I just learned how to link MP3 files to my blog. I have posted the last sermon I gave here at EFC. Hope you enjoy it!
Right click on the "Dowload File" button below and save the MP3 file on your computer or devise.
Sermon from Acts 27. August 2007. Matt Messner, Eastside Foursquare Church. 9 a.m. service.
DOWNLOAD FILE
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Keeping Church Real
Growing churches are often suspect -- accused of "selling out" to a corporate model or a watered down version of the Gospel. Mega-churches do face the challenge of creating community, accountability and fellowship -- but it seems to me as though many churches are meeting this challenge. One example is Victory Christian Fellowship in Manila, Philippines. Steve Murrell is the pastor there and is a very focused visionary. Here is how he describes Victory:
My church, Victory Christian Fellowship, is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, disciple-making, family-friendly, mission-driven, multi-generational, multi-site church with 4000 small group leaders and 60 weekend worship services in 14 venues in a large city. In the next 3 or 4 years, we hope to have 24 venues, 100 worship services and 8000 well-trained small group leaders in our city.
I am not suggesting that the 3 points below should be the corporate culture of your church – every church needs to figure out what corporate culture serves their unique vision and values – but these 3 help us do what God has called us to do.
1. The passionate vision of a world-wide mission movement – a missional culture. It all starts with a vision to reach our world and our neighborhood, to plant churches in every nation and small groups in every coffee shop, to send missionaries around the world and across the street. This is what we are called to do. Vision. Mission. I love both. But God loves people, so we must develop...
2. The caring atmosphere of a church family – a relational culture. Now it gets difficult. How do I run with the vision, and not run over people? It is common for visionary movements to leave a trail of body bags dotting the path of their world-changing activities. It is also common for highly relational ministries to accomplish little. Is it possible to be visionary and relational at the same time? Vision & family - we have to be both, while also developing...
3. The organizational excellence of a multinational corporation – a professional culture. Corporate excellence. Professionalism. In every area - accounting, IT, HR, graphics, facilities, communication - we must operate by the same standard as other institutions in our community. And that standard is different in every context. We reject the worn-out idea that giving God leftovers is acceptable. He deserves and demands our first and our best.
But, how do we keep a family/relational atmosphere and maintain professional excellence as we run with the vision and fulfill the mission?
I must admit - it’s hard to hold to all three at the same time, because sometimes they seem to pull in opposite directions. But, I know that our success is, in part, dependent on creating and maintaining the right corporate culture. Yours is too.
The focus is on making disciples through small groups. This is nothing new, but it is a critical strategy in order to see a multiplying church.
The danger all church leaders face is the constant pull towards institutionalism. It pulls us from people to programs. It takes us away from community and instead offers corporate. Pretty soon the church becomes defined as a building or a campus. People wonder why they are socially disconnected and increasingly busy. They may be gaining information from great classes but they end up isolated and lost in the crowd.
What "programs" do we really need? How can we give people back some of their time for family and friends? How can we give people an opportunity to experience vibrant community in a de-institutionalized environment? What can we say "no" to which would thereby free people to do something that would be more effective in seeing the Church grow?
My church, Victory Christian Fellowship, is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, disciple-making, family-friendly, mission-driven, multi-generational, multi-site church with 4000 small group leaders and 60 weekend worship services in 14 venues in a large city. In the next 3 or 4 years, we hope to have 24 venues, 100 worship services and 8000 well-trained small group leaders in our city.
I am not suggesting that the 3 points below should be the corporate culture of your church – every church needs to figure out what corporate culture serves their unique vision and values – but these 3 help us do what God has called us to do.
1. The passionate vision of a world-wide mission movement – a missional culture. It all starts with a vision to reach our world and our neighborhood, to plant churches in every nation and small groups in every coffee shop, to send missionaries around the world and across the street. This is what we are called to do. Vision. Mission. I love both. But God loves people, so we must develop...
2. The caring atmosphere of a church family – a relational culture. Now it gets difficult. How do I run with the vision, and not run over people? It is common for visionary movements to leave a trail of body bags dotting the path of their world-changing activities. It is also common for highly relational ministries to accomplish little. Is it possible to be visionary and relational at the same time? Vision & family - we have to be both, while also developing...
3. The organizational excellence of a multinational corporation – a professional culture. Corporate excellence. Professionalism. In every area - accounting, IT, HR, graphics, facilities, communication - we must operate by the same standard as other institutions in our community. And that standard is different in every context. We reject the worn-out idea that giving God leftovers is acceptable. He deserves and demands our first and our best.
