WEBVTT 00:00:00.760 --> 00:00:02.760 And all this as Paul makes his way to Rome. 00:00:04.080 --> 00:00:10.220 But you know, as Luke sort of carries us along in this final stage of his great sort of history 00:00:10.220 --> 00:00:16.899 of the early church, we learn something along the way in this chapter about life in Christ. 00:00:18.260 --> 00:00:20.260 And I think the thing we learn is this. 00:00:20.260 --> 00:00:30.920 In particular, we see how the gospel makes us agents of hope in hopeless situations. 00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:38.600 Let's begin by looking at the first 20 verses of chapter 27. 00:00:39.640 --> 00:00:43.520 Remember here, Paul is under arrest and on trial in Caesarea. 00:00:43.780 --> 00:00:45.140 He has appealed to Caesar. 00:00:45.140 --> 00:00:51.780 And now at last, after trial upon trial, the journey to Rome finally begins. 00:00:53.159 --> 00:00:55.579 In your bulletin, there's a little map. 00:00:56.539 --> 00:01:01.079 The first time I read this chapter, I thought, I have no idea where any of these places are. 00:01:01.200 --> 00:01:05.420 So there's a little map there to help you along the way as I read along and read for us. 00:01:06.740 --> 00:01:11.359 So let me read Acts 27 verses 1 through 20. 00:01:15.140 --> 00:01:20.560 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners 00:01:20.560 --> 00:01:23.439 to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 00:01:24.680 --> 00:01:30.019 And embarking in a ship of Adramidium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, 00:01:30.379 --> 00:01:35.719 we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 00:01:35.719 --> 00:01:43.760 The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go out to his friends and be cared for. 00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:49.140 And putting out to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 00:01:49.739 --> 00:01:55.700 And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra and Lycia. 00:01:57.159 --> 00:02:01.620 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board. 00:02:01.620 --> 00:02:05.960 We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Nydas. 00:02:06.700 --> 00:02:11.300 And as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmonae. 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:18.219 Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lycia. 00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:23.939 Since much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous because even the fast was already over, 00:02:24.219 --> 00:02:25.200 Paul advised them, saying, 00:02:25.199 --> 00:02:31.419 Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also our lives. 00:02:32.859 --> 00:02:37.039 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. 00:02:37.799 --> 00:02:42.739 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, 00:02:43.620 --> 00:02:46.839 on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, 00:02:47.359 --> 00:02:50.099 facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 00:02:50.099 --> 00:02:55.259 Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, 00:02:55.599 --> 00:02:58.159 they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete close to the shore. 00:02:59.259 --> 00:03:04.479 But soon a tempestuous wind called the Northeaster struck down from the land. 00:03:05.319 --> 00:03:09.799 And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 00:03:11.379 --> 00:03:16.180 Running under the lee of a small island named Kauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. 00:03:16.560 --> 00:03:19.959 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird the ship. 00:03:20.400 --> 00:03:25.359 Then fearing that they would run aground on the surdice, they lowered the gear, and thus they were driven along. 00:03:26.900 --> 00:03:31.359 Since we were violently storm-tossed, they began the next day to jettison the cargo. 00:03:32.139 --> 00:03:35.659 And on the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. 00:03:36.819 --> 00:03:42.000 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:47.859 all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. 00:03:47.860 --> 00:04:01.740 Now I would give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren ground. 00:04:01.740 --> 00:04:10.560 So says Gonzalo in the first scene of Shakespeare's The Tempest as the play sort of opens with a frightened crew in a deadly storm. 00:04:10.560 --> 00:04:21.079 I think the closest I personally ever got to that feeling was a number of years ago when Beth and I were riding a ferry to Nantucket in the winter. 00:04:21.860 --> 00:04:27.060 Friends of ours invited us to join them at their sort of, I think it was a great aunt's place on the island. 00:04:27.180 --> 00:04:27.920 It was out of season. 00:04:28.620 --> 00:04:30.920 So, you know, it was sort of a nice free little getaway. 00:04:30.920 --> 00:04:33.860 So we all met and boarded the ferry in Rhode Island, I think. 00:04:34.840 --> 00:04:42.240 But no sooner had we set out in this big ferry, and the sky turned gray, and the water got rough. 00:04:42.720 --> 00:04:45.259 And the ship actually started rocking so badly. 00:04:45.600 --> 00:04:51.840 I remember being inside sort of laying on one of the chairs, trying to, you know, keep whatever I ate for lunch down. 00:04:51.839 --> 00:04:57.259 And I remember the sort of ship rocking, and as it rocked this way out the window, we saw nothing but water. 00:04:57.719 --> 00:05:00.539 And then as it rocked this way, we saw nothing but sky. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:06.539 And we pretty much went like that the whole way across the Sound to Nantucket. 00:05:07.859 --> 00:05:09.579 And thankfully, it didn't get any worse than that. 00:05:09.779 --> 00:05:11.979 Maybe you've been in a worse storm than that out on the sea. 00:05:12.459 --> 00:05:17.799 But, you know, for a land lover like me from the middle of Pennsylvania, that was bad enough. 00:05:17.800 --> 00:05:21.740 And trust me, in the middle of that, I wasn't quoting Shakespeare. 00:05:22.180 --> 00:05:25.259 Now I would give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren ground. 00:05:25.340 --> 00:05:28.759 I was pretty much just saying, ah, ready for this one to be over. 00:05:28.900 --> 00:05:29.720 Let's get to land. 00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:35.180 Of course, my ferry ride wasn't all that bad. 00:05:36.180 --> 00:05:43.840 But for Luke and Paul and their Thessalonian friend Aristarchus, the situation was beyond desperate. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:50.399 All our hope of being saved was at last abandoned, Luke says. 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:54.159 Notice how he uses the first person there. 00:05:55.179 --> 00:05:58.060 In verse 1, Luke says, we set sail. 00:05:58.479 --> 00:06:03.719 This is another one of those sections in Acts where Luke was personally accompanying Paul on his journey. 00:06:04.539 --> 00:06:09.620 You might wonder, well, what's Luke been up to since chapter 21 when he came with Paul to Jerusalem? 00:06:09.620 --> 00:06:16.660 Probably been researching all the things that went into his gospel for the last two years living in Palestine with Paul. 00:06:17.759 --> 00:06:22.879 But anyway, here the sort of we section picks up and Luke is on the boat with Paul on this journey. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:30.720 In the 19th century, a Scottish sailor named James Smith wrote a book called The Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul, 00:06:30.980 --> 00:06:32.740 which is all about this chapter of Acts. 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:40.160 And in fact, most of the sort of studies of this chapter of Acts still make reference to that study from 150 plus years ago. 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:46.560 And Smith himself was an experienced sailor and he actually lived in the Mediterranean for a number of years. 00:06:46.680 --> 00:06:50.000 I don't know what a Scottish sailor was doing living in the Mediterranean, but there you go. 00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:51.100 He was eccentric, I guess. 00:06:51.579 --> 00:06:55.420 And he basically spent a whole winter investigating Luke's account here. 00:06:55.540 --> 00:07:01.000 Basically resailing the route, studying the historicity of shipping and boating and storms at the time. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:06.100 And his conclusion in that study, having basically lived through it himself, was this. 00:07:07.259 --> 00:07:07.639 He says, 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:13.079 No sailor would have written in a style so little like that of a sailor. 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:21.220 But no man not a sailor could have written a narrative of a sea voyage so consistent in all its parts, 00:07:21.819 --> 00:07:23.699 unless from actual observation. 00:07:25.019 --> 00:07:29.920 In other words, what Smith is saying is that, look, on the one hand, Luke's definitely not a sailor. 