The Submissive Servant

 

COLERAINE INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2025 pm – MR REUBEN LYONS

MARK 1 VERSES 1 TO 15 – JESUS THE SUBMISSIVE SERVANT

Last week as entered into the study in the book of Mark we seen Jesus being the coming king.  Tonight we witnessed Jesus has arrived.  He is submitted to God for his plan on earth, the wonderful act of redemption, his journey to the cross has come.  Now Jesus is the submissive servant.  Jesus’ public ministry has begun, it has commenced.  Very little information is given of his life up to now unlike the other gospels.  Jesus’ life would be under the microscope of everyone he came into contact with.  Public scrutiny was going to be a focal point of his life moving forward.  This is not a low burning book that we should stay with it for a while before it draws you in.  Rather it is a fast paced book.  There are 3 crucial events that take place when Jesus arrives on the scene.  The 3 events are the baptism of Jesus, the temptation of Jesus and the early ministry of Jesus.

Verses 9 to 11 show the baptism of Jesus.  What we are now seeing is the switch in perspective.  John the Baptist was preparing the way for the servant king.  It was not John’s gospel but Jesus’ gospel (verse 1).  John’s work of preparation was now nearing completion.  We followed the messenger now we are following the message, Jesus himself.  Where did he come from to reach this moment of inauguration into his earthly ministry?  Jesus and his family came from Nazareth, a small town in the northern regions of Israel.  A secluded place in the day, of little importance to the capital of Jerusalem.  Did not play a big part in the politics of those days.  Why would Jesus be in Nazareth?  This place for the Son of God to spend his youth?  People who came from Nazareth were was also looked down on.  There was disdain hatred for the people who lived and worked there.  The impression was you were working with Gentiles not Jews and from Israel.  Upon arrival he had no fame, no celebrity status, no one knew he really was.  They didn’t know he was the promised Messiah, the servant king who would go to the cross, die for their sins.  The mass of people would soon follow but initially he was a nobody from nowhere.  Now he had arrived he was baptised by John.  This was unlike the baptism carried out up to now. Others came to be baptised after repenting and confessing sins.  Jesus didn’t have to do that because he was the pure and perfect Son of God.  In these waters of baptism we see he was keeping to his mission statement, following the Father’s plan for redemption.  He was identifying with those he came into the world to save.  He was identifying with them in this act of submission.  He came to stand where sinners should stand.  In return he gave to them the gift of redeeming grace and a relationship with God the Father.  Even though his ministry is just begun it is already an anointed ministry by God – verse 10.  Jesus came up, the heavens tore opened, and the Spirit descended like a dove.  This heavenly act was done to say God was approving his son in his obedience to following the plan and now beginning of his ministry.  Identity is at the forefront of these events.  God the Father is identifying before everyone that this was no ordinary baptism.  This is my son, the only son of God.  This theme of being recognised as the Son of God is mentioned time and time again in Mark.  This son of God came to the world to die for our sins. The only other time the heavens were tor open up in scripture was when the curtain was torn in 2 as Jesus hung on the cross.  At the end of the gospels we have the crucifixion but at the beginning the baptism.  Identity in both occasions. In this anointing at baptism the Holy Spirit came in gentleness, purity, equipping his son for earthly ministry that would follow him . John Piper said “When Jesus was baptized along with all the repenting people who wanted to be on God's side, it was as though the commander-in-chief had come to the front lines, fastened his bayonet, strapped on his helmet, and jumped into the trench along with the rest of us. And when he did that, his Father in heaven, who had sent him for this very combat, signified with the appearance of a dove that the Holy Spirit would be with him in the battles to come.”  Jesus had obeyed the plan of the Father and God was now saying you are ready, you know now what to do.  He was approved by God.  In verse 11 we see his approval by God and it was one of love.  No prophet or messenger ever heard words like this.  Abraham was known as the friend of God, Moses the servant of God, Aaron as the chosen one and David the man after God’s own heart.  None was ever called the servant king.  God’s only son Jesus could be given that title.  This display of love should be recognised by us.  We have the righteousness of God imputed to our account.  We have been approved by God.  He is approving the work in our hearts.  We are now identified now with Jesus and with God the Father.  Has he identified you as belonging to his Father.  If so praise God, rejoice in God being your Saviour.

The temptation of Jesus – verses 12 and 13.  In other stories following the great opening act where something amazing happens, the story will slow down, give the writer a break but that doesn’t happen here with Mark’s gospel.  It goes at a quick place, the hero didn’t have time to rest.  Immediately he is in the wilderness.  No time to be basking in the glory of his heavenly Father.  He had a task to perform and immediately he went out to do it. Jesus didn’t say “let me take a few years to realise where people are and how I can speak to them.”  He was ready to follow and do exactly what he had been sent to earth to do. Jesus acted “immediately.” The Holy Spirit drove him out, took him to the wilderness. God’s plan had now begun.  This was no accidental encounter with the enemy.  No set out by God, a divine appointment. Unexpected takes place in this gospel.  The baptism didn’t mean he had time to meet with friends and families.  He had to go into the wilderness, battling against Satan. He was now cast into the wilderness.  Be encouraged by this event. When you receive a call from God to go and serve him. Not into full time ministry but maybe into leadership, in children’s work, amongst family, in community – when that happens there will be trials to face, battles, times of testing.  One moment on the mountain top celebrating what God has given you.  The next moment you will be down in the wilderness following the Lord.  Take heart, follow the example of Jesus.  He didn’t shrink back. He went out and fought in the trenches. Remember Jesus knows what we are going through and wants to help us through it.  He wants to help direct and see us grow through the harsh moments we will go through.  Hebrews 4 verse 15 “for we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  Jesus knows what you face, what is on your heart, the battle you are facing, the trial in your family life. He wants you to bring it to him to minister and help you along the way.  In verse 13 we see the duration of this time of testing. It was 40 days. Day after day spent in the wilderness, no vacation destination to enjoy. The conditions surrounding Jesus were full of tiredness, weakness, great physical pain. The enemy was bombarding him.  It symbolises or speaks of the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness in the Old Testament.  They failed when tested, Jesus was however successful, victorious. We can be victorious in times of testing. We should be looking to the example of our Saviour knowing he can help in time of testing.  We may go through hard seasons for many weeks, months or years.  Take heart God is faithful.  He never forgets his own. Across these days Satan would have offered every temptation known to man. Jesus endured it all.  He remained faithful to his Father.  In the wilderness the Son of God went through all we could endure with the temptation that comes to our lives and he overcome by the power of the Spirit.  Jesus was doing battle with Satan on some divine invasion of enemy territory. He has gone behind enemy lines to gain the victory. Shows us we are not to question or doubt him but to admit this is the Son of God.  He is who I need to know and where true life is found.  Satan knew the suffering and death of Jesus meant his doom and destruction.  It meant no new life, no salvation for us.  This was battle of immense importance. Satan was going to strike and deter his ministry.  It was before his ministry started in our him temptation.  We can overcome through the Holy Spirit just as Jesus did. If you don’t have Christ defeat is all that is ahead for you.  If you have Christ you can know peace, security and victory because of Jesus and what he has done for you.

