Title: The Gospel We Believe
Contents
This time I would like to give a speech under the title “The Gospel We Believe”. It would be a real joy if someone could give you hope when you are in despair. In the text, those who met a storm in Juragu, could not eat or drink for a long time, and were driven by the wind and trembled in the crisis of despair and shipwreck, heard the word of hope from Paul. This event shows us what the gospel is in many ways.
So, what kind of gospel do we believe in?
1. It is a good gospel.
Verse 21, “Many of them had not eaten for a long time, and Paul stood in the middle and said, “Men, it would have been good if you had listened to me and not departed from Crete and escaped this blow and damage.” It wouldn't have been like that. If it had been so, none of this would have happened. But how sad is it that you did not realize the good words?
If you listen to the gospel of God like this, there are no obstacles. It is the gospel to save those who are about to die, but it is also the gospel to prevent them from dying. Hearing the gospel prevents all troubles. Therefore, hearing the Word and obeying it is the gospel of the gospel. There is nothing more fortunate than that. That is why Luke 11:28 says, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” However, our foolish lives, like horses and mules, will not obey unless we act with gravel and bridles.
Do you want to live a smooth life? Let go of your stubborn heart and obey everything. For those who obey God, the path of life is always smooth, but for those who disobey, the road is endlessly rough. Jacob, how rough was the road? Not only his path, but even Rachel, whom he loved the most, gave birth to Benjamin on the rough road of Ephrath, and did not give birth and die? Therefore, we must fight by giving up our stubbornness every day. I must say that I die every day. This is the gospel of prevention.
2. It is the gospel of reassurance.
Verse 22 “I urge you to take it easy now, for among you there will be no damage to your life, but only the boat.” Everyone is afraid for life, but Paul said that there is no damage to life among you. These are the words God gave to Paul. In the midst of a crisis of life, the man of God said, “You are not going to die!” Then it will be a strength.
In this way, the gospel of God gives us reassurance. Don't worry. Don't worry. Don't be afraid. Be bold. Why? Because God helps and takes responsibility. You will receive great blessings even if you do not have to worry. Anxiety is a hindrance. Worrying and worrying blocks happiness. We believe in everything, but even if we do well, miracles will happen. That's why Proverbs 3:6 says, "Acknowledge him in everything, and he will direct you in your ways." Always believe and confess with your mouth. Because God does not let his people live in worry.
That's why Peter said, "Cast all your anxieties on the Lord, for he counsels you" (1 Peter 5:7). Recommendation means to look back and see. Therefore, the best salvation is to make known the provision of God. Hebrews 13:5 says, “He himself said, ‘I will not forsake you, nor will I ever leave you. The gospel we believe in is the gospel of reassurance.
3. The Gospel of Presence.
Verse 23 “An angel of the God whom I belong to, whom I serve, stood by me last night and said,” God was always present to Paul, and an angel sent by God appeared to Paul. If there is only the Word and He is not with Him, it is not the Gospel. Jesus Himself is the Gospel, the Father Himself is the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit Himself is the Gospel. Paul belonged to God, and God was always with him, even in the stormy moments.
It is the gospel that God is with me. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yea, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” “I am with you always, even to the end of the world” is also the gospel. Just believe this word.
It is not that God is not with us. They are just not conscious of their presence. Just as we cannot live together if we tell our parents to live together and fight and fight every day, God does not withdraw His presence as promised, but hides the consciousness of His presence. How can I feel my presence? First, believe that God is with you. And in every case, buy accordingly. Always praise and serve. Always be careful and buy. When we live serving God with joy, God reveals Himself.
4. It is the gospel of vision.
Verse 24, “Do not be afraid, Paul, for you must stand before Caesar.” No matter how stormy the storm, how can you be shipwrecked as long as Paul has a mission left?
5. It is the gospel of all blessings.
Verse 24 again, “Because God has given you all those who sail with you.” These words mean that he will evangelize the lives of hundreds of people on board through Paul. Like John Knox’s prayer, “Give me Scotland.” All who are in have been given to Paul, and now they have no choice but to obey him.
So, what has God not given us in Jesus? We are blessed in Jesus. He is the one who has received all the power, authority and necessary things. Therefore, it should not be given to you, but to believe and thank you. We must hold on to what has been given to us by faith and go forward like Abraham until the end. If we believe and sing praises to the end, the reality of believing will appear in our reality. We want our faith to be more evangelical. We want our prayers to be a little more certain.
6. The faithful gospel.
Verse 25, “Therefore, be at ease, everyone, I believe in God, that it will be just as he said to me.” Paul’s confident declaration. We can make such a confident declaration because the Word of God is reliable. The Bible is unmistakable. Believe it as it is. If you don't believe it, believe it even if you risk your life. Then it will be done.
Why can't you believe it? Because we don't know who God is. Why can't you believe it? Because you're looking for evidence. As hard as Israel in the wilderness, they seek evidence. Like a centurion, it must be the word. Even if you can't see it, even if you don't get it, even if you don't understand it or experience it, you can believe it because it is God's faithful word. There is no other word in this world as reliable as the Bible. Still, I hope you will move forward with the faith that you believe.
7. It is the gospel of hope.
Verse 26 “But they said that we would be caught on an island” Because God had specifically taught us, Paul could say that we would be caught on an island. These words have become a great hope for those who are being driven away by the storm.
The Holy Spirit reveals things past, present, and future. John 16:13 says, "When the Spirit of truth comes - he will make known to you things to come." However, some people say that only the Bible is a prophecy and there are no prophecies. There are a lot of false prophecies all the time, so why don't you know what the future holds? I do not know what I know, but what you tell me. In this way, the gospel of Jesus teaches us a sure future. It is our hometown paradise. We will all meet there.
Dear saints,
Jesus tore his body, shed his blood, and rose again to become the gospel and give us the good news. The gospel we believe in is the good gospel, the gospel of relief, the gospel of presence, the gospel of vision, the gospel of fullness, the faithful gospel, the gospel of hope. Let's be sure of this gospel. I hope that all of us will believe and obey the gospel we received as it is, fully enjoy it in the Holy Spirit, and become beloved saints who we meet together in heaven.