## Our Greatest Need

## Acts 27:21-25

I suppose that if we were to give out a survey to all members of Grace Baptist Temple and ask them only one question, "In your opinion, what is the greatest need of this church?" we would get as many different answers as we have members. It is clear that we all view our church differently. Those who are burdened for children's ministry will see the need differently than those who are focused on adult ministry. Some will look at the buildings and see one thing while others who are involved in music ministry will notice something else. (Example of raising funds for padding the pews.) Now this isn't necessarily bad, it is just human nature for us to see things from our own perspective.

However, tonight I want us to step back and take another look. Tonight let's look at what God might see as our greatest need. Even in this we might come up with some different thoughts. I want to draw a thought from a statement made by the Apostle Paul in our text. Read: v21-25

Here we have the account of Paul's journey to Rome. In the midst of a terrible storm, he reassures the men of the ship that even though there will be a shipwreck, God had assured him that all would be safe if they remain in the ship. He tells them, "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told."

The greatest need for us as a church is to believe God. That may sound simplistic, but it isn't meant to be. We believe God for our salvation…but often that is as far as our faith goes. It's almost as if we are saying, "Thanks for saving me, Lord…I'll take it from here." However, we must keep on believing God and His Word. Not just for salvation…but for everything in life.

I. People Of Faith Believe God Regardless of Circumstances.

A. One of our problems today is that we have circumstantial theology...

1. The sun is shining, we are healthy, we are enjoying prosperity ... My! how God must love us!

2. But what if it storms? We lose our health? If the bottom drops out of the economy?

3. Does God still love us? Or more importantly, do we still love Him?

4. Paul, along with everyone else on board, was about to experience a shipwreck!

5. But He believed what God had told him!

B. The circumstances may have seemed to appear differently, but Paul believed God.

1. We need to believe God…

2. Which is to say, we need to believe His Word to us!

3. Regardless of how great the storm, or how dark the clouds, we need to believe God.

4. Do not judge God by circumstances.

5. Simply say, "God says He loves me and I will keep on believing that He loves me, even in the face of difficult circumstances."

6. That kind of faith honors God!

C. What about our circumstances?

1. Paul didn't say, "God won't allow anything bad to happen to us."

2. He assured them that even in the midst of what they would view as a terrible event…God would keep them safe.

3. God's Word does not promise a life free from conflict, but…

Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. I. People Of Faith Believe God Regardless of Circumstances.

II. People Of Faith Believe God Regardless of the Challenge.

A. The challenge of service.

1. Why was Paul going to Rome?

Ro 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Ro 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

2. Now we know that God chose to use the political system to bring Paul to Rome.

3. That he, as a Roman citizen, might have an audience before Caesar.

Ac 26:32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

4. He had God's promise that this would happen.

Ac 27:23-24 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

B. What about our challenge of service?

Joh 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

1. Jesus said that we (he that believeth) will do greater works than He.

2. What an amazing statement!

3. Do we believe God?

4. That is what He said isn't it? "Greater works"

5. Jesus ministered in a relatively small geographical area, but our challenge is to go into all the world!

6. It can be done! If we believe God!

7. Paul said, "I believe God that it shall be even as it was told."

III. People Of Faith Believe God Recognizing the Shortness of Time.

Ro 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

A. Jesus is coming…

Mt 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

1. His coming will be quick and unexpected.

2. In a moment…in a twinkling of an eye…

3. No more time to do anything for Him.

4. What we do for the Lord, we must do now!

5. Jesus said, "Work for the night is coming!"

B. People of faith will recognize that we must work while we can!

Ro 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

1. Paul's focus was on the souls of men.

2. Where is our focus?

3. We certainly need to realize the shortness of time.

4. People are dying without the Lord…and we have been challenged with the responsibility to tell them about the Savior!

5. Just as sure as heaven is real for the believer…the lake of fire will be the eternal destination for those who have never placed their faith in Jesus Christ!

Re 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

What is our greatest need this evening? It isn't bigger buildings, newer equipment, or more money. It is simply to believe God; and to allow that belief to impact our lives. To change us…to make us soul-conscious!

Ac 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.