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When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind 9As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2And his disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? 3Jesus answered, It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7and said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 8The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, Is this not the man who used to sit and beg? 9Some said, It is he. Others said, No, but he is like him. He kept saying, I am the man. 10So they said to him, Then how were your eyes opened? 11He answered, The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and received my sight.12They said to him, Where is he? He said, I do not know. 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see. 16Some of the Pharisees said, This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath. But others said, How can a man who is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them. 17So they said again to the blind man, What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see? 20His parents answered, We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself. 22(His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesusto be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, He is of age; ask him.) 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner. 25He answered, Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. 26They said to him, What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes? 27He answered them, I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples? 28And they reviled him, saying, You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from. 30The man answered, Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes.31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. 34They answered him, You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us? And they cast him out. 35Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, Do you believe in the Son of Man?36He answered, And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?37Jesus said to him, You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you. 38He said, Lord, I believe, and he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.40Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, Are we also blind? 41Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, We see, your guilt remains.
Just a couple hundred meters from our church office, a missile struck an apartment building.It happened around 7:00 in the morning. Thankfully, I was still at home drinking my coffee when I heard the explosion. A few hours later, as I drove to church, I was met with a large traffic jam because the missile had hit the very road I travel every day.When I arrived at the office, I walked down the street toward the scene. I could see the top of the apartment building where the missile had struck. Three people had been killed.The top of the building that was hitLiving in Ukraine, these things affect us.We've now lived through more than four years of war. Missile strikes, drones, air raid sirens, and destruction have become part of everyday life. As I reflected on that morning, one thought kept weighing on my mind: the danger of a hardened heart.The Danger of a Hardened HeartOne of the effects of living in a war-torn country is that prolonged exposure to war, death, pain, and violence slowly hardens the heart. I've experienced this myself. The reality is that you cannot live through years of destruction and become emotionally overwhelmed every time another missile strikes. We develop ways to cope. But as Christians, we must be careful that those coping mechanisms do not become callousness. That's exactly what the enemy wants.The same thing happens spiritually. When sin surrounds us every day, we gradually become accustomed to it. What once grieved us no longer does. Suffering can have the same effect.I still remember the first morning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The explosions. The fear. The uncertainty. But then came the second day, the third day, the first month—and eventually the years. The temptation is to become numb. In fact, after this most recent missile strike, I found myself almost more frustrated by the traffic jam than by the explosion itself. I'm not saying that's a good thing. I'm saying that's the temptation.So how do we guard our hearts?Jesus Didn't Shy Away from Pain and SorrowThe answer begins by looking at Jesus. Isaiah describes the coming Messiah this way:He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. - Isaiah 53:3One of the great encouragements of the gospel is that Jesus never kept His distance from a broken world. He didn't avoid suffering. He walked straight into it. When we look at a world filled with war, sickness, injustice, and death, we realize we cannot fix it all. But Jesus entered into humanity's suffering and understands it better than anyone.Jesus Never Dismissed the Pain of OthersOne of the clearest examples is found in John 11. When Jesus came to the tomb of Lazarus, He found Mary, Martha, and the others weeping.When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. - John 11:33Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet He didn't rush past their sorrow. He entered into it. He never dismissed their grief