The Water Awaits by Sam Berensohn
October 29, 2023
Sermon summary:
- Leave your boats. Peter left behind security, comfort, what is logical, and made a statement of trust. He left behind physical and emotional safety, and security of people. It's easier to do what's not logical/crazy when you have someone with you/safety in numbers. We have to answer the same questions to follow Jesus. You may be physically/socially isolated when you stand up for your faith. Romans 12:2
Have you left your boats/do you know what they are?
What do you protect in your life? What happens when you leave your boat? You walk on water.
Matthew 14:28–34 How does God work through me, no matter who I am? The potential of what God can do when you get out is greater than staying in the boat.
2. The Son in the storm. The storm distorts what we see when we look at Jesus, the scriptures don't sound the same as they used to; the lack if him answering your prayers.
Maybe we don't need five points to know how to change, but only to see when we call out to Jesus, he is there immediately.
Watch the full service
here (the sermon starts at 1:00).
The Holy Spirit gives guidance and direction in our missionary work. Are we doing the work the Spirit has set aside for each one of us to do? He knows the time, place and person to reach out to. Are we listening and obeying when he nudges us? The Holy Spirit forms Christ in all of us and it's a lifetime journey. Seek to be filled. Listen to his voice. Step out boldly.
Giving is an act of trust. It is also not an obligation but an act of worship. Give from the heart, not as a duty, but as a way to express gratitude. Giving is about unity in the church, it is motivated by grace, not guilt, and a spiritual act of joyful worship. Jesus demonstrated sacrificial giving through his actions, leaving us an example to follow.
To embrace Jesus's mission, I must first clothe myself with Jesus and have his character formed in me. He must become greater, I must become less. Then I"ll be able to do as Jesus did.
God's grace is with me. We need each other. Grace is a gift.