SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Acts 27:27) "But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;"
(Acts 27:28-29) [28] "And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms." [29] "Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day."
(Acts 27:30-31) [30] "And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship," [31] "Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved."
(Acts 27:32-34) [32] "Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off." [33] "And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing." [34] "Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you."
PREFACE SUMMARY
As I reflect on the sinking of the Titanic Ocean liner, I want to make it clear that I don't believe God caused this tragedy intentionally. However, I think God allowed it to happen for a reason we may not fully understand. Some may argue it was due to human error, while others may suggest it was a natural disaster.
Regardless of the cause, the loss of over one thousand lives is a heartbreaking tragedy. We may never know why God allowed this event, but we can trust that he is sovereign and has a plan we may not comprehend. Let us honor the lives lost by reflecting on the lessons we can learn from this tragedy and strive to prevent such disasters in the future.
"My dear friend, whenever I think of the ship built by man and claimed to be unsinkable even by God, I am reminded of the journey of the Apostle Paul to Rome. The events that unfolded during the journey were incredible, and God's hand was evident. These events are documented in the book of Acts chapter twenty-seven and involve a ship, a crew, and God's divine intervention."
Paul was being transported as a prisoner to Rome to stand before Caesar. He was arrested for preaching the gospel, and this journey was part of his trial. The journey took place in winter, and the weather conditions were challenging. Strong winds and rough seas made sailing difficult, and the crew faced many difficulties. However, God was with them and helped them through the storm.
The Apostle Paul's journey to Rome was long and treacherous, spanning several months. The journey started from Caesarea, and Paul and other prisoners were put on board a ship headed to Rome. However, the boat encountered harsh weather conditions and was eventually lost. God's hand was evident throughout the journey, protecting the crew and passengers despite the challenges.
During the journey, Paul warned the crew of the impending danger, but they did not listen. Despite this, God spared the lives of everyone on board when the ship hit a sandbar. After this incident, the crew and passengers were stranded on Malta, welcomed and provided with food.
The scriptures mention that they were leaving a port called Fair Haven. The scriptures also state that after many nights at sea, the shipmen deemed or realized that they were drawing near to some country. There are some things that we can glean from our scriptural references that caught my attention, and still catches my attention today some thirty years later.
1. The ship had left a place called Fair Haven (place of safety) and did it entering the winter months.
2. Paul made the promise that if the men listened and obeyed the instructions the Angel of the Lord had given him, everyone would be saved.
3. Paul assured everyone that although there will be loss of the ship, not one hair would fall from the head of the men who stayed in the ship.
Dear reader, whenever I shower or comb my hair, I cannot help but notice that I lose at least one strand of hair. It's a common experience for many people and can sometimes be frustrating.
The Apostle Paul provides a comforting assurance to the people that if they follow the instructions given by the Angel of the Lord, they will be saved and protected from harm. Paul remained calm and told the people that if they listened to the Angel of the Lord and followed his instructions, they would all be saved. He even said that no hair from anyone's head would be lost.
Beloved, this statement may seem trivial initially, but it's a powerful message of hope and protection. It shows that God cares about even the most minor details of our lives, including the hair strands on our heads. It also demonstrates the extent of God's love and protection for his people, no matter their demanding situations.
Dear reader, this inspirational message came to me in the late 1990s at a radio station in Johnson City, Tennessee. I was expecting a guest speaker for my program, but something happened, and he could not make it. I had just sat in on a meeting where some things had taken place, and the church was ready to break up. If I remember right, it was because some of the church members did not like the changes the pastor had made concerning installing new carpets in the church.
During my program, I was moved by the Holy Spirit to preach a message that touched the hearts of many people. I had no plans or written notes for the message, but as I began to speak, my mind was flooded with knowledge.
Beloved, it was as though my mind became an encyclopedia, and the Spirit of God began to bring things to my memory that I had studied before. For example, I remembered the history of the Titanic, and how it was a symbol of human pride and the dangers of overconfidence. The Spirit of God used my knowledge of this historical event to illustrate a powerful message that resonated with my listeners.
"THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE TITANIC."
