Finding Peace and Grace in Life's Storms

Summary

### Summary

Today, we celebrate Youth Sunday, a special day dedicated to our young people. The focus is on reminding our youth that they are not alone in their struggles and that God is always with them, guiding them through their journey. We emphasized the importance of dancing like the weight has been lifted because grace is waiting for us. This powerful imagery serves as a reminder that God's grace is ever-present, lifting the burdens we carry.

We also explored the story of Jesus calming the storm, highlighting the disciples' awe and realization of who Jesus truly is. This story serves as a metaphor for our lives, illustrating that Jesus is with us in our storms, rearranging our lives and bringing peace. The key message is that Jesus is always in our boat, guiding us through life's challenges.

We concluded with a call to faith, encouraging those who have not yet invited Jesus into their lives to do so. We prayed for those going through storms, reminding them that Jesus is with them, offering peace and transformation. The Great Commission was also discussed, emphasizing that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, and He is with us always, even to the end of the age.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Grace Lifts Our Burdens: The repeated call to "dance like the weight has been lifted" serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace is always available to lift our burdens. When we embrace this grace, we can live freely and joyfully, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. [12:02]

2. Jesus Calms Our Storms: The story of Jesus calming the storm illustrates that He has the power to bring peace to our chaotic lives. Just as the disciples were amazed by His authority over the wind and waves, we too can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us, calming the storms in our lives. [59:15]

3. Trust in God's Presence: The analogy of a child trusting her father while navigating a boat serves as a metaphor for our relationship with God. Just as the child is unafraid because she knows her father is in control, we too can trust that God knows the way and will guide us safely through life's challenges. [01:01:12]

4. The Great Commission: Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is rooted in His authority over heaven and earth. This authority assures us that He is with us always, empowering us to fulfill His mission with confidence and faith. [01:02:21]

5. Invitation to Faith: For those who have not yet invited Jesus into their lives, the message is clear: Jesus offers forgiveness, peace, and a new life. By placing our faith in Him, we can experience transformation and the assurance that He is always with us, even in the most challenging times. [01:07:52]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[12:02] - Introduction to Youth Sunday
[35:15] - Dance Like the Weight Has Been Lifted
[59:15] - Jesus Calms the Storm
[01:01:12] - Trust in God's Presence
[01:02:21] - The Great Commission
[01:07:52] - Invitation to Faith
[01:09:52] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
> "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"

2. Mark 4:39-41 (NIV)
> "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!'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 entail, and what assurance does He give to His followers? [01:02:21]
2. In Mark 4:39-41, how did Jesus demonstrate His authority over nature, and what was the disciples' reaction? [59:15]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "dance like the weight has been lifted"? [35:15]
4. How does the analogy of a child trusting her father in a boat relate to our trust in God? [01:01:12]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Jesus to have "all authority in heaven and on earth," and how does this empower believers in their mission? [01:02:21]
2. How can the story of Jesus calming the storm be seen as a metaphor for the challenges we face in life? [59:15]
3. Why is it important to remember that God's grace is always available to lift our burdens, as emphasized in the sermon? [35:15]
4. How does the Great Commission challenge us to live out our faith in practical ways? [01:02:21]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you experience Jesus' presence and peace during that time? [59:15]
2. The sermon encourages us to "dance like the weight has been lifted." What burdens are you currently carrying, and how can you embrace God's grace to lift them? [35:15]
3. Trusting God is compared to a child trusting her father in a boat. What areas of your life do you find it hardest to trust God, and how can you grow in that trust? [01:01:12]
4. Jesus' authority and presence are central to the Great Commission. How can you actively participate in making disciples in your community? [01:02:21]
5. For those who have not yet invited Jesus into their lives, the sermon offers an invitation to faith. If you have already made this decision, how can you support and encourage others who are considering it? [01:07:52]
6. Think about a time when you felt alone in your struggles. How did the reminder of God's constant presence change your perspective? [12:02]
7. The sermon calls us to live freely and joyfully by embracing God's grace. What practical steps can you take this week to live out this freedom and joy in your daily life? [35:15]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Grace Lifts Our Burdens
God's grace is a powerful force that lifts the burdens we carry, allowing us to live freely and joyfully. The imagery of dancing like the weight has been lifted serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. God's grace is always available to us, ready to lift our burdens and bring us peace. When we embrace this grace, we can experience a sense of freedom and joy that transcends our circumstances.

In our daily lives, we often carry heavy burdens—whether they are related to work, relationships, or personal struggles. However, God's grace is ever-present, waiting to lift these burdens from our shoulders. By trusting in His grace, we can find the strength to dance through life, knowing that we are supported and loved by a higher power. [12:02]

Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: What burden are you carrying today that you need to release to God's grace? How can you embrace the freedom and joy that comes from trusting in His grace?

Day 2: Jesus Calms Our Storms
The story of Jesus calming the storm is a powerful illustration of His ability to bring peace to our chaotic lives. Just as the disciples were amazed by His authority over the wind and waves, we too can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is with us, calming the storms in our lives. This story serves as a metaphor for the challenges we face, reminding us that Jesus has the power to bring peace and order to our chaos.

In moments of turmoil and uncertainty, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. However, the story of Jesus calming the storm reassures us that we are not alone. Jesus is always with us, guiding us through the storms and bringing us peace. By placing our trust in Him, we can find the strength to navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith. [59:15]

Psalm 107:28-30 (ESV): "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."

Reflection: What storm are you currently facing in your life? How can you invite Jesus to bring peace and calm to your situation?

Day 3: Trust in God's Presence
The analogy of a child trusting her father while navigating a boat serves as a powerful metaphor for our relationship with God. Just as the child is unafraid because she knows her father is in control, we too can trust that God knows the way and will guide us safely through life's challenges. This trust in God's presence allows us to navigate life with confidence and peace, knowing that we are not alone.

