Cling to God in Storms

Notes: Cling to God in Storms
Pastor Jason Powell
Acts 26
Valor Week 25
May 12, 2015

Jason is talking about how a few years ago was a great season for he and his wife. 

The Bible reflects on seasons in our lives.

Wonderful prospering seasons and dry seasons. Storm seasons come every year. Hurricane season is June 1st to November 30 on the East coast. There are tornado seasons in the mid west. We are taught how to prepare for those seasons. Being prepared is very important.

Paul's experiences in the storm teach us life lessons that we should apply during our life's storms.

In Acts 27, Paul is headed to Rome. Paul is heading to Rome in storm season.

Acts 27:9 NKJV
[9] Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,

The Fast was at the beginning of the storm season. To sail during this time was called "the Fools Challenge". It was not safe.

We can see 7 things in Paul's experiences:

Acts 27:1-8 NKJV
[1] And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. [2] So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. [3] And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. [4] When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. [5] And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. [6] There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board. [7] When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. [8] Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

Paul was with some of his friends on this boat. Luke, the writer of the Gospel, is with them now.

Julius let Paul go get help, that was not something they would typically do. 

Acts 27:6 NKJV
[6] There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.

They are now on a cargo ship from Egypt. It is filled with wheat and passengers. They are in the storm and now forced to go to Fair Haven.

1. Some storms can be avoided by using wisdom.

Acts 27:9-12 NKJV
[9] Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, [10] saying, "Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives." [11] Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. [12] And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

They were hoping to get to Phoenix, because it was nicer than Fair Haven. They were not happy with what they had, they wanted to be some place more fun.

Acts 27:13-15 NKJV
[13] When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. [14] But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. [15] So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.

2. Attempts to fight storms are futile. 

The wisdom from Paul is ignored and the result is the storm.

There are Perfecting, Protecting and Correcting storms in life.

Perfecting - Job
Protecting - Jesus Christ on sea of Galilee
Correcting - Jonah 

Many correcting storms can be avoided by wisdom. Wise counsel around me can save me.

3. Storms are governed by God

Psalm 107:27-30 NKJV
[27] They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end. [28] Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. [29] He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. [30] Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven.

Maybe the storm is guiding you to where God wants you to be.

He is quoting from a short book "Don't Waste Your Cancer" You will waste your disease if... Lots of great points! 

God does give us storms and designs them, we need to learn from them.

Acts 27:16-17 NKJV
[16] And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. [17] When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.

4. Storms should cause us to protect what is precious.

In a storm we can run to God or away from Him!

God is the most precious thing we have. When a storm hits we need to protect God.

It is me and God.

Philippians 3:8 NKJV
[8] Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

5. Storms expose excess

When there is excess it is the first to go in a storm.

The clothes, house and job don't matter in a storm.

6. Storms teach us to trust God.

Acts 27:20-26 NKJV
[20] Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up. [21] But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. [22] And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. [23] For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, [24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' [25] Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. [26] However, we must run aground on a certain island."

Storms really do teach us to trust God.

All hope was lost, God seems to respond most to our helplessness.

Cling to God.

7. In storms proclaim God's promises

Acts 27:27-38 NKJV
[27] Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. [28] And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. [29] Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. [30] And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, [31] Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." [32] Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off. [33] And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. [34] Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you." [35] And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. [36] Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. [37] And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. [38] So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.

Paul remembered God's promises and held onto them.

Acts 27:39-44 NKJV
[39] When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. [40] And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. [41] But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. [42] And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. [43] But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, [44] and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

God kept His promise!

What season are you in? 

Put your confidence in the God that controls the storm!

Can't Stop, Won't Stop (How Many Zeros?)

Notes: Can't Stop, Won't Stop (How Many Zeros?)

Matthew 15:21–28

Pastor Levi Lusko

MUSICAL GUEST: Marty Goetz

Sunday, May 10, 2015 — 12:00 p.m.

The thing about being a mom, the days are long but the years are short.

The mother in these verses went through a great trial with faith that impresses Jesus.

The whole sermon in one sentence: Expectation determines experience.

When we listen to a message, we should view ourselves as participants and not just spectators. It changes our whole experience.

Matthew 15:21-28 NKJV

[21] Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." [23] But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." [24] But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." [25] Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" [26] But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." [27] And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." [28] Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

She worshiped even when her first prayer was not appearing to be answered.

Passwords today seem to be out of control. We can make them so hard that we can never get back into that account again...it's just getting crazy. The thumb print on the iPhone is much easier. Faith is like our thumb print with God.

Great power is unlocked through great faith.

You can not receive from God what you don't give to Him in Faith.

Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Matthew 17:20 NKJV

[20] So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

The mothers faith was so strong that she kept asking.

Matthew 15:28 NKJV

[28] Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

She received the miracle she asked for.

Matthew 15:28 NKJV

[28] ?...Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

If you believe a little you may get a little, if you believe with it all then you open yourself up to all God has to offer.

Prayers are to be prayers, short and sweet can get it done for us.

See past the seed.

Faith is like a mustard seed. It starts little and ends up huge.

Huge things always start off small.

Zechariah 4:10 NKJV

[10] For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth."

Keep having faith.

Sometimes the mountain that needs moving is inside of you.

Trials can be there to change you on the inside.

Faith is the password.

For there to be faith there has to be mystery.

Hebrews 11:33 NKJV

[33] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Hebrews 11:37 NKJV

[37] They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented-

To be used by God may have a gory back story. You must always trust Him. Then you can get to the place you need to be.

You have to reinvest your miracles or you will run out of them.

