most. The Messenger (Paul) was in need of a Message (Angel) from the Lord.
1. (23) -- I have never seen an angel….My Wife Becky saw two when she survived a terrible car wreck, before we had ever met.
2. (Heb 1:14 NKJV) Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
3. “Do not be afraid” even though Paul received and encouraging message for God’s Angel...He was not through enduring the Hardship of this intense storm.
a) God knows when you are getting to the brink of despair and your faith is fading! At the right time, you can expect to hear a word from GOD!
b) (Isa 41:10 NKJV) Fear not, for I [am] with you; Be not dismayed, for I [am] your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
C. The Materialization (25-26) -- “Take heart, men, for I believe God!....”
1. When in the teeth of the Storm...Someone has to stand in Faith! Don’t be ashamed to stand and say: “ I believe God!”
2. Are we going to believe the Storm or are we going to believe GOD?
3. Are we going to believe the Circumstances or are we going to believe Christ?
4. Are we going to believe the Sickness or are we going to believe the Savior?
5. (2Co 4:13 NKJV) And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,
6. (Heb 11:1 NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
7. Your Faith and belief in God can be a powerful tool of encouragement in Crisis.
8. Paul couldn’t keep His hope to himself...he needed to share with the unbelieving
VI. The Scuttle (27-29)
A. The Sensing (27) we have to trust the sensing of the Holy Spirit -- I love when you get a feeling, everything is going to be ok...even though it isn’t.
1. This is the comforting power of the Holy Spirit -- Go with your GUT!
B. The Soundings (28) -- Then we need to test that Gut feeling by taking “Soundings”
1. Prayer and the Study of the Word of God, it will continue to bear witness.
2. Keep Praying, Keep seeking, keep knocking. Taking “Soundings” is not a lack of faith...it builds FAITH!
3. (Rom 13:11 NKJV) And [do] this, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation [is] nearer than when we [first] believed.
C. The Securing (29) “Drop the Anchors and Pray for daylight!”
1. (Heb 6:18-20 NKJV) that by two immutable things, in which it [is] impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before [us]. This [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the [Presence] behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, [even] Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
2. We can see this Geo Storm building, the Old Gospel Ship of Zion is taking on water and breaking apart, The Anchor Holds and Daybreak is coming!
VII. The Secession (30-32) -- There are always those who seek another way. I like the Ideal of Succession when it comes to politics; however when it comes to Christianity and Salvation there is no other Way! (Jhn 10:1 NKJV) "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
A. The Fearful (30) -- It can be fearful...Death, Eternal Life, what do we know? One might be tempted to try another way that Christ and Christianity!
1. It’s stormy, it’s hard, ever since I started following Jesus, life has been hard and I’m attacked on all fronts.
a) Hey Joe, let's act like we are putting out anchors but really we’ll make for shore and save ourselves.
2. There will be those who through deception try to convince you in another way to be saved.
a) (2Co 11:13-14 NKJV) For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
B. The Faith (31) “Unless you stay with the Ship...you cannot be saved.
C. The Facts (31-32) -- no looking back, no other means of escape! There are not many ways of Escape
1. (30) There is only One God, One Lord, One Savior, Jesus Christ and His One Body -- The Church (Spirit filled Baptised Believers) of whom it is made up.
2. Stay with the Ship (31)
a) (Mat 7:13-14 NKJV) "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide [is] the gate and broad [is] the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. "Because narrow [is] the gate and difficult [is] the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
3. We Have to Burn the Ships so to speak. (32)
a) In the year 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived in the New World with six hundred men and, upon arrival, made history by destroying his ships. This sent a clear message to his men: There is no turning back. Two years later, he succeeded in his conquest of the Aztec empire.
b) (Luk 9:62 NKJV) But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
VIII. The Supper (33-38) -- These few verses are what really inspired me to preach through this passage. My question “in the midst of this storm what are we able to do to serve and inspire people in these difficult times?”
A. The Taking -- Take Food! -- We can provide nourishment; comfort those who are too overwhelmed to even think about food.
1. Even in difficult times; one still needs to eat (I’m not talking about Chick fil A; or Whataburger.
2. Jesus is the Bread of Life -- Spiritual food, that will sustain our Souls.
a) Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual food when He was tempted by Satan: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NET).
b) Man is both physical and spiritual, which is why spiritual food is just as important as physical nourishment. This spiritual food is “every word that comes from the mouth of God” God has spoken to us in His Word, the Bible. His Word imparts life (John 6:63).
3. (34) Job of the Church is to seek out the weary and encourage them to take nourishment.
a) We took communion last week “take nourishment, this is for your survival”
b) “Since not a hair will fall from the head of any you.” Can’t help think of
c) (Psa 91:7-8 NKJV) A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; [But] it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
B. The Thanksgiving (35-36) -- it can be difficult in the midst of a shipwrecking storm to find something to be Thankful for. But can be the difference in getting through it “yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…”
1. It’s important to testify by Faith we give thanksgiving TO GOD, “in the presence of them all…”
2. It’s time the for the Church to testify before the world with a spirit of thanksgiving.
a) It was Paul who wrote: (1Th 5:18 NKJV) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
3. The Result “(36) they were all encouraged.
C. The Talley (37) 276 persons -- every life was important to the Lord. Not one person was exempt from weathering the storm.
