Abide in the Ship of Salvation
Pastor C. Okpalefe

The book of Acts 27 vs 1-41 is a story of Apostle Paul's voyage to Italy as a prisoner of the Roman authorities. King Agrippa sent him to Ceasar In versus 11 it is recorded that Apostle Paul, who perceiving a storm ahead due to weather conditions, warned the Captain and the crew against continuing on the journey from the city of Crete but was ignored.

However, mid-sea tempest assailed the ship with poor visibility. Everybody panicked. But Paul in versus 21 urged all not to panick because of the presence of the Lord- the ship of salvation who guarantees safety.

This situation happened among the disciples on the sea with Jesus Christ in Mark 4:35- 41. The disciples panicked on the sea when the storm came because they knew not that Jesus, who is with them, is the ship of salvation.

Jesus says I am the way, nobody comes to the father except by me. So what is that tempest that can trouble your career, marriage, life?

Jesus is calling you to abide in Him, the ship of your salvation: John 15:5-7. This is because he is your source, he is the vine and you the branch. A river that forgets its source will dry up; it becomes a dead sea. Know that Jesus is the supplier.

In Psalm 121, the Bible exhorts us to look up to God. If you abide by Jesus, you will be like the planted by the river side- evergreen.

Like a sheep, Jesus was slaughtered that it may be well with you. So who do you look up to? Hold on to Him as the ship of your salvation.

When God is with you, every rule set by man shall be set aside and suspended for your sake. Just like the testimony of our sister this morning, she knew she was not qualified for that job because she saw more qualified candidates. But she remembered her source who qualifies.

In Psalm 127, we are urged to avoid building without Jesus, the ship of our salvation. But to overcome every storm you need to be bold. Anytime you are at the crossroads and you allow fear, you have lost it.

When Goliath was boasting and challenging Isreal, it took a young boy without military training, to tell him that there is a ship of salvation.

Who should abide? A faithful servant, a sinless child, an evangeliser, and an obedient child. Also, everybody who must abide must carry the cross.

I will not trust in chariots, nor horses but on Jesus, the Ship of salvation. Begin to tell God that you hold unto Him as the ship of your salvation.

Remain blessed.