The Titanic, a British passenger liner, was built in the early 20th century and is considered one of the most advanced and luxurious ships of its time. The ship was designed by a team of highly skilled engineers and architects led by Thomas Andrews, an employee of the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The Titanic was 882 feet long and 92 feet wide and reached a maximum speed of 23 knots. It was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as a wireless communication system, electric elevators, and a heated swimming pool. However, the most notable feature of the Titanic was its massive size and luxurious amenities.
The ship had four dining rooms, a grand staircase, a gymnasium, a squash court, and a Turkish bath. First-class passengers had access to private suites, while third-class passengers were accommodated in dormitory-style cabins.
The designer of the Titanic, Thomas Andrews, was so confident in his work that he famously claimed that the ship was unsinkable. He said, "I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel, and God himself could not sink this ship.”
This statement would prove to be tragically incorrect when the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage on April 15, 1912, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives. One of the most significant flaws was its inadequate number of lifeboats, which were only enough to accommodate a fraction of the passengers and crew.
It was discovered later that the steel used in the construction of the Titanic was not strong enough to withstand the impact of the iceberg, causing the ship to sink rapidly. Moreover, the Titanic's crew had not undergone sufficient training and lacked experience in handling emergency situations, leading to chaos and confusion during the evacuation process.
Beloved, even though it had compartments that could be shut off, which would allow the ship to stay afloat in an emergency, they had used untested metal. A mysterious fire started in one of the rooms, and the crew sealed off the room, but the fire was heating the hull of the ship, which proved to be fatal as the ocean temperatures were dropping.
The ocean's temperature had dropped significantly, and many icebergs were floating along the water's surface. However, I remember from previous studies that another ship had passed by and warned the Titanic crew about the dangerous icebergs. The captain of the passing ship was named Mr. Lord, and his boat had sent signals to the Titanic warning them of the potential dangers. Unfortunately, the Titanic crew was asleep and ignored the warnings.
As the Titanic was sinking, the crew sent distress signals to nearby ships, hoping to get help in time. Several ships responded, and they rushed to the scene as quickly as possible. However, they were too far away to reach the Titanic before it sank, and hundreds of people perished in the freezing water.
According to several accounts, the RMS Titanic, which sank on April 15, 1912, broke apart into two pieces during the sinking because the ship's hull was not strong enough to withstand the impact of the iceberg. When the Titanic struck the iceberg, the force of the collision caused significant damage to the ship's hull. Water began to flood the ship through the holes created by the impact.
The weight and pressure of the water pouring into the ship were so strong that it caused the boat to break apart at its weakest points. The forward part of the ship eventually separated from the rest of the vessel and sank to the ocean floor first. The stern section then rose to the surface before it, too, fell, taking the lives of many passengers and crew members. The sinking of the Titanic remains one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history.
The sinking of the Titanic serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety measures and disaster preparedness in the maritime industry. This tragic event reminds us that we should not challenge the one who spoke everything seen and unseen into existence. While I do not believe that God intentionally caused the sinking of the Titanic to send thousands of people to a watery grave, I do think that he allowed it to happen.
"THE MIDNIGHT HOUR."
Beloved, the word spoken in the twenty-seventh chapter of Acts says, that after many days, there was no hope that any should be safe there was no moon, there were no stars, and there was nothing they could do to assure them that they would be spared, but the scriptures then tell us that the Angel of God appeared before Paul telling him not to fear for God has plans for him to be brought before Caesar, and has given him the lives of all the men in the ship with him.
The scripture tells us that when the clock was near midnight, the shipmen suddenly became aware that they were drawing near to some land. It is remarkable to see how many significant historical events have taken place at midnight. One such event includes the experience of Paul and Silas, who were beaten with stripes and thrown into a Philippian jail. Despite their dire circumstances, they chose to sing songs and give praise to God for allowing them to suffer for the sake of spreading the gospel message.
As they sang, God caused a strong earthquake to come and shake the Philippian jail, causing the doors to open and the chains to fall off. The jailer, who had been sleeping at the time, woke up to see the cell doors open and assumed that the prisoners had escaped. Fearing for his own life, he drew his sword, ready to take his own life rather than face the consequences of losing his prisoners.