The early ministry of Jesus – verses 14 and 15.  John the Baptist is now in prison.  The succession of the ministry has now happened.  John had been sentenced to prison and had been constrained by earthy means.  But the earthly ministry of sharing the good news was only beginning for Jesus.  It was the only thing for Jesus.  It had to be all about Jesus.  John was the forerunner who prepared the way. His ministry would not last for ever and pale in comparison to the ministry Jesus would now work out.  John did not fail by being in prison to answer God’s call on his life.  He had fulfilled his purpose as the last of the Old Testament prophets and the commencement of Jesus ministry had now begun. As Jesus began his working ministry he came into Galilee faithfully preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.  An announcement that was generations in the making was now being made.  Everyone needed to hear this message. God in the Old Testament had promised to send the Messiah to save his people from their sins, from bondage and the enemy.  Then establishing his kingdom on earth. Many in great anticipation assumed it would be an immediate kingdom, it would boast a great material wealth, a military and political power but not Jesus the military king, the earthly king, but the servant king.  Didn’t come to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of fallen man to fulfil.  He came fo fulfil God’s plan of redeeming love. There were many who missed the mark of what gospel is all about just like today.  May say the gospel Jesus loves you.  Yes that is true but it so much more than that.  Jesus came and was faithful to the message.  Jesus came and was submissive to God’s plan. The gospel is not just Jesus loves you but the gospel is repentance and believing in gospel. We need to remember that we too are called to be faithful in sharing the good news of the cross. Often it is hard, we will face rebuke, there will be mockery, hardness against our lives and abuse. Message has not changed. But Jesus is the only hope for humanity. Sole means of salvation, the only route to be accepted by God. If you don’t identify with Christ you will be in a lost eternity.  Your hearts will be heavy for those who do not identify with God who don’t believe anything to do with God’s truth. Important we share that important message of repentance. Jesus came to preach a message of repentance and forgiveness of sin. Our call has not changed.

Verse 15 - the appeal in Jesus’ preaching.  The wait is now finally over. The promised Messiah, the one they had been seeking had finally come.  God had been faithful and kept his promise in the Old Testament and Jesus had come and now was with them. The Messiah had come. In his arrival and opening words of teaching he shares a urgent message.  We still need to teach that message today. Jesus came to redeem and save.  There was no time to waste.  The time to look to Jesus in saving faith was now.  Those looking on were witnessing a message of repentance and faith. The challenge to them was to repent of their sins and believe in the gospel.  They too like us needed to repent and turn to the Saviour, to look to him and believing that he was the Christ, the promised Son of God.  Salvation is only found in Christ, that message needed to be embraced.  It was not found in any other, any ploy or tactic this world could bring forth. The message of repentance is one our world finds controversial, unappealing, hard, traditional, legalistic. But it is the most important message to be received, to answer and most important message to submit to.  Repentance and faith is not some spur of the moment decision that lasts for a few moments and makes little to no difference in your life.  Repentance of your sins and placing your faith and trust in Christ as your submissive servant is a radical transformation of your life orientation. That you would look back to a time when you didn’t know Jesus and your life was different.  You didn’t know your bible, didn’t that God loves you and you needed to repent. Now your life is all the better because you identify with him. A king has arrived on your scene of life that rightfully demanded that you obey and follow him. You still follow him to this day. This is the unchanging and uncompromising message of the kingdom of God.  We must believe Jesus died in our place, atoned for our sins, was buried and rose again in triumphant life. This is the way of salvation. It will never change. The truth of the gospel is all of Jesus and no-one else. Do you believe that Jesus died in your place?  Do you believe he paid the price for your sins? That he died and was buried and rose the third day? This is the way of salvation.  Rejoice in that truth. These 3 events offer so much hope and comfort. That Jesus took on the form of human flesh, lived a perfect and sinless life, overcoming every temptation imaginable, offering himself as a sacrifice, dying in our place to purchase our redemption.  He rose again in resurrection life so that we may be justified, securing eternal life for those who believe. He is the source of our strength, our joy and our hope. If you know him as Saviour rejoice in that wonderful provision.  But if you know those who are not saved we need to bring this message of repentance, believing fully in the message of the gospel.  It still needs to be shared. Repentance, believing in the gospel by faith – they can still be saved today if they believe it.

Triumphing over Temptation

 

COLERAINE INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 19 JANUARY 2025 – MR REUBEN LYONS

GENESIS 39 – HOW ARE WE TO TRIUMPH OVER TEMPTATION?

It is quite right to say expectations are a big thing in our lives no matter where we may be in different settings.  The same word could be used to describe a story of two brothers born in the 1960's in Minnesota. They were twin brothers born 5 minutes apart. Whether their parents were having a joke or not we don't know but one was called Winner and the other Loser. This is a true story. No doubt the expectation was that Winner would have done well, received the highest degree possible from college, got a good job, married, had a family and a lovely home. He would be successful in whatever he chose in life. For Loser on the other hand, he wouldn't do well. He would maybe be unemployed and have a criminal record. Expectations ended up all wrong in the end. Loser did well contrary to family expectations. A model child, he graduated from college a year early and became a police sergeant in the New York police department receiving numerous medals in the process. He was no loser. The people that worked with him refused to call him Loser but preferred Lou instead. Winner subverted the expectations as well but negatively. He had a criminal record for resisting arrest, burglary, speeding, trespassing, drink driving and disorderly behaviour. Sometimes expectations are just that- expectations!  Expectations can dominate us as Christians too.  For Joseph there was expectation on his life.  There can be expectation for many of us as believers, to accept what we are give today, to take what we have and give up on God. To say “I can do nothing more, God has abandoned me.” To give into sin, that there is nothing we can do about life.  With this expectation that we are living our lives in such a way that makes it easier to fall into temptation.  There is an important lesson to learn from Joseph.  Paul warns us against living with the expectation and acceptance of sin – Romans 13 verse 14 “but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Joseph found himself in the midst of a time of temptation. It was sexual temptation but we could talk of all kinds of temptation the devil brings to our doorstep.  The expectation in his life was to accept what was presented to him. “I cannot do anything, I don’t know how the Lord is going to keep me.” But Joseph stood strong throughout with the help of God. He achieved great victory. Looking at the life of this young man – how are we to triumph over temptation? The answer lies in 3 simple points.

