Good Morning my beloved,
We welcome you to worship today in the name of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It's a tremendous privilege to have you here with us today this Lord's Day, reminding me of both the blessing and importance of community and the shared faith that unites us all.
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing
high levels of persecution, many face imprisonment, violence, and even death,
simply for their faith in Jesus Christ. Many in these persecuted regions have
assured me that our continued prayers are vital, providing spiritual support and strength in their hour of need.
As we enter 2025, I have begun to think back upon my life, reflecting on my upbringing, reminiscing about the time when I grew up, when you get to be as old as I am, you will discover that it's a common experience that as you age, you tend to nostalgically engage in such reflections frequently. It was a time where everybody around me who claimed to be a Christian really was, they truly embodied the principles and values of Christianity, living out their convictions and beliefs. It was a time where one's faith was evident in their everyday actions and interactions. I thank my God through Jesus Christ for every one of those saints, I am profoundly grateful for the invaluable lessons they taught me, providing me with insights and understanding. I learned more from watching the lives of those men and women that far surpassed anything that they ever said. That's not to say that what they said wasn't important but it was incomparable to the genuine compassion, kindness, and humility, the self-less acts of charity not for recognition but out of an authentic desire to help others, which are the hallmarks of Christian values, that were deeply ingrained in our culture, I learned just by observing their lives.
I mean, it was not uncommon to see neighbors coming together to support a family in need or who had recently suffered the loss of a loved one. I vividly recall watching my grandparents as well as others in our neighborhood, who would make trips to the grocery store to purchase food, which they would then use to prepare meals to take to those families, wasn't just limited to food; they would offer emotional support, help with household chores, or even assist with funeral arrangements. They weren't just mechanically cranking out acts of service, it was whole-hearted service to God that is characteristic of being thankful to have the privilege help someone in need, that only can come from a pure and grateful heart. You show me someone whose heart has truly been transformed, that is truly thankful to God for what He has done in their lives and I'll show you someone who is constantly in prayer with and for others, who serves God by serving others from the heart, you cannot fake that kind of genuine transformation.
This stands in stark contrast to the self-centered megalomaniacs we see today, trying to gain a reputation for themselves, that have no idea what it means to fully submit God's will, who appear more preoccupied with pleasing the world than they are about offending God. I must say, it never even crossed my mind that one day the the church, would become more full of people singing songs of redemption, claiming to be Christians, but genuinely are not. Today, it seems that the Gospel has been perverted, and to make the message more palpable to sinners, it has been significantly watered down to the point that many people who identify themselves as Christians but lack genuine faith, whose lives and actions do not align with the core tenets of the faith they proclaim. I confess, this is a very hard thing for me to watch the professed people of God succumbing to the societal pressures to conform. I believe that some Christians are superficially committed to Christ, they're more wrapped up satisfying their own wants and desires, focused on fulfilling their own personal ambitions and aspirations, while true Christians are willing to submit all his plans to God's will, genuinely committed to living a life in accordance with their convictions, which involves a conscious effort to "die to self," laying aside personal interests in order to wholeheartedly follow Christ, consistently practicing acts of kindness and compassion, offering forgiveness.
I've often been asked why it is that I have such a deep interest in who is really a Christian, the answer is straightforward and simple, it’s very personal to me, Jesus Himself was concerned about it. My personal experiences with Christianity and true salvation have been marked by genuine transformation, encounters that have shaped my life, having shown me that it's not a bunch of empty professors, who go to so-called churches where the Truth of God is never preached, filled with people that delude themselves into thinking they are on their way to heaven, when their lives glorify Him not as God. Tragically, they're deceived, they'll be cast out into outer darkness, where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Because you can’t begin to glorify God until you have confessed Jesus as Lord, that involves completely surrendering to His Authority.
True Christians don't live for themselves, in direct opposition to that which glorifies God, true Christians just don’t do that, they live for Christ, glorifying God in everything. In Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." Yet, the sobering reality is only a very small fraction of those who identify as Christians consistently engage in practices that reflect our Lord's teachings. Statistic reveal that less than 20% of self-identified Christians regularly attend church services and many of them frequently engage in behaviors more commonly associated with non-Christians, and exhibit lifestyle choices strictly condemned by God. It raises questions about the factors that are really influencing their lives, it's pretty obvious it's not the Word of God.