But, how do we keep a family/relational atmosphere and maintain professional excellence as we run with the vision and fulfill the mission?
I must admit - it’s hard to hold to all three at the same time, because sometimes they seem to pull in opposite directions. But, I know that our success is, in part, dependent on creating and maintaining the right corporate culture. Yours is too.
The focus is on making disciples through small groups. This is nothing new, but it is a critical strategy in order to see a multiplying church.
The danger all church leaders face is the constant pull towards institutionalism. It pulls us from people to programs. It takes us away from community and instead offers corporate. Pretty soon the church becomes defined as a building or a campus. People wonder why they are socially disconnected and increasingly busy. They may be gaining information from great classes but they end up isolated and lost in the crowd.
What "programs" do we really need? How can we give people back some of their time for family and friends? How can we give people an opportunity to experience vibrant community in a de-institutionalized environment? What can we say "no" to which would thereby free people to do something that would be more effective in seeing the Church grow?
Remember the Korean Hostages
Update -- August 31st
It now appears that our prayers have been answered! The hostages are now back home and are safe. At the same time, there are consequences to the negotiations that were made in order to secure their release. A missionary friend in Kazakhstan provides these insightful thoughts and questions:
August 31st, 2007
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Good News…all have been released. PTL!
Keep praying though, this has made a major impact in various forms over the region of the Middle East
and Asia…some positive and negative.
I am not sure of my history, but this may be the first time in history that a Nation has forbid Christian Missionaries to leave their homeland and go to a foreign land. If so, this sets a major president for the future. (As of this event the Nation of Korea has promised the Taliban that they would not allow any Christian Missionaries to leave Korea and enter Afghanistan). Also ALL Christian workers have been issued an order to leave Afghanistan and return to Korea. You may not know that the Korean Churches have sent more workers to Afghanistan than any other nation, if not the largest… it is one of the largest.
You may think that many will welcome these hostages back home and indeed their families/their Churches are rejoicing. But in Korea, reports are spreading that discussions have emerged about the possible imprisonment of our Christian Brothers and Sisters. For the Korean government, this in many was has been a “loss of face”. Others are reporting that it also is having a negative impact among Churches
throughout the region, as you can see in the news report below that the War and Christian Missions are seen to go hand in hand, at least in the eyes of the Taliban…this is not unusual.
I am not making a political statement here…just giving the picture of what is happing so you can pray!
Keep praying that the Lord of the Harvest will send forth laborers into the Harvest. The Scripture is clear….
Go into ALL the world and make disciples…. It is clear now that not only will there be persecution, death, etc..but one of the battles we will face in bringing the Gospel to Millions of Muslims around the world is a misunderstanding or our purpose. May we be bold and full of the Love of Jesus as we continue to obey our Lords command…
Let us not forget our two brothers who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel in Afghanistan in the last few weeks… Let us not forget our brothers in Turkey who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel in Turkey in the last few weeks….
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Good News…all have been released. PTL!
Keep praying though, this has made a major impact in various forms over the region of the Middle East
and Asia…some positive and negative.
I am not sure of my history, but this may be the first time in history that a Nation has forbid Christian Missionaries to leave their homeland and go to a foreign land. If so, this sets a major president for the future. (As of this event the Nation of Korea has promised the Taliban that they would not allow any Christian Missionaries to leave Korea and enter Afghanistan). Also ALL Christian workers have been issued an order to leave Afghanistan and return to Korea. You may not know that the Korean Churches have sent more workers to Afghanistan than any other nation, if not the largest… it is one of the largest.
You may think that many will welcome these hostages back home and indeed their families/their Churches are rejoicing. But in Korea, reports are spreading that discussions have emerged about the possible imprisonment of our Christian Brothers and Sisters. For the Korean government, this in many was has been a “loss of face”. Others are reporting that it also is having a negative impact among Churches
throughout the region, as you can see in the news report below that the War and Christian Missions are seen to go hand in hand, at least in the eyes of the Taliban…this is not unusual.
I am not making a political statement here…just giving the picture of what is happing so you can pray!
Keep praying that the Lord of the Harvest will send forth laborers into the Harvest. The Scripture is clear….
Go into ALL the world and make disciples…. It is clear now that not only will there be persecution, death, etc..but one of the battles we will face in bringing the Gospel to Millions of Muslims around the world is a misunderstanding or our purpose. May we be bold and full of the Love of Jesus as we continue to obey our Lords command…
Let us not forget our two brothers who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel in Afghanistan in the last few weeks… Let us not forget our brothers in Turkey who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel in Turkey in the last few weeks….
