Brief Summary
This sermon, based on Mark 4:35-41, encourages listeners to trust in God amidst life's storms. It highlights that God often calls people to uncomfortable situations to increase their faith and demonstrate His power. The key takeaways include:
- Trusting God even when circumstances are uncertain.
- Recognizing that storms can increase faith.
- Differentiating between what to rebuke (the source of the problem) and what to speak to (the person affected).
- Understanding that God's goal is to be glorified in every situation.
Introduction and Prayer
The speaker expresses gratitude for the gathering and prays for the presence and power of the Lord to fill the space, both physically and online. He acknowledges the importance of the Word of God and asks for the Holy Spirit to minister to everyone present, encouraging a spirit of encouragement and joy to overflow in their lives.
Transition and Praise
The speaker appreciates the transition made by the keyboard player and encourages everyone to use their gifts for the kingdom of God. He urges the congregation not to bury their talents but to use them for God's glory. The speaker invites the congregation to give praise to the Lord for His faithfulness and presence.
Context and Reading of Mark 4:35-41
The speaker introduces the continuation of the verse-by-verse study in the book of Mark, specifically focusing on Mark 4:35-41. He acknowledges skipping a parable to maintain the flow and context suitable for the current setting. The passage narrates Jesus and His disciples crossing the sea when a great storm arises, and Jesus calms the storm with a word.
Personal Anecdote and Introduction to the Message
The speaker shares a personal story about his daughter being scared during a storm to illustrate that God is always watching over His children, no matter how dire the circumstances. He emphasizes that even in the midst of life's storms—be it health issues, financial troubles, or family problems—God is present and aware.
Leaving the Multitude to Minister to One
The speaker explains that Jesus, amidst a busy ministry, decided to leave the crowds to minister to one person, highlighting Christianity's focus on the individual. He emphasizes that everyone is significant to God's plan and should be treated accordingly. The speaker notes that Jesus didn't explain the upcoming storm but simply directed them to the other side.
Obedience and Trust in God's Calling
The speaker stresses that when God calls someone to do something, it often involves discomfort and questioning. He explains that obedience should precede understanding, and God will clarify through obedience, not the other way around. The speaker advises against delaying obedience by seeking permission from others or using prayer as an excuse to avoid action.
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee
The speaker describes the setting of the story, noting that the Sea of Galilee is prone to sudden, violent storms due to its location on an earthquake fault line. He explains that the "great storm" mentioned in the passage was likely caused by seismic activity, making it unpredictable and dangerous. The speaker emphasizes that despite the storm, Jesus was with them in the boat.
Jesus Asleep During the Storm
The speaker describes Jesus being asleep in the back of the ship during the storm. He notes that Jesus was comfortable and not nervous, contrasting with the disciples' fear. The speaker suggests that Jesus allowed the situation to escalate so the disciples would have to wake Him up in desperation.
The Disciples' Plea and Jesus' Response
The speaker recounts the disciples waking Jesus and asking if He cares that they are perishing. He explains that this is a common human reaction when facing difficulties. The speaker emphasizes that God has not moved; rather, people have moved away from Him. He states that God allows people to reach a point of desperation so they will cry out to Him.
Rebuking vs. Speaking: A Teachable Moment
The speaker explains that Jesus rebuked the wind (the cause) and spoke to the sea (the effect), teaching the importance of discerning what to rebuke and what to speak to. He applies this to parenting and ministry, advising against rebuking people when it's more appropriate to address the underlying issues causing their behavior. He emphasizes speaking to people with love and understanding.
Peace Be Still: Muzzling Chaos
The speaker connects Jesus' phrase "Peace be still" to another instance where Jesus used the same phrase to silence a demon, indicating that Jesus commands both destruction and demons to be silent. He emphasizes that when Jesus speaks through someone, the results will follow, but speaking for God without His direction leads to chaos.
The Great Calm and Proportionate Grace
The speaker highlights that after Jesus spoke, there was a "great calm," matching the "great storm" that preceded it. He explains that God provides proportionate grace for every situation, enabling people to withstand life's storms. The speaker defines grace as the ability to enable.
The Question of Faith
The speaker addresses Jesus' question to the disciples: "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" He explains that the entire event was designed to increase their faith. The speaker asserts that challenges and trials are opportunities for faith to grow.
Faith vs. Fear and Trust Issues
The speaker contrasts fear and faith, stating they cannot coexist. He criticizes the church's response to the pandemic, where fear often overshadowed faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith in God's promises, even in difficult circumstances. He challenges the notion of "money problems," reframing them as "trust problems," urging listeners to trust God to meet their needs.
The Disciples' Awe and Recognition
The speaker notes that after Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples were exceedingly afraid, but this time with a sense of awe and respect for Jesus' power. They questioned, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" The speaker points out that the disciples had witnessed many miracles before but only spoke up when the situation directly affected them.
God's Desire to Be God in Your Life
The speaker summarizes the message by stating that God allows trials and tribulations so that He can be God in people's lives. He wants to break down idols and anything people trust in, so they rely solely on Him. The speaker emphasizes that God is trying to make people see His face and His glory.
Invitation to the Altar and Prayer
The speaker invites people to come to the altar and ask God to be glorified in their trials, hurts, and struggles. He encourages them to cry out to God for their prodigal children and to seek His presence. The speaker prays for God to prick the hearts and minds of those present, leading them to seek His glory in their lives.
Faith in Western Civilization vs. the World
The speaker contrasts the weak faith often seen in Western civilization with the strong faith he witnesses in other parts of the world, such as India, the Philippines, and Africa. He notes that people in these regions often have water-walking faith, while those in the West tend to believe only a little. The speaker encourages listeners to seek God's face rather than His hand, trusting that He will provide everything they need.