 

First of all in verses 1 to 6 Joseph’s testimony

Second in verses 7 to 19 Joseph’s temptation

Thirdly in verses 20 to 23 Joseph’s triumph

 

Joseph’s testimony – verses 1 to 6. It was powerful and living – veres 1 to 3. In Joseph's life we see his testimony was powerful and living. The hand of God was on him. He enjoyed a close and personal walk with God each day. He trusted in God's plans no matter how dark his earthly circumstances became. In his walking others witnessed the glory of God. When we have been saved by God's grace and have trusted in his sacrifice paid at Calvary we can have the same potential to live for him too, to live like him and for others to see the glory of God through our lives. That should be our desire too - to follow after Christ each and every day. To learn more of him every day. As people look on our lives and in each situation we find ourselves in through our speech and conduct they should see the love of Christ. It is imperative to search our hearts and be sure that we are found in the same relationship with Jesus as Joseph had with the Lord. Otherwise it will be impossible to be able to bear the same temptations in life. Psalm 121 verse 1 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth." What is this testimony we are to have? How did Joseph do things differently that so many do today? His faith was not lived in his own heart and kept secret but rather lived out for everyone to see. Think of his background. Joseph is no longer with his family, no longer had the comforts of his home place but living in a foreign land with Potiphar, a wealthy man. He did not believe in God of Gods. These were a pagan people all around him, they were serving idols. Joseph was a really shining example of what it means to live a counter culture life for Jesus today.  Even though we live in a society opposing God’s words and see many turn their backs on God, we still stand for God’s word. To be different, to be marked as such. So can you make that stand before everyone that you meet this week? That your life is marked differently for Jesus, that you firstly love the Lord and that you want others to know him too?  A recent newly written song entitled There is One Gospel has these lovely words …

 

There is one Gospel to which I cling
All else I count as loss
For there, where justice and mercy meet
He saved me on the cross
No more I boast in what I can bring
No more I carry the weight of sin
For He has brought me from death to life
I stand in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

There is one Gospel where hope is found
The empty tomb still speaks
For death could not keep my Saviour down
He lives and I am free
Now on my Saviour, I fix my eyes
My life is His and His hope is mine!
For He has promised I, too, will rise
I stand in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

 

Can you say with all sincerity, looking deep down into your heart that you stand on the gospel of Jesus Christ? That you want others to know him as well?

 

Joseph’s testimony was blessed as well – verses 4 to 6.  Even though Joseph’s circumstances were trying as he worked in Potiphar’s house he still did everything to the glory of God. As a result of his outward testimony the Lord blessed Joseph and made him successful.  So much so that he became the overseer in Potiphar’s house.  He had his priorities set straight.  He loved the Lord and walked faithfully for him. As a Christian this is when we begin to be number one target for Satan.  When we are displaying the truth of God’s word the enemy wants to attack us. Satan loves to shut down the real man living for God and serving God. He is not worried about those who label themselves as Christians because you never see any lasting fruit in their lives.  He does not want to target these people. Satan seeks to tear down those living differently, standing in the gospel of God, sharing the good news with those in the stree, in their families, with those still lost.  Who live for the cross and the resurrection and the truth of Jesus.  We are all targets.  He wants to come in and tear down our lives. Temptation is the way he uses.  Satan knows what our weakness is.  We need to be on the watch and on guard.  He wants us to live with the expectation that no matter what comes our way we are just going to give in. Don’t give in to sin today. If you are running hard after God be encouraged, he is all powerful.  We need to seek him in the midst of the batter. If this is a foreign concept to you, if you are saying “temptation is something you read of in scripture but I don’t see it in my own life.” Examine your heart. Ask yourself – “am I truly living for the Lord?” If you are living for the Lord the enemy will be attacking you. You will be running after Christ. Persecution is simply a fact of life for the Christian. 2 Timothy 3 verse 12 “and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” We know the testimony we are to have. We are to have a powerful stand in Jesus if we are to be blessed in our lives.

 

Joseph’s temptation – verses 7 to 19. What did it look like for Joseph and for us? It came in 4 stages. The first stage – temptation was cunning – verse 7.  Potiphar’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph. If we stopped reading there we would think there was no harm done. Adultery had already been committed. It started out subtly.  A small attraction physically that spiralled out of control into outright sin. This is really how the devil works in the Christian. He attacks subtly and in small ways. Before we realise it hours, weeks and months later we are consumed. Satan has a death grip on our lives. Joseph should have been flattered that this Egyptian woman was looking on him. What starts out small leads to more outright and outrageous sin. As a church we need to be aware of the cunning attacks of the devil. No matter what the temptation may be, we cannot tolerate sin one bit, not even 1% or even 0.01%.  We cannot tolerate sin no matter how innocent it might be to us, before we know it we can be drowning in the dark waters of this world wondering how we got there to begin with. Be on guard.

 

Sin is also surprising – verse 7.  Potiphar’s wife has now asked Joseph to go and lie with her. An outright invitation to sin now. Maybe we have only been hearing this one person fighting temptation but he was not the only one facing sin. Potiphar’s wife had desires to be with Joseph. She already looked at him inappropriately for a married woman. The woman had fantasies of the situation and fed them until they became a reality. This is why we cannot tolerate sin. We cannot give it the light of day. Whatever sin we face we will be led to follow after fantasies. We will want it to become real. If Satan gest us to think like this we will have no defence. Our minds are of the worldly and sinful. They will not be on the Lord. Keep your eyes on the Lord and the precious truths of his word.

