Something Has to Go | Bobby Chandler | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Something Has to Go

Bobby Chandler

Authentic Church • Oct 26, 2026 • 51 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Bobby Chandler teaches from the climax of the book of Acts, examining Paul's shipwreck on the way to Rome and his time on the island of Malta. When facing severe storms, believers are often tempted to rely on self-preservation and backup plans rather than trusting God completely. By choosing to "cut the ropes" to our human safety nets and standing firm on God's promises, we allow God to work miracles through our unexpected detours and finish our faith race strong.

Themes

Trusting God in StormsSurrendering ControlCutting Off Backup PlansGod's Sovereignty in DetoursFaithfulness in Evangelism

Pastor's Points

1.

Point 1: You don't need an alternative to God

2.

First Revelation: Sometimes you have to cut off what you keep running to

3.

Second Revelation: Just because it looks safe doesn't mean it's God's will

4.

Last Point: There is a storm for a reason

Key Points

1.
You do not need an alternative or plan B to God when facing life's severe storms.
2.
Holding onto hope during trials requires anchoring our faith in God's promises rather than staring at terrifying circumstances.
3.
When we stop trusting God, we are tempted to resort to self-preservation, which ultimately leads to spiritual harm.
4.
Spiritual progress requires us to "cut the ropes" to our backup plans and let go of what we repeatedly run to instead of God.
5.
Just because an escape route or backup option looks safe does not mean it is God's permission or will for our lives.
6.
God uses unexpected shipwrecks and detours to bring healing and salvation to places and people we never planned to visit.
7.
Believers must refrain from deriving their identity from public opinion, which can quickly shift between harsh condemnation and superficial praise.
8.
Remaining faithful and boldly sharing the gospel through every trial allows us to finish our spiritual race strong.

Sermon Moments

“God promised to save us. He didn't promise to save this ship.”

“When you stop trusting God, you start trying to save yourself.”

“Cut the rope to the thing that is tempting you, the plan B, and let it drift away.”

“There are people going back to toxic relationships because they would rather be with the wrong person than be alone with God.”

“Just because the ship is available doesn't mean God sent it.”

“Sometimes the destination is not what you thought it would be, but it still doesn't mean that the Lord isn't working where you are.”

“Stop getting your identity from people. You're driving yourself mad trying to please everybody.”

“I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful through it all.”

This Week

Identify your "plan B" or lifeboat—whether it is an unhealthy relationship, financial self-reliance, or long-held bitterness—and make a firm commitment to cut the rope.

Replace terrifying circumstances with God's promises by speaking and standing on His Word whenever fear or doubt arises.

Refuse to return to toxic situations out of loneliness, choosing instead to be content alone with God and trust His timing.

Examine where you place your security, ensuring your ultimate peace comes from trusting God as your provider rather than bank account balances.

Surrender your desire to control outcomes and dictate terms to God, leaning on Him rather than your own human understanding.

Look for opportunities to serve and minister right where you are currently delayed or shipwrecked, trusting that God works in unexpected places.

Disregard fickle human opinions and unfair accusations, anchoring your true identity firmly in who God says you are.

Remember This

To experience God's full deliverance and purpose, we must cut the ropes to our human backup plans and place complete trust in His promises.

A Challenge for You

Cut the rope to the things pulling you away from God, surrender your plan B, and place complete trust in Jesus to lead your life.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.