Homecoming Sermon

Four Anchors for the Storms of Life

Acts 27:29

Hebrews 6:18-20

 

INTRO: We need to be anchored in these days of liberalism and lose morals. We need to be anchored because we live in difficult times– difficult times morally, politically, and spiritually (II Tim 3:1-7).

We need to be anchored because the Devil, in these last days, is seeking to wear down true believers (Dan 7:25,"And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most high, and think to change times and laws....."

We need to be anchored because the Devil knows, "....he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

Children of God, we have an anchor in Jesus and we have anchors to hold us firm in our struggles.

 

THE ANCHOR OF THE BLOOD

Friends, there is no salvation without the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Our sins cannot be taken away without the atonement (Hebrews 9:22,"...without shedding of blood is not remission [dismissal]."

"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus, What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Chorus: Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow. No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

"There is a fountain filled with blood, Draw from Immanuel’s veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains....."

Do not deny the importance of the blood! The death of Christ without the shedding of blood is not enough (Eph 1:7, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace").

Colossians 1:14, "In whom we have redemption [liberation from the guilt and doom of sin and the introduction into a life of liberty] through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."

The blood of Christ was sprinkled upon the mercy seat in heaven (Heb 9:11-14).

Not only did Christ die, He rose again.

Rom 10:9.

I Cor 15:3-4.

 

THE ANCHOR OF THE BOOK

We have an anchor in the Bible! The Bible is the very breath of God (II Tim 3:16). It is inspired, inerrant, infallible, and preserved.

Yes, the Bible is preserved (Psa 12:6-7). We do have an absolute authority in the authorized version.

The Bible is a protected book (I Pet 1:23-25).

"In times like these we need the Bible." We need the Bible so we will not be tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Eph 4:14, "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...."

We are to proclaim the Word for it is an anchor (II Tim 4:2).

"How firm a foundation ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said, You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?"

 

THE ANCHOR OF THE BLESSED HOPE

Mark it down. Set your anchor– Jesus is coming again! The second coming is spoken of 320 times in the New Testament. One out of every twenty-five verses speaks of the second coming of our Lord (I Thes 4:14-18).

The message of the soon coming of the Lord will motivate us to service (Titus 2:13-15).

The doctrine of the second coming will cause us to desire to live pure lives (I Jn 3:1-3).

 

THE ANCHOR OF THE BODY, THE LOCAL CHURCH

The church is an important anchor for all of us. The church is where we are fed spiritually.

We are not to forsake the church (Heb 10:25, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together....").

Christ is the founder and the head of the church (Mt 16:18).

We need to attend a Bible believing Baptist church where we can be fed.

It is through the local church that we send out missionaries who spread the Gospel through out the world (Mt 28:19-20).

We are to love the church (Eph 5:25, "....Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it.").

It is through the church that God receives glory (Eph 3:21).

 

 

CONCLUSION: Cast out the anchors of the Blood, the Book, the Blessed Hope, and the Local Church. These anchors will hold in any storm you can face (I Cor 15:58).

 

---