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:31.420 We know that from his style. 00:07:32.840 --> 00:07:36.300 But for someone who's not a professional on the water, there's only one way. 00:07:36.420 --> 00:07:41.340 He could have put it together with such an accurate and consistent account. 00:07:42.220 --> 00:07:46.000 He must have been there, Smith concludes, and seen it with his own eyes. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:55.639 And that means that Acts, in this sort of chapter of Acts, doesn't just have some real historical reliability behind it, 00:07:56.060 --> 00:08:01.899 but it also has real existential reality behind it. 00:08:03.139 --> 00:08:09.139 In other words, Luke knew what it was like to be in such a desperate situation 00:08:09.139 --> 00:08:12.899 that he had abandoned any hope of being saved. 00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:18.379 Of course, the journey started out well, right? 00:08:18.500 --> 00:08:24.860 Luke and Aristarchus, in a real act of friendship, commit to go with Paul on his journey to Rome. 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:30.699 They probably paid for their passage themselves in order to accompany him along the way. 00:08:30.699 --> 00:08:34.860 And Paul was even allowed to visit his Christian friends in Sidon. 00:08:36.019 --> 00:08:40.319 In verse 3 there, the phrase friends, or his friends, or the friends, 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:43.399 might even be a technical term that Luke is using for the church. 00:08:45.259 --> 00:08:48.399 A sign of the deep bonds that the gospel creates. 00:08:48.399 --> 00:08:53.059 But then the clouds begin to gather. 00:08:53.579 --> 00:08:58.019 Twice in verses 4 through 8, Luke says that they sailed along only with great difficulty. 00:08:58.459 --> 00:08:59.860 The winds were against us. 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:02.579 They had to sail under the lee of Crete and then of Cyprus. 00:09:02.659 --> 00:09:08.259 That is, they sort of sailed along the island in such a way that the ongoing winds were blocked by the landmass. 00:09:09.500 --> 00:09:11.360 The trip was increasingly difficult. 00:09:11.519 --> 00:09:13.840 And when they made it to Crete, it was already October. 00:09:13.840 --> 00:09:19.980 The fast that Luke mentions in verse 9 lets us know really what time of year it is 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:23.340 because there was only one prescribed fast in the whole Jewish calendar. 00:09:24.160 --> 00:09:28.240 And it was Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which happens in the fall. 00:09:30.620 --> 00:09:35.800 And what we know is that sailing in the Mediterranean was notoriously difficult after September. 00:09:36.740 --> 00:09:39.139 That time of year, that period of history. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:44.539 And we also know that shipping and boating and most things on the water 00:09:44.539 --> 00:09:48.299 essentially stopped from mid-November until mid-March. 00:09:49.860 --> 00:09:54.899 So when Paul tells the centurion and the crew to not keep going, 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:57.879 to just sort of settle for their place in Fair Havens 00:09:57.879 --> 00:09:59.620 and not make the one-day trip up the coast of Phoenix, 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:01.199 he's using pretty good gut instinct. 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:04.360 Of course, Paul wasn't a professional sailor, right? 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:07.679 But over the course of his missionary journey, 00:10:07.679 --> 00:10:12.339 some scholars estimate that he had sailed over 3,000 miles in three decades. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:17.659 In 2 Corinthians, a letter written before this trip to Rome, 00:10:17.819 --> 00:10:20.559 Paul writes that he had been shipwrecked no less than three times. 00:10:21.439 --> 00:10:24.739 And one of those times, he had spent a day and a night adrift at sea. 00:10:27.219 --> 00:10:32.539 Paul knew the water perhaps a little too well for his own liking. 00:10:32.539 --> 00:10:36.860 But the crew decides to take a risk, right? 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:39.759 Phoenix was a better harbor to spend the winter, 00:10:40.559 --> 00:10:43.879 better sort of protected from the winds that would come along, 00:10:43.939 --> 00:10:46.240 a better place to sort of shield the ship and the cargo. 00:10:46.839 --> 00:10:48.599 And it was just a day's trip up the coast. 00:10:49.319 --> 00:10:50.399 So they go for it. 00:10:51.839 --> 00:10:52.959 And it all goes wrong. 00:10:52.960 --> 00:10:58.420 A typhoon force drives them out to sea, 00:10:58.960 --> 00:11:02.580 and they start taking any measures they can to just stay afloat. 00:11:03.120 --> 00:11:07.639 They bring in the little boat, tie it to the deck that was used to shuttle back and forth to shore. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:11.400 They undergird the ship with cables to keep it from breaking apart. 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:17.699 They're afraid of the Sirtis sandbars that were off the northern coast of Africa 00:11:17.699 --> 00:11:20.139 that were notorious as a graveyard for ships, 00:11:20.199 --> 00:11:22.699 so they lower the gear and try to slow down. 00:11:23.720 --> 00:11:25.480 And the next day, they jettison the cargo. 00:11:26.939 --> 00:11:30.699 And the third day, they throw even the ship's cargo overboard, Luke says, with their own hands. 00:11:31.539 --> 00:11:33.879 In other words, it wasn't the waves that dashed it off. 00:11:33.919 --> 00:11:38.179 They were so scared that they themselves threw it over in any attempt to save themselves. 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:47.319 And as the storm continues day after day, at last they throw their hope itself overboard. 00:11:49.239 --> 00:11:52.659 Luke says, neither sun nor stars appeared for many days. 00:11:53.979 --> 00:11:57.139 Which isn't just sort of a poetic way of saying that the storm was really bad. 00:11:57.219 --> 00:12:02.959 In fact, you know, in the ancient world, the sun and the stars were the way in which a ship's crew navigated. 00:12:03.059 --> 00:12:04.299 That was their navigation system. 00:12:04.399 --> 00:12:05.919 That's how they got their bearings on the water. 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:10.839 So, Luke is basically saying, we were totally and utterly lost. 00:12:11.459 --> 00:12:15.500 And we had no idea where this storm was driving us. 00:12:17.339 --> 00:12:20.659 And in the face of all that, Luke says they lose hope. 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:28.719 Now, friend, as we think about this storm, 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:35.340 I wonder as you look over your life, if you've ever been there. 00:12:36.860 --> 00:12:40.500 Not in a boat, per se, but in a storm. 00:12:42.200 --> 00:12:47.820 A situation so unrelenting, so fierce, that you have no idea where it's driving you. 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:52.480 And you've done everything you think you can think of to stay afloat. 00:12:52.560 --> 00:12:55.040 And you've taken every bit of advice people have given you. 00:12:55.200 --> 00:12:58.300 And you've tried every tactic that you've read in all the self-help books. 00:12:58.680 --> 00:13:01.740 But still, you're being driven out to sea, as it were. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:03.480 It shows no signs of stopping. 00:13:03.820 --> 00:13:06.040 And you have no idea where it's taking you. 00:13:06.039 --> 00:13:15.699 What desperate, seemingly hopeless situation are you in this morning? 00:13:18.599 --> 00:13:21.360 Maybe it's a work situation that seems headed for disaster, 00:13:21.919 --> 00:13:23.579 and you can do little to stop it. 00:13:25.179 --> 00:13:28.500 Maybe it's a problem with your spouse that's never resolved, 00:13:28.599 --> 00:13:31.379 and you feel like you can't even talk about it because it's so raw, 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:33.299 and you've been over it so many times. 00:13:33.299 --> 00:13:39.279 Maybe it's a health condition that's chronic and won't change. 00:13:41.079 --> 00:13:42.919 Maybe it's depression that won't lift. 00:13:44.059 --> 00:13:47.979 Maybe it's loneliness that gnaws away at you like the waves that pound the shore 00:13:47.979 --> 00:13:51.179 day after day, taking more sand out to sea. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.439 What storm are you in? 00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:59.659 And if you're not in a situation like this right now, 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:03.039 well, friend, what are you going to do when you are? 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:11.019 Where do we find the courage to face the storms of life with hope? 00:14:14.199 --> 00:14:17.279 Well, let's pick up our passage in verse 21. 