 

Sin is constant – verse 10.  Joseph was no tempted once and left alone. Time and time again he was tempted. She approached him every day. Now totally consumed by her flesh and her sin enticing her.  The enemy is not going away. Every day we are in a spiritual battle. The enemy is working at all hours of the day. His ploys are not going away. As long as we inhabit these weak and feeble human bodies we will be tempted to sin. Maybe your temptations are the same as mine or are polar opposite. He knows how we will be led into sin. We can never think we have conquered sin and the enemy. Genesis 4 verse 7 “sin lieth at the door.” Waiting to catch us off guard. Equip yourself every day for the battle to keep your heart pure and upright. Duncan Campbell was a man used mightily by God in the revival on the Isle of Lewis. In his autobiography he talks of times of temptation, of hardness in his walk with God. He said “the best thing a Christian can do, the first face you should see in the morning, the first voice you should hear each day should be God’s voice. The first thing you should do each day is open up the word of God, not the newspapers or the radio.” That is as relevant today as it was 70 years ago. We need God’s help every day and we should ask for it every day.

 

It is also calculated. The final stage is seen in verses 11 to 16.  A day had now arrived, the only one present in the home were Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. We don’t know if this was planned or not or whether it was the normal routine of the house activities. An opportunity to fulfil her fantasy. This is how temptation works, it festers and grows until it takes over. The pressure to act on that sin, to do things never done previously. We could have looked at a number of people in the bible when dealing with temptation – Adam, Abraham, Lot, Cain and Peter in the New Testament. Temptation is all across God’s word affecting God’s people. We should never think we are immune to it. It hounds us every day and it will master us if we don’t handle it properly. How are we to handle temptation, to stop it, work against it as a Christian? As soon as this woman made her approach Joseph has already made his mind up. He was not thinking how he can get away with this. Never is it said that Joseph sinned. A wonderful example to us as Christians. As she made her approach, Joseph was ready to make a stop to it with a hard “no”. It was as if he couldn’t look at her, listen to what she had to say. He had already made a decision to reject the flesh and stay faithful to God when temptation arose. Whether it was this woman or whatever the temptation was this man Joseph made a decision. When the devil comes knocking with what we want to hear, it is hard to say no. If the decision is already been made in our hearts to remain faithful to God that is what we need. That is why it is crucial to guard our hearts and minds from impure and ungodly things. If we are surrounded in what we watch and hear we will be polluted. But if we build our lives on the things of God we will be able to mount a great defence. The greatest word to learn is “no” when tempted, that we are ready to say no, no to sin an dyes to remaining faithful to God. The moment arrived in verse 12. The woman asked him to come and lie with her yet again. It was time to make a decision, to say no and cling to God. He that remaining faithful and firm. Joseph ran from the situation, he left his cloak and ran out of the house. He needed to run from her presence to maintain his character. He couldn’t have it both ways and neither can we. Either we give in to sin and run to the temptation offered to us or we follow after God. You say no to sin and protect your testimony. God makes a way for us to escape but we must be ready with a hard and firm “no”, actively looking for that door of escape. 1 Corinthians 10 verse 13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” That is a promise from God and God keeps his promises – take encouragement in that fact.

 

Joseph’s triumph – verses 20 to 23. The first thing Joseph achieved was a personal victory. He had kept his integrity and Christian character. His earthly reputation in Potiphar’s house may have been damaged which would cause repercussions further on in his life. His Christian character could never be called into question. He had successfully weathered the storm of temptation. He had retained the ability to be able to look in the mirror and have no guilt. That is worth more than anything sin can offer to us in a short time.

 

He also enjoyed a sovereign victory as well. The Lord continued to be with Joseph and blessed him even after he left Potiphar’s house. Those who stay true to God can be assured of his smile upon them and in they do. He can be assured of God still being with him. Those who stray from the path of righteousness will find themselves alienated from God and his blessing in their lives. It may have looked that all Joseph gained was physical pain, hardship, a prison sentence. He was still true to God in contrast of God’s will in his life. Joseph would be raised up by the power of God, to be second in command to Pharaoh. The best we can do is stay close to God. Live close to him. Getting God’s best is worth more than what sin can give. Sin never lasts. Joseph sought God’s best and God came through for him. If we seek God’s best he will come close to us too. Satan wants to trap you, destroy your life. Do not let it happen. If you are saved by God’s grace and you battle with temptation know there is help in Christ. Get to him, get away from evil. Don’t let Satan destroy your life. If you need the Lord for salvation or forgiveness or help from temptation or for a personal victory over sin in your life to get to God today. Let go of sin. Come to Christ, receive the help you need. Joseph triumphed because he had the Lord. You can have the victory if you have Jesus. He had the victory and so can we too. You can know he is the one who can help you. Our destiny is not everlasting defeat or sorrow. It is rejoicing in Christ, the one who helps us each day as he did for Joseph. He can do it for us. Let’s stand in the gospel of Christ today.

 

 

The Servant King

 

COLERAINE INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 12 JANUARY 2025 pm – MR REUBEN LYONS

MARK 1 VERSES 1 TO 8

It is fitting to look back rather than delve right into the book.  Who wrote it? If we knew then we would have a better understanding of the scene we are entering into.  Look at the background to who Mark was writing to, what it says today of the ministry and the life of Jesus.  Look first at the audience of this gospel.  There was a particular audience to which these words are written to.  Matthew wrote to Jews, Luke to Greeks, John to Gentiles and Mark was written to a Roman audience.  The main theme of this life and ministry of Jesus  was not that Jesus was a great king nor a warrior nor a military man.  He was the servant king.  That is the title of tonight’s message – Jesus the servant tonight.  Tonight’s title is Jesus the coming king.  Mark wanted to show that saving faith is only found in Jesus.  John Mark is the author of this book, that is an universally accepted fact.  Acts 12 verse 12 gives more information to this man and his background.  He was the son of a woman called Mary.  Her home was used in the early church as a meeting place.  It is not possible to nail down any specific date for when this book was written.  It was written to Rome, the capital – that is the location of this book.  He therefore these words were written between 55 to 65 AD after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  He was writing with a Roman audience in mind.  Why did Mark write his gospel.  He desired to bring the good news of Jesus and salvation to Gentiles.  There is a difference in the audience but also in the manner in which each gospel is written.  Mark did not get down to the nitty gritty details of Jesus’ life. Mark is a fast paced gospel.  We need to understand that Jesus is the servant king.  That was his intent for writing all of this.  In the opening verses there is no genealogy or family line given to Jesus, no miraculous birth listed in Bethlehem, no account of his younger years growing up in Nazareth, no sermon on the mount mentioned.  Mark looked to captivate his audience, to make them understand that Jesus was and still is the Son of God.  He highlighted the events that he felt were most important – he served, suffered and died and rose again through his fulfilment of redemption plan.  We have access to the Father for the forgiveness of sins.  There is one verse that is very important to remember in this gospel – Mark 10 verse 45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 1 verses 1 to 3 the purpose

