Crossing Over: Embracing Faith and Impacting Lives
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of God as our refuge and dwelling place, emphasizing the security, provision, and protection found in His presence. We celebrated the release of Stephen Evans' new book, "Fire Carriers," and reflected on a powerful story from his youth, illustrating the courage to obey the Holy Spirit's promptings even when it seems daunting. This narrative set the stage for our exploration of Mark 4:35, where Jesus invites His disciples to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, a journey fraught with spiritual significance and challenges.
The journey across the Sea of Galilee symbolizes a spiritual crossing over from comfort to growth, from fear to faith, and from the status quo to spiritual maturity. The west side of the sea, representing the familiar and godly, contrasts with the east side, perceived as the domain of darkness and evil. Jesus' call to cross over in the dark challenges the disciples to confront their fears and trust in His presence, even when the journey seems perilous.
The narrative unfolds with the disciples facing a mega windstorm, a metaphor for the spiritual battles we encounter. Jesus' response to the storm—changing positions, rebuking the wind, and calming the sea—demonstrates His authority over chaos and His ability to transform our circumstances. This act of faith invites us to shift our focus from the magnitude of our problems to the greatness of our God.
The journey culminates with the disciples reaching the other side, where they encounter a demon-possessed man. This encounter underscores the importance of getting out of the boat, representing spiritual maturity and the call to impact others. The transformation of the demoniac into a proclaimer of God's goodness illustrates the power of obedience and the ripple effect of faith in action.
Key Takeaways:
- God as Our Refuge: Embrace the truth that God is our dwelling place, offering security and protection. In His presence, we find the courage to face life's challenges, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [00:15]
- Obedience to the Holy Spirit: Like Stephen Evans' story, we are called to obey the Holy Spirit's promptings, even when it feels uncomfortable. Our obedience can have a profound impact, both on us and those around us. [02:04]
- Crossing Over in Faith: The journey across the Sea of Galilee symbolizes our spiritual journey from comfort to growth. It challenges us to trust God in the darkness and embrace the unknown, knowing that He is with us. [11:58]
- Facing the Storms of Life: The disciples' encounter with the storm teaches us to focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Jesus' authority over the storm reminds us that He can transform our circumstances. [21:01]
- Impacting Others: Reaching the other side and encountering the demoniac highlights the importance of getting out of the boat. Our spiritual maturity is demonstrated in our willingness to impact others and share the transformative power of God's love. [39:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - God as Our Refuge
- [00:34] - Sensing God's Presence
- [01:08] - Celebrating Stephen Evans
- [02:04] - Obedience to the Holy Spirit
- [10:04] - Crossing Over Series
- [11:18] - Let Us Cross Over
- [12:38] - The West and East Sides
- [14:36] - Crossing in the Dark
- [15:36] - Get in the Boat
- [19:24] - The Mega Windstorm
- [22:51] - Discern the Storm
- [26:27] - Then He Arose
- [31:02] - Changing the Atmosphere
- [33:14] - Get Out of the Boat
- [38:50] - Reaching the Unsaved
- [46:37] - Impacting Eternity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 4:35-41
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus inviting His disciples to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee at night? ([11:38])
2. How did the disciples react to the mega windstorm, and what does this reveal about their faith at that moment? ([20:45])
3. What actions did Jesus take in response to the storm, and what do these actions demonstrate about His authority? ([29:32])
4. What was the outcome of the journey across the Sea of Galilee, and who did the disciples encounter upon reaching the other side? ([33:14])
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have chosen to cross over to the east side of the Sea of Galilee, which was considered the domain of darkness and evil? ([13:19])
2. How does the story of Stephen Evans illustrate the importance of obeying the Holy Spirit's promptings, even when it feels uncomfortable? ([02:04])
3. In what ways does the storm on the Sea of Galilee serve as a metaphor for the spiritual battles we face in life? ([19:44])
4. How does the transformation of the demon-possessed man into a proclaimer of God's goodness highlight the power of obedience and faith in action? ([38:50])
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God calling you to "cross over" into a new area of growth or challenge. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([11:58])
2. Consider a situation in your life where you are currently facing a "storm." How can you shift your focus from the magnitude of the problem to the greatness of God? ([21:01])
3. Think about a recent prompting from the Holy Spirit that you may have hesitated to obey. What steps can you take to be more responsive to such promptings in the future? ([02:04])
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel called to "get out of the boat" and impact others. What practical steps can you take to move forward in this area? ([33:14])
5. How can you embrace the truth that God is your refuge and dwelling place in your daily life, especially during challenging times? ([00:15])
6. Reflect on the story of the demon-possessed man. How can you share the transformative power of God's love with someone in your life who may be struggling? ([39:09])
7. What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate spiritual maturity and obedience in your walk with God? ([34:58])
Devotional
Day 1: God as Our Dwelling Place
In the midst of life's uncertainties, God offers Himself as our refuge and dwelling place. This is not just a place of safety but a space where we find provision, protection, and the courage to face life's challenges. When we embrace this truth, we are reminded that we are never alone, and His presence is a constant source of strength. The security found in God allows us to navigate through life's storms with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [00:15]
"The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, 'Destroy.'" (Deuteronomy 33:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek refuge in God today, and how can you intentionally dwell in His presence amidst your current challenges?
