Purpose - Anchor Of Determination Lesson 5 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Guaranteed. “God wants to show you His plan for your life … giving you an unchangeable hope which is like an anchor for your soul … Jesus has gone before you behind the veil into heaven and He is that anchor” (Hebrews 6:17-20, ELT).

2. Easy to get anchored to wrong things.

a. Money.

b. Reputation.

c. Fun.

d. Possessions.

e. Friends.

f. Relatives.

g. Social standing.

3. What happens to people who anchor to the wrong place?

a. Hopelessness.

b. Apathy.

c. No purpose.

d. Drifting spiritually.

e. Often tempted.

f. Often falling.

g. Suicide.

4. What does an anchor do for you?

a. Know where you are.

b. Know what you believe.

c. Know what you can do (strength and weaknesses).

d. Know how to live.

B. THE FOUR ANCHORS FOR PURPOSE AND DIRECTION IN LIFE

“They were afraid they would soon be driven against the rocks alone the shore, so they threw out four anchors … and prayed” (Acts 27:29, NLT). Four anchors because wind can come from four directions. Safe no matter what direction the wind blows.

1. The anchor of determination … who we are:

a. We can be wounded but never give up.

b. We may grieve, but we keep going.

c. Determination is the attitude to finish the race, even if you end up in last place.

d. Determination is not absence of fear, but attitude to keep going in spite of fear.

2. The anchor of doctrine … what you believe. It is not what you use to believe, or how serious your belief, it is what God said.

3. The anchor of time … how to live:

a. There is power in being anchored in a body of believers. You get the strength of Christ through them to you.

b. Remember time is relative. God promised Israel they could conquer the promised land of strong heathen tribes. “The Lord your God will drive out these nations … little by little” (Deuteronomy 27:21-22, ELT).

4. The anchor of devotion … who you should worship:

a. Learn to worship God for who He is … the One who controls storms.

b. Worship for what He has done for you in the past. What He is doing now – present – and what He will do for you – future.

c. Don’t complain about your storm, worship Him who controls the weather.

C. WHAT IS THE GREATEST BLESSING OF AN ANCHOR?

1. Your greatest blessing is not your gift, but the Giver, i.e., Jesus.

2. Your greatest blessing is not your success but your Source, i.e., Jesus.

3. Your greatest accomplishment is not your work but your worship of Jesus.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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