Mark 1 verses 4 to 6 the prophet

Mark 1 verses 7 and 8 the promise

The purpose – verses 1 to 3.  There is no detail about the younger years of Christ.  This gospel starts right into the adult life of Jesus.  Verse 1 “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”  Mark is telling us of the importance of the gospel.  You need to recognise Jesus as the Son of God, to live for him daily and know him.  “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”  The telling is so important in your life.  It is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  It is not Mark’s gospel.  The big subject of the book is identity.  Mark has identified who Jesus is – he is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Christ.  He highlights a couple of things – first through hearing and reading the truth we would wholeheartedly say Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah, the servant king.  Through his death and resurrection my sins can be forgiven.  Salvation is only found in Christ alone.  Secondly, we must also be sure of our identity, where we stand before Jesus.  It is great to recognise him as the Son of God but to know him in a real and personal way, to have a relationship with him, we need to repent of our sins, ask forgiveness of sins and identify with him.  Both points go hand in hand.

Paul Dalou Drury was a French Painter in the nineteeth century.  He travelled all across Europe – Luxemburg, Germany and the UK.  One time he was in the middle of Europe when he hit a road block on his travels. He was on the border to Switzerland when he discovered he had misplaced his passport.  Without that he couldn’t get far.  Without identification he would not be able to enter into the country.  To prove his identity the guards set him a test.  He was given a piece of paper and a pencil and told to draw the livestock in the nearby fields to prove he was an artist and could be trusted.  He did this easily and quickly.  From his drawing the guards realised he must be a famous artist. They were able to affirm who he was through his work. Many people’s identity is seen through their work and accomplishments.  When it comes to Jesus it is completely the opposite - our identity is in Christ, whether we belong to him.  Without Christ we have no proper identity, we are lost and wandering to a lost eternity.  Identifying as a child of God.  A certainty our passport is signed that we are saved and belonging to the family of God, our destiny is in heaven, the certainty of being with the Lord in heaven one day.

Now Mark tells us why he writes – he simply intends to discuss the gospel of Jesus.  Gospel means good news.  That word to Romans was joyful news, usually of a Roman emperor.  Mark’s good news is that God came into the world and died for our sins.  Our sins can be forgiven.  We can belong to the family of God and one day go to live with our Father in heaven.  The entire book talks about victory over sin and Satan, death and hell.  The purpose of this book is the sharing of good news of Christ. The purpose of the messenger – verse 2.  John the Baptist coming onto the scene.  Mark has taken time to look back at the promises given in the Old Testament, now brought to fulfilment in John the Baptist – Malachi 3 verse 1 and Isaiah 40 verse 3.  John the Baptist was this promised messenger, the one who was sent to prepare the way for the earthly ministry of Jesus.  John was to do the ground work for the coming king.  He called on the people, they needed to repent of their sins and prepare the way for the coming of the King, the redeemer of all mankind.  This work of preparation was common in Bible times.  Importance of such a messenger in those days – a messenger went ahead of a earthly king to make sure his people are ready to receive their coming king.  That is what John was doing.  Making sure they knew the truth so they would know Jesus when he came.  In preparation Mark speaks of the message John faithfully preached before Jesus arrived on the scene.  Like Isaiah in the Old Testament John was a lone voice in the wilderness crying out, calling for the people to be prepared for the coming king.  This is now a new beginning. The next stage in redemptive history is now unfolding.  Following all the years of silence God was doing something new for his people.  He was once again speaking to them and saying “I keep my promises, here is my Son.”  The society into which John preached was one of dead religion, indifference and darkness, of not listening to what was said at that time surrounding the truth.  Reminds us of our world today.  As Christians we can get so caught up with putting ourselves and our own agendas first before God.  Focusing on matters that might seem important but not really in the grand scheme of things.  That instead of focusing on what really matters, being the gospel.  Are we getting caught up in secondary things - how things are done.  We are caught up in the way the world does things in the darkness surrounding us.  Are we forgetting the primary thing we have to rejoice in is Jesus and his word.  We need to keep him and his word in the centre of everything we do and say.  We need to stay away from trivial debates and cling to Christ, growing in him, glorifying his name and share God’s word for all to hear.  If we do that he will honour and bless us.  We are called to follow a similar path.  God will bless if we follow the similar path.

The prophet himself – verses 4 to 6.  Firstly his message in verse 4.  John was preaching a message of repentance for the remission of sins.  The wilderness where he was preparing the way was on the western shore of the Dead Sea.  Looked to minister into the spiritual wilderness that had gripped the people.  So many who knew the truth but had wandered from what really mattered, the gospel.  They needed to leave their spiritual wilderness.  They needed to repent and ask for forgiveness.  Repentance means there needs to be a reversal in life, a change of action, to receive forgiveness and pardon from sins. Repentance is not a word many want to hear.  They hear it but don’t want to hear it.  They don’t want to hear they are lost, they are sinners, they have gone wrong and need forgiveness from God.  They think there is no need to change.  They are respectable, do this and that in my neighbourhood and community.  It is not enough.  Why do we need to repent – they need Jesus.  A message that many finds controversial  and continues to do so.  They often want nothing of the repentance of sin.  It is what we are called to do to share the message in all its simplicity.  Not just that God loves you but to say that Jesus loves you and died for you but to know him you need to repent and ask for forgiveness.  We can’t have one without the other.  To share the love and compassion of Christ but we also need to tell people they need repent and get right with him.  There are consequences.  Salvation and life with Jesus is available but we must repent.  Repent of sinful living and turn away from it.  That is a requirement – repent of sinful life and turn away from it. It will be the best thing that ever happened to them.  If you have Jesus then you are living.  So many don’t have Jesus.  So many think otherwise, don’t understand what life really is.  They do not have that newness of life that comes in the name of Jesus.  Without repentance there can be no salvation.  Maybe you have a passport for eternity and it does say you are saved, you are child of God.  But maybe yours does not say you are forgiven, that you have never repented.  We need to share the same message John shared, the message of the repentance of sins.  That was his message but what was his method? Following repentance came baptism.  That was carried out in the waters of the Jordan river.  Baptism was an outward testimony of the inward change.  Baptism after the receiving of Jesus as Saviour. Once forgiven you identify with Jesus through the waters of baptism.  We have heard of his message and his methods, now look at his modesty.  Verse 6.  John was not a man who lived and enjoyed the finer things in life.  He did not have fine linen clothes, a home or food but the bare minimum.  Kept the Lord as focus. To not look at the material, rather than seeking to accumulate great wealth and fame it was all about the Lord to him. His clothes were made of animal skins and camel hair.  He ate locusts and wild honey that were found in the wilderness in which he ministered.  He stood out to his contemporaries by how he looked and lived.  His life was very distinct with John.  It might not have looked or smelt nice but he was faithful and committed to the cause of Christ.  Charles Swindoll said of John the Baptist “we have a profile of a strange evangelist. In his life we see a character and a life worth emulating. When we do start living like John the Baptist we end up looking more like Jesus Christ in our own lives.” We shouldn’t focus on what he was wearing and eating but rather focus on the commitment for the cause of gospel and Jesus in his life.  Through John we see obedience to God is more desirable than acceptance by other people.  Jesus is looking for faithful submission, living a life that is  counter cultural.  Living th best life we could ever hope to have.  Don’t focus on how successful you are to those around you but rather that you are growing in Christ. Living for Jesus, sharing his hope into this lost world.