simply because He knew how the story would end.Jesus Had Deep Compassion for PeopleThroughout the Gospels, compassion is one of the defining marks of Jesus' ministry. He never treated people's pain as an interruption or inconvenience. He entered into their sorrow and walked alongside them. That's a great comfort for every believer. Whatever grief we carry, Jesus understands. He has experienced suffering Himself, and our Savior is never distant from the pain of His people.Jesus Was Indignant at InjusticeJesus' response to suffering was not only compassion. When a man with leprosy came begging to be healed, Mark writes:Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man... - Mark 1:41Jesus was angered by the effects of sin and the suffering it had brought into the world.bLiving through this war, I've felt that myself. Watching innocent Ukrainians suffer naturally stirs anger toward the evil that caused it. There is a place for righteous indignation—but we must be careful what we do with it.Jesus Did Not Stay Dwelling in GriefOne of the things I love about the Gospels is that Jesus never remained in sorrow. He entered fully into the suffering of others, yet He didn't allow Himself to marinate in grief. Again and again, we see Him entrusting Himself to His Father. Jesus understood that grief had its proper place, but it was never meant to become His dwelling place. That's an example we desperately need to follow.Jesus Made Time to Be with the FatherThroughout the Gospels we repeatedly find Jesus withdrawing to lonely places to pray. Again and again, He stepped away from the crowds to spend time with His Father.When we live in the middle of continual trauma, we need those same rhythms.Personally, I've found the book of Psalms to be one of the greatest helps. More than any trauma manual, the Psalms give voice to our grief while continually directing our hearts back to God.Jesus Carried Joy in the Midst of SufferingJesus was a man of sorrows, but He was also a man of joy. On the night before the cross, He prayed:I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. - John 17:13Think about that. Jesus spoke of joy as He walked toward the cross. That is one of the beautiful tensions of the Christian life. We experience grief, pain, and loss, yet at the same time we possess a joy that suffering cannot take away because it is rooted in Christ.Following Jesus in a World of SufferingOne of the unique realities of ministry in Ukraine is that suffering can produce two very different responses. God often uses pain to soften hearts and draw people to Himself. But prolonged suffering can also harden hearts.As followers of Christ, our calling is not to offer shallow answers. It is to follow the example of Jesus—to enter into the pain of others with compassion, to grieve over injustice, to remain close to the Father, and to hold fast to the joy that only He can give.May God guard our hearts from becoming hardened. And may He help us reflect the heart of Christ in a world that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God's beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.Scripture Readings: Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41Jesus heals a man born blind, provoking a hostile reaction that he regards as spiritual blindness to the things of God.
Hi, gang; it's nice to be back among the land of the living and (mostly) to have my voice back! Thanks for the notes of encouragement last week.I'm going to continue with the updated format we rolled out last week, giving some summaries of the texts for this Sunday, along with some preaching notes and such. As always, I truly welcome your feedback as to what is helpful and what is not — particularly. So, away we go! “The Great One” aka Jackie Gleason demonstrating his Away We Go poseRCL Texts1 Samuel 16:1–13God sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse's sons. Samuel assumes the oldest, strongest-looking son must be the one, but God interrupts that instinct: “The Lord does not see as mortals see… the Lord looks on the heart.” One by one, the obvious candidates pass by. Finally David, the youngest, is brought in from tending sheep, and God says, “Rise and anoint him.” The Spirit rushes upon David from that day forward. The passage confronts human fixation on appearance, status, and first impressions, and it highlights God's freedom to choose the overlooked.Preaching note:God's election disrupts our ranking systems. The text is not anti-giftedness; it is anti-reduction of people to image, polish, or social weight.Pastoral caution:Don't weaponize “God looks at the heart” to dismiss responsible leadership discernment or to romanticize inexperience.Application move:Invite the congregation to reconsider one person they have underestimated — in church, family, or community — and pray for eyes trained by God rather than by appearance.Psalm 23This psalm speaks in intimate trust: the Lord is shepherd, host, guide, and protector. It moves from green pastures to dark valleys without pretending the valley is unreal. God's presence is not only for peaceful seasons but also for threatening ones: “You are with me.” The tone shifts from third person (“he”) to second person (“you”) in the valley, suggesting nearness in trouble. The psalm ends not with escape from life but with confident belonging — dwelling in God's house, held by goodness and mercy.Preaching note:Psalm 23 is not sentimental denial. It names threat and still confesses trust because God is near, not because life is easy.Pastoral caution:Avoid using this psalm to force quick comfort on grieving people (“you should feel peaceful by now”).Application move:Offer a breath prayer for anxious moments this week:Inhale: “You are with me.”Exhale: “I will not fear.”Ephesians 5:8–14Paul reminds believers of identity and calling: “Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light.” Not merely “in darkness,” but darkness — a condition now transformed by Christ. Because of that change, the church is to “live as children of light,” producing goodness, justice, and truth. The passage rejects unfruitful works of darkness and calls for discernment about what pleases the Lord. The closing line (“Sleeper, awake… and Christ will shine on you”) sounds like a baptismal wake-up call: step out of hiddenness and into Christ's illuminating life.Preaching note:Paul roots ethics in identity. We don't behave into belonging; we live differently because we already belong to Christ.Pastoral caution:Don't preach “light vs darkness” in ways that fuel self-righteousness or stigmatize those in depression, doubt, or struggle.Application move:Ask people to choose one concrete “light practice” for Lent: truth-telling, restitution, reconnection, or daily examen before bed.John 9:1–41Jesus sees a man blind from birth, and the disciples ask whose sin caused it. Jesus refuses that blame framework and says God's works will be revealed. He heals the man with mud and water, sending him to wash in Siloam. As the man gains sight, conflict escalates: neighbors debate, religious leaders investigate, parents fear social consequences, and the healed man grows bolder in testimony. Ironically, those who claim spiritual sight become harder and more blind, while the one once blind comes to faith and worship. The story is about more than physical healing; it is about revelation, courage, and the cost of confessing Jesus.Preaching note:Jesus rejects simplistic blame and restores dignity. The healed man's journey moves from partial understanding to public witness to worship.Pastoral caution:Do not imply disability is a spiritual object lesson or punishment. The text centers Jesus' works, not human fault.Application move:Challenge the church to interrupt blame-language this week (“Who caused this?”) and replace it with mercy-language (“How can God's care show up here?”).An optional sermon outline (with illustration ideas)“From Blind Assumptions to Living in the Light”Core Claim: God sees truly, stays near, and calls us to walk in Christ's light.1) God Sees What We MissText: 1 Samuel 16:1–13• Samuel looks at appearance; God looks at the heart.• David is overlooked, yet chosen and anointed.• Lent confronts our habit of judging by surface: polish, confidence, résumé, class, age.Preaching move:Name the church's temptation to mistake visibility for calling.Illustration #1 (Hiring Panel / Audition):A hiring committee nearly rejects a candidate because they're quiet and unimpressive in first-round small talk. But their portfolio reveals deep wisdom and consistency. The “obvious” pick had charisma; the right pick had substance.Point: We often confuse presentation with depth.───2) God Is With Us in the Valley, Not Just Beyond ItText: Psalm 23• The psalm includes both green pastures and dark valleys.• The turning point is not changed scenery but changed presence: “You are with me.”• Lent teaches trust in God's companionship when outcomes are unresolved.Preaching move:Pastor people away from shallow optimism toward durable trust.Illustration #2 (Night Drive in Fog):Driving in dense fog, you can't see far ahead. You move safely not because you can see the whole road, but because headlights give enough light for the next stretch.Point: God often gives “next-step” light, not full-map certainty.───3) Christ Moves Us from Blame to WitnessTexts: Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41• Disciples ask, “Who sinned?” Jesus refuses blame logic.• Healing leads to conflict, interrogation, and eventually worship.• Paul: “You were darkness, now you are light… live as children of light.”• Christian maturity means truthfulness, courage, and mercy—not scapegoating.Preaching move: Call the church to be a community where people are restored, not reduced.Illustration #3 (Recovery Story / Public Testimony):A person in recovery says, “People used to ask what was wrong with me. A mentor asked what happened to me and what healing might look like.” That shift changed everything.Point: Blame imprisons; grace opens a future.───Conclusion / InvitationThis week, invite the congregation to:1. Re-examine one judgment they've made by appearance.2. Pray Psalm 23 daily in one anxious moment (“You are with me”).3. Replace blame with witness in one hard conversation (“How might Christ bring light here?”).Narrative Lectionary TextJohn 18:28–40 (Jesus and Pilate)Jesus is brought from the religious hearing to the Roman governor's headquarters. The leaders avoid ritual defilement so they can eat Passover, while simultaneously pressing for Jesus' execution — a sharp irony about outward purity and inward injustice. Pilate questions Jesus: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus reframes kingship: his kingdom is “not from this world,” meaning it does not arise from coercion, violence, or imperial logic. He says he came to testify to the truth, and those who belong to the truth listen to his voice. Pilate responds with the famous, evasive question: “What is truth?” Though Pilate repeatedly signals Jesus' innocence, he yields to crowd pressure and offers the Passover release choice. The crowd chooses Barabbas, and Jesus is rejected. The scene exposes political fear, compromised leadership, and the quiet authority of Christ's truth.Preaching note:The passage is not mainly about a private religious dispute; it is about the collision between God's truth and public systems of power. Jesus is not passive — he is clear, composed, and sovereign even while being judged.Pastoral caution:Avoid preaching this text in a way that collapses into anti-Jewish blame. The Gospel scene includes multiple compromised actors (religious and political), and the deeper diagnosis is human fear and sin across the board.Application move:Invite the congregation to examine one place this week where they are tempted to choose convenience over truth — then take one concrete step of truthful speech or faithful action.Psalm 145:10–13 (Optional NL Psalm)These verses are a doxology of God's kingship. All creation blesses God; the faithful speak of God's glory so that all people may know God's mighty acts. The kingdom of God is described as everlasting and enduring through every generation. In context with John 18, the psalm functions as a theological contrast: earthly rulers protect fragile power, but God's reign is steady, trustworthy, and not subject to panic or spin.Preaching note:The psalm gives the church its public vocabulary: we announce God's reign not as propaganda, but as testimony to God's enduring character.Pastoral caution:Don't turn “God's kingdom” into partisan language or culture-war slogans. The text points to God's universal, generational, mercy-shaped reign.Application move:Give a simple Lenten practice: each day name one headline-driven fear, then pray, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; steady my heart in your rule.”Optional Sermon Outline “What Is Truth? Christ's Kingdom in a Fearful World”Core Claim: When fear distorts judgment, Jesus remains the truthful King, and the church is called to bear witness to God's enduring kingdom.1) Religious Appearance Can Hide Moral CompromiseText: John 18:28–32• Leaders avoid ritual defilement before Passover, yet pursue an unjust outcome.• John exposes the disconnect between external purity and internal posture.• Lent calls us to integrity, not image-management.Preaching move:Name how easy it is to keep religious habits while avoiding hard obedience.Suggested illustration #1 (Polished Exterior):A house can have a freshly painted front porch while the foundation quietly cracks.Point: Cosmetic faith is not structural faith.───2) Jesus Redefines Kingship Through Truth, Not ForceText: John 18:33–38a• Pilate asks political questions; Jesus gives theological answers.• “My kingdom is not from this world” = not sourced by domination, manipulation, or violence.• Jesus' mission: “to testify to the truth.”• “Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”Preaching move:Show that Christian allegiance is formed by Christ's voice before it is shaped by public anxiety.Suggested illustration #2 (Tuning Fork):A tuning fork sets the reference pitch; every instrument must tune to it or the whole ensemble drifts.Point: Christ is the reference tone for truth; without him, we normalize dissonance.───3) Fear Chooses Barabbas, but God's Kingdom EnduresText: John 18:38b–40 + Psalm 145:10–13• Pilate knows Jesus is innocent but caves to pressure.• The crowd chooses Barabbas — immediate control over inconvenient truth.• Psalm 145 counters this instability: God's kingdom is everlasting, generation to generation.• The church's task: speak of that kingdom clearly and calmly.Preaching move: Call the congregation from reactive fear to steady witness.Suggested illustration #3 (News Cycle vs. Bedrock):Headlines change by the hour; bedrock does not.Point: Public narratives shift fast, but God's reign is not up for reelection.───Conclusion / InvitationThis week, invite people to three responses:1. Confession: Where am I curating appearances instead of walking in truth?2. Discernment: Which voice is shaping my fear most — Christ's or the crowd's?3. Witness: One concrete act of truth-telling, mercy, or courage in Christ's name. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
The Jesus Way Pt. 1: Life By Louie Marsh, 7-13-2025 To Live Like Jesus Means My Life… 1) Has MEANING & PURPOSE. “46I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46, ESV) “39Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,' your guilt remains.” (John 9:39–41, ESV) “10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, ESV) 2) Is not about ME. “38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38, ESV) “43I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.” (John 5:43, ESV) “42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” (John 8:42, ESV) 3) Is FOCUSED on doing my Father's business. “38And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”” (Mark 1:38, ESV) One of the fundamentals of Close Quarters Battle (CQB) training is that the first and second person into the room (1 and 2 man) are responsible for clearing the corners on the same wall they entered before moving to their 'point of domination'. This is called "digging your corner." It is critical because the next two people into the room (3 & 4 men) are focused on the far wall. If either the 1 or 2 man fails to dig their respective corner, a bad guy could potentially take out the entire team. What causes the 1 or 2 man to fail to dig their corner? Usually, it happens when something deeper in the room catches their eye, like a threat target. It is hard to ignore a known threat and focus on the corner of a room that is most likely empty, but that is what they have to do, because the security of the entire team depends on it. Similarly, in life, it can be easy to get 'target fixation' and turn our energy and attention to one of the millions of bright shiny things that some TikTok influencer or social media personality tells us will help us reach our goals faster and with less effort. “49“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! (Luke 12:49–50, ESV) 4) Reflects HARD TRUTHS to everyone. “17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17, ESV) “34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34, ESV) “35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Matthew 10:35, ESV) 51Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51, ESV
Be Careful Of Being Spiritually Blindsided Johh 9:39-41 39Jesus said, a “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
Persisting in the absence of sightJohn 9:24-41Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? The Pharisees were persistently in the absence of sight. How they said to give God the glory for this miracle but yet called the one that did the miracle a sinner. They also called the one that was born with blindness a sinner. The only sinners that I see here are the Pharisees that rejected Jesus as the son of God.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
March 16, 2025Pastor Matt KendrickJesus Calms the StormMark 4:35-41Jesus never promised smooth sailing. He promised He'd be with you. He never promised no hard times. He promised His presence. Storms come and storms go, but God is here to stay. Your storms don't have to dictate your peace.Thank you for listening!For more info on Redemption City Church check out our website. If you'd like to connect with us further, please fill out a Connection Card and one of our staff will get in touch with you.Follow us on on social media: Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Teaching on Mark 14:32-41Jesus in Gethsemane
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Storms can be scary... unless you know you're safe. Then they're kind of fun! But how can you know if you are safe? The disciples were scared of a storm in this episode. But they didn't need to be! Find out why they were so safe.Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
When there is a big scary storm going on, what do you do to stay brave? Do you find your parents and hide under them? Maybe you even like storms? Arlo and the gang learned about a storm that was especially scary for some fishermen, but Jesus took a nap right in the middle of it!Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Fourth Sunday in Lent The Collect: Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Old Testament: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 1The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” 2Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' 3Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” 4Samuel did what the Lordcommanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” 5He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord.” 7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” 11Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lordcame mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. Psalm: Psalm 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd; * I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures * and leads me beside still waters. 3 He revives my soul * and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. 4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; * for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; * you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. 6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-14 8For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— 9for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. 10Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Gospel: John 9:1-41 1As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight.” 12They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” 13They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.14Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” 16Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. 17So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind;21but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” 25He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out. 35Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36He answered, “And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” 37Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” 38He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him. 39Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” 41Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,' your sin remains.
Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Jesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
Jesus is more powerful than any stormJesus Calms the Storm“When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!' Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)Mark 4:35-41Jesus told us in scripture that we will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). This is a fact of life – not an “if,” but a “when.” Maybe you have not experienced trials yet or maybe you have been through more than your fair share of struggle. Whatever the case may be, God can handle it.Jesus demonstrates His power to the disciples by effortlessly calming a raging storm after suggesting He and the disciples cross the lake in a boat. Soon after setting off on their journey, a storm, described as “fierce,” comes upon them. The boat began to fill with water and, understandably so, the disciples began to panic. They looked around for Jesus, but could not find Him. Eventually, they found Him sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. He was unfazed by the storm because He was not afraid. The disciples began yelling, “Don't you care that we are going to drown?” Jesus woke up and using only His voice, instructed the waves and wind to be still. Immediately, the storm subsided.Once the storm had ended, Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” In the midst of a raging storm, Jesus felt peace because He knew He was stronger than the storm. He would not let it bring down the ship. Yet, the disciples let fear consume them when they faced the storm, not believing that Jesus could save them.When trials or “storms” enter our lives, it is easy to let our fear lead us. Let this miracle be a testament to the power of Christ in our lives. By calming the dangerous storm, He showed us that He can calm any type of storm we are facing. When something scary happens, we do not have to be afraid because Jesus has proved that He is more powerful than anything we will face, including nature.Questions to think about:What storm are you facing?What stands in the way of you handing over your fear to Christ?Is there a time in your life when Jesus has calmed a storm you faced? Trust that He can do it again.
16 “For God so loved the world,[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” JOHN 3:16-218 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”LUKE 15:8-10IS HELL REAL?And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.JOHN 1:14TRUTH IS ALWAYS IN TENSIONAnd many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. DANIEL 12:2For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?PSALM 6:517 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God.PSALM 9:1720 The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.EZEIKIAL 18:20 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. JOHN 14:613 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.MATTHEW 7:13-1441 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.MATTHEW 25:41Jesus did not present this story as a parable, and in no other parable did Jesus actually name an individual (as the poor man is here named). We have every reason to believe that Jesus gave us an actual case in history, one He knew from His eternal perspective.DAVID GUZIK19 “There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. 20 But a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, was lying at his gate. 21 He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man's table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side.[d] The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side. 24 ‘Father Abraham!' he called out, ‘Have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this flame!'25 “‘Son,'[e] Abraham said, ‘remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.'27 “‘Father,' he said, ‘then I beg you to send him to my father's house— 28 because I have five brothers—to warn them, so that they won't also come to this place of torment.'29 “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.'30 “‘No, father Abraham,' he said. ‘But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'31 “But he told him, ‘If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.'”LUKE 16:24-31GOD TELLS THE TRUTH BECAUSE HE LOVES18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.JOHN 3:18GOD GIVES YOU THE CHIOCE BECAUSE HE LOVESThe presence of this tree – the presence of a choice for Adam – was good because for Adam to be a creature of free will, there had to be a choice, some opportunity to rebel against God. If there is never a command or never something forbidden there can then never be choice. God wants our love and obedience to Him to be the love and obedience of choice.DAVID GUZIKGOD MAKES A WAY BECAUSE HE LOVES
The Power of God in the thunderstormThe psalm speaks of the LORD 18 times and the "voice of the LORD" 7 times. The Canaanites believed that Baal controlled the storm and the lightning. But the things that psalms attributes to Baal, the Bible attributes to YHWH. The showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is about who controls these the storm, the lightning, and the weath. 29:1-2 A Call to Praise God29:3-9 The glory of God in the thunderstorm29:10-11 The LORD as King foreverJesus fulfills Psalm 29The "voice of the LORD" could be tied with Jesus as the Word- John 1:1The heavenly being- ESV- praising God in vs. 1-2 finds fulfillment in Luke 2:10-11.Jesus demonstrates His control of the storm in Mark 4:35-41Jesus walks on the water in Mark 6:45-52 and shows His control over the elements.Jesus can turn water into wine- John 2:1-11.
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