Until all Muslims have heard,
John B. Weed
John B. Weed
Update -- August 30
12 of the remaining hostages have been released. Nine are still in captivity. The price for the release of the hostages was a promise to withdraw their 200 non-combative troops (engineers and medical workers) from Afghanistan as well as making a national promise to halt all Christian missionary work in Afghanistan. A good choice? What do you think? Keep praying for the remaining nine...
Update -- August 28 -- According to US News and World Report…the Taliban have pledged today to free the hostages…pray that this really
happens as we have seen many deadlines, promises, etc…when they are on the plane back to Korea, then we will know.
I keep thinking and praying for the Korean Hostages in Afghanistan. It is hard to find current information on the crisis there. Today is the 33rd day of captivity for the 19 remaining hostages. I have led many medical and relief teams to third world countries before, so this story really got my attention.
Christians today are the most persecuted religious group in the world. This may come as a surprise to some, but it is a well documented reality, particularly with the rise of extreme expressions of Islam. Learn more about this fact by visiting http://www.persecutedchurch.org/.
There is an excellent blog about the Korean Hostage crisis at this link:
Why is it that this story has dropped out of the news?
Current face to face negotiations between the Taliban and Korean officials have failed but a new deadline has been set for the lives of the captives. According to the purported spokesperson of the Taliban, their “Leadership Council” will determine the fate of the hostages.
I challenge you to prayerfully respond to the challenge of Hebrews 13:3:
12 of the remaining hostages have been released. Nine are still in captivity. The price for the release of the hostages was a promise to withdraw their 200 non-combative troops (engineers and medical workers) from Afghanistan as well as making a national promise to halt all Christian missionary work in Afghanistan. A good choice? What do you think? Keep praying for the remaining nine...
Update -- August 28 -- According to US News and World Report…the Taliban have pledged today to free the hostages…pray that this really
happens as we have seen many deadlines, promises, etc…when they are on the plane back to Korea, then we will know.
I keep thinking and praying for the Korean Hostages in Afghanistan. It is hard to find current information on the crisis there. Today is the 33rd day of captivity for the 19 remaining hostages. I have led many medical and relief teams to third world countries before, so this story really got my attention.
Christians today are the most persecuted religious group in the world. This may come as a surprise to some, but it is a well documented reality, particularly with the rise of extreme expressions of Islam. Learn more about this fact by visiting http://www.persecutedchurch.org/.
There is an excellent blog about the Korean Hostage crisis at this link:
Why is it that this story has dropped out of the news?
Current face to face negotiations between the Taliban and Korean officials have failed but a new deadline has been set for the lives of the captives. According to the purported spokesperson of the Taliban, their “Leadership Council” will determine the fate of the hostages.
I challenge you to prayerfully respond to the challenge of Hebrews 13:3:
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Legacy Auction Guided Hike #1
Rollie Perez was the winner of my "Guided Alpine Hike" from this year's Legacy Auction (benefiting the new Community Center at Eastside). Early Friday morning I picked him up at his house and set out for the Pinnacle Lake Trail off Mountain Look Highway. Shaun Wilson and my son Levi joined the party. We took two cars, dropping one the Mount Pilchuck trail head and then riding together to the Pinnacle Lake Trail head. The weather was perfect and we arrived at the parking lot at 10 a.m. The rains of last Fall have washed out the road to the trail, adding a 1.9 mile hike to the trail head. Ascending through nice forests we arrived at Pinnacle Lake and enjoyed lunch while watching the trout cruising the shoreline.
From Pinnacle Lake we found our way along the rugged shoreline before beginning the long slog up Iodine Gulch. This was the most physically demanding part of the hike. To make things worse, mosquitoes were swarming. They especially seemed to like Rollie. Levi spotted a large marmot and was able to snap a nice photo. 
Once at the top of Iodine Gulch we were rewarded with great views of Glacier Peak. From there we began following yellow paint which marks the difficult route from there to the summit of Mount Pilchuck.
A half mile from the top of Iodine Gulch we arrived at the breathtaking Bathtub Lakes. We counted nine lakes and enjoyed about an hour which was highlighted by some icy plunges off a rock into one of the lakes. This felt great -- as soon as you were out of the water. We had good cell phone coverage here so we called our families and stocked up on fresh water. We were the only people at the lakes. 
Once we left the Bathtub Lakes we began the "scramble" route climbing the ridge that is high above Lake 22 and Heather Lakes. The views were awesome and the exposed cliffs added to the excitement. There were a few places that required a little climbing. Everyone was having fun and were doing well physically.
