Finding Faith and Peace in Uncertain Times
Summary
### Summary
In these unprecedented times, we are reminded that the church is not a building but the people who make up the body of Christ. Despite the challenges we face, there are more opportunities than ever to be the church and make a difference in our communities. We can reach out to our seniors, support our local leaders, and encourage our medical personnel who are tirelessly working to keep us safe. Simple acts of kindness, like making a meal for a neighbor or sending a card, can have a profound impact.
We are in a storm, much like the disciples in Mark 4:35-41, who faced a sudden tempest while following Jesus' command to cross to the other side. This story teaches us three crucial lessons: we need faith, not fear; peace, not panic; and comfort, not chaos. Jesus knew the storm was coming, yet He instructed His disciples to get on the boat. Similarly, He knows the trials we face and calls us to trust Him. Our faith should not be compromised by fear, for Jesus is with us on this journey.
In times of panic, we must remember that Jesus is our peace. Ephesians 2:14-22 reminds us that He has broken down the walls of fear and panic, replacing them with His peace. When we call on Him, He arises to calm our storms, bringing a great calm into our lives. Finally, we need to seek comfort in Him, not chaos. Just as the disciples made it to the other side of the sea, we too will make it through this storm. We must trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Church is the People, Not the Building: In these challenging times, we are reminded that the church is not confined to a physical structure. We are the church, and there are countless opportunities to serve and support one another. Simple acts of kindness, like checking on seniors or encouraging our local leaders, can make a significant difference. [01:16]
2. Faith Over Fear: The story of the disciples in the storm teaches us the importance of having faith over fear. Jesus knew the storm was coming and still instructed His disciples to get on the boat. Similarly, He knows the trials we face and calls us to trust Him. Our faith should not be compromised by fear, for Jesus is with us on this journey. [12:58]
3. Peace Over Panic: In times of panic, we must remember that Jesus is our peace. Ephesians 2:14-22 reminds us that He has broken down the walls of fear and panic, replacing them with His peace. When we call on Him, He arises to calm our storms, bringing a great calm into our lives. [17:23]
4. Comfort Over Chaos: We need to seek comfort in Jesus, not chaos. Just as the disciples made it to the other side of the sea, we too will make it through this storm. We must trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in our faith. Jesus is with us every step of the way, and He will bring us through to the other side. [21:14]
5. Trust in God's Plan: Despite the uncertainty and fear that may arise, we must trust in God's plan. He has a purpose for everything, even if we do not understand it. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His guidance, we can navigate through these difficult times with faith and hope. [06:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - The Church is the People
[02:01] - Opportunities to Serve
[03:02] - Encouraging Our Community
[03:49] - Plans for the Future
[04:35] - Trusting in Jesus
[05:24] - Prayer and Purpose
[06:17] - God's Plan in the Storm
[07:43] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
[08:32] - The Story of the Storm
[10:15] - Faith Over Fear
[12:58] - Who Told You to Get on the Boat?
[14:20] - Who is On Board with Us?
[16:23] - Peace Over Panic
[20:11] - Jesus Brings Peace
[21:14] - Comfort Over Chaos
[22:50] - Trusting Through the Storm
[23:54] - Encouragement and Prayer
[26:03] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 4:35-41: "That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 'Let us go over to the other side.' Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'"
2. Ephesians 2:14-22: "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
3. Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples doing when the storm arose in Mark 4:35-41?
2. How did Jesus respond to the storm in Mark 4:39?
3. According to Ephesians 2:14-22, what has Jesus broken down to bring peace?
4. What does Romans 8:28 say about God's purpose in all things?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus was able to sleep during the storm while the disciples were panicking? [09:09]
2. How does the story of the storm in Mark 4:35-41 illustrate the concept of "faith over fear"? [12:58]
3. In what ways does Ephesians 2:14-22 describe Jesus as our peace? How does this apply to our current situation? [17:23]
4. How can Romans 8:28 provide comfort during uncertain times? [06:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently now with the lessons from Mark 4:35-41? [09:47]
2. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate faith over fear in your daily life? Consider specific actions you can take this week. [12:58]
3. How can you actively seek and promote peace in your community, especially during times of panic? Think of one specific action you can take to bring peace to someone else. [17:23]
4. Identify a senior or a medical personnel in your community. What is one act of kindness you can do for them this week to show that the church is the people, not the building? [01:16]
5. How can you remind yourself to trust in God's plan when faced with uncertainty? Is there a specific scripture or prayer that helps you refocus on God's purpose? [06:17]
6. Think of a situation where you felt chaos. How can you seek comfort in Jesus instead of letting the chaos overwhelm you? What steps can you take to find that comfort? [21:14]
7. How can you encourage others in your church or community to keep their eyes on Jesus during these challenging times? Share one way you plan to offer encouragement this week. [07:43]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church is the People, Not the Building
In these challenging times, we are reminded that the church is not confined to a physical structure. The essence of the church lies in the people who make up the body of Christ. This means that even when we cannot gather in a building, we can still be the church by serving and supporting one another. Simple acts of kindness, such as checking on seniors, supporting local leaders, or encouraging medical personnel, can make a significant difference. These actions reflect the love of Christ and demonstrate that the church is alive and active, regardless of physical limitations. [01:16]
1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (ESV): "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues."