We're all very much aware that Jesus died for sinners, the problem we face today is that sinners today don't think they're sin is that bad, they perceive themselves to be fundamentally basically good, sure they might tell a lie or two, they might cheat on their taxes, they might even steal a pen from work, but they give to the poor and needy, they work hard, they're a good provider, they love their spouse, their kids. However, the challenge lies in understanding that goodness is not relative, it is not subjective; it is objective, it's absolute and unchanging. You see what's very hard for people to understand, is they're goodness is no greater than that of a God-hating, Christ cursing, hell-bound sinner. Technically, some people are worse than others, more morally corrupt than others, because evil is relative, but as far as God is concerned, bad is bad, so there's essentially no difference between a liar and and a murderer that is destined for damnation. In the eyes of God, we're all vile, wretched sinners no matter what we may appear to be on the surface, inside we're all the same, infinitely far from God. Paul reminds us in Romans 3:9-10, " What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one." And, in verse 23, he says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Until the church fully understands that the gospel message is none of are good, and if He can save all of us, He can save anybody. Every person ever born, every human being on the face of the planet earth is in the same boat, worthy of eternal damnation, because we all have deviated so far from God's absolute perfect standard, therefore, fall short of the glory of God. The degree to which we fall is irrelevant before we come to Christ. I just want to establish the fact that this is not a matter of my own personal opinion, but a theological Truth, grounded in Scripture. God looks at all sinners as being worthy of death, whatever measure of goodness you think you have means absolutely nothing, just because a person says they believe in Jesus and knows the Bible, just because a person appears outwardly good does not necessarily mean they possess genuine saving faith. Jesus said the Pharisees appeared to be clean on the outside, but inside, inside they filthy, full of robbery and self-indulgence.
That reality should challenge every one of us to examine ourselves, scrutinize our own lives, urging us reevaluate our understanding of our own actions, asking ourselves whether or not our faith is true saving faith. I don't know how that makes you feel, but it certainly fills my heart with thankfulness and gratitude, I am profoundly grateful that I have been redeemed, I am eternally thankful for the redemption I have received not because I deserve it or even on the basis of anything that I have done, but truly by the grace of God. Where there is true saving faith, there is a love for God. And if you love God, you will hate sin, especially your own, a hatred that is driven by your love for God. True saving faith involves genuine humility, with the understanding that you're not worthy of this salvation that you've received, therefore, it manifests in a sincere and ongoing repentance, a constant state of confession from a broken and contrite heart that naturally results in a constant turning away from sin because it offends the God you love. True saving faith is not content with merely acknowledging divine grace; it actively seeks to honor the name of God in every thought, every word, and doesn't ever want to say or do anything to bring reproach on His name. Nothing is more reflective of our spiritual condition than the way we feel about our sin? Are you broken hearted, mourning over your sin? Or do you find yourself rationalizing your sin, making excuses, even blaming others when you sin? The distinction between these responses can be an indication of superficial false faith. That's right, so examine yourself carefully.
Let's pray together
Heavenly Father,
Father, we come to you thankful for Your Word, by which You have confronted and convicted us of our sin, then, granting us the gift of genuine repentance, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the righteousness of Christ You've given us by faith. We humbly confess that we are unworthy of Your boundless love and mercy. May we truly comprehend that all of this is because You love us, You have become our compassionate, loving Redeemer, Deliverer and Rescuer. Help us to fully understand the gift You have given us, and grasp the reality that saving faith manifests in true repentance, turning away from sin and drawing us ever closer to Your grace, mercy and love which has been graciously bestowed upon us by faith, allowing us to live a life that glorifies Your name and exalts Christ. May we wholeheartedly strive to embrace the transformative power of that forgiveness as a testament to Your unconditional love for us, so that we may have greater service to render to the One Who gave Himself for us.
In His precious Name we ask and pray these things for Your glory.
Amen.
Today's Message: Who is in your boat?