00:14:21.459 --> 00:14:22.039 Luke writes, 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:39.019 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, 00:14:40.019 --> 00:14:42.839 but only of the ship. 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:47.740 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong 00:14:47.740 --> 00:14:48.919 and whom I worship. 00:14:49.360 --> 00:14:49.960 And he said, 00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:51.419 Do not be afraid, Paul. 00:14:51.720 --> 00:14:53.440 You must stand before Caesar. 00:14:53.560 --> 00:14:57.200 And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you. 00:14:58.539 --> 00:14:59.519 So take heart, men, 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:04.259 for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:08.379 But we must run aground on some island. 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:15.659 Twice, Paul tells them and us here to take heart, take courage. 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:18.899 You know, you can even translate that phrase, cheer up. 00:15:18.899 --> 00:15:24.419 Now, that sounds a little crazy, right? 00:15:25.699 --> 00:15:28.480 They've just lost all hope of living. 00:15:29.019 --> 00:15:31.740 They've jettisoned all the cargo, thrown the tackle overboard, 00:15:31.959 --> 00:15:33.259 and now Paul stands up and says, 00:15:33.819 --> 00:15:36.240 Guys, newsflash, cheer up. 00:15:37.699 --> 00:15:38.500 Take heart. 00:15:38.500 --> 00:15:41.179 How can he say such a thing? 00:15:44.340 --> 00:15:45.799 Because in the middle of the storm, 00:15:46.600 --> 00:15:49.399 God reaffirmed his word of promise. 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:54.320 Jesus had promised Paul back in chapter 23 that he would testify in Rome. 00:15:54.679 --> 00:15:57.299 And now God sends an angel into the middle of the storm 00:15:57.299 --> 00:15:59.639 to remind and reaffirm that promise to Paul. 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:01.740 He will stand before Caesar. 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:04.039 And then God assures him even further 00:16:04.039 --> 00:16:06.860 that no one on the ship will lose their lives either. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:12.720 Do you see the important principle that's emerging here? 00:16:14.679 --> 00:16:18.059 This is how God gives us courage and hope 00:16:18.059 --> 00:16:20.779 in the face of seemingly hopeless situations. 00:16:21.159 --> 00:16:24.179 He reminds us of his promises. 00:16:26.379 --> 00:16:28.779 When we plunge into the darkest night of the storm, 00:16:28.840 --> 00:16:30.139 when the stars go black, 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:32.700 and we have no sense of direction or purpose, 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:35.720 God's words of promise are like a ballast 00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:37.960 that keep our ship from tipping over, 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:41.240 that keep our ship from sort of capsizing in the midst of the storm. 00:16:44.060 --> 00:16:45.139 Now you might be wondering, 00:16:45.780 --> 00:16:49.980 well, look, do we today have anything like this promise 00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:51.500 that God made to Paul back then? 00:16:51.540 --> 00:16:54.900 I mean, he got an angel and some pretty specific words. 00:16:55.400 --> 00:16:56.840 I mean, is that what we get? 00:16:57.900 --> 00:16:59.300 Should we expect something like that? 00:16:59.340 --> 00:17:02.060 Are those the kind of promises that God gives us today? 00:17:02.059 --> 00:17:06.039 Well, in one sense, no. 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:09.119 But in another sense, yes. 00:17:10.639 --> 00:17:11.720 And here's what I mean. 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:14.019 On the one hand, 00:17:14.159 --> 00:17:17.359 Paul was given a very specific and remarkable promise 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:19.220 that he would make it to Rome alive. 00:17:19.919 --> 00:17:21.220 And the reality is that we today 00:17:21.220 --> 00:17:25.000 have nothing so specific in God's word to us in Scripture. 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:27.940 So that's not exactly what we should expect. 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:33.599 But that doesn't mean we're without hope. 00:17:34.900 --> 00:17:36.319 Because on the other hand, 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:39.160 there are promises in the New Testament 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:41.539 that are for every believer 00:17:41.539 --> 00:17:44.579 that give us the same courage 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:47.099 and the same hope that Paul had. 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:53.599 For instance, think about the truth of Ephesians 1, 11, 00:17:54.299 --> 00:17:56.159 that God works out everything 00:17:56.159 --> 00:17:58.779 in conformity with the purpose of his will. 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:02.139 Here we're told that the circumstances of life, 00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:03.299 every single one of them, 00:18:03.379 --> 00:18:05.019 are being so influenced by God 00:18:05.019 --> 00:18:06.679 that they follow his plan, 00:18:06.759 --> 00:18:07.939 that he works everything, 00:18:08.059 --> 00:18:09.319 even raging storms, 00:18:09.399 --> 00:18:10.859 according to the counsel of his will. 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:14.480 But you might still ask, 00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:15.539 okay, that's great, 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:17.339 but how is that good news for me? 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:20.019 God, granted, orchestrates all things, 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:20.839 whatever that means, 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:23.019 but does he have my best in mind 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:24.059 in all of that orchestration? 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:25.720 Sometimes it doesn't exactly seem so. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:31.779 But it becomes good news 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:33.180 when you consider other texts, 00:18:33.180 --> 00:18:35.480 like Romans 8, 28. 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:38.940 There we're told that God works, 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:40.359 he controls, he directs, 00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:41.299 in all things, 00:18:41.399 --> 00:18:42.859 every circumstance and event, 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.639 for the good of those who love him, 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:45.279 who have been called, 00:18:45.279 --> 00:18:46.200 according to his purpose. 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:49.740 This is a guarantee that God's plan is for our good, 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:51.099 and that nothing can thwart it. 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:53.519 Or think of the promise in 2 Corinthians 4, 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.960 16 through 17. 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:56.960 Paul writes there, 00:18:57.059 --> 00:18:58.720 so we do not lose heart. 00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:00.559 There it is again. 00:19:02.019 --> 00:19:02.779 Keep heart. 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:06.059 Though our outer self is wasting away, 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:06.639 Paul writes, 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:08.700 our inner self is being renewed day by day. 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:13.840 For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us 00:19:13.840 --> 00:19:18.559 an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 00:19:21.559 --> 00:19:26.400 When you really grasp how profound and comprehensive 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:30.059 those promises are for everyone in Christ, 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:32.779 you start to realize that in essence, 00:19:32.779 --> 00:19:35.079 we have the same thing that Paul had. 00:19:36.899 --> 00:19:39.220 No, we don't have the specificity Paul got. 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:41.859 Paul knew he would make it to Rome. 00:19:42.419 --> 00:19:44.359 I don't know if I'm going to make it to lunch today. 00:19:46.359 --> 00:19:47.839 But no matter what comes, 00:19:47.919 --> 00:19:50.339 God promises that it's for my good, 00:19:50.659 --> 00:19:53.539 and it's preparing for me an eternal weight of glory. 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:55.599 No matter how raging the storm, 00:19:56.599 --> 00:19:59.000 it's not going to separate me 00:19:59.000 --> 00:20:02.759 from the good of God for my life. 