Day 2: Courageous Obedience to the Holy Spirit
Obedience to the Holy Spirit often requires courage, especially when it leads us out of our comfort zones. Stephen Evans' story illustrates the profound impact of following the Spirit's promptings, even when it feels daunting. Our willingness to obey can transform not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. This obedience is a testament to our faith and trust in God's plan, encouraging us to step out in faith and embrace the unknown. [02:04]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area where the Holy Spirit is prompting you to act, and how can you take a step of obedience today, even if it feels uncomfortable?
Day 3: Crossing Over in Faith
The journey across the Sea of Galilee symbolizes a spiritual crossing from comfort to growth, from fear to faith. Jesus' invitation to cross over challenges us to trust Him in the darkness and embrace the unknown. This journey is not just about reaching the other side but about the transformation that occurs along the way. It is an invitation to grow spiritually and mature in our faith, trusting that God is with us even when the path seems perilous. [11:58]
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are being called to step out in faith, and how can you trust God to guide you through the unknown?
Day 4: Focusing on God's Greatness
The disciples' encounter with the storm on the Sea of Galilee teaches us to focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Jesus' authority over the storm demonstrates His power to transform our circumstances. When we shift our focus from the magnitude of our challenges to the greatness of our God, we find peace and assurance in His ability to calm the storms in our lives. [21:01]
"Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17, ESV)
Reflection: What storm are you currently facing, and how can you shift your focus from the problem to God's greatness and power today?
Day 5: Impacting Others Through Spiritual Maturity
Reaching the other side of the Sea of Galilee and encountering the demon-possessed man highlights the importance of getting out of the boat and impacting others. Our spiritual maturity is demonstrated in our willingness to step out in faith and share the transformative power of God's love. The transformation of the demoniac into a proclaimer of God's goodness illustrates the ripple effect of faith in action, encouraging us to impact the lives of those around us. [39:09]
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can impact with God's love today, and what specific action can you take to demonstrate your faith and spiritual maturity to them?
Quotes
The idea that God is our refuge, that he is our house, our Abiding Place, that we can dwell safely with him. Aren't you glad this morning that he is our refuge, our Dwelling Place, our safe place? In the presence of God, there is security and provision and protection. [00:00:32]
Stephen, because I could trust you in a smaller crowd, the Lord whispered to my heart, I have now put you in front of much larger crowds. What a great testimony to The Obedience of Christ, of filling our Pulpit, of making a decision at a moment's notice when the Holy Spirit begins to speak. [00:04:47]
The journey across the Sea of Galilee symbolizes our spiritual journey from comfort to growth. It challenges us to trust God in the darkness and embrace the unknown, knowing that He is with us. Jesus' call to cross over in the dark challenges the disciples to confront their fears and trust in His presence. [00:11:18]
The shore represents the status quo. If you stay on the shore, you don't have to worry about growing. If you stay on the shore, you don't have to confront the Darkness or the struggles of the Abyss or even confront the enemy of your soul. You can just simply stay on the shore. [00:16:20]
The bigger the problem, the smaller your God. The bigger your God, the smaller your problem. See, they were focused on the wrong thing. They were looking at the wrong thing. They were looking at this hurricane from hell that sometimes will show up and try to beat you down. [00:21:01]
Discern the storm because as we just found out, this storm was a windstorm. Why did suddenly this Windstorm appear that seemed to try to keep Jesus and the disciples from getting to the other side? We will say, well, see, I told you so and blame God for the storm. [00:22:51]
The boat may represent your opportunity for spiritual growth, but the storm represents your opportunity for Spiritual Freedom. The shore is a representation of the status quo. The storm is a representation of the spiritual stronghold that's getting ready to be broken in your life. [00:24:40]
Then he arose and rebuked the wind and said to the Sea, peace be still, and the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Let's just take a moment and walk through there. Look at this. Then he arose. It says Christ moved on the slide, but let's just say Christ changed positions. [00:26:27]
Get out of the boat. Do you know how many people make the trip to the other side, but they don't get out of the boat? They see the trip, they experience the trip, and they have a testimony about the trip. Oh, guess what? We just went through this incredible storm. [00:33:14]
Getting out of the boat represents your opportunity for Spiritual maturity. Getting into the boat, spiritual growth, facing the storm or Discerning the storm, spiritual Freedom, getting out of the boat, spiritual maturity. You make the decision that you're going to mature in your faith. [00:36:50]
The idea of reaching the unsaved, setting the unsaved free, rescuing the demoniac, rescuing the unsaved. See the provision that's given here in the process, getting into the boat representing spiritual growth, Discerning the storm representing spiritual Freedom, getting out of the boat representing spiritual maturity. [00:39:09]
When God calls us to cross over to the other side, it is a serious call. It may be only to impact one person, and yet when we impact that one person, God can do exceedingly abundantly above anything that we could ever ask, think, or imagine. [00:46:37]
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