However, Paul called out to him, reassuring him that they were all still there. The jailer was so moved by this display of integrity and faith that he fell down at their feet and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas then shared the gospel with him and his family, and they all gave their hearts and lives to God. This story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, even in the darkest of circumstances.
In the biblical book of Ruth, Ruth, a Moabite woman, meets Boaz, a wealthy landowner, while gleaning in his fields. Boaz shows her kindness and generosity, and Ruth later learns that he is a close relative of her deceased husband's family, which means he has the right to marry her and provide for her. Ruth decides to propose to Boaz in a symbolic way by going down to the threshing floor where he is sleeping and spreading her skirt over his feet. This act is seen as a request for him to take her as his wife and fulfill his duty as a kinsman-redeemer to her and her family. Boaz accepts her proposal and marries her, thus lifting the ten-year curse that had been on her people.
Similarly, in the parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus tells a story about ten bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. However, the bridegroom is delayed, and they fall asleep. At midnight, the cry goes out that the bridegroom has come, and the bridesmaids wake up and prepare to meet him. Five of them have brought enough oil for their lamps and are ready to go, while the other five have run out of oil and are left behind. The parable emphasizes the importance of being prepared and ready for the coming of the Lord.
My dear friend, I want to share with you how the midnight hour can serve as a clarion call of warning for those who have ears to hear. It signifies that we are drawing closer to the end of the church's dispensation of grace. As the clock ticks towards midnight, we must realize that time is running out and we need to make the most of what is left to fulfill our mission of reaching the lost and saving souls.
It is imperative that we begin redeeming what time we have left, using it wisely to reach out to as many people as possible and bring them to the ark of safety. This is the time to focus on what truly matters - saving souls and preparing for the coming of our Lord.
Beloved, let us not waste a single second, but instead, let us use every opportunity that comes our way to share the love of Christ with those around us. Let us be diligent in our efforts to spread the gospel, so that many may be saved and brought into the kingdom of God.
"THE OLD SHIP OF ZION."
"I want to share a story with you about a figurative gospel ship that I am currently on, which has been sailing through the waters of time for many years. At one point, I was going through a tough time due to my addiction to alcohol and drugs, and my body was slowly giving up on me.
Beloved, I had lost all hope and was on the verge of giving up on life when the old gospel ship, which carried the most significant news from God to humankind, appeared beside me. Someone from that ship threw me a lifesaver and urged me to hold on tight. They then pulled me on board the old ship of Zion, and I was safe."
"When the gospel message entered my dying soul, I repented my sins and asked Jesus into my heart. My entire life began to change as I started reading the Bible and seeking to know more about God and His plan for my life. I now have an interest in and love for the things I used to hate. I now hate and despise the worldly things that used to grab my attention."
In times past, people who were struggling and felt like giving up on life would turn to the old ship of Zion for hope and salvation. I now realize why my grandfather spent hours studying and meditating on his sacred bible, so he could preach to his church and spread the word about the old ship of Zion, which will ultimately take its passengers to the bright shores of heaven.
Beloved, there used to be a song in church about the old ship of Zion that I didn't understand until I realized that the ship is not a real ship but a metaphor for the plan and purpose of God. The gospel tells us that a savior left his home in glory to come to a land of pain and sorrow, where he freely gave his life on an old, rugged cross to pay the redemption price for man's sin. This allowed fallen man to find their way back to God.
"The song vividly depicts sinners who are drowning in their sins but manage to come out of depression and even escape from prison. They answer the call to grab the lifesaver and get pulled onboard the ship. Later, they also answer the call to enter the ministry field and help others to get on board the old gospel ship."
Throughout human history, there have been numerous instances where people have attempted to create false narratives or even falsely accuse ministers of wrongdoing to exploit them and highlight their faults to others. These actions are often taken by those who believe they have surpassed the need to be held accountable for their actions. They do not believe in the existence of a divine creator. Instead, they consider themselves to be their saviors.
The motivations behind these actions can be complex and multifaceted. Some may seek to gain power or control over others by discrediting those in authority. Others may have personal grudges or vendettas against specific individuals or institutions. Still, others may seek attention or validation by creating sensational stories.
