God with Us (Christmas)

In the Storm: Pastor Michael Dascoli

December 29, 2019

Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 27

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23

Questions:

Are you, or someone you love, currently facing a storm?

If you could give it a name, what might that be?

Principle:

Never let the presence of a storm cause you to doubt the presence of God

V 20-21: When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss.

Questions:

Are there voices of caution that you’ve been ignoring?

Are you in a storm and giving up hope?

Principle:

Never let the presence of a storm cause you to doubt the presence of God

V 22: But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.” 23“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said…”

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength… 2Timothy 4:16-17a

“I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken,

for He is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8 NLT

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

V 23-24: "Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you."

V 25: So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?