The promise – verses 7 and 8.  Declaration that is made.  Throughout the message the main theme had always stayed the same - to be ready for the coming of Christ.  Wanted everybody to be prepared for when Christ came.  That is still at the centre of our message today.  We need to be ready when Christ comes.  We need to be ready in expectation that Jesus could come tomorrow or next week.  It is not up to man to determine when that is.  We need to be ready for the Lord’s coming again.  He may have went away but he is coming back again.  People can come from near and far to hear the word preached. John had garnered quite a following at this time but that didn’t lead them away from Jesus.  He was not swayed by his culture. His focus was only on Jesus.  It was not him but rather on Jesus who was the Messiah, it was Jesus who was the Son of God.  His ministry was not about him.  The people needed to see Jesus and him alone.  John said at one point “he must increase and I must decrease.”  Are they not great words to live by?  That we are not serving to please ourselves, to boost our own ego,  or to be seen on a platform by others?  We serve to give glory only to our Saviour.  In everything we do we are to give God the increase.  So that someone outside the family of God when they look on our lives that they don’t see us at all.  All they see is Jesus.  Are we being faithful like John in sharing the good news of Jesus for all to hear?  When people look on us do they see our accomplishments or your Saviour?  That he has made all the difference to you.  That we are called to be humble, remembering that it was our Saviour that secured our redemption on Calvary, dying so that we might be set through.  That through his sacrificial love our identity is found in him today.  The theme of this gospel will remain the same throughout the coming chapters.  Jesus is the Son of God.  He is still the same today.  The servant king.  We need to identify with him.  What is marked in your passport for eternity? Are you found, saved, on your way to heaven or is it marked as lost, wandering and going on the way to hell.  Now is the time to repent, to be forgiven, to live an abundant life for Christ.  Let’s pray for those who do not know Jesus, that we would be identified with Jesus, that we would know the gospel and be committed to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Christ as their own Saviour and Lord.

Are you a quitting Christian?

 

COLERAINE INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 12 JANUARY 2025 – MR REUBEN LYONS

NUMBERS 11 VERSES 1 TO 25

As we enter into a new year there are many things we could say of the year past.  Maybe for you personally it was a wonderful year as a family or maybe it was a hard year with lots of hardship.  We could talk of the presidential election, changes in climate.  For many it was the year of sports – all different events in football, rugby and cricket.  2024 was the year of the Olympics.  They say the Olympics brings the whole world together. During the Olympic Games the eyes of the world are on you.  People turn to the sports to watch and get on board with their nation.  30 years ago in 1992 the Olympics took place in Barcelona.    For one man his eyes were drawn to the 400 metres.  That man was Derek Redmond.   He set his eyes on going all the way, to winning the final.  He wanted to win the gold medal, to raise the flag for his country.  He made it to the semi finals and got off to a phenomenal start out of the blocks.  He could see the final run when disaster struck.  He felt a sharp pain up his right leg and fell face first into the ground.  Medical staff rushed to him but he got up and hopped on one leg.  A man came running from the stands – Jim his father.  He told his son “you don’t have to do this, you have done us proud, done our country proud” to which the son replied “no I need to go on, I need to finish well.”  The father said “well then we will finish together.”  He may not have won the gold medal that day but he had the memory of a father who helped him run the race together.

In our passage Moses came to an end, he was ready to quit leading the people of Israel the Promised Land.  He failed to see what we also fail to see – there will be pain and hardship but we need to keep going on because our Father is with us just as Jim was with his son.  We need to say in the race and run it with endurance.  Are you a quitting Christian today?

First – we see Moses’ challenge – verses 1 to 10

Second – we see Moses’ conversation – verses 11 to 15

Third – we see Moses’ cost – verses 16 to 25

Moses’ challenge – verses 1 to 10

Discouragement and pain had come into the life of Moses. The burden of leading the people of Israel.  He had followed the command of God on his life.  Verses 1 to 3 the people were not an easy people. They were a challenging people, hard to be get along with, hard to lead in the right direction.  Someone once said “where there are people there are problems.”  Problems abounded in the people of Israel.  They were nothing but complainers.  We can often be like that.  These people had been led out of Egypt but they never seemed to be satisfied, nothing was good enough for them.  Fear surrounded these people.  It affects your attitude, your outlook on life.  It was affecting Moses, he was overwhelmed by what was before him.  These problems seem to be prominent in different churches even today.  We can read about it in the early church, Philippi for instance.  It is the issue of unity.  How do we deal with the problems of people?  I am a person who likes things very structured, in order.  I plan out my day and the week ahead so that I know what I am doing and when.  In that way I get things done.  But how do we get on with people who are difficult?  I follow 3 simple rules – firstly simply love them like Jesus loved them.  Jesus himself told us to love your neighbour as yourself.  Secondly, forgive them for anything or everything they have done.  Ephesians 4 verse 32 says “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  Thirdly pray for them – pray for wisdom, for patience and for love.  That is what we need to do  It is not easy to do but it is what God has called us to do.  For Moses the people’s problem was the food was not good enough.  Verses 4 to 9 - manna was the food that had been provided by God for the people. The original meaning of the word manna was the question – what is it?  That is the question the Israelites now asked.  They were in confusion.  Manna was the miracle provided by God.  Exodus 16 verse 15 shows that it was bread from heaven.  A wonderful sign of God’s provision for his people.  Much time had passed from Exodus 16 to Numbers 11.  The people grew tired, they wanted something different for their palette.  It is the same way the health craze hits at the beginning of the year, we have become fed up with chocolates, cakes and biscuits.  We want something more healthy, salad instead of chocolate.  For the first week it is Ok then it comes to a few weeks later when we want sugar again.  These people had those same cravings.  They talked about food they had in Egypt – cucumber, melons, leeks, garlic.  They wanted their manna to have the same flavour.  They yearned for such food and just like a child screwing up its face at the food given to it, hundreds of thousands of people were doing the same before Moses.  The manna was not what they envisioned as food from God.  God’s provision may not be in the timing we want but in God’s it is perfect.  He will provide and lead us through the wilderness.  The people might not have always enjoyed what God provided but we never read that they starved to death.  God provided for their needs.  Verse 10 – notice the final word – “displeased”.  We all know what that means.  Moses had come to the end of his tether.  He was discouraged and defeated.  He was on the verge of burn out, a break down.  The problems we face in life can result in the same burn out, a break down.  That can damage our walk with the Lord.  We often read of bible characters and believe they are greater than us but they were still prone to weakness.  Think of Moses, Elijah, David and Jonah.  We could talk of all their weaknesses.  Here we see Moses became consumed with earthly challenges.  He lost his perception of how great God is.  He took his focus off God through this incident.  God fights the battles and we get to enjoy the victory in his name.  Warren Wiersbe said “Nothing paralyses our lives like the attitude that things can never change.  We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.”  We need to look at the problems through the reality of what is to come.  The Lord is still providing today.  We can have the victory in his name today.