The final push to the summit was up a near vertical glass gully. The lookout was full of hikers but it cleared out as dusk arrived. We enjoyed Pad Thai, salmon, and Teriyaki Chicken for dinner. It tasted great! The sunset was amazing and we even saw fireworks from the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.
We slept well -- clouds and drizzle arrived during the night obstructing any view of the sunrise. Our hike down was easy (2 miles or so). On the way out we stopped at the Monte Cristo Cafe (restaurant) for omelettes, steak and eggs and coffee. It was a great finish to a great hike! 
Monday, August 20, 2007
Random Recent Events
Reunion Recap
I made it to my 20th reunion of the Marshfield High School Class of 1987 in Coos Bay, Oregon. It was great seeing old friends. I was surprised by the closeness that remained after 20 years, during which most of us had little or no communication. I plan on seeing if I can keep better connected to some of these people so that I don't have to wait until we're nearly 50 before speaking again. It goes to show the power of friendships and also the influence that our adolescence carries over into adulthood. I realized that my childrens' current friends may last their lifetime...Friends and family remain the primary influences over the youth of today, as reported in this insightful article I read in the Seattle Times: Happiness for Today's Youth.
Tuna Frenzy
One of the highlights of the trip was tuna fishing with my dad and neice. It was the first time I have ever gone tuna fishing. Once 20 miles off shore we dropped our lines and immediately started catching fish. Tuna are strong and bringing them in involved pulling the lines in hand over hand while the fish fought to get away. We ended up with 18 fish in the boat and 250 lbs. of fish. Not bad. Now we have a lot of canning to do. Let me know if you want some tuna.
Speaking at Kids High Camp
This week I will be speaking to 200+ kids at our camp for 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Heidi and Levi just got back from Jr. High Camp, and before that Alicia was at Sr. High Camp. Camps are tremendous times of ministry and a highlight of our summers.
Life truly is a great adventure!
I made it to my 20th reunion of the Marshfield High School Class of 1987 in Coos Bay, Oregon. It was great seeing old friends. I was surprised by the closeness that remained after 20 years, during which most of us had little or no communication. I plan on seeing if I can keep better connected to some of these people so that I don't have to wait until we're nearly 50 before speaking again. It goes to show the power of friendships and also the influence that our adolescence carries over into adulthood. I realized that my childrens' current friends may last their lifetime...Friends and family remain the primary influences over the youth of today, as reported in this insightful article I read in the Seattle Times: Happiness for Today's Youth.
Tuna Frenzy
One of the highlights of the trip was tuna fishing with my dad and neice. It was the first time I have ever gone tuna fishing. Once 20 miles off shore we dropped our lines and immediately started catching fish. Tuna are strong and bringing them in involved pulling the lines in hand over hand while the fish fought to get away. We ended up with 18 fish in the boat and 250 lbs. of fish. Not bad. Now we have a lot of canning to do. Let me know if you want some tuna.
Speaking at Kids High Camp
This week I will be speaking to 200+ kids at our camp for 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Heidi and Levi just got back from Jr. High Camp, and before that Alicia was at Sr. High Camp. Camps are tremendous times of ministry and a highlight of our summers.
Life truly is a great adventure!
Friday, August 17, 2007
20 Year Class Reunion
I'm in Coos Bay, Oregon for my 20 year class reunion.
The last time I saw some of these people was when I was about the same age as our daughter. We have changed in many ways, but in some ways we have not. Some are doing "well" -- others stayed home out of embarrassment over their life or just because they would like to keep the past in the past. At least those are two reasons people didn't show up.
I drove by my old elementary school. It is closed now. Overgrown with weeds. The concrete on the playground is broken. My first grade classroom is there. I can almost hear the sounds of children and vividly remember recess and library and field day. The ghosts of memories gone by.
Tonight I went to the first "event" of the reunion -- At Molly's Pizza Parlor. A place next to the high school where we used to go during lunch to play video games. It was fun seeing old friends but the conversations were mostly shallow -- It was noisy and crowded...sometimes difficult to remember names.
"How are you? Good to see you. Where do you live? Are you married? Tell me about your kids? What do you do for work? Nice seeing you again..."
It got old fast. I had some good conversations as well...but most followed the shallow script. I left early.
Tomorrow I'm going tuna fishing with my father, my uncle and my niece. That should be fun. Maybe tomorrow night at the reunion it wont be so noisy...
Coos Bay is my Nazareth...not much of a town. It's just where I am from. Not a bad place to be from, but not a place where many people want to be.
