Sermon Central
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Bring Back Stability Series
Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Dec 7, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: I. A Conscious Need. II. A Great Discovery. III. A Comforting Message IV. A Willing Reception V. An Immediate Result
- Steadicam on a Sagway
- No matter what the action the camera is always steady
I. A Conscious Need.
Their condition was most painful.
v. 17 - "It was now dark”,
v.17 - Alone
v. 18 – Storm “A great wind that blew”
Darkness, Desertion, Danger.
- With Jesus darkness will vanish
John 8:12 (AV)
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
- The tempest need not trouble us
John 16:33 (AV)
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
- His wonderful all-comforting Presence is with us.
- Their sorrowful state resembles that of many now: in darkness, in danger, and Christless, but, worst of all, quite unconscious of their sad condition.
II. A Great Discovery.
- v. 17 ship could hold 15 men 26x7x4 Helmsmen & 4 rowers
v. 19 - 25-30 furlongs – 3-4 miles
- Which way was the wind blowing?
- Sea of Galilee 12½x 7½ miles
- v. 19 - “Jesus walking of the sea”
- v. 19 - In the midst of trouble “drawing near”
III. A Comforting Message.
(v. 20). "It is I, be not afraid"
- Fear at the top of emotions
- Jesus meets that fear
- It is I be not afraid
- It is I, be not afraid of the darkness, for I am the Light
- Be not afraid of death, for I am the Life
- Be not afraid of your sins, for I am thy Salvation
- Be not afraid of hell, or of judgment, for I am He who was dead and is alive again for evermore, and have the keys of death and hades.
- Be not afraid cast all your care upon Me
- These few words give the "Gospel of the grace of God. "
- This is the language of a conqueror.
IV. A Willing Reception.
(v. 21). "Then they willingly received Him into the ship "
- They gladly accepted His offer of Himself.
- At the moment of their greatest need He was there
- Imagine in their need they refuse Him
- This is what multitudes are doing every day.
- How we need to take the savior in
V. An Immediate Result.
(v. 21). "Immediately the ship was at the land whither they went"
- Grace work
-. Instantly saved from their dangerous position
- The desire of their hearts fully met
- A safe harbor
- Receiving Him gives deliverance and rest
- There is nothing too hard for Him.
- His purpose is to give salvation.
Titus 3:5 (AV)
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