The harvest is inside the seed. So if you stop sowing then you will stop reaping.

Seeds don't all germinate on the same schedule.

Even if we don't think sowing is working, we need to continue.

We don't get to evaluate if our faithfulness is working, that's God's work.

The lack of gifts today could be from the lack of sowing 2 years ago. We don't know, so we must continue to sow.

If your church is too big, then your love of people is too small!!

Genesis 15:2 NKJV

[2] But Abram said, "Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?"

Genesis 15:5 NKJV

[5] Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be."

You can't stop sowing and dreaming because God won't stop and neither shall you.

Whoever has the Son has life.

Leave the Work to God

Notes: Leave the Work to God
Acts 26
Jonathan Laurie
May 5, 2015

Harvest OC

Valor

The most powerful tool many of us have in proclaiming the Gospel is our own personal testimony.

Our job isn't to convert anyone, it is to proclaim the Gospel and leave the rest in God's hands.

Today is Cinco de Mayo which gives many people an excuse to party. In turn when they wake up with regret tomorrow, that is our opportunity to share the Gospel.

Acts 26:1-11 NKJV
[1] Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You are permitted to speak for yourself." So Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: [2] "I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, [3] especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. [4] "My manner of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know. [5] They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. [6] And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. [7] To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. [8] Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? [9] "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. [10] This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. [11] And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

1. Build a bridge.

Paul was building a bridge to Agrippa. His ultimate goal is to share the Gospel with Agrippa.

God cleans his fish after he captures them.

Paul was sharing his testimony to help give him the opportunity to reach Agrippa.

2. Sharing your testimony is a great bridge.

Paul doesn't exaggerate his story.

Don't lie or exaggerate your testimony. It will compromise your testimony.

Do not glamorize your testimony. Put it in its place, where it belongs.

We gave up death and sin for life and heaven.

Acts 26:12-18 NKJV
[12] "While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, [13] at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. [14] And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' [15] So I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [16] But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. [17] I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, [18] to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

3. This is Paul's life transformed by God.

He saw a light and he heard a voice.

The changing point for Jonathan was the death of his brother, Christopher.

He knew his brother was in Heaven and that he wasn't heading there. He turned to Christ shortly after that.

Acts 26:14 NKJV
[14] ... It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

Acts 26:19-23 NKJV
[19] "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, [20] but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. [21] For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. [22] Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come- [23] that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."

4. My life now in Christ.

Paul had become the very thing he hated.

He was killing Christians and now proclaims that Jesus is the way.

God has other plans for all of us.

Acts 26:24-32 NKJV
[24] Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" [25] But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. [26] For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. [27] King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe." [28] Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." [29] And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains." [30] When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; [31] and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains." [32] Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

5. I wish you were like me.

Paul presented his testimony, presented the Gospel and gave God the glory.

Agrippa heard the word, and was not converted. Gods will was still done for Paul.

Leave the work to God because God has got the devils credit card number.

The God of the Living

Notes: The God of the Living

Matthew 22 / 1 Corinthians 11

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Sunday, May 3, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Pastor Greg Laurie is teaching on the afterlife and answers commonly asked questions about Heaven.

Greg is telling us a funny story, about a guy trying to tell Peter something good that he did. That it is why he died and is standing there at Heaven.

God seems to have prewired us to long for Heaven.

God has so much waiting for us on the other side.

Generally people believe in the afterlife. 76% of Americans believe in Heaven.

                                   

Pharisees and Sadducees opposed Jesus Christ together.

Sadducees didn't believe in the afterlife.

John 3:13 NLT

[13] No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.

Matthew 22:23-33 NLT

[23] That same day Jesus was approached by some Sadducees-religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: [24] "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother's name.' [25] Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children, so his brother married the widow. [26] But the second brother also died, and the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them. [27] Last of all, the woman also died. [28] So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her." [29] Jesus replied, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. [30] For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. [31] "But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead-haven't you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, [32] 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead." [33] When the crowds heard him, they were astounded at his teaching.

1. A believer of Jesus never dies.

The soul lives on forever. Christians "move away".

2. There is a bodily resurrection.

Job 19:26 NLT

[26] And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!

You will still be you in the afterlife.

We do not become angels, we can't become them and they can't become us.

Luke 20:36 NLT

[36] And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection.

John 11:25 NLT

[25] Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

1 John 3:2 NLT

[2] Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

When we take our last breath on earth we will take our first breath in heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:52 NLT

[52] It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.

3. In Heaven, things are different in some ways and similar in others, but certainly better.

The absence away from loved ones is a comma not a period.

When we are in Heaven, God will be the focus of everything there.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NKJV

[17] Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV

[10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Revelation 21:4 NKJV

[4] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

We won't forget things but we will have a Heavenly perspective. The same way our perspective changes with age here, it will change to seeing things from God's perspective in heaven.

We will know more in Heaven then we know on Earth.

Revelation 6:10 NKJV

[10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

We are aware of things in heaven. We are aware of justice and we are aware of the passing of time.

Randy Alcorn says something like earthly marriage is a shadow or echo of the heavenly marriage between ourselves and Christ.

You don't go to Heaven to find Christ, you go to Christ to find Heaven!

Communion:

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 NKJV

[23] For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; [24] and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." [25] In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. [27] Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

1. Look back at the Cross, reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for each of us.

2. We must look within:

Are you where you need to be spiritually?

3. Look around

You are not alone, you are with your new family in Christ.

4. Look ahead

We are to observe communion until Christ returns.

Live a life as if Jesus were returning tonight.