Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved (Acts 27:29-31).
Today's Morsel: There seems to be many people leaving the church these days. Many seem to have allowed their situations and circumstances to pull them from the church. Many have lost their hope of what the church can offer and do for them. Many don't seem to realize that outside of the church they cannot be saved. The apostle Paul told the centurion and the soldiers,"Eexcept these abide in the ship, you cannot be saved." You can't be saved outside of the church. Paul said, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-15). The church is your safe haven. There are going to be storms, but if you get out of the church, you can't be saved. Jesus pilots this ship. He is the Captain of the sea and He knows how to navigate us through the storm. If you will notice, when Peter got out of the ship to go to Jesus on the water, it was when he took his eyes off Jesus that he began to sink; and he cried out to Jesus to save him (Matthew 14:22-32). Jesus took him by the hand and put him back into the ship. This lets you know that you can't be saved without Jesus (Acts 4:12) and you can't be saved and make it to the other side unless you stay in the ship. Let me encourage you, just because the waters of affliction are taking place in your life, don't get out of the ship. The church has been constructed by Jesus to ensure your safety. So stay put. Once the storm passes by, you will see that Jesus always has your best interest at heart.
Sing: In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, while the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place. 'Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry, keep me safe till the storm passes by. (Chorus)
2. Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try, for there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by." But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise, where the storms never darken the skies. (Chorus)
3. When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore; In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I dwell with Thee when the storm passes by. (Chorus)
Chorus : Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, till the clouds roll forever from the sky; hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, keep me safe till the storm passes by.
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