Lecture on Storms in the Bible

Introduction

• Focus on Acts Chapter 27.
• The Bible discusses three main types of storms:
  1. Jonah's Storm
  2. Jesus' Storm
  3. Paul's Storm

Jonah's Storm

• Caused by Jonah running from God's will.
• God uses storms to redirect, not punish.
• Running from God's call is running from His presence.
• Being a Christian involves doing God's will, not just avoiding sin.
• God's call may involve discomfort for redirection.
• Importance of answering God's call to reach others.

Jesus' Storm

• Happened while following God's will.
• Overcame by faith and trust in God.
• Not all storms are due to disobedience; some are spiritual opposition.
• Jesus rebuked the storm, indicating a spiritual force behind it.
• Importance of peace in oneself before addressing external problems.

Paul's Storm

• Experienced due to others' poor decisions.
• Importance of perseverance, holding onto faith, and not allowing external circumstances to drown faith.

How Paul Survived the Storm

1. Forgive those responsible: Do not hold onto bitterness.
2. Don't let the storm sink your faith: Ships may be lost, but maintain faith.
3. God's presence in storms: God's presence is constant, even if there’s no miraculous intervention.
4. Faith isn't about avoiding struggles: It refines us, not defines our worthiness.
5. Maintain spiritual appetite: Don't starve spiritually; keep engaging with God’s Word.
6. Focus on what's left: Appreciate what's still there, not what's lost.
7. God's support: God will provide strength to survive.

Conclusion

• Different storms have different causes and require different responses.
• God remains present and supportive, even through trials and resistance.
• Emphasized the importance of staying in God's will and not losing faith.
• The necessity of forgiveness and finding strength in God during adversity.

Call to Action

• Encourage repentance and turning back to God.
• Emphasizing salvation through Jesus Christ.
• Invitation to resolve bitterness and focus on spiritual growth.