This blog serves as an outreach for Pastor Randy Powell of the First Baptist Church of Franklin, PA. Feel free to ask questions or send me an e-mail at pastorpowell@hotmail.com
The Apostle Paul wants you to know that if your hope is in Christ, the love of God CANNOT be taken away from you, it cannot be overcome, deleted, sabotaged, or in any other way removed. It is permanent, period.
So, why don't we live like we believe that to be true? How differently would we live if that confidence were as strong as the "more than conquerors" verdict that Romans imparts to us?
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.
Hope is a necessity. It may not sound as necessary as food and water, but we need hope. The future is unknown, our own deaths are certain, where will we be without hope? False hope abounds, where can we find true hope? The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead offers humanity living hope. Hope that will not disappoint, and hope that is connected by faith to the glories of heaven in the age to come. Because we, as Christians, have this living hope in our lives, everything changes. We no longer fear death, we can sacrifice today in service to God's kingdom, and we can share the joy we feel with those around us.
As the beginning of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, this opening passage reflects the optimism and hope that Paul felt toward this church, the first in Europe. Paul expresses to them that he is confident that the work of redemption that God had begun in them collectively would indeed be continued until its completion. Paul had ample reason to be confident as he had himself seen the power and faithfulness of God in his own life and was well aware of God's Covenant faithfulness to his people Israel throughout their history. Therefore Paul could share his confidence with the church at Philippi knowing that his trust in God would not be misplaced, the work of God would indeed continue as the message of grace and peace through faith in Christ planted seeds that sprout to this day.
To watch the video, click on the link below: Sermon Video
In this psalm David expresses his joy and confidence which come from the love and protection of the Lord. Despite wandering around in the desert, David knew that God was with him in the no matter what. If the doubts came in the night, God was there. That absolute confidence in God's Word allowed David to proclaim his ability to sing out in the shadow of God's protective wings in defiance of his enemies. We too, with the guarantee of the Holy Spirit can rejoice in our confidence in the promises of God.
To watch the video, click on the link below: Sermon Video