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:07.200 Which is to say, 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:11.399 that we can know beyond the shadow of a doubt 00:20:11.399 --> 00:20:14.539 that God will give us 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:17.500 what we ourselves would have asked for 00:20:17.500 --> 00:20:20.720 if we knew all that He knows. 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:24.240 If we had God's perspective 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:26.420 and we were praying in light of that, 00:20:26.839 --> 00:20:29.200 that is exactly what we would receive. 00:20:31.059 --> 00:20:33.079 That's exactly what we would ask for. 00:20:36.059 --> 00:20:39.539 The American poet John Greenleaf Whittier 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:43.059 wrote these lines about the providence of God. 00:20:44.579 --> 00:20:45.299 He writes, 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:48.120 Here in the maddening maze of things, 00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:51.259 when tossed by storm and flood, 00:20:52.339 --> 00:20:56.099 to one fixed ground my spirit clings. 00:20:57.019 --> 00:20:59.879 I know that God is good. 00:21:04.839 --> 00:21:08.139 But of course, that's the real struggle, isn't it? 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:12.159 The battle to know and believe 00:21:12.159 --> 00:21:14.379 in the midst of the storms that God is good. 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:19.760 To be able to actually say with Paul in verse 25, 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:21.140 I have faith in God. 00:21:21.380 --> 00:21:23.860 That is, I trust God 00:21:23.860 --> 00:21:27.060 that it will be exactly as I have been told. 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:31.320 Isn't that our real heart need? 00:21:32.580 --> 00:21:34.360 To be able to trust Him? 00:21:35.260 --> 00:21:36.920 To trust that He's good? 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:40.560 To trust that His promises are working out 00:21:40.560 --> 00:21:42.640 exactly as we've been told? 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:48.240 How do we get to that place of trust? 00:21:50.640 --> 00:21:51.840 How do we get to the place 00:21:51.840 --> 00:21:53.940 that even in the midst of your storm, 00:21:54.000 --> 00:21:55.120 no matter what it may be, 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:57.820 you can have the courage and the hope 00:21:57.820 --> 00:21:59.200 that springs up 00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:03.240 from a deep trust in God's promises? 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:10.160 Well, think for a second with me. 00:22:12.259 --> 00:22:13.940 Have you ever considered that the storyline 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:15.120 of the Bible 00:22:15.120 --> 00:22:18.440 is really one long story 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:19.700 when it boils down to it 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:21.120 of God rescuing His people 00:22:21.120 --> 00:22:22.180 through storms and seas? 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:25.400 God rescues Noah 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:27.000 through the seas of the flood. 00:22:28.400 --> 00:22:29.560 God rescues Israel 00:22:29.560 --> 00:22:30.880 through the waters of the Red Sea. 00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:33.259 God even rescues Jonah, 00:22:33.620 --> 00:22:35.080 the bigoted runaway prophet, 00:22:35.400 --> 00:22:36.779 from a deadly storm at sea. 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:40.060 Maybe not the way He would want to be saved, 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.279 swallowed by a fish, 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.940 but still saved. 00:22:42.940 --> 00:22:47.039 But friends, 00:22:47.080 --> 00:22:49.160 this history of God with His people 00:22:49.160 --> 00:22:50.940 is telling us something more 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:52.100 than just the fact 00:22:52.100 --> 00:22:54.340 that God has a really good track record 00:22:54.340 --> 00:22:55.380 with storms and seas. 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:59.840 It's all meant to help us see 00:22:59.840 --> 00:23:01.759 that there's a greater storm 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:03.000 that threatens us. 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:07.619 And you won't really be able 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:08.599 to trust God 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:11.200 in a deep, vital, personal, 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:12.759 life-changing way 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:13.839 until you see 00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:16.380 that this greater storm 00:23:16.380 --> 00:23:18.880 isn't your circumstances. 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:23.200 And this greater storm 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:25.119 isn't your job problems. 00:23:26.920 --> 00:23:28.559 And it's not your relationships. 00:23:29.980 --> 00:23:31.799 And it's not your physical health. 00:23:33.000 --> 00:23:37.779 No, the greatest storm that we face 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:41.380 is a storm of our own sin 00:23:41.380 --> 00:23:44.900 and God's just anger 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:46.640 and opposition against it. 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.380 And you have to see 00:23:51.380 --> 00:23:52.680 that in this storm, 00:23:53.140 --> 00:23:55.980 we are truly helpless in ourselves. 00:23:56.920 --> 00:23:58.619 No matter how much cargo 00:23:58.619 --> 00:24:00.400 you throw overboard, 00:24:01.359 --> 00:24:02.940 that storm remains. 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:08.579 But here's the shocking thing. 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:11.440 The Bible, 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:12.960 after so many stories 00:24:12.960 --> 00:24:14.700 about God rescuing His people 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.700 through the storm, 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:18.039 comes to its very climax 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:20.619 with one who Himself 00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:23.299 sails into that greatest storm. 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:28.079 But instead of being rescued, 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:31.740 He's abandoned in darkness. 00:24:32.680 --> 00:24:33.859 The sun goes out 00:24:33.859 --> 00:24:36.059 and He's crushed beneath the waves. 00:24:38.859 --> 00:24:39.799 What's happening? 00:24:41.180 --> 00:24:43.200 Has God somehow lost the plot 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:43.980 of the great story 00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:44.740 that He was telling? 00:24:44.740 --> 00:24:45.900 No, friends. 00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:48.019 No, friends. 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:50.359 On the cross, 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:54.380 Jesus Christ took the full storm 00:24:54.380 --> 00:24:55.460 of God's wrath 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:57.140 as our substitute. 00:24:57.140 --> 00:25:01.420 so that now in Him, 00:25:02.020 --> 00:25:03.640 no matter what other storm we face, 00:25:03.720 --> 00:25:04.960 even if our ship is dashed 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:05.440 on the rocks, 00:25:05.540 --> 00:25:06.500 even if we go down 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.540 into death itself, 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:09.120 we won't be lost. 00:25:11.120 --> 00:25:13.140 Jesus stood in the greatest storm 00:25:13.140 --> 00:25:13.960 for us, 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:15.140 in our place, 00:25:16.780 --> 00:25:18.560 bearing the penalty we deserved 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.940 so that we can know 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:22.240 God's love and peace 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.539 no matter what winds 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:25.399 and no matter what waves might come. 00:25:27.879 --> 00:25:31.779 His was the ultimate rescue 00:25:31.779 --> 00:25:33.799 from the deadliest storm. 