Open your Bibles with me, if you would and turn them to the Gospel of Luke chapter 8, Luke 8:22-25. I'd like to encourage you to follow along with me as I read, so that we can set the text in our minds, and allow it to settle deeply within our hearts, creating an opportunity for us to discern what the Holy Spirit has to personally say to each of us today through the Word and allow it to transform our lives.
"Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out. But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?"
We've all heard this story countless times, it's not a difficult passage to understand, yet it's enough to provoke deeper challenge to our understanding. God Himself came down to earth, in the person of Jesus Christ for the purpose of redeeming not only mankind but to restore the entire planet marked by sin to a state of perfect harmony, this reconciliation can only be achieved by bridging the gap that exists between a Holy and Righteous God and a sinful, fallen human race. I believe that it's obvious that such a divine act of this magnitude requires a power much greater than ourselves, a power that far surpasses our own limited capabilities, a power that exceeds our finite minds to ability to comprehend, emphasizing our insufficiency and the necessity for the divine intervention of God to enact such a transformative change. With the myriad of human abilities and capabilities we possess, we are absolutely powerless to do anything to sustain the universe, the forces that govern the universe remain beyond our control. It often puzzles me why some men think they can do anything to reconcile themselves to God, there is no amount of intellectual reasoning, no amount of moral or ethical behavior, or good works, or saving deeds can bridge the spiritual divide that exists between humanity and God, though for centuries, many have endeavored to try. In other words, man can do absolutely nothing to make himself right with God, salvation is not something we earn. For some people, the fact that their best efforts fall short, is a very painful reality, you see.
Much like natural storms, our self-created, man-made storms can wreak havoc, having a devastating impact on the lives of those they touch. Often, when we find ourselves engulfed in the middle of our own personal storm, we're unable to see how the far-reaching effects our actions are going to impact the lives of others, disrupting the lives of our family, friends, and those closest to us. Once the mind spirals out of control, it becomes vulnerable to the insidious influence of the enemy, who takes over and fills our minds with destructive thoughts, and in the heat of the moment, damaging, hurtful words, that once uttered from out our mouths, won't soon be forgotten, often lingering in the minds of others for years, leaving behind a trail of emotional wreckage, that can be difficult to heal. Sometimes, in life, it seems that no matter what we do, no matter how hard we try, we seem to fall face first right into another problem. It's in those pivotal moments that you realize you should have prayed more and put your life in the hands of God! I can tell you from my own experience, that when God is in control, when we put Him in charge of the storms in our lives, they tend to abate more swiftly, leaving far fewer scars in their wake. I can also affirm having had higher levels of peace and resilience during those difficult, challenging times. As I look back at my life, I am unable to pinpoint a single instance where I did not feel the reassuring presence of God, confident that His divine hand was guiding me, enabling me navigate through the complexities of life. Storms without God will break you, storms with God will strengthen you.
Let's begin by looking at verse 22, "Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out." Luke says, "Now on one of those days," but he's very vague because he's already broken the chronological flow. By the way, the Holy Spirit is not required to always be chronological. Back in verses 19 to 21, He inspires Luke to record an incident that happened later in the life of Jesus. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit through Mark tells us exactly what day it was. It was the same day that Jesus was teaching down at the Sea of Galilee and He was forced into a boat to teach, because of the massive crowds of thousands of people that pushed Him toward the edge of the water, until He had literally nowhere else to go. It's the same day He taught them about the parable of the soils, the parable of the lamp, parable of the mustard seed, which if you remember He didn't explain the parables to the crowd, but explained everything privately to His own disciples.
Why is it all of that important? To better understand why Jesus fell to sleep in the boat, it had been a long exhausting day.