Regardless of the specific motivations, the effects of such actions can be damaging and far-reaching. False accusations and narratives can ruin the reputations of innocent individuals and institutions while eroding public trust. This can have serious consequences, both for the individuals involved and for society as a whole. Therefore, It is essential to remain vigilant against such actions and always seek the truth, even in the face of sensational or emotionally charged stories. Only by holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions can we hope to build a just and equitable society.
In some of our seminaries, professors do not believe in the virgin birth or the miracles described in the Bible. This is concerning because their role is to teach and train future ministers using the teachings of the Bible. It isn't easy to imagine how they can effectively impart knowledge and shape their students' beliefs when they do not fully believe in the foundational tenets of the Christian faith.
Despite these challenges, the Christian faith continues to endure. It is like an unsinkable ship that has weathered many attacks, including those from atheistic cannons. Similar to past civilizations who have tried to sink the boat, those who have attacked the Christian faith have since passed into an eternity that they may or may not have been prepared for.
It is important to note that the Christian flag of courage on the old ship of Zion is still waving in the wind, unscathed by the attacks. This is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Christian faith. Despite the challenges posed by those who do not believe in its teachings, the faith stands firm.
In the early church, people were beheaded, while others were made of human candles and even thrown into the jaws of hungry lions. Still, they left this world with a promise that this old gospel ship has braved the ages of time, and it will one day reach its destination where the ones on board will step out into heaven itself and meet the one who planned their life the end from the beginning.
As we journey through life, we encounter countless challenges and obstacles. But despite all the hardships, we keep moving forward, driven by the hope that someday we will reach our final destination. And when that day comes, we will witness a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight: a rainbow encircling the throne of God.
This rainbow will be our symbol of triumph, a sign that we have successfully navigated through all the trials and tribulations of life. We will have arrived at the land of Beulah, where the king sits on his throne, and the universe's orders are handed down. Here, we will finally meet our captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will guide us through the rest of our journey.
Dear reader, when our journey on this earth is over, and we finally arrive at our eternal home, we will be free from all the struggles and worries of life. We will no longer have to endure sleepless nights or feel the weight of stress on our shoulders. Instead, we will be surrounded by the warm embrace of our loving Creator, who will fill us with an indescribable sense of peace and joy.
Beloved, on that day, we will experience comfort and serenity beyond anything we can imagine in this new existence. The purest form of love will envelop us, and a deep sense of security and contentment will replace every fear and doubt.
Our eternal home will be a place of perfect harmony and unity, where all our needs are met, and our hearts are filled with everlasting joy. It will be a place where we can finally rest in the arms of our Creator, basking in the glow of His love and light for all eternity.
MY CONCLUSION
Dear reader, I would like to finish my conclusion by writing the words to that ole hymn that has touched and brought comfort to so many lives, and even now it brings joy to my soul in knowing that although this may not be an actual ship, it represents the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that brings hope and cheer to someone taking their final breath to enter eternity with the assurance that they will meet the captain of their salvation.
The song begins by saying, "I was standing by the banks of a river; Looking out over life's troubled seas; When I saw an old ship that was sailing; Is that the old ship of Zion I see."
The next verse begins with, "Its hull was bent and battered; From the storms of life, I could see; The waves were rough, but that old ship kept sailing." Is that the old ship of Zion I see."
Oh beloved the next verse send chills up and down my spine, "At the stern of the ship was the captain; I could hear as he called out my name; Get on board. It's the old ship of Zion.; It will never pass this way again."
In closing, this is an open invitation to join me on this journey by repenting of your sins and asking the Lord Jesus to come into your heart and live his life through you.
This last verse begins with, "As I step on board, I'll be leaving; All my troubles and trials behind; I'll be safe with Jesus, the captain; Sailing out on the old ship of Zion."
Dear fellow Saints, do you not yearn to hear the Lord declare, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling a few things; I will now put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master's happiness!"? [Paraphrased - Matthew 25:21]
This statement is a source of motivation, especially during challenging times. It gives me the drive to strive towards being a faithful servant, pleasing the one who has called me to be a soldier. Therefore, I urge you, dear Saints and peers, to always remember that those who work hard to bring light into other people's lives cannot help but receive it themselves.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