00:25:35.579 --> 00:25:37.559 And God demonstrated all of this 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:39.200 by raising Him from the dead 00:25:39.200 --> 00:25:39.960 on the third day. 00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.359 And friends, 00:25:42.399 --> 00:25:43.980 when you see Christ's 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:45.319 sacrificial death for you, 00:25:46.599 --> 00:25:47.519 when you see Him 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:50.119 triumphing over your sin 00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:50.819 and your death 00:25:50.819 --> 00:25:51.779 and God's wrath 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:52.500 and the resurrection, 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:54.879 when you see that, 00:25:55.039 --> 00:25:56.019 then your heart 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:57.900 will begin to trust 00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:58.639 God's promises. 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:00.519 Then you'll be able 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:01.639 to face any storm 00:26:01.639 --> 00:26:02.460 with courage. 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:03.180 Then you'll be able 00:26:03.180 --> 00:26:04.299 to lose the ship 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:06.359 and know that God 00:26:06.359 --> 00:26:08.160 hasn't lost you. 00:26:11.900 --> 00:26:13.299 Paul says in verse 23, 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:15.539 the God to whom I belong 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.819 and whom I worship. 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:22.139 Do you know that you belong 00:26:22.139 --> 00:26:23.539 to God in Christ? 00:26:25.359 --> 00:26:27.119 That the same special care 00:26:27.119 --> 00:26:28.259 that God showed to Paul 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.440 throughout all of his years 00:26:29.440 --> 00:26:30.420 and all of his journeys 00:26:30.420 --> 00:26:31.779 and all of his mishaps, 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:33.660 God shows to everyone 00:26:33.660 --> 00:26:35.599 who turns and trusts 00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:36.519 in His Son. 00:26:38.700 --> 00:26:40.819 He knows every wind that blows. 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:43.819 He knows every wave that breaks. 00:26:43.819 --> 00:26:44.559 He knows every word 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:46.720 and each one He's using 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:48.480 to make you fit for glory 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:52.159 and nothing will break His promise. 00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:55.740 If He has given His Son for you, 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:58.339 if He has put His Spirit into you, 00:26:58.700 --> 00:26:59.059 then friends, 00:26:59.119 --> 00:27:00.460 His promise will not fail. 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:06.340 One writer describes how 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:08.039 several years ago, 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:10.220 some boards and veneers 00:27:10.220 --> 00:27:11.620 cut from an oak beam 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:13.120 of an 80-year-old ship 00:27:13.120 --> 00:27:14.220 were exhibited 00:27:14.220 --> 00:27:16.100 at a fashionable furniture store 00:27:16.100 --> 00:27:17.519 on Broadway in New York City. 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:20.539 They attracted attention, 00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:21.059 he says, 00:27:21.100 --> 00:27:22.799 because of their elegant coloring 00:27:22.799 --> 00:27:24.140 and beautiful grain. 00:27:24.140 --> 00:27:26.180 Equally striking 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:27.620 were some mahogany beams 00:27:27.620 --> 00:27:28.480 taken from a ship 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:29.500 that shelled the seas 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:30.740 60 years ago. 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.860 The years of travel 00:27:32.860 --> 00:27:33.860 had contracted 00:27:33.860 --> 00:27:35.020 the pores of the wood 00:27:35.020 --> 00:27:36.220 and deepened its colors 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:36.840 so that they were 00:27:36.840 --> 00:27:37.800 as magnificent 00:27:37.800 --> 00:27:38.900 and bright 00:27:38.900 --> 00:27:40.440 as those of an antique 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:41.500 Chinese vase. 00:27:43.280 --> 00:27:45.040 The wood has since been used 00:27:45.040 --> 00:27:45.920 to make a cabinet, 00:27:46.020 --> 00:27:46.759 the writer says, 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:48.800 that sits in a place of honor 00:27:48.800 --> 00:27:50.360 in the living room 00:27:50.360 --> 00:27:51.740 of a wealthy New York family. 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:55.279 There's also a great difference, 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:56.059 he goes on to say, 00:27:56.140 --> 00:27:57.380 between the quality of people 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:59.220 who have lived listless, 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:00.460 self-indulgent, 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.539 and useless lives 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:03.160 and the quality of those 00:28:03.160 --> 00:28:03.940 who have sailed 00:28:03.940 --> 00:28:05.240 through rough seas, 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:07.279 carrying cargo 00:28:07.279 --> 00:28:08.160 and burdens 00:28:08.160 --> 00:28:09.319 as servants of God 00:28:09.319 --> 00:28:11.120 and as helpers of others. 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:13.000 In the latter group, 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:15.039 not only have the stress 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:15.980 and strain of life 00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:17.720 seeped into their lives, 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:19.900 but the aroma 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:21.140 of the sweetness 00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:22.300 of their cargo 00:28:22.300 --> 00:28:24.440 has also been absorbed 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:26.300 into the very pores 00:28:26.300 --> 00:28:28.060 of every fiber 00:28:28.060 --> 00:28:29.580 of their character. 00:28:31.580 --> 00:28:33.120 Lewis Albert Banks. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:36.520 Do you see what he's saying, friends? 00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:39.340 The storms of life, 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:40.320 though they rack you 00:28:40.320 --> 00:28:41.380 and try you, 00:28:41.780 --> 00:28:43.360 they're actually making you 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:45.240 into something beautiful 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:47.160 in a way that nothing else can. 00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:50.720 like the wood of a ship 00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:51.720 that's been weathered 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.580 and cured 00:28:52.580 --> 00:28:53.360 through the weight 00:28:53.360 --> 00:28:54.620 of a thousand journeys, 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:56.200 so God is making you 00:28:56.200 --> 00:28:57.880 into something of worth 00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.779 and beauty 00:28:58.779 --> 00:29:00.640 with each wave 00:29:00.640 --> 00:29:01.680 that crashes 00:29:01.680 --> 00:29:03.000 against your deck. 00:29:06.120 --> 00:29:07.700 Do you want to face storms 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:08.500 with courage 00:29:08.500 --> 00:29:09.540 and hope? 00:29:10.640 --> 00:29:11.000 Friend, 00:29:11.140 --> 00:29:12.519 go to this God. 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:15.559 trust his word of promise. 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.799 Throw yourself 00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:18.259 upon the gospel itself, 00:29:18.359 --> 00:29:19.019 Jesus' death 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.039 and resurrection for you, 00:29:20.099 --> 00:29:20.960 and there you will find 00:29:20.960 --> 00:29:21.900 more than enough 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:23.379 courage and hope 00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:24.639 no matter what the seas 00:29:24.639 --> 00:29:25.259 throw at you. 00:29:25.259 --> 00:29:30.160 And what's more 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:33.099 is that this trust 00:29:33.099 --> 00:29:33.539 of God 00:29:33.539 --> 00:29:34.299 and his promises 00:29:34.299 --> 00:29:35.799 won't just give you hope, 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:38.879 but it will actually 00:29:38.879 --> 00:29:40.460 change you 00:29:40.460 --> 00:29:42.000 and make you 00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:43.440 into an agent of hope, 00:29:43.619 --> 00:29:44.720 a minister of hope 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:46.019 to those who are seemingly 00:29:46.019 --> 00:29:47.000 in hopeless situation 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:47.519 themselves. 