Keeping our "Ship" Shipshape
Part 4 - It Is More Than Just "The America's Cup!"
Acts 27:41-44

INTRO: Yesterday, The America One was eliminated from the America's Cup. Who cares? Right? We are pretty much apathetic about the race, right? But what about the "race" we are in for the Lord. Is America becoming apathetic about God's work too?

Three weeks ago I started a series on Keeping our "Ship" Shipshape. I dealt with the decision of ours as individuals to "sail" for the Lord. I dealt with the need for accepting Christ as your Savior and letting Him have your life. We also found Paul advising the men to keep the ship in the harbor. That week, I examined why they were so resistant in staying there, while looking at specific dangers in the harbor. Last week I looked at what happens when we face storms on the High seas of Life as we sail toward that heavenly shore.

Today I want to Examine more of what is needed to accomplish what God wants for our "ship." I will do this in three parts: Keeping the ship clean and ready; Sailing the right direction; and Sailing as a team.

First, let us look at…

  1. With standard things
(John 5:39) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (1 Th 5:17) Pray without ceasing. Mention OSB strength because of togetherness and glue.
  1. Without needless things
Rotten wood, rancid foodstores, disease promoting attitudes, vermin, etc. Ties to old way of life - don't look back

Lifestyles that are inconsistent

 Next let us look at…
    1. With the right goals in mind ( to journey to the other side)
    2. Not command or direct the ship (instead of God)
    3. Take on passengers
    4. Make the journey with the crew intact
    5. With a clear vision
Mark 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

    1. Not side-tracked in a "safe-harbor" on the wrong shoreline
    2. Avoiding "rocks," cliffs, and things like the Sirens that tempted Ulysses in Homer's story.
We also need to…
    1. In love
    1. In Labor
    1. In Deed
Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church - 020600am