Straining to See | Chetwyn Pete Sermon | One Church Columbus
Straining to See | Chetwyn Pete Sermon | One Church Columbus
ICEBREAKER:
How did you end up in the city that you live? Why did you move there, and what keeps you there?
MESSAGE NOTES:
Title: Straining To See
Mark 6:45-51 NIV
45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.They were completely amazed,
Matthew 1:23 - KJV
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Luke 15:18-20 NIV
18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinnedagainst heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Look for the “E”:
SUCCESS
FAILURE
WEDDING
DIVORCE
PEACE
STRESS
SICKNESS
HEALTH
LIFE
DEATH
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
QUESTION 1:
Which aspect of your life currently has you “straining to see” a clear vision, of what God is doing, or what he has led you to do?
QUESTION 2:
Symbolically, what vessel has God placed you in on the water, and what tools has he given you to navigate the storm? How can you view each differently?
QUESTION 3:
In what way have you felt like the prodigal son in your relationship with God? What is a practical step you can take in your faith to run back into his open arms?
QUESTION 4:
How is God leading you to apply this message and scripture to your life this week?
GUIDED PRAYER:
God thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you that you never take your eyes off me, even in the times when I take my eyes off you. Give me a clear vision, and help to see what you are leading me to do next, one step at time. Lead me like a light to my feet and lamp to my path. I love you, praise you, and worship you. In Jesus name - amen.