The last time I saw some of these people was when I was about the same age as our daughter. We have changed in many ways, but in some ways we have not. Some are doing "well" -- others stayed home out of embarrassment over their life or just because they would like to keep the past in the past. At least those are two reasons people didn't show up.
I drove by my old elementary school. It is closed now. Overgrown with weeds. The concrete on the playground is broken. My first grade classroom is there. I can almost hear the sounds of children and vividly remember recess and library and field day. The ghosts of memories gone by.
Tonight I went to the first "event" of the reunion -- At Molly's Pizza Parlor. A place next to the high school where we used to go during lunch to play video games. It was fun seeing old friends but the conversations were mostly shallow -- It was noisy and crowded...sometimes difficult to remember names.
"How are you? Good to see you. Where do you live? Are you married? Tell me about your kids? What do you do for work? Nice seeing you again..."
It got old fast. I had some good conversations as well...but most followed the shallow script. I left early.
Tomorrow I'm going tuna fishing with my father, my uncle and my niece. That should be fun. Maybe tomorrow night at the reunion it wont be so noisy...
Coos Bay is my Nazareth...not much of a town. It's just where I am from. Not a bad place to be from, but not a place where many people want to be.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Robin Lakes and Granite Mountain Trail Run
Today I was anxious to explore one of Washington State's hidden gems; the "Mini-Enchantments" -- a stunning place of deep blue lakes, glacier polished granite, mountain goats galore and some pristine peaks for scrambling. This is not an easy place to get to, as this report will confirm.
I left my house at 5:40 a.m., stopping for a triple Americano before hopping on the freeway and making my way over Snoqualmie Pass to Roslyn. From there I drove towards Salmon La Sac eventually arriving at the Deception Pass trailhead (3400 ft.) (the last ten miles of the drive were on rugged, dirt roads).
At 8 a.m. I set out at a jog carrying only gatorade, snacks, my camera, gps, and a few other supplies. Looking towards Cathedral Rock and Mount Daniel I was reminiscing over last year's 2 1/2 day run on the PCT, which passes right by those landmarks.
At 4.5 miles the trail turns UPHILL and becomes a rugged climb -- ascending rapidly to Tuck Lake. After that, the trail is difficult to find and becomes a scramble -- one that is well worth it. Robin Lakes are amazing and I arrived to stunning views and more mountain goats than people. After snapping photos I pushed on up Granite Mountain, arriving at the 7144 ft. summit at 11:30 a.m. The trip down went pretty well -- except for the time that I slipped and ended up with a nasy gash in my shin (I decided not to post a photo). It was getting hot but my gatorade lasted until the final two miles. I also enjoyed a swim to cool off in Hyas Lake. And I marveled at the hikers gutting it out as they trudged up the trail with their heavy packs. I'm pretty sure some of them were going to have a hard time making it to their destinations.
All together I think I logged 19 miles with lots of climbing. I was back at my car at 2 p.m. and make it home before dinner.
I would highly recommend this hike. It is one of the most beautiful ones I have done. Just don't try to do it in a day.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Sermon: Lessons from the Storm
August 5/6, 2007
Series: Going Deeper
Title: Lessons from the Storm
Matt Messner
Text: Acts 27:1-44
Intro
They say that 200 million Americans travel by air every summer. That is a heck of a lot of people. Summer is supposed to be a good time to travel. Good weather, no snow storms, so glichless, and stress free flying – these are what you would hope to find. One week ago I was on my way back from Israel and had to clear customs in Newark, New Jersey. It was just a two hour stop—long enough to clear customs. So we boarded our next plane (bound for Los Angeles), just about on schedule. We pulled out onto the runway, and parked. Does anyone here know why the air conditioning doesn’t work when a plane is parked? Pretty soon the pilot turns off the engine to conserve gas. So we are sitting there in the hot and cramped plane. The captain announces, “There is a storm just to the West of us. We think it may clear soon, so we are going to wait here for a while. We are 41st in line for take off, so it might be a while. Right now, no one is being allowed to take off.” 30 minutes later, I see a guy dressed up as a captain, chatting with people in the aisle. So I turn on my phone, go online, and find out that sure enough, there in NJ, there was a localized thunderstorm that included 70 mph winds and nickel sized hail. GREAT! So we sat and we sat and we sat. Planes began going back to the terminal to re-fuel. Airlines began cancelling flights…but we were determined to make it to LA. I had to be back for service the next night! Four hours later we took off.
Storms are so inconvenient! They get in our way. They make us uncomfortable. They stress us out. They disrupt our plans…and they are not just meteorological. In fact, in life we encounter storms; storms in relationships. We have storms emotionally; in our jobs, at school. They are a regular part of life. The question is, how do we make it through the storms while experiencing the peace that the HS can bring to your life?
The Apostle Paul’s life had its share of storms. The story that we will be looking at together has to do with a major storm. To catch up with that time in Paul’s life let me summarize some events that preceded it. After his third missionary journey, Paul arrives in Jerusalem, where he is falsely arrested for sacrilege (bringing Gentiles into the temple), taken into custody, and sent to Caesarea to stand trial before the governor Felix. After two years of procrastination on the part of his detainers, he appealed to have his case transferred to the hearing of the emperor. His request was granted and he was sent to Rome.
Journey to Italy
· His traveling companions include Julius the centurion, Aristarchus and Luke (Acts 27:1-3)
· They travel from Caesarea to Sidon to Myra (transfer to a cargo ship with 270 people on board) to the South shore of Crete. (Acts 27:4-8)
· After skipping port at Fair Havens a storm hits
· Ship wreck on Malta (Acts 27:1-44)
The story is found in Acts 27. From this storm story we will gain insight into how to and how not to negotiate the storms that we face.
I. 27:1-12
Things were going from bad to worse for Paul and his companions. People were not listening to him. He must have felt helpless. He had a serious premonition about what was ahead for them. But he is basically ignored.
When was there a time that you saw people heading down a disastrous path and you knew it? Maybe, like Paul, you even said something but you were ignored. “Stop!” “Don’t go that way!” We see this at times with our loved ones. (Addiction, peer pressure, poor choice. You see it when someone enters into a relationship with someone who is going to have a negative influence on them). We see it in our corporate settings. But your boss doesn’t necessarily value your input. i.e.: marriages, unplanned pregnancy
The problem is when you’re locked in the car with them. It’s one thing if the mistakes only effected one person, but when it effects you, what can you do? Paul was helpless, but he could see that a disaster was on the horizon.
Lessons from the storm: 1 .We are not in control.
No matter how much faith you have and how hard you pray, you are not in control. There are things you cannot manipulate no matter how hard you try or how hard you pray.
II. 27:13-20
I understand why they lost hope. Makes sense to me. They faced a real danger. They were pushed beyond their limits. And they lost hope.
When you are pushed and life is tough, one real option is hopelessness.
Last week, flying back from Israel…hopeless
My grandfather has been sick. For a few weeks. We called some relatives to check up on him and they told us that they had scheduled a memorial service for him…hopeless. I’ve felt hopeless for relationships. For marriages. For people.
Lessons from the storm: 2. There are times when we lose hope.
Are you OK with this? Do you have a safety net?
Are you there right now? Is there someone you know who has lost hope? They need you. Believe in them!
III. 27:21-26
Same situation…different perspective. A different response to the real danger and the real threats.
“I urge you to keep up your courage”.
Urge: strongly advise you to do this. I warn you. This is really important!
Euthumeo: “Keep up your courage”: Lit.: to be of good cheer, to reassure, to comfort, to regain composure. In medicine, it refers to the sick keeping up their spirits. The noun euthemia means a good interior disposition, courageous good humor, an optimistic outlook that causes the heart to swell and preserves or favors the appearance of that internal equilibrium that constitutes good health.
Keep up your courage!
A choice they had to make!
A choice that we can make as well! Choose hopelessness, or courage.
What was the source of courage?
A promise!
v. 24: Do not be afraid.
v. 25: Have faith in God
v.26: It will not be easy…
Promises:
Hebrews 13:5/Deut. 31:6 “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Ephesians 1:18-23 “The same power that raised Christ from…”
“No weapon that’s fashioned against us” – Isaiah 54:17
“Nothing can separate you from the love of God” Romans 8:35-39
What is it that makes the promises more than words on page? The presence of the HS
John 14:16-18
The Old Testament Promise: “I will be your God, you will be my people, and I will dwell in the midst of you.”
Acts 2: The realization of the abiding/constant presence of God.
Lessons from the storm: 3. When tempted to lose hope, focus on the promise and choose courage.
Jesus is our example: John 16:33
IV. 27:27-38
Their schemes are not the answer, God is. (vss. 31-32)
When challenged, your integrity will be tested. Our integrity gets tested when we are tired, when we are empty, when we are vulnerable due to fatigue. Storms have a way of making us feel this way.
Why hadn’t they eaten?
They were seasick. Ever been there before?
Too busy working…
To busy trying to survive…
Are you too busy to take in?
Have you been distracted?
Have you become sick?
Paul said, you need this to survive – physically.
Interesting alter call. Interesting experience of communion. It doesn’t take a storm to share in this experience. But it is good to be prepared for the storms that can come.
Fellow believers: You need this (communion) to survive – spiritually. A very good friend of mine had been struggling with an illness that had left him spiritually dry and empty. We shared communion together and he was encouraged.
Lessons from the storm: 4. Remember to take care of yourself, physically and spiritually (communion)
V. 27:39-44
The final threats continue, but are overcome. V. 44. How can you face current threats, differently.
I believe that today, all of us can reach land safely. The HS is the key. He isn’t a buzz, or a feeling, or an experience. He is the abiding Presence of God. “I am an ever present help in time of need”. He is the one that brings promises off the page of Bible and into real life.
Lessons from the story: 5. The promises and presence of God will provide you with peace/perspective.
Philippians 4:6-7
I have seen people go through the storms of life with great courage and dignity and peace.
Conclusion/Application
Remember the promises of God
Recognize His Presence
Promises + Presence = Peace/Perspective
Communion:
Bread:
Music: Use the “Break Through” song.
Cup:
Series: Going Deeper
Title: Lessons from the Storm
Matt Messner
Text: Acts 27:1-44
Intro
They say that 200 million Americans travel by air every summer. That is a heck of a lot of people. Summer is supposed to be a good time to travel. Good weather, no snow storms, so glichless, and stress free flying – these are what you would hope to find. One week ago I was on my way back from Israel and had to clear customs in Newark, New Jersey. It was just a two hour stop—long enough to clear customs. So we boarded our next plane (bound for Los Angeles), just about on schedule. We pulled out onto the runway, and parked. Does anyone here know why the air conditioning doesn’t work when a plane is parked? Pretty soon the pilot turns off the engine to conserve gas. So we are sitting there in the hot and cramped plane. The captain announces, “There is a storm just to the West of us. We think it may clear soon, so we are going to wait here for a while. We are 41st in line for take off, so it might be a while. Right now, no one is being allowed to take off.” 30 minutes later, I see a guy dressed up as a captain, chatting with people in the aisle. So I turn on my phone, go online, and find out that sure enough, there in NJ, there was a localized thunderstorm that included 70 mph winds and nickel sized hail. GREAT! So we sat and we sat and we sat. Planes began going back to the terminal to re-fuel. Airlines began cancelling flights…but we were determined to make it to LA. I had to be back for service the next night! Four hours later we took off.
Storms are so inconvenient! They get in our way. They make us uncomfortable. They stress us out. They disrupt our plans…and they are not just meteorological. In fact, in life we encounter storms; storms in relationships. We have storms emotionally; in our jobs, at school. They are a regular part of life. The question is, how do we make it through the storms while experiencing the peace that the HS can bring to your life?
The Apostle Paul’s life had its share of storms. The story that we will be looking at together has to do with a major storm. To catch up with that time in Paul’s life let me summarize some events that preceded it. After his third missionary journey, Paul arrives in Jerusalem, where he is falsely arrested for sacrilege (bringing Gentiles into the temple), taken into custody, and sent to Caesarea to stand trial before the governor Felix. After two years of procrastination on the part of his detainers, he appealed to have his case transferred to the hearing of the emperor. His request was granted and he was sent to Rome.
Journey to Italy
· His traveling companions include Julius the centurion, Aristarchus and Luke (Acts 27:1-3)
· They travel from Caesarea to Sidon to Myra (transfer to a cargo ship with 270 people on board) to the South shore of Crete. (Acts 27:4-8)
· After skipping port at Fair Havens a storm hits
· Ship wreck on Malta (Acts 27:1-44)
The story is found in Acts 27. From this storm story we will gain insight into how to and how not to negotiate the storms that we face.
I. 27:1-12
Things were going from bad to worse for Paul and his companions. People were not listening to him. He must have felt helpless. He had a serious premonition about what was ahead for them. But he is basically ignored.
When was there a time that you saw people heading down a disastrous path and you knew it? Maybe, like Paul, you even said something but you were ignored. “Stop!” “Don’t go that way!” We see this at times with our loved ones. (Addiction, peer pressure, poor choice. You see it when someone enters into a relationship with someone who is going to have a negative influence on them). We see it in our corporate settings. But your boss doesn’t necessarily value your input. i.e.: marriages, unplanned pregnancy
The problem is when you’re locked in the car with them. It’s one thing if the mistakes only effected one person, but when it effects you, what can you do? Paul was helpless, but he could see that a disaster was on the horizon.
Lessons from the storm: 1 .We are not in control.
No matter how much faith you have and how hard you pray, you are not in control. There are things you cannot manipulate no matter how hard you try or how hard you pray.