Moses’ conversation – verses 11 and 12.  Moses is totally confused in how God is with him.  It was not answered prayer in the way he felt appropriate.  He asks one question – why.  They are not my problem, they are your people.  Why is it me that has to bear the burden of these complaining people?  We fail to grasp the why of God’s work.  Why God does certain things.  We become so consumed by our present circumstances and fail to see what it was we are complaining about.  It was God’s responsibility.  In Exodus 3 God told Moses to lead his people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.  It was not his job to feed them.  That was God’s job.  Isn’t it true we often find ourselves asking ourselves “Lord why me?”  Why is this happening to me? Why is the Lord allowing this to happen?  We don’t have all the answers.  Instead of approaching God with why, we must ask him “why not me?”  Jesus told us to expect problems in this life.  Job said “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.”  Why do we think we have a VIP pass through the troubles of life?  We should simply be giving thanks through the circumstances of life.  Joseph is an example of Romans 8 verse 28.  Let us take heart – the Lord is using these dark and sinful days to grow and prepare us for the work in the future.  We should be asking God “what is the lesson you want me to learn here? What do you want to teach me through your precious word?” In verse 12 we see there was a place of confessing.  Admitting he was weak and feeble, not perfect.  This man knew he was unable to provide for his people.  It was no easy task to admit that he was weak and dependent on God.  The world today is all about a “do it yourself” attitude, you don’t need anyone else just you, yourself and a brain.  In such a situation we will fail to know and experience God’s power.  It is wonderful to humble ourselves and recognise we are unable to do it all by ourselves.  Our lives will be far better for it.  If your heart is met today not because of me and what I say or do but the Lord must do these works.  There is only one who is able, who is working behind the scenes.  Like Moses we might be overwhelmed by life.  I am often reminded in prayer that I serve a God who is able.  No matter how we are serving the Lord today, whatever gifting he has given you, you are not able in your own strength.  We should remind ourselves of that each day.

 

“God and God alone

Created all these things we call our own

From the mighty to the small

The Glory in them all

Is God’s and God’s alone.

 

God and God alone

Is fit to take the universe’s throne

Let everything that lives

Reserve it’s truest praise

For God and God alone

 

Steve Green – God and God alone

 

God is able to meet with you today, to take a dealing with you.  You don’t have the strength but he does.  Let us witness what is ultimately given to God from Moses.  Verse 15  Moses is now saying “get me out of this mess, I want you to end my life.”  Human weakness had taken hold of him again.  He knew he had to give God an ultimatum.  It is never right to quit on God.  Quitting doesn’t work.  Many have tried to take themselves off the spiritual battle field.  It doesn’t work and it doesn’t please God.  We need to seriously get our lives in order.  No backing down.  No quitting.  To be faithful to him in all things.  We need to realise like Moses that God is able.

 

The cost for Moses – verses 16 to 25.  Instead of being the sole leader appointed by God he had to share leadership with 70 elders.  His burden was lightened and shared around.  Moses had been called to be the leader but now his position was no longer what it once was.  God anointed these men for his work – verse 25.  The Spirit that was on Moses was now given to 70 elders. He was not a lesser servant of God but he had less potential.  He had already everything he needed to get the job done.  Instead of looking to the Lord he had lost so much.  We need to be wary of this.  The Lord may remove his hand of blessing on your life.  You may feel unequipped.  If you know him as Saviour today you have all you need to fight the battle.  If you are a quitting Christian he will give another the blessing.  If we quit the Lord will use someone else.  What will you do today?  Will you throw in the towel or submit to the Lord, to his leading.  One thing Moses did right – he turned to the Lord in his crisis.  Is that what you need today?  Restoration, forgiveness and salvation?  Is that what you need? The Lord is able to hold you.  He will solve your problems.  He has brought you thus far and as you embark on this new year submit to him once more.  God blesses those who honour him.  Will you allow him to do that today?

 

 

Jesus is with us in the midst of storms

 

COLERAINE INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2025 pm – MR HENRY MONTGOMERY

The Dutch artist Rembrandt painted a painting in 1633 and called it “Christ in the storm on the sea of Galilee"  It was bought by a man for his wife then displayed in a Boston art gallery until 2 thieves stole it in 1990 and it hasn’t been seen since.  The painting captured his impression of this story in Matthew 8 verses 23 to 27.

We can see the scenes of fear that gripped the people on that particular occasion.  Boats like this were common place on the Sea of Galilee.  Sometimes there were fishing boats and at other times there were cargo boats.  It was not uncommon to see boats cross the sea.  Something happened on this occasion that left some of the disciples really shaken.  For some of the disciples they should have been used to the sea – James and John, Peter and Andrew had experience as they were fishermen.  This occasion leaves them fearful and worried.  Have you ever been on a boat that has been really rocking? Storms can shake us off our feet making us feel unsettled and sick.  We want to think tonight of some storms that enter our lives, not physical but those that come into our lives.

