Setting a Course in Peace Not Knowing the Storm is on the Horizon

Introduction:

A. As Christians, we should have a course that we are plotting towards Heaven:

1. Paul new that there would be storms, like that awaiting him in Jerusalem, but he still stayed the course: Acts 20:24

a. A course which he finished: II Timothy 4:7
b. Philippians 1:23-24; 3:7-8

2. I Corinthians 9:24
3. Hebrews 12:1-2
4. We should be able to say, as Jesus did…: John 17:4

B. It is easy to head out on calm waters (so to speak), but we must be aware that storms brew fast and can hit by surprise:

1. Matthew 14:22-30
2. Luke 8:22-25
3. Proverbs 27:1

I. Individually, We All Will Face Our Storms

A. We are foretold that we shall face the storms:

1. Matthew 10:34-39
2. Philippians 1:29
3. I Timothy 4:10
4. II Timothy 3:12
5. I Peter 1:4-9
6. I Peter 4:1-2
7. I Peter 5:10

B. We must learn to be firm in our faith so that we can stand against the storms:

1. Matthew 7:24-27
2. Ephesians 4:14
3. Hebrews 10:23
4. James 1:6-8

C. In all of these things, we must keep the proper attitude about the storms we shall face:

1. Acts 5:41
2. Romans 8:17-18
3. I Corinthians 10:13
4. Hebrews 11:24-27

II. Every Local Congregation Must Be Aware of Storms They Will Face Together

A. Local churches face storms:

1. Acts 15:1-5
2. I Corinthians 5; II Corinthians 2:1-9
3. Galatians 5:7-9
4. II Thessalonians 3:6-15
5. Revelation 2-3

B. Banding together under the banner of the truth is the way a congregation can prepare for the storms:

1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
2. Galatians 6:1-2
3. I Thessalonians 5:11
4. III John 3-4

III. We Must Never Fall Into a Place of Quiet Peace Wherein We Become Unaware

A. Being unaware is being unprotected:

1. Colossians 2:8
2. I Peter 5:8
3. II Peter 2:1-2
4. II Peter 3:17

B. Error and sin creeps in:

1. Matthew 7:15
2. Acts 20:25-32
3. II Corinthians 11:3
4. II Corinthians 11:14-15

Conclusion:

A. We have taken the steps, let us not sink for a lack of faith (Matthew 14:31-32).
B. Know that God is able to calm the storms (Psalms 107:24-31).

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© 2005 May be used if permission by author is granted and proper acknowledgment as to the authorship of this material is made.  In other words, preachers do your own work.  Use this as a tool for your own work if such is helpful! – B.A.Y.