Sermon Video: The Anchor holds, in spite of the storm - Acts 27

During the journey to Rome, where he will face a legal trial despite his innocence, the Apostle Paul faces a more immediate threat: a terrific storm.  After enduring the storm for nearly two weeks, all those on board lost hope, including Luke, Aristarchus, and Paul.  Paul and his companions had not lost their faith, they still remained firmly convinced in the love and power of God, it was simply a question of whether or not God would choose to intervene in their current situation.  In other words, they did not despair regarding their souls, but saw no sign that their mortal bodies would survive the storm.  To lose hope, in this life, is NOT a failure of faith, for we have not been promised a life free of trial or tribulation, and everyone has a breaking point, nobody is impervious to being worn down by pressure (whether it be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual).  We must, as Christians, be honest with each other regarding the troubles we're experiencing, we must admit when we are battered and worn, and be wiling to receive help, and we must be willing to give that help in turn.

When all hope was lost, an angel spoke to Paul and reassured him that the lives of all those aboard would be spared.  At that point, when God had spoken, Paul's outlook changed, hopelessness was replaced with confidence, because Paul knew God already, he had experienced the power of God in his own life, and had seen that the Word of God could be completely trusted.  Notice: God did spare all 276 aboard the ship, as he had promised, but the ship was still destroyed, the people aboard still had to swim to shore amidst the crashing waves.  That which God has promised, he will do.

The sermon title was obviously inspired by the Lawrence Chewning song, "The Anchor Holds" made famous by Ray Boltz.  Credit where credit is due.

To watch the video, click on the link below: