SHUSH... Be Still!
Series: The Gospel Can't Be Contained
June 13, 2021
Frank Foreman
What causes our faith to grow? Often it can grow out of a habitual commitment to prayer and Bible study--a regular routine that promotes a stronger connection to our Lord and Savior and thus, instills a greater level of faith in Him. ---------- But sometimes it is an event or circumstance where we face uncertainty, danger, loss or great discouragement and seek the Lord through that difficult time in our life. Sometimes the outcomes are not always exactly how we imagine or want them to be, but we are cognizant of God's intervention or protection through it. ---------- This week Frank leads us through such a story as the disciples had their faith challenged and when the storm was over, their faith seemed to grow out of a greater appreciation of who Jesus truly was and the authority He wielded as the Son of God.
Episode Notes
Big Idea: Jesus’ amazing display of divine power moved His disciples to an even deeper faith in Him.
1. The calm before the storm.
(Journal) Mark 4:35-36
Luke 8:22, One day He got into a boat with His disciples…
- The word disciple, then and now, covers a broad range of commitment to Jesus.
John 6:66, After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.
Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Luke 9:23, And He said to all, “If anyone would come after Me (be My disciple), let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
2. The calm during the storm.
(Journal) Mark 4:37-38
Luke 8:23, So they set out, and as they sailed He fell asleep.
- These disciples would have done well to remember the promises of Scripture.
Psalm 65:5-8, By awesome deeds You answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas… who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at Your signs.
Psalm 89:9, You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them.
Psalm 107:25-30, For He commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea… Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
3. The calm after the storm.
(Journal) Mark 4:39-40
Luke 8:25, He said to them, “Where is your faith?”
- These disciples witnessed nature submit to the authoritative command of its Creator.
Genesis 1:9-10, And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
James 1:6, But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Hebrews 13:5-6, For He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
1st Peter 5:6-7, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
4. The storm after the calm.
(Journal) Mark 4:41
Luke 8:25, Who them is this, that He commands even winds and water, and they obey Him?
- Fear is the natural response for sinful human beings in the presence of God.
Matthew 14:31-33, Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Next Step: No matter how desperate your circumstances seem… Trust Jesus now and always.
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