00:29:49.140 --> 00:29:49.920 We see this 00:29:49.920 --> 00:29:50.700 in the rest of the passage 00:29:50.700 --> 00:29:51.859 starting in verse 27. 00:29:52.140 --> 00:29:52.759 Let's pick up 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:53.619 Luke's narrative there. 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.839 When the fourteenth night 00:29:54.839 --> 00:29:55.379 had come, 00:29:55.579 --> 00:29:56.559 as we were being driven 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:57.759 across the Adriatic Sea, 00:29:57.839 --> 00:29:58.419 about midnight, 00:29:58.539 --> 00:29:59.500 the sailors suspected 00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.659 that they were nearing land. 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:01.839 So they took a sounding 00:30:01.839 --> 00:30:02.979 and found twenty fathoms. 00:30:03.359 --> 00:30:04.199 A little further on, 00:30:04.219 --> 00:30:05.179 they took a sounding again 00:30:05.179 --> 00:30:06.419 and found fifteen fathoms. 00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:07.599 And fearing that we might 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:08.339 run on the rocks, 00:30:08.419 --> 00:30:09.399 they let down four anchors 00:30:09.399 --> 00:30:09.979 from the stern 00:30:09.979 --> 00:30:11.299 and prayed for day to come. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:12.639 And as the sailors 00:30:12.639 --> 00:30:13.559 were seeking to escape 00:30:13.559 --> 00:30:14.199 from the ship 00:30:14.199 --> 00:30:15.619 and had lowered the ship's boat 00:30:15.619 --> 00:30:16.199 into the sea 00:30:16.199 --> 00:30:16.839 under pretense 00:30:16.839 --> 00:30:17.799 of laying out anchors 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:18.339 from the bow, 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:19.779 Paul said to the centurion 00:30:19.779 --> 00:30:20.359 and the soldiers, 00:30:20.699 --> 00:30:21.359 unless these men 00:30:21.359 --> 00:30:21.959 stay in the ship, 00:30:21.959 --> 00:30:23.039 you cannot be saved. 00:30:24.079 --> 00:30:24.639 Then the soldiers 00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:25.399 cut away the ropes 00:30:25.399 --> 00:30:26.079 of the ship's boat 00:30:26.079 --> 00:30:26.679 and let it go. 00:30:27.639 --> 00:30:28.799 As day was about to dawn, 00:30:28.919 --> 00:30:30.179 Paul urged them all 00:30:30.179 --> 00:30:31.079 to take some food, 00:30:31.179 --> 00:30:31.379 saying, 00:30:31.699 --> 00:30:32.799 Today's the fourteenth day 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.419 that you've continued 00:30:33.419 --> 00:30:34.059 in suspense 00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:34.759 and without food, 00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:35.539 having taken nothing. 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:36.119 Therefore, 00:30:36.239 --> 00:30:37.959 I urge you to take some food, 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:39.519 for it will give you strength, 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:40.819 for not a hair 00:30:40.819 --> 00:30:41.419 is to perish 00:30:41.419 --> 00:30:41.899 from the head 00:30:41.899 --> 00:30:42.500 of any of you. 00:30:43.339 --> 00:30:43.959 And when he had said 00:30:43.959 --> 00:30:44.379 these things, 00:30:44.419 --> 00:30:45.039 he took bread, 00:30:45.399 --> 00:30:46.279 and giving thanks 00:30:46.279 --> 00:30:47.059 in the presence of all, 00:30:47.099 --> 00:30:47.659 he broke it 00:30:47.659 --> 00:30:48.339 and began to eat. 00:30:49.159 --> 00:30:49.740 Then they were all 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.259 encouraged 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:50.939 and ate some food 00:30:50.939 --> 00:30:51.539 themselves. 00:30:52.439 --> 00:30:52.980 There were in all 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:53.939 two hundred and seventy-six 00:30:53.939 --> 00:30:54.879 persons in the ship, 00:30:55.679 --> 00:30:56.439 and when they had 00:30:56.439 --> 00:30:57.019 eaten enough, 00:30:57.079 --> 00:30:57.819 they lightened the ship, 00:30:58.319 --> 00:30:59.079 throwing out the weed 00:30:59.079 --> 00:30:59.699 into the sea. 00:31:01.159 --> 00:31:01.879 Now when it was day, 00:31:01.959 --> 00:31:02.859 they did not recognize 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.259 the land, 00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:03.779 but they noticed 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:04.779 a bay with a beach 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.899 on which they planned, 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.459 if possible, 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:07.579 to run the ship ashore. 00:31:08.139 --> 00:31:09.039 So they cast off 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:09.500 the anchors 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:10.699 and let them in the sea, 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.480 at the same time 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.399 loosening the ropes 00:31:12.399 --> 00:31:13.279 that tied the rudders, 00:31:13.660 --> 00:31:14.779 then hoisting the foresail 00:31:14.779 --> 00:31:15.240 to the wind 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:16.259 they made for the beach. 00:31:17.259 --> 00:31:18.379 But striking a reef, 00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:19.879 they ran the vessel aground. 00:31:20.579 --> 00:31:21.839 The bow stuck 00:31:21.839 --> 00:31:22.899 and remained immovable, 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:23.519 and the stern 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:24.480 was being broken up 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:25.119 by the surf. 00:31:26.000 --> 00:31:26.819 The soldier's plan 00:31:26.819 --> 00:31:27.839 was to kill the prisoners 00:31:27.839 --> 00:31:28.960 lest any should swim away 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:29.420 and escape, 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:30.200 but the centurion, 00:31:30.319 --> 00:31:31.200 wishing to save Paul, 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:32.299 kept them from carrying 00:31:32.299 --> 00:31:32.980 out their plan. 00:31:33.579 --> 00:31:34.259 He ordered those 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:34.759 who could swim 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.899 to jump overboard first 00:31:35.899 --> 00:31:36.799 and make for the land 00:31:36.799 --> 00:31:38.500 and the rest on planks 00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:39.500 or pieces of the ship. 00:31:40.599 --> 00:31:41.500 And so it was 00:31:41.500 --> 00:31:43.240 that all were brought 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:44.299 safely to land. 00:31:47.339 --> 00:31:48.480 Notice how the day 00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:50.680 progressively breaks 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:51.759 in this section. 00:31:51.960 --> 00:31:52.960 In verse 27, 00:31:53.079 --> 00:31:53.480 it's midnight. 00:31:54.279 --> 00:31:55.619 In verse 33, 00:31:55.779 --> 00:31:56.559 it's about dawn. 00:31:57.059 --> 00:31:58.299 And in verse 39, 00:31:58.940 --> 00:31:59.460 it's day. 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.900 And by way of application, 00:32:02.900 --> 00:32:03.480 I think we see 00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:04.980 two things that are true 00:32:04.980 --> 00:32:06.740 of those who hold fast 00:32:06.740 --> 00:32:07.799 to God's promises 00:32:07.799 --> 00:32:08.420 in the storm. 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:09.259 First, 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:11.319 Paul's trust in God 00:32:11.319 --> 00:32:13.240 carries others 00:32:13.240 --> 00:32:14.559 in the face of crisis. 00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:16.059 One commentator writes, 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:17.339 buoyed by his belief 00:32:17.339 --> 00:32:18.099 in God's sovereignty, 00:32:18.319 --> 00:32:19.460 Paul acted with calm 00:32:19.460 --> 00:32:20.619 at a time when others 00:32:20.619 --> 00:32:21.579 were panicking. 