0 Comments
If only I could really believe, my life would be better!! If only I had more faith?? In one of the most well know stories in the Bible, Peter was walking on the water to Jesus. He took a step and got outta the boat. He's soooooo close. And just like that, he begins to sink. Literally he's in over his head. As he cries out to the Lord for help, Jesus is close enough to reach out his hand and grab his, to pull him up to safety. The text doesn't tell us, but i've always wondered... how did they get back into the boat? Once there, Jesus asked him, Peter, you came so far, why did you begin to doubt you'd make it all the way? Why do we doubt Jesus? Why do you doubt God? Sometimes we doubt because we simply get distracted by the storm? When the "winds" push against our "boat", it's easy to get discouraged. We get tired. We see the obstacles and acknowledge that it's crazy to think Jesus can help. So we doubt His care? Or that He can provide us a way out. Charlies Brown said, "I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time." I hope you'll join me Sunday as we take a look at Jesus miracle in walking with Peter. It's easy to get busy and distracted by the stuff that is happening in our lives. We feel overwhelmed and like we're "drowning"! All the while, Jesus promises that He is with us and there to see us safely back into the "boat". "Truly you are the Son of God". The remedy for doubt is worship. See You Sunday friend! Pastor Mike Sunday Service - 4/7/24 - 7 Signs - Miracles of Jesus - "The Man Born Blind" - Pastor Mike Warman4/9/2024 It's a common thing at basketball games, during the introduction of the starting lineups, for the lights to dim and a HUGE SPOTLIGHT to shine on the player being introduced. All the attention is on the one individual. They make a BIG DEAL over this one person and the crowd either roars or boos! It's fun to watch. Which made me wonder... How do we make a BIG DEAL about Jesus? How do we put the spotlight on Him as we're out living life??? In John 9 there's a story of a guy unable to see, John says he's had this problem since birth. As Jesus and his merry band approach, the disciples ask Jesus a theological question. "Teacher, who messed up that this poor begging blind guy here is unable to see?" Was it him? His parents? Jesus gives an interesting response when he says, neither. It was for the work of God to be on display in his life. It was that he might be a walking miracle. This week we're going to launch a study into the 7 miracles John highlights, that all point to the greatness of Jesus Christ. But it makes us think? Are there any walking miracles today? Has the work of God happened in your life? In mine? I would make a case that if you know Jesus, then ABSOLUTELY YES! You are a work of God. How then can you & I put a spotlight on Jesus? Here's a couple ways...
Jesus told the man to go and wash his eyes out after He put some mud on them. The guy had to cooperate with what Jesus asked Him to do. This is still true. Jesus does some work in us and asks us to trust and obey. As we do, we see the work of God in our lives. And we shine a SPOTLIGHT on Jesus. See ya Sunday- You Walking Miracle! Pastor Mike PS-Last Sunday for Easter was so much fun! The largest Easter Service since 2019. If you missed it, you can catch it on our YouTube page. May Jesus encourage and fill your life with His presence!!! A couple buddies were having some drinks when they the conversation turned to what they hoped people would say to them at their funerals. First guy said he hoped people would remember him as a great humanitarian, someone who really tried to help people in life. 2nd guy said he wished people would remember how much he loved his wife and kids. That he was the guy willing to coach the kids soccer & baseball teams. That he was good friend. 3rd guy thinks for a moment then replies, "Ya know, I hope when everyone is around me at the end, one of you shouts, LOOK- HE'S MOVING!" I guess we'd all like to go on forever, for the truth is we're just not sure what's on the other side! But what if you could know? Would that change your perspective on Life.... as well as Death? It's been said Jesus never went to a funeral that he didn't turn into a celebration. When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus went to his grave. In a matter of moments he called his name, and Lazarus walked away a free man. If true.... Lazarus gives us a picture of our future. One where death and the grave have no hold on us. Jesus said He was the Resurrection. He is our Life.. and when we choose to follow Jesus.... to put our trust in Him.... we will live forever with Him. Do you believe this? Each of us must answer this question. Easter is the reminder that because Jesus is Risen... We will Rise as well! Happy Easter Friend- Jesus is Risen! Pastor Mike PS- Hope to See You this Sunday - Easter Sunday at either 9:30 or 11:00am. Jesus is Risen! He is Risen indeed!! There's a lot things that get people upset? That cause us to worry. That make us mad. Friends leave us. Families fight. People at work can be a hassle. The person who promised us, failed to deliver. Our health fails. We don't seem to have enough money to either cover our bills, or be able buy the next big "shiny thing" we set our heart on. So we cover up the hurt in our heart. We hide it through humor, or denying the pain. We try and mask it, medicate it or drown it. It's never pretty. There was one time Jesus was brutally honest. He told us to not let our hearts get troubled. Easier said than done right? But then he gave us a genuine alternative to drugs or therapy. He said to believe in Him. To put our confidence in his unfailing love towards us. The answer to our troubles is to trust the Savior! When Jesus wanting to bring calm to the chaos the disciples were facing, he reminded them to KEEP ON TRUSTING HIM. Peace is always found in the PERSON of Jesus Christ. This Sunday I invite you to join me as we look more closely at how we can live above the noise. How we can function and carry on while so many may crash around us. Jesus Heals the Hurts in our Heart. Jesus is the WAY, The TRUTH and our LIFE. See You on Sunday friend! Pastor Mike PS- plan now to join us Easter Sunday at either 9:30 or 11:00am. Jesus is Risen! He is Risen indeed!! Sunday Service - 3/17/24 - Who is Jesus? (Week 4) "I am the Good Shepherd" - Pastor Mike Warman3/19/2024 Who is it you like to listen to? On the radio? Or TV? Is there a podcast person you tune in frequently? It's not unusual that we find ourselves drawn to the same people! Usually because we like their opinions, or may like the sound of their voice. Usually they see the world the same way we do. Do you ever seek out people you disagree with, to see what the "other side" may be thinking? Yeah, not much right! When Jesus wanted a word picture to remind us WHO HE IS.... He choose the picture of a Good Shepherd. Interesting. Not a Good Banker. Nor a Good Tax Collector. Not even a Good Fisherman. He said Good Shepherd. Why? 'Cuz sheep need someone they trust, that they will follow, to lead them to the good places in life. Sheep by nature are easily frightened. Left to themselves they will wander, only concerned for the next grass they can find to graze. Good Shepherds will lead them along a good paths, to fresh water and green pastures. Good Shepherds will guard their sheep against dangerous people and animals. Good Shepherds will relentlessly care for the sheep for their reputation as a Trustworthy Shepherd is on the line. So it is with Jesus. He promises to care and direct you, one of the precious people under His care. He promises to lead you to good places for your life to do well, but only if you're willing to listen and to follow. That's the hard part. Often, i'm stubborn as a mule, or a sheep, and don't care to listen to the voice of the shepherd. Do you wish to find your life in a good spot, one that finds you flourishing? Doing well? At rest? Then ask Jesus, the Good Shepherd to lead you. His reputation is on the line to take care of us! He will do it. "My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me" John 10:27 Pastor Mike P.S. Hey, our Legacy Fund to secure chairs for the next generation stands at 70% as of today. Please consider being a part! |
AuthorStonebridge Community Church is a Bible-based non-denominational church located in Dardenne Prairie, Missouri. Archives
April 2024
|