Reflection: Think of one person in your community who might be feeling isolated or overwhelmed. How can you reach out to them this week to show the love of Christ in a tangible way?
Day 2: Faith Over Fear
The story of the disciples in the storm teaches us the importance of having faith over fear. Jesus knew the storm was coming and still instructed His disciples to get on the boat. Similarly, He knows the trials we face and calls us to trust Him. Our faith should not be compromised by fear, for Jesus is with us on this journey. When we focus on our faith, we can navigate through life's storms with confidence, knowing that Jesus is in control and will see us through. [12:58]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a specific fear or worry that has been weighing on your heart. How can you actively choose to trust Jesus with this concern today?
Day 3: Peace Over Panic
In times of panic, we must remember that Jesus is our peace. Ephesians 2:14-22 reminds us that He has broken down the walls of fear and panic, replacing them with His peace. When we call on Him, He arises to calm our storms, bringing a great calm into our lives. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with Jesus. By focusing on Him, we can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of chaos. [17:23]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed, what practical steps can you take to center your mind and heart on Jesus and His peace?
Day 4: Comfort Over Chaos
We need to seek comfort in Jesus, not chaos. Just as the disciples made it to the other side of the sea, we too will make it through this storm. We must trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in our faith. Jesus is with us every step of the way, and He will bring us through to the other side. By seeking comfort in Him, we can find stability and assurance, even when everything around us seems uncertain. [21:14]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt chaotic or unsettled. How can you invite Jesus into that situation to bring His comfort and calm?
Day 5: Trust in God's Plan
Despite the uncertainty and fear that may arise, we must trust in God's plan. He has a purpose for everything, even if we do not understand it. By keeping our eyes on Jesus and trusting in His guidance, we can navigate through these difficult times with faith and hope. Trusting in God's plan means surrendering our own understanding and relying on His wisdom and timing. [06:17]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God's plan? What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him and trust in His guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are the church and we are not a building. Even though we may not be able to congregate together in a building, we are still the church. There are more opportunities right now to be the church than we've ever had before in our life. There's way more opportunities tonight than there were this time last week. We can be the church. And we can be a church that will make a difference." [01:16] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Greater is he that lives inside of me than he that lives inside the world. I'm not going to give the devil credit. I'm not going to give the devil any glory. I'm going to keep keeping my eyes on Jesus. I'm going to keep looking to him and I'm going to keep trusting him for good days to come. Just know this. Should this thing continue, we have a plan." [04:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Good will come. Good will come out of this. How can good come out of this mess, you say? Because our Savior is already in our tomorrows and He was there yesterday. Jesus knows what lies ahead. He sees the things that we don't. We have to, as people of faith, trust Him, keep our eyes focused upon who He is, what He's done and what He can do. We believe that He is more than enough." [07:43] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If Jesus leads you to something, oh, my church, He can lead us through something. Do not allow fear to wreck your faith. He told them to get on, to trust Him. Therefore, He is the one that's in control even though everything around us may be fearful. We need to understand, church, our faith does not have to be compromised. We can still trust Him." [13:50] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Church, now is not a time to panic. Now is a time to seek the peace of God that passes all understanding. We need God's peace. He has already given us peace. He gave us Jesus. We trust Him. Not with fear, but with faith. We trust Him. Oh, church, now is the time. We need peace and not panic." [19:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need faith and not fear. We need faith and not fear. We find Jesus' disciples were willing to serve Him. You know, it's easy to serve Him when the storm is not brewing. It is easy to serve Him when the boat is not rocking. But I'll be honest with you, over the last few days, I can relate to these disciples. Man, it is difficult when the storms are upon us. What do we do? How do we do? We've got to make these decisions. No decision is going to be the right decision." [10:45] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Who told us to get on the boat? If Jesus leads you to something, oh, my church, He can lead us through something. Do not allow fear to wreck your faith. He told them to get on, to trust Him. Therefore, He is the one that's in control even though everything around us may be fearful. We need to understand, church, our faith does not have to be compromised. We can still trust Him." [13:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When Jesus spoke to the storm the Bible says there was a great calm. Let Him speak to your storm. Let Him speak to your trial. Let Him speak to your issue. Let Him. Let Him be your comfort. That was a great calm. When they thought they were not going to make it. When they thought they had done all they could do. They cried out to Jesus. And just in the nick of time comfort came." [21:14] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Church, here's what I'm going to tell you. Those disciples made it to the other side. Those disciples made it to the other side. Those disciples went through a storm that they thought they were going to die. It was a scary storm. It was a frightful storm. It was a terrible storm. But they made it. And I'm here to tell you we're going to make it through this. We're going to make it. And I need every person of Antioch Baptist Church or every person that's watching this video share this video and tell somebody, somebody, somebody needs to hear we're going to make it." [23:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Antioch Baptist Church, I love you. These are difficult days. It is the first time that I've ever preached to an empty building. But I am trusting God through this. This storm. I covet your prayers. I covet your prayers and the decisions that we're going to have to make. I'm going to make the best decisions that I think is possible for the safety and the well-being of our church. Antioch Baptist Church, I love you. We're going to make it. Keep looking up. Keep trusting. Don't panic. Trust the peace. Find the comfort and not the chaos." [23:54] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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