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ACTS 27: 25

"I BELIEVE GOD"

I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE AFFIRMATiON "ALL HOPE IS  GONE"
        A. They were harbored in isle of Crete.
                1. it was getting late in the year when sailing could be hazardous.
                2. Paul advised the centurion against sailing.
                        a. Predicting loss of ship and possibly lives.
                        b. Centurion listened rather to the ship's captain.
                3. They loosed anchor to catch a soft southern breeze.
                4. It soon turned into a gale,  the dreaded Euroclydon.
        B. They had exhausted every physical resource.
                1. They dumped their cargo.
                2. They had bound the ship.
                3. They finally threw the tackling overboard.
        C. It .was at this point they lost all hope of ever being saved.
        D. With the ship now helplessly driven by the storm, Paul stands up 
                before the crew and passengers with a message.
                1. "Be of good cheer, I believe God."
                2. There are circumstances of life when only a belief in God. can
                        sustain you.
                        a. After all human resources exhausted.
                        b. When there seems no way out.
                3. What comfort could Paul have brought to this hopeless frightened  crew?
                   "...I am an atheist."

II. BELIEF IN GOD NOT JUST SOMETHING TO FALL BACK 0N WHEN ALL ELSE  FAILS.
        A. God often is but never should be man's last resort.
                1. If you had made Him your first resort, you wouldn't be in
 your desperate straits today.
 2. Yet better last resort than no resort.
        B. Paul said of God, "whose I am and whom I serve."
                1. Men of faith are nice to have around in crisis.
                2. I not only believe in God, I belong to God, I serve God.
                        a. Those people can be thankful Paul's on board.
                                1. God's servant is on a mission to witness to Nero. 
                                2. God will see him through.
                        b. Belonging to God and serving God is the logical consequence  of 
                           believing God.
                                1. Every man who believes in God should belong to God.
                                2. Every man who believes in God should serve God.
                        c. Strange paradox today.
                                1. Many affirming a belief who do not belong to Him, who  do
                                   not serve.
                                2. Hearts are fraught with fear in this chaotic world.
                                3. People seem to move from one crisis to the next
                                        disaster with no hope.
                                4. No wonder alcoholism and drug use is on the rise,
                                        people can't cope without God.

III. THE RESULT OF ONE MAN'S FAITH.
        A. After he spoke he took bread and gave God thanks. 
                1. He encouraged them all to eat.
                        a. They had been fasting 14 days,  not by choice. 
                        b. All we probably seasick.
        B. "They were all of good cheer."
                1. His strong faith and, example encouraged others. 
        C. They all escaped safe to land."
                1. God's promise held true not one soul was lost, only the ship.
                2. How long before you realize you can trust the promises of
                        God?