God's Faithfulness Through the Storm + This Sunday at Immanuel
Good morning Immanuel! Take courage in God's faithfulness today as we prepare for this Sunday at Immanuel.
“After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta.”
The Apostle Paul had a strong desire to visit Rome. Still, he was often providentially hindered from making the journey (see Romans 1:18). After many closed doors, Paul is finally granted the opportunity to set sail for Rome, albeit as a prisoner (Acts 27:1). Like many other journeys of Paul, this voyage was full of dangers and discouragements. Luke tells us that Paul’s ship encounters a violent storm that nearly takes them all out. They were storm-tossed (Acts 27:18), desperate (Acts 27:20), and starving (Acts 27:33). Through it all, Paul’s courage is fueled by the certainty of God’s purpose of grace (Acts 27:25). And it is only the certainty of God that deserves our attention. As Paul and the others weather the storm, Luke gives this as a testimony: “After we were brought safely through….”
Their safe passage through the storm was not a result of the captain’s great naval wisdom. Their safe passage through the violent sea was not owing to their abilities to strategize. The only words to explain their safe passage through the valley of the shadow of death was this - “we were BROUGHT safely through!”
Dear believer, the story of our lives is not the story of human grit paying off; it is the story of divine grace bringing us through! We have been acted upon! We have been carried! The God of all grace, who safely brought Paul through the raging storm of the sea and safely brought us through the raging storm of judgment at the cross, will be faithful to bring us through the raging storms of this present life! The faithfulness of our Lord is the testimony of saints!
This Sunday At Immanuel
Sunday October 2, 2022
Ephesians - This Sunday, Pastor TJ will continue our Ephesians sermon series from Ephesians 1:7-8.
Breezeway Closure - The breezeway between the iKids building and Worship Center will be closed for construction on Sunday. If walking through the breezeway is a part of your regular Sunday routine, read more here.
Visiting - If you are visiting Immanuel for the first time or are new, feel free to fill out a connect card to let us know how we can best serve you!
Growing & Connecting
9 am: Studying the Bible Together seminar will be held in the Staff Lounge
9 am: First Word seminar, led by Russell Moore, in the Cafe
9 am: Student Seminar will be held in the gymnasium (grades 5-12)
10:45 am: Next Steps seminar will be moving from the Cafe to the Staff Lounge
College Lunch immediately following the 10:45 am service.