So, Jesus says "Let us go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out." They were on the northwest tip of the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus wanted to go to the other side of the lake to get some rest from the crowd. It's interesting to note, that both Matthew and Mark call it "thalassa," the Greek for sea, whereas Luke calls it "limné," which is the Greek word for lake. Technically speaking, it's a freshwater lake, approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, making it the largest freshwater lake in Israel, through which the Jordan River flows on its journey from the northern mountains down to the Dead Sea in the south. It is the lowest freshwater lake on the earth, lying about 705 feet below sea level, also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret, located in northern Israel, nestled within the heart of Galilee, making it a prominent feature in the landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery that create a picturesque setting. By the way fishing is still a major enterprise there today, just as it was in Peter's day, and the fish they catch are now called St. Peter's fish. Historically, it's frequently mentioned in the Old Testament by the name of the Sea of Chinnereth. The lake and it's shores as well as the surrounding landscapes are closely associated with some of the most profound, awe-inspiring events in the life of Jesus in the New Testament, such as Jesus walking on the water, it was along these banks that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He laid down the foundational teachings of compassion, humility, and love for humanity that
continues to inspire millions of Christians around the world until this day. In addition to it's shores, which served as the setting for the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, making it a sacred site of pilgrimage for many Christians and tourists alike who come seeking to connect with the spiritual heritage of the region.
continues to inspire millions of Christians around the world until this day. In addition to it's shores, which served as the setting for the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, making it a sacred site of pilgrimage for many Christians and tourists alike who come seeking to connect with the spiritual heritage of the region.
Verse 23, "But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger." So, they were in the boat, which is the word "ploion" refers to a boat or ship, typically used for transportation across bodies of water, in this case, we know it was a fishing boat, often depicted as a simple rowboat but it was actually large enough to accommodate a dozen or so men. Apparently there were other disciples who were with Him, because in chapter 4 verse 36, Mark tells us "and other boats were with Him." It is noteworthy that Luke says they were sailing along, emphasizing it had a sail, it's the Greek verb "pleó," meaning to navigate across a body of water with the aid of wind power, making it a source of danger due in unpredictable weather. Luke then tells us as they were sailing along Jesus fell asleep. Marks adds the Greek word "proskephalaion," indicating that He had a cushion or pillow under His head.
The phrase fell asleep is the word "aphupnoó," an unusual word that describes deep, tranquil sleep, particularly in a spiritual sense. It is exclusively used here in the New Testament to underscore the juxtaposition between Jesus' calm, undisturbed sleep during the tumultuous storm that raged around Him, showcasing His humanity and complete trust in God for divine protection in stark contrast to the disciples' who found themselves in a state of panic and anxiety, as they grappled with the fear of the unpredictability of the storm. It's actually quite disheartening to find that a significant percentage of Christians, who profess to have a strong faith in God, which ideally should be a source of strength and comfort, also have the tendency to succumb to fear and anxiety when they find themselves in the midst of life's unpredictable storms, despite maintaining their profession of unwavering faith.
I believe it is in the midst of life's unexpected storms that one's faith is tested, challenging believers to reconcile their deep-seated faith in God with their natural human emotions of intense fear and anxiety. I have found that it is in life's most difficult moments that I had not anticipated, times when everything seemed uncertain and out of my control, that my faith in God was ultimately strengthened beyond anything I ever imagined, marking the clear difference between just being religious and genuinely knowing God, developing a true personal relationship with Him. I have discovered that this realization is not just a personal experience; it is a common sentiment, most frequently echoed by others who, like me, have realized that their faith becomes more resilient, more robust and enduring, serving as a crucial stepping stone, a powerful catalyst for personal growth and spiritual development, that led them to creating a deeper connection, cultivating a greater confidence in God, these experiences transformed their belief in God from one that not only survives challenging times but something invaluably far greater, a belief that actually thrives, further solidifying their faith in the One Who has promised to go before us, never to leave or forsake us. That's why James, the half-brother of our Lord, tells us to consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Luke ends the verse by saying, "and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger." Some have asked, "How in the world could Jesus sleep through such a storm?" The answer is simple, He knew it was ordained by God and He could stop the storm at anytime. If I may circle back for a moment, when we hear the word "disciple," a popular Christianese term, we often think of someone who is following Christ, like Peter, James and John, and the rest of the twelve. But, that's not correct. The word disciple is the word "mathété," from the verb "manthanō," which actually means to learn, a "mathété," or student is one who learns from a teacher. There are many of Christ's disciples who were not true believers, they were unconverted learners, who were not justified before God because they were no longer interested in following Jesus, and walked away. Listen as I read John 6:64-68, where this is vividly illustrated, "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life."