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:23.099 In the rest of the chapter, 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:23.399 right, 00:32:23.639 --> 00:32:24.579 Paul steps forward 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:25.179 as a leader 00:32:25.179 --> 00:32:26.099 who can be trusted 00:32:26.099 --> 00:32:27.099 and the crew 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:28.119 follows him. 00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:30.079 Which helps us to see, 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:30.439 by the way, 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:31.460 that in verse 21, 00:32:32.119 --> 00:32:33.039 Paul isn't saying, 00:32:33.500 --> 00:32:33.960 by the way, 00:32:33.980 --> 00:32:34.779 I told you so. 00:32:34.879 --> 00:32:35.439 Did you wonder that 00:32:35.439 --> 00:32:35.980 when we read it? 00:32:37.059 --> 00:32:37.339 No, 00:32:37.439 --> 00:32:38.000 Paul's saying, 00:32:38.279 --> 00:32:38.500 look, 00:32:38.859 --> 00:32:39.539 trust me. 00:32:39.539 --> 00:32:43.359 And we see 00:32:43.359 --> 00:32:43.920 that Paul's able 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:45.539 to do much good 00:32:45.539 --> 00:32:46.079 in the face 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:46.599 of a seemingly 00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:47.579 hopeless situation. 00:32:47.700 --> 00:32:49.519 He's able to keep his head 00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:51.139 and act wisely 00:32:51.139 --> 00:32:52.980 because he's richly rooted 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:54.879 in what God has promised. 00:32:56.180 --> 00:32:57.079 And when the sailors 00:32:57.079 --> 00:32:57.879 want to run, 00:32:58.299 --> 00:32:59.559 Paul makes sure they stay. 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:01.639 After all, 00:33:02.299 --> 00:33:03.259 who's going to steer 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:04.180 the ship to shore 00:33:04.180 --> 00:33:05.000 if all the sailors 00:33:05.000 --> 00:33:05.839 have cut and run? 00:33:06.460 --> 00:33:07.259 That's why, 00:33:07.339 --> 00:33:07.680 by the way, 00:33:07.680 --> 00:33:08.519 everyone's life 00:33:08.519 --> 00:33:09.360 depends on them 00:33:09.360 --> 00:33:10.279 staying in the ship. 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:12.940 And when the crew 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:14.120 is too tired to eat, 00:33:14.400 --> 00:33:14.940 Paul gives them 00:33:14.940 --> 00:33:15.600 something to eat. 00:33:16.759 --> 00:33:17.720 And when the soldiers 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.480 are ready to kill 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:19.039 the prisoners 00:33:19.039 --> 00:33:19.740 for fear that they 00:33:19.740 --> 00:33:20.779 themselves will be punished 00:33:20.779 --> 00:33:21.779 if the prisoners escape, 00:33:22.140 --> 00:33:23.180 it's for Paul's sake 00:33:23.180 --> 00:33:24.279 that the centurion 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:25.140 keeps them alive. 00:33:26.779 --> 00:33:27.539 Through it all, 00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:28.600 Paul becomes 00:33:28.600 --> 00:33:30.440 an agent of hope. 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:32.700 I think especially 00:33:32.700 --> 00:33:34.100 of verses 33 through 38, 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:35.860 breaking the bread, 00:33:36.500 --> 00:33:37.620 getting the men to eat, 00:33:37.680 --> 00:33:38.920 you know, 00:33:38.940 --> 00:33:39.519 it wasn't just 00:33:39.519 --> 00:33:40.700 a practical move, 00:33:41.580 --> 00:33:42.560 though of course 00:33:42.560 --> 00:33:43.600 it wasn't less than that. 00:33:45.160 --> 00:33:46.259 One person observed, 00:33:46.860 --> 00:33:48.140 Paul knew that hungry men 00:33:48.140 --> 00:33:49.700 are not efficient men. 00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:51.100 Fair enough. 00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:53.880 But more than that, 00:33:54.480 --> 00:33:55.420 Paul taking the bread 00:33:55.420 --> 00:33:56.680 on the deck of that ship 00:33:56.680 --> 00:33:58.259 and feeding those men 00:33:58.259 --> 00:33:59.799 was a symbol of hope. 00:34:01.519 --> 00:34:02.820 Despairing people 00:34:02.820 --> 00:34:04.380 don't eat a meal 00:34:04.380 --> 00:34:06.100 and they don't give thanks. 00:34:06.099 --> 00:34:09.059 And yet Paul leads them 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:09.860 in both. 00:34:10.739 --> 00:34:11.480 His hope, 00:34:11.579 --> 00:34:12.339 his courage, 00:34:12.559 --> 00:34:13.960 it carried the rest of them. 00:34:14.699 --> 00:34:15.380 And so too, 00:34:15.519 --> 00:34:15.759 friends, 00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:17.519 the church is meant 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:19.099 to do the same thing today. 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:22.000 We too are meant 00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:23.420 to be agents of hope, 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:25.460 knowing that God 00:34:25.460 --> 00:34:26.980 has not abandoned us 00:34:26.980 --> 00:34:28.039 or his world. 00:34:29.099 --> 00:34:29.799 Knowing that no matter 00:34:29.799 --> 00:34:30.500 how difficult 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:31.400 or chaotic 00:34:31.400 --> 00:34:32.460 or unjust 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.400 life becomes, 00:34:33.400 --> 00:34:34.400 God's promises 00:34:34.400 --> 00:34:35.300 still stand. 00:34:35.920 --> 00:34:36.599 God's kingdom 00:34:36.599 --> 00:34:37.860 is still advancing. 00:34:38.260 --> 00:34:39.039 And what's ahead 00:34:39.039 --> 00:34:40.000 for creation 00:34:40.000 --> 00:34:41.180 is not ultimately 00:34:41.180 --> 00:34:41.920 darkness, 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:43.300 but daylight. 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:46.000 New life 00:34:46.000 --> 00:34:47.639 after the storm. 00:34:49.360 --> 00:34:50.840 The world healed 00:34:50.840 --> 00:34:52.119 and made right. 00:34:52.119 --> 00:34:53.759 God's kingdom 00:34:53.759 --> 00:34:54.099 and we, 00:34:54.219 --> 00:34:54.559 the church, 00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:55.000 are placed 00:34:55.000 --> 00:34:55.539 in the middle 00:34:55.539 --> 00:34:56.279 of this story 00:34:56.279 --> 00:34:57.359 to bear witness 00:34:57.359 --> 00:34:58.599 through our words 00:34:58.599 --> 00:34:59.759 and our deeds 00:34:59.759 --> 00:35:00.719 of the hope 00:35:00.719 --> 00:35:01.739 of the gospel 00:35:01.739 --> 00:35:03.400 that the Lord Jesus 00:35:03.400 --> 00:35:04.719 reigns 00:35:04.719 --> 00:35:06.339 and creation 00:35:06.339 --> 00:35:06.839 one day 00:35:06.839 --> 00:35:07.799 will rejoice, 00:35:08.679 --> 00:35:09.179 liberated 00:35:09.179 --> 00:35:10.460 from its bondage 00:35:10.460 --> 00:35:11.000 to decay, 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:11.839 as Paul will say. 00:35:14.819 --> 00:35:15.599 So we see 00:35:15.599 --> 00:35:16.039 that holding 00:35:16.039 --> 00:35:16.880 to God's promises 00:35:16.880 --> 00:35:18.079 makes us agents 00:35:18.079 --> 00:35:18.559 of hope 00:35:18.559 --> 00:35:19.279 in a hopeless world, 00:35:19.339 --> 00:35:20.119 but it also gives us 00:35:20.119 --> 00:35:20.659 courage 00:35:20.659 --> 00:35:21.659 for mission. 00:35:22.879 --> 00:35:23.239 Isn't that 00:35:23.239 --> 00:35:23.799 the second thing 00:35:23.799 --> 00:35:24.219 we see? 00:35:25.299 --> 00:35:25.859 At the end 00:35:25.859 --> 00:35:26.559 of this chapter, 00:35:26.839 --> 00:35:27.940 they lose the ship, 00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:28.739 but they keep 00:35:28.739 --> 00:35:29.379 their lives. 00:35:30.779 --> 00:35:31.799 And so it is 00:35:31.799 --> 00:35:33.059 for those in Christ. 00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:33.619 Friend, 00:35:33.699 --> 00:35:34.359 you can lose 00:35:34.359 --> 00:35:35.359 everything, 00:35:35.539 --> 00:35:36.299 earthly speaking, 00:35:36.940 --> 00:35:38.019 but you won't lose 00:35:38.019 --> 00:35:38.879 what really matters. 00:35:39.899 --> 00:35:41.000 You won't lose 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:41.739 the one thing 00:35:41.739 --> 00:35:42.599 that's truly 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:44.019 life to you. 00:35:45.739 --> 00:35:46.619 In other words, 00:35:46.699 --> 00:35:47.579 no storm 00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:48.799 will ultimately 00:35:48.799 --> 00:35:49.940 wreck you 00:35:49.940 --> 00:35:50.679 because even 00:35:50.679 --> 00:35:51.500 in death, 00:35:52.380 --> 00:35:53.240 you won't 00:35:53.240 --> 00:35:54.000 lose Christ, 00:35:54.480 --> 00:35:55.400 the one who died 00:35:55.400 --> 00:35:56.400 and rose again 00:35:56.400 --> 00:35:57.139 so that you 00:35:57.139 --> 00:35:57.679 might live. 00:36:00.380 --> 00:36:01.220 And even more 00:36:01.220 --> 00:36:01.519 than that, 00:36:01.559 --> 00:36:02.440 don't we see here 00:36:02.440 --> 00:36:06.280 that they lose 00:36:06.280 --> 00:36:06.800 the ship 00:36:06.800 --> 00:36:07.980 in order 00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:09.400 to keep 00:36:09.400 --> 00:36:10.019 their lives? 00:36:11.599 --> 00:36:12.280 They have 00:36:12.280 --> 00:36:12.700 to lose 00:36:12.700 --> 00:36:13.659 everything 00:36:13.659 --> 00:36:15.000 to stand 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:15.900 safely on shore. 