1.       Storms happen to everybody at some time or another

The sea of Galilee lies in a basin and warm air currents come off the mountains and pick up turbulent storms arise on the sea of Galilee.  That is the same as the storms that come on our lives.  None of us are immune or exempt.  We are placed here in this fallen world under the curse of sin which came about because of the Garden of Eden.  Difficult things do happen in our lives and we cannot opt out of them.  Maybe right now life is pretty good for you.  You might be saying “my situation is alright, I have come through life to now fairly OK, no really bad things have happened to me, I have got off lightly as far as storms come.”  But they do just happen.  Maybe they are not anticipated, not welcome but storms will come.  We live in a fallen world that is blighted by sin.  Pain, sickness, death, hunger, impoverishments can leave us running from the impact of it.  Psalm 107 verses 25 to 27.  Have you ever been at your wits end, shaken to your core?  Left me running up and down.  Don’t think it strange because of the trials that come our way.  Consider it not strange concerning the fiery trials that come our way.

2.       Storms can come on you even when following Jesus

“His disciples followed him and behold there arose a great tempest in the sea.”  In the original Greek there is no verse division.  You can be following Jesus and still experience a tempest.  Sometimes that does not sit well with us – if we are following Christ many will say, if you were really following Jesus you would not be facing these trials and difficulties.  That is exactly what happened to Jesus’ disciples.  They were following Jesus but a tempest happened.  It was not a case that they failed to follow Jesus and therefore a great storm arose.  It was not a case that they turned back from following Jesus and a great storm arose.  It was not a case that they followed afar off and a great storm arose.  None of that is correct – storms can come to the most godly people, faithful followers of Christ.  You can be suffering trials even when following the Lord.  Someone will come along and say to you “if only you were more spiritual, prayed more, lived closer to the Lord you wouldn’t be facing this now.”  Don’t listen to them.  Storms can come to the most godly people, followers living with integrity.  They can still experience storms.  Remember Job.  His so called friends came alongside him.  He suffered so much in his health, family and livelihood.  These people came alongside him implicating he was harbouring a secret sin.  Job was a faithful follower of the Lord.  The Lord allowed these trials to come to him.

3.       Storms can arise really suddenly

A friend of mine has been to the Holy Land with his mother.  She took 2 pictures of the same scene.  They were staying in accommodation that was overlooking the Sea of Galilee.  One picture was taken in the morning and it was a scene of perfect peace.  Like a mill pond.  Not a ripple on the surface.  That afternoon the waves were crashing over the sea wall.  Same scene, hours in between.  Storms can arise very easily on the Sea of Galilee.  Storms can happen in our lives very quickly.  We can be in a situation when things are going so well then a piece of news comes and all of a sudden everything changes – It’s cancer, I am leaving, you are fired, she’s dead.  One minute life is good, things are going well, then a piece of news knocks us for 6.  We all experience this to some extent or another.  We hardly know which end is up.  Starts off as a normal day but by the time we go to bed our whole world is in turmoil.  We don’t know which way to turn.  Storms can rise quickly.

4.       Storms can terrify the seasoned traveller

Some of those on the boat that day were fishermen but on this occasion they were shouting “Lord save us or we perish”.  How will you feel if you saw one of the crew members of a boat you were travelling on suddenly gets into a panic?  These men were seasoned fishermen, well used to being on the sea but they were terrified because of the violence of this storm.  Verse 24 “a great storm”.  The translation of the word “great” is the Greek mega.  You know it is big, large.  The word for “storm” is seismic.  Seismology is the study of earth tremors.  The idea is of a size that is huge.  You might have been on the Christian pathway for a few years and you might be able to testify of how great God has helped you on many occasions.  You have been in situations that have been dramatic and have shaken you but God has been there, caring for you.  He has you in his hand.  But now circumstances are so difficult that you are starting to doubt this.

5.       The best way to turn in a storm is towards Jesus

We know that sitting here in the comfort of our seat tonight but when a storm comes the obvious things become blind to us.  We remember another occasion when Peter stepped out of a boat to walk to Jesus.  Somehow he was distracted by the wind and waves.  He took his eyes off Jesus.  The disciples turned to Jesus – verse 25.  I would love to know what their thought process was before they stirred Jesus.  Did they try some other plan to stabilise the boat and then went to Jesus as a last resort?  Because that is what we do.  We try to sort things out and then as a last resort we turn to the Lord.  The best way to turn in a storm is towards Jesus.  I don’t know what is going on in your life but whatever is, turn to Jesus.  Even though you cannot see what is going on he is in control.  The other option is to turn away from him.  Sadly that is what does happen.  Hurtful and disturbing things make us turn from Christ.  We sometimes say to the Lord “if you love me this wouldn’t have been happening.”  You have met people with a bad attitude to the Lord, to the church and Christians.  They blame God for something that happened in their life.  Witnessing to them is difficult.  They turn away from God in a moment of crisis rather than turn to him.  You are crying out to Jesus.  Maybe you have never done that, never accepted him.  You can cry out to him, to find peace and forgiveness.  The best one to turn to in a storm is to Jesus.

6.       Jesus has the power to calm any storm

He spoke.  We don’t know what he said.  He arose, rebuked the sea and there was a great calm and there was a great calm.  In Mark 4 we read his words – “peace be still”.  Jesus can calm the greatest tempest.  In verse 24 we read of a “great storm” and in verse 26 the same word “great” is used again.  A great calm.  Even when everything seemed turbulent Jesus could calm the storm and there was a great peace.  The tempest might be raging over our lives right now.  Our circumstances might be turbulent right now but there will be a great calm.  We still face trials, suffer illness, bereavement and difficulties in life but we can know peace in the midst of it.

7.       Storms can renew and strengthen our faith in God

Verse 27 - if this storm hadn’t come they wouldn’t have seen or experienced God’s power the way they did.  We don’t invite trials into our lives but often there is a teaching part in them.  Good experience of God’s power to control the storm.  They wouldn’t have gone if there was plain sailing across the lake that day.  We can experience peace when the storm comes.  It can renew and strengthen our faith.  It is important we don’t waste them, miss out on a learning experience.  Through trials we put our trust in God.  We experience greater faith as a result.

Like Joseph in the pit with the brothers deciding to spin a yarn to their father.  There is 2 ways we can respond similarly in trials or difficulties. How can I get out of this or we can say what can I get out of this.  There is a bit of difference.  I want to escape from these trials.  What can I get out of this is a difference.  You have some plan and purpose I want to know what it is, that I might learn from this experience.  Gripped by your power or bear testimony in place in the midst of the storm for people to see how I respond.  These difficulties can renew our strength and faith in God.