D. The Throwing Out (38) -- This was the Last Supper so to speak, It’s time to take nourishment, to get our strength up in preparation for the last leg of this event.
1. This is the last of the essential cargo, they have already thrown over the supplies and the ship's tackle, they took nourishment and threw the rest into the sea.
2. You can’t take anything with you! The only thing of any value is other people.
3. (Luk 17:31-33 NKJV) "In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods [are] in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. "Remember Lot's wife. "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
4. I’m not talking about selling everything you posses, and giving it all to the poor...We should however take an inventory of our hearts.
a) Do we have things or do things have us....What is at the top of our love list...The things we give our time and attention to?
b) (1Jo 2:15-17 NKJV) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
c) How do we lighten our load? By Casting into the Sea of God’s Sovereignty!
d) (Psa 55:22 NKJV) Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Well who could have known that at the close of Last week's message (as the sleet and snow begin to descend that we were in the beginning of the Storm of a lifetime or at least...the worst in a Century...the Cold, the Snow, the ice, no power, no water. We were immediately focused on the essentials. And as I begin to Matt. 6:33 it “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” I began to see the Provision of God meet every need. “And these things will be added unto you.”
? When I told you guys that a storm was coming, I was talking about a Spiritual Storm mostly….I had no ideal it would be Actual.
? Fitting that now that our 100 year winter storm has concluded, that we bring this sermon series to a conclusion as well.
IX. The Shipwreck (39-41) --
A. The Disorientation -- (39a) (they didn’t recognize the land) It was the Island of Malta, now known as St. Paul’s Bay. It’s not unusual in the midst of such a storm that we become confused and disoriented. (ie a car wreck or some sort of accident...not to mention in this case Hypothermia) We get confusion to go along with the consternation.
1. The Storm the Disciples and the Waterwalker.
2. (Mar 6:48-50 NKJV) Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
3. Not only was the Sea troubled but their relationship was also: “it’s a ghost...great like it’s not already bad enough”
a) Maybe they felt forsaken….they “cried out”
b) “But Immediately He talked with them.” How awesome!...The Word gave them a word and their fears dissipated.
c) “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid!”
B. The Decision -- (39b)
1. The Sand -- The Plan was to Run the ship aground. The Last ditch effort...We know it had been at least two weeks probably more of Tempest and Tossing, because it said 14 days and they hadn’t eaten previously.
2. The Integrity of the vessel was not even in question -- Run it aground...lets just get off of this thing.
C. The Detachment -- (40a) --
1. Let the anchors go...left them in the sea.
2. Loosed the rudder ropes
3. This was it...ALL OR NOTHING! -- The Closer we get to the Rapture of the Church...the more clear it’s going to be ALL OR NOTHING!
4. Our ATTACHMENT to anything in this world must be relinquished to Detachment and total release. Leave it in the Sea...Surrender to the will of the Wind and the Sea.
D. The Direction -- (40b) “hoist the mainsail to the wind and make for shore” Reminds me of the Old Hymn: “In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore; In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
1. Heaven is that final resting place...The Bright Elision Shore is our final resting place.
2. The Storms of life will end with the Sounds of gentle waves on the crystal beach of Heaven. But not before….
E. The Destruction -- (41)
1. Two Seas meet...this can be the most treacherous waters in the world.
2. Ran the ship aground -- The front of the ship struck a sand bar or barrier reif.
3. Stuck in the front, and the Stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. ?
X. The Salvation (42-44) -- It looks hopeless, destruction all around, the vessel you have been on is being eviscerated. And if that's not enough….
A. The Execution -- (42) I believe that prior to the Supernatural Deliverance of the Church through the biblical event known as the Rapture -- There will be an attempt by the Spirit of Antichrist and diabolical Global Power to exterminate the Christian Population.
1. The Church will be viewed by the World as the hindrance for globalization, the group that is impeding progress of the global agenda. (of course the influence is Satanic)
a) (Mat 10:22 NKJV) "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
b) No jumping ship prematurely!
B. The Evacuation -- (43) God gave Paul divine FAVOR in the eyes of this Roman Centurion...Favor that kept everyone from execution, it led to Evacuation! This has long been my position… That God delivers the Righteous before He brings Judgment.
1. As the Days of Noah -- (Mat 24:37-39 NKJV) "But as the days of Noah [were], so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, "and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
2. Sodom and Gomorrah -- God delivered Lot before He rained down fire from heaven. (Gen 19:16, 22 NKJV) And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. ... "Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
3. Moses at the Red Sea -- Pharaoh's army breathing down their necks.
a) (1Th 5:9 NKJV) For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
b) (1Th 1:10 NKJV) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, [even] Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
C. The Escape -- (44) “And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.”
1. I know we are not done with the storms just yet...Be encouraged The God whom we serve is able to deliver us. (Dan 3:17 NKJV) "If that [is the case], our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver [us] from your hand, O king.