In conclusion, this passage serves as a poignant reminder that not everyone you disciple is going to be a genuine believer at heart, many will remain unconverted, finding the demands and challenges too difficult to complete the journey. It's important to be aware that only those who are genuinely called and sustained by divine intervention, will remain until the end. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 24, "Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." Anyone who does not finish, isn't going into the kingdom. In Luke 14:28-29, Jesus says, "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him." It's as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who martyred for his faith once rightly said, "Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life." You can also follow Jesus and literally end up in hell. The difference is obedience, or as Jesus so boldly said in Matthew 7, "the who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." There is no such thing as partial salvation, meaning one accepts salvation now and and defers the acceptance of Jesus' Lordship to a later time. If anyone is a true believer, there will be repentance, confession, obedience, made manifest through a life of consistency in following Jesus. Repentance, confession, and obedience are not merely suggestions but are essential components of a true salvation. Do not be deceived by those who would suggest obedience is unobtainable, so sin and enjoy grace. Roman 6:2, May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Grace is not a license to sin, but the freedom to finally do what is right. Jesus says, in John 8,"Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever." Salvation is by grace through faith, if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works. 2 Corinthians 12:9, And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 1 Peter 4:19, "Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." By the way, it's worth mentioning that after Peter was restored to the faith in John 21, and received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, there's no record in the New Testament of him stumbling again. It's truly saddening how many people are going to be destroyed, forever damned by the very false religion they've put their eternal hope in.
Verse 24, "They came to Jesus and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm." Their plea was filled with urgency and desperation, because they were experienced fishermen, they understood the situation they were facing was life threatening. This storm is so severe, they immediately recognized that their very lives were at risk. To be clear, this is not a bunch of grown men, devoid of all masculinity who are overreacting to a minor inconvenience; much like we often see today, these seasoned men of the sea, were accustomed to the capricious nature of weather, they knew their lives were in jeopardy. They were genuinely terrified.
The Greek word used here is "lailaps" it refers to a violent storm or hurricane, which can certainly cause great fear among those who caught in them. The winds during these storms would not only be strong but unpredictable, occasionally blowing from all directions, then would begin to swirl, creating an environment that was both chaotic and intimidating. I believe that their desperate cry help in the difficult situation they found themselves in was not merely just a request for Jesus' intervention, but ultimately an earnest plea for deliverance. In my experience, I have found that such pleas often arise from moments of crisis, when we're facing overwhelming circumstances beyond our control that we become acutely aware of our limitations and we realize that we have reached the end of our resources, having exhausted all other avenues, driving us to seek spiritual guidance, turning towards God. Many find themselves praying more frequently and more intensely during family crises, economic hardships, natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes or other significant life-altering events, underscoring our inherent human need to find comfort and hope, seeking reassurance from a power greater than ourselves.
That brings us to verse 25, "And He said to them, "Where is your faith?" They were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?" The storm may have caught them by surprise, but it didn't catch Jesus by surprise. I believe that it’s absolutely crucial to understand that the Lord not only permits the storm to occur, but that He is present in the storm, and moreover, the storm is even orchestrated with purpose and intention, to manifest His power, reassuring us that He is worthy of our trust even in the chaos of the storm in order to increase our faith, urging us to depend exclusively on the One who possesses the authority to calm our metaphorical storms, which can feel as unpredictable and daunting as literal storms. Furthermore, the question "Where is your faith?" is more than a simple inquiry; it challenges each and every one of us to examine our own hearts and reflect upon the depth of our own trust in Him during life's trials and tribulations.
Beloved, I am convinced this is not just a call to believe in His sovereignty but an invitation to bear witness to others, sharing our personal experiences, thereby fortifying our own faith but also becoming beacons of faith, hope and inspiration to those around us who are desperate, weary and lost, ultimately glorifying His great name, as we simultaneously let His light shine through us, sowing the seeds of salvation to a world plagued by uncertainty. Even if your knowledge of Jesus is limited to your own individual journey of transformative experiences, you know enough to tell others Who Jesus is and the extraordinary things that only He alone can do in one's life!
May it be so..
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
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