00:36:16.760 --> 00:36:17.220 In other words, 00:36:17.300 --> 00:36:17.760 God uses 00:36:17.760 --> 00:36:18.760 a shipwreck 00:36:18.760 --> 00:36:20.000 for their salvation. 00:36:22.020 --> 00:36:22.440 Jesus said 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:23.060 to his disciples, 00:36:23.260 --> 00:36:23.560 if anyone 00:36:23.560 --> 00:36:23.960 would come 00:36:23.960 --> 00:36:24.480 after me, 00:36:24.840 --> 00:36:25.480 let him deny 00:36:25.480 --> 00:36:25.960 himself 00:36:25.960 --> 00:36:26.920 and take up 00:36:26.920 --> 00:36:27.540 his cross 00:36:27.540 --> 00:36:28.720 and follow me. 00:36:29.900 --> 00:36:30.340 Friends, 00:36:30.500 --> 00:36:31.360 following God 00:36:31.360 --> 00:36:32.020 on mission 00:36:32.020 --> 00:36:32.960 is costly 00:36:32.960 --> 00:36:34.660 through many 00:36:34.660 --> 00:36:35.260 dangers, 00:36:35.500 --> 00:36:35.920 toils, 00:36:36.140 --> 00:36:36.960 and snares, 00:36:37.500 --> 00:36:38.000 as the hymn 00:36:38.000 --> 00:36:38.400 puts it. 00:36:39.080 --> 00:36:39.880 And this journey 00:36:39.880 --> 00:36:40.400 to Rome 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:41.240 in chapters 27 00:36:41.240 --> 00:36:41.780 and 28 00:36:41.780 --> 00:36:43.180 is emblematic 00:36:43.180 --> 00:36:43.640 for Luke 00:36:43.640 --> 00:36:44.440 of the fact 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:45.100 that taking 00:36:45.099 --> 00:36:45.699 the gospel 00:36:45.699 --> 00:36:46.319 to the ends 00:36:46.319 --> 00:36:46.759 of the earth 00:36:46.759 --> 00:36:47.860 is a dangerous 00:36:47.860 --> 00:36:48.739 undertaking. 00:36:48.940 --> 00:36:49.880 Don't be confused. 00:36:52.440 --> 00:36:53.319 But the way 00:36:53.319 --> 00:36:54.059 of the cross 00:36:54.059 --> 00:36:55.819 is also 00:36:55.819 --> 00:36:56.179 the way 00:36:56.179 --> 00:36:56.799 of life. 00:36:57.980 --> 00:36:58.599 The way 00:36:58.599 --> 00:36:59.199 of the cross 00:36:59.199 --> 00:36:59.920 is the way 00:36:59.920 --> 00:37:01.519 of resurrection. 00:37:02.480 --> 00:37:03.319 And anything 00:37:03.319 --> 00:37:04.219 we lose 00:37:04.219 --> 00:37:06.259 is nothing 00:37:06.259 --> 00:37:07.099 compared 00:37:07.099 --> 00:37:07.940 to what we gain. 00:37:11.319 --> 00:37:11.920 The great 00:37:11.920 --> 00:37:12.559 19th century 00:37:12.559 --> 00:37:12.980 missionary 00:37:12.980 --> 00:37:13.779 David Livingston 00:37:13.780 --> 00:37:14.300 once said 00:37:14.300 --> 00:37:14.860 to a crowd 00:37:14.860 --> 00:37:15.480 of Cambridge 00:37:15.480 --> 00:37:16.120 students, 00:37:17.280 --> 00:37:18.519 for my own 00:37:18.519 --> 00:37:18.800 part, 00:37:18.860 --> 00:37:19.140 I've never 00:37:19.140 --> 00:37:20.140 ceased to rejoice 00:37:20.140 --> 00:37:20.780 that God 00:37:20.780 --> 00:37:21.340 has appointed 00:37:21.340 --> 00:37:21.900 me to such 00:37:21.900 --> 00:37:22.440 an office. 00:37:23.800 --> 00:37:24.340 People talk 00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:25.060 of the sacrifice 00:37:25.060 --> 00:37:25.720 I have made 00:37:25.720 --> 00:37:26.120 in spending 00:37:26.120 --> 00:37:26.480 so much 00:37:26.480 --> 00:37:27.120 of my life 00:37:27.120 --> 00:37:27.680 in Africa. 00:37:29.420 --> 00:37:30.160 Is that a 00:37:30.160 --> 00:37:30.560 sacrifice 00:37:30.560 --> 00:37:31.440 which brings 00:37:31.440 --> 00:37:31.800 its own 00:37:31.800 --> 00:37:32.620 blessed reward 00:37:32.620 --> 00:37:33.180 and healthful 00:37:33.180 --> 00:37:33.560 activity 00:37:33.560 --> 00:37:33.920 in the 00:37:33.920 --> 00:37:34.320 consciousness 00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:34.860 of doing 00:37:34.860 --> 00:37:35.280 good, 00:37:35.760 --> 00:37:36.180 peace of 00:37:36.180 --> 00:37:36.519 mind, 00:37:36.600 --> 00:37:36.820 and a 00:37:36.820 --> 00:37:37.420 bright hope 00:37:37.420 --> 00:37:38.000 of a 00:37:38.000 --> 00:37:38.340 glorious 00:37:38.340 --> 00:37:38.880 destiny 00:37:38.880 --> 00:37:39.460 hereafter? 00:37:40.860 --> 00:37:41.460 Away with 00:37:41.460 --> 00:37:41.880 the word 00:37:41.880 --> 00:37:42.720 in such a 00:37:42.720 --> 00:37:42.980 view 00:37:42.980 --> 00:37:43.579 and with 00:37:43.579 --> 00:37:43.900 such a 00:37:43.900 --> 00:37:44.240 thought. 00:37:45.019 --> 00:37:45.340 It is 00:37:45.340 --> 00:37:45.900 emphatically 00:37:45.900 --> 00:37:47.019 no sacrifice. 00:37:48.260 --> 00:37:48.400 Say, 00:37:48.500 --> 00:37:49.000 rather it is 00:37:49.000 --> 00:37:49.699 a privilege, 00:37:50.420 --> 00:37:50.960 anxiety, 00:37:51.559 --> 00:37:52.019 sickness, 00:37:52.619 --> 00:37:53.139 suffering, 00:37:53.380 --> 00:37:54.139 or danger 00:37:54.139 --> 00:37:55.199 now and 00:37:55.199 --> 00:37:55.480 then. 00:37:56.400 --> 00:37:56.740 With the 00:37:56.740 --> 00:37:57.240 foregoing 00:37:57.240 --> 00:37:57.599 of the 00:37:57.599 --> 00:37:58.000 common 00:37:58.000 --> 00:37:58.679 conveniences 00:37:58.679 --> 00:37:59.340 and charities 00:37:59.340 --> 00:37:59.740 of this 00:37:59.740 --> 00:38:00.139 life, 00:38:00.559 --> 00:38:00.900 they may 00:38:00.900 --> 00:38:01.260 make us 00:38:01.260 --> 00:38:01.780 pause 00:38:01.780 --> 00:38:02.639 and cause 00:38:02.639 --> 00:38:03.179 the spirit 00:38:03.179 --> 00:38:03.960 to waver 00:38:03.960 --> 00:38:04.559 and the soul 00:38:04.559 --> 00:38:05.119 to sink, 00:38:05.340 --> 00:38:05.880 but let this 00:38:05.880 --> 00:38:06.480 only be for 00:38:06.480 --> 00:38:06.960 a moment. 00:38:07.500 --> 00:38:07.960 All these 00:38:07.960 --> 00:38:08.619 are nothing 00:38:08.619 --> 00:38:09.519 when compared 00:38:09.519 --> 00:38:10.340 with the glory 00:38:10.340 --> 00:38:11.039 which shall 00:38:11.039 --> 00:38:11.500 be revealed 00:38:11.500 --> 00:38:12.119 in us 00:38:12.119 --> 00:38:12.820 and for 00:38:12.820 --> 00:38:13.199 us. 00:38:13.539 --> 00:38:14.300 I never 00:38:14.300 --> 00:38:15.139 made a 00:38:15.139 --> 00:38:15.800 sacrifice. 00:38:18.800 --> 00:38:19.340 There's 00:38:19.340 --> 00:38:19.719 someone who 00:38:19.719 --> 00:38:20.340 knew God's 00:38:20.340 --> 00:38:20.800 promises, 00:38:21.719 --> 00:38:23.099 who knew 00:38:23.099 --> 00:38:23.400 what it 00:38:23.400 --> 00:38:23.820 meant to 00:38:23.820 --> 00:38:24.260 lose the 00:38:24.260 --> 00:38:24.599 ship, 00:38:25.400 --> 00:38:25.900 to gain 00:38:25.900 --> 00:38:26.460 his life. 00:38:29.619 --> 00:38:29.860 So, 00:38:29.940 --> 00:38:30.039 friend, 00:38:30.059 --> 00:38:30.340 if you're in 00:38:30.340 --> 00:38:30.800 the storm 00:38:30.800 --> 00:38:31.400 this morning, 00:38:32.119 --> 00:38:32.760 trust God. 00:38:33.679 --> 00:38:34.000 Hold 00:38:34.000 --> 00:38:34.960 fast to 00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:35.420 him and 00:38:35.420 --> 00:38:35.940 his promises. 00:38:36.380 --> 00:38:36.579 Hold 00:38:36.579 --> 00:38:37.159 fast to 00:38:37.159 --> 00:38:37.840 Jesus Christ, 00:38:37.920 --> 00:38:38.300 the one in 00:38:38.300 --> 00:38:38.840 whom all 00:38:38.840 --> 00:38:39.519 God's promises 00:38:39.519 --> 00:38:39.960 find their 00:38:39.960 --> 00:38:40.380 yes, 00:38:40.719 --> 00:38:41.039 find their 00:38:41.039 --> 00:38:41.559 fulfillment. 00:38:43.159 --> 00:38:43.519 And not 00:38:43.519 --> 00:38:43.840 only will 00:38:43.840 --> 00:38:44.460 God fill 00:38:44.460 --> 00:38:44.840 you with 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:45.539 courage 00:38:45.539 --> 00:38:46.480 and hope, 00:38:46.980 --> 00:38:47.360 but he'll 00:38:47.360 --> 00:38:47.920 make you a 00:38:47.920 --> 00:38:49.199 fearless agent 00:38:49.199 --> 00:38:49.739 of hope 00:38:49.739 --> 00:38:52.139 in the 00:38:52.139 --> 00:38:52.400 world. 00:38:53.619 --> 00:38:54.079 Let's 00:38:54.079 --> 00:38:54.280 pray. 00:38:59.880 --> 00:39:00.539 Lord Jesus, 00:39:00.679 --> 00:39:01.219 we ask 00:39:01.219 --> 00:39:03.619 that you 00:39:03.619 --> 00:39:04.059 would fill 00:39:04.059 --> 00:39:04.480 us with 00:39:04.480 --> 00:39:05.139 the confidence 00:39:05.139 --> 00:39:06.219 and the 00:39:06.219 --> 00:39:06.759 courage 00:39:06.759 --> 00:39:10.659 that this 00:39:10.659 --> 00:39:11.420 passage speaks 00:39:11.420 --> 00:39:11.659 of. 00:39:12.799 --> 00:39:13.059 Lord, 00:39:13.139 --> 00:39:13.480 send your 00:39:13.480 --> 00:39:13.920 spirit, 00:39:14.059 --> 00:39:14.519 we pray, 00:39:15.039 --> 00:39:15.799 to help 00:39:15.799 --> 00:39:16.319 us see 00:39:16.319 --> 00:39:16.719 that our 00:39:16.719 --> 00:39:17.379 hope is 00:39:17.379 --> 00:39:17.859 immovable, 00:39:18.019 --> 00:39:18.259 that it 00:39:18.259 --> 00:39:18.659 stands 00:39:18.659 --> 00:39:19.199 fast, 00:39:20.480 --> 00:39:23.059 that in 00:39:23.059 --> 00:39:23.599 every storm 00:39:23.599 --> 00:39:23.900 you are 00:39:23.900 --> 00:39:24.440 bringing us 00:39:24.440 --> 00:39:24.839 towards the 00:39:24.839 --> 00:39:25.839 harbor of 00:39:25.839 --> 00:39:26.379 your goodness, 00:39:27.019 --> 00:39:27.359 of your 00:39:27.359 --> 00:39:27.799 grace, 00:39:28.359 --> 00:39:28.619 and of 00:39:28.619 --> 00:39:29.039 your glorious 00:39:29.039 --> 00:39:29.519 future. 00:39:30.480 --> 00:39:30.960 Amen. 00:39:30.960 --> 00:39:31.059 Amen. 00:39:35.139 --> 00:39:36.139 Amen.