II. 27:13-20
I understand why they lost hope. Makes sense to me. They faced a real danger. They were pushed beyond their limits. And they lost hope.
When you are pushed and life is tough, one real option is hopelessness.
Last week, flying back from Israel…hopeless
My grandfather has been sick. For a few weeks. We called some relatives to check up on him and they told us that they had scheduled a memorial service for him…hopeless. I’ve felt hopeless for relationships. For marriages. For people.
Lessons from the storm: 2. There are times when we lose hope.
Are you OK with this? Do you have a safety net?
Are you there right now? Is there someone you know who has lost hope? They need you. Believe in them!
III. 27:21-26
Same situation…different perspective. A different response to the real danger and the real threats.
“I urge you to keep up your courage”.
Urge: strongly advise you to do this. I warn you. This is really important!
Euthumeo: “Keep up your courage”: Lit.: to be of good cheer, to reassure, to comfort, to regain composure. In medicine, it refers to the sick keeping up their spirits. The noun euthemia means a good interior disposition, courageous good humor, an optimistic outlook that causes the heart to swell and preserves or favors the appearance of that internal equilibrium that constitutes good health.
Keep up your courage!
A choice they had to make!
A choice that we can make as well! Choose hopelessness, or courage.
What was the source of courage?
A promise!
v. 24: Do not be afraid.
v. 25: Have faith in God
v.26: It will not be easy…
Promises:
Hebrews 13:5/Deut. 31:6 “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Ephesians 1:18-23 “The same power that raised Christ from…”
“No weapon that’s fashioned against us” – Isaiah 54:17
“Nothing can separate you from the love of God” Romans 8:35-39
What is it that makes the promises more than words on page? The presence of the HS
John 14:16-18
The Old Testament Promise: “I will be your God, you will be my people, and I will dwell in the midst of you.”
Acts 2: The realization of the abiding/constant presence of God.
Lessons from the storm: 3. When tempted to lose hope, focus on the promise and choose courage.
Jesus is our example: John 16:33
IV. 27:27-38
Their schemes are not the answer, God is. (vss. 31-32)
When challenged, your integrity will be tested. Our integrity gets tested when we are tired, when we are empty, when we are vulnerable due to fatigue. Storms have a way of making us feel this way.
Why hadn’t they eaten?
They were seasick. Ever been there before?
Too busy working…
To busy trying to survive…
Are you too busy to take in?
Have you been distracted?
Have you become sick?
Paul said, you need this to survive – physically.
Interesting alter call. Interesting experience of communion. It doesn’t take a storm to share in this experience. But it is good to be prepared for the storms that can come.
Fellow believers: You need this (communion) to survive – spiritually. A very good friend of mine had been struggling with an illness that had left him spiritually dry and empty. We shared communion together and he was encouraged.
Lessons from the storm: 4. Remember to take care of yourself, physically and spiritually (communion)
V. 27:39-44
The final threats continue, but are overcome. V. 44. How can you face current threats, differently.
I believe that today, all of us can reach land safely. The HS is the key. He isn’t a buzz, or a feeling, or an experience. He is the abiding Presence of God. “I am an ever present help in time of need”. He is the one that brings promises off the page of Bible and into real life.
Lessons from the story: 5. The promises and presence of God will provide you with peace/perspective.
Philippians 4:6-7
I have seen people go through the storms of life with great courage and dignity and peace.
Conclusion/Application
Remember the promises of God
Recognize His Presence
Promises + Presence = Peace/Perspective
Communion:
Bread:
Music: Use the “Break Through” song.
Cup:
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Lessons from the Storm
This weekend I will be speaking from Acts 27. This one of the most dramatic stories found in the New Testament. In this narrative the Apostle Paul finds himself at the mercy of a misguided merchant ship. If it wasn't enough for him to be a prisoner, he now faces immediate peril at sea.
Life has a way of placing us in circumstances that we would avoid if we could. Storms sometimes are just unavoidable. It's one thing to watch something happen to other people. It's quite another thing to be caught by surprise in the very eye of a storm.
My younger brother lives in Minneapolis. My sister-in-law is a doctor there. Yesterday she was on call at the ER at the hospital where she works. She was one of two physicians on the floor when the bridge collapsed in that city. 35 victims were rushed to their hospital. It was a day that would have shown well on ER. Happily, all the victims there survived their injuries.
We never know what life will brings. We truly are not in control. We make our plans, but they are subject to change. How we navigate through the storms is the true test of our character.
In what places in your life are storms brewing? How are you handling it?
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