In our daily lives, we often face situations that are beyond our control. However, by trusting in God's presence, we can find the strength to navigate these challenges with confidence. Just as a child trusts her father, we can trust that God is in control and will guide us safely through whatever we face. This trust in God's presence brings a sense of peace and assurance that we are never alone. [01:01:12]

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: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's presence more fully? How can you practice trusting Him today?

Day 4: The Great Commission
Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is rooted in His authority over heaven and earth. This authority assures us that He is with us always, empowering us to fulfill His mission with confidence and faith. The Great Commission is a call to action, reminding us that we are not alone in our efforts to spread the message of Jesus. With His authority and presence, we can confidently share the gospel and make disciples.

The Great Commission is a powerful reminder of our purpose as followers of Jesus. It calls us to go out into the world and make disciples, sharing the message of Jesus with others. This mission is not something we undertake alone; we are empowered by Jesus' authority and presence. By embracing this call, we can confidently fulfill our purpose and make a difference in the world. [01:02:21]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Great Commission today? What steps can you take to share the message of Jesus with others?

Day 5: Invitation to Faith
For those who have not yet invited Jesus into their lives, the message is clear: Jesus offers forgiveness, peace, and a new life. By placing our faith in Him, we can experience transformation and the assurance that He is always with us, even in the most challenging times. This invitation to faith is an opportunity to experience the love and grace of Jesus, leading to a life of peace and transformation.

The invitation to faith is a powerful call to experience the love and grace of Jesus. By placing our faith in Him, we can find forgiveness, peace, and a new life. This transformation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing journey of growing closer to Jesus and experiencing His presence in our lives. For those who have not yet taken this step, the invitation is open to experience the life-changing power of faith in Jesus. [01:07:52]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: Have you invited Jesus into your life? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you deepen your faith and experience His presence more fully today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "When you place your faith in God, things change, lives change. He's still the one who, who, who, who, who at a spoken word can break on addiction. He's still the one that, that, that has. As a spoken word that can heal the cancer. When you place your faith in God. Now you realize that the only, the only one who calms the sea can still calm the seas in your soul. And he is with you even to the end of age." [01:03:07] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus tells us that he's going to be with us, but he tells us something else. It may be even more important. Do you see? You probably don't. And the reason is, look, this is a verse that we started with. Take a look at this. This is the. Great commission, right? This is what this is. What's on calendars, coffee mugs and this was calendars, coffee mugs and everything. There's just one important part missing, guys. And it's it's the verse just before it. Verse 18. Then Jesus came to them and he said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, now that you may know, therefore, know that. Therefore, go make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of age." [01:02:21] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you're a Christian follower, do you know who's in that boat? Who's in the boat with you? Remember, remember this little girl. The reason she went to slow down is because. Because we're headed towards a rock dame as far as fifty five miles an hour straight towards a rock dame. You would ask if it's time to slow down, too. But does she look worried? No, she doesn't look worried. It's because her father's in the boat. I don't actually were to pull that throttle down. Know exactly what the topographically that of that lake looks like. I fished it many times. I know. I know where the bank transactions and the stuff that's under the water that she can't even see. I don't have to think about it. And she trusts her father and she knows who's in the boat with her." [01:01:12] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus knew that, that, that, that this was going to be a problem. And so God sent his, his only son. Jesus in our place to die in our place on the cross so that he could be with us so that he could make us new to, to be for, to be forgiven in our sins, to be transformed and to be able to have a peace that surpassed, surpassed, surpasses all understanding. May today that may, maybe today that's you and, and your. You're here and you're here today. Listen, hearing this and says, you know what? I need Jesus. You know, you know what I need? I need Jesus in my, I need Jesus in my boat. I've been putting everything else on there, but I haven't put him, him, him in control. And today, and today when I ask Jesus, come in, forgive me, forgive me of my sin. Just give me purpose. Bring, bring me new life." [01:07:52] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Let's all pray with those. Let's all pray with, with those making this decision today. Pray along with me. Pray heavenly father. Thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place. Forgive me of my sins and make me new. I give you my life. Lord Jesus, give me your peace. In Jesus name. I pray. Amen. And amen. Hallelujah. Hallelujah to God's word. Hallelujah to Jesus's word. Hallelujah to his word. Hallelujah to his word. Thank you, Jesus, to the word. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [01:09:02] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "What is that thing that Jesus spoke to you? You see, in verse 44, that they were terrified and they asked each other, who is this? That even the wind and the waves obey him. Who is this guy? Who is this? I mean, he's been teaching pretty good. He's doing a miracle, too. That's kind of like maybe I don't know that that looks pretty good. But then I like to look at this and it's like a moment where for the disciples, it's like they're full of belief as to who he was, went from where to where. All of a sudden they asked themselves, who is this guy that the wind and the waves have to obey? That's insane. They're like, I don't know who this is. That's great. That is this is crazy. He's different." [59:15] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "It was like the storm. It was like the storm after the storm, like like when Jesus comes in and starts to arrange your life. feels like a storm after your storm. The storm kind of got you there where you were like, don't you care? And then he comes in, you arrange and everything wasn't great. Then you're like, who is this when he speaks? And the disciples are like, oh, my gosh, this guy. He would he's with us now. I'm going to tell you about a time where Jesus was with me. In fact, he was with. My whole hymn, in fact, he recently and you may get a a dove in your storm. You may and you may not. But you always get Jesus. He's always with you." [01:00:12] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If we're going through a storm. I'd love to be able to pray for you. But to pray with you, just lift up your hands right now and say, yeah, yeah, that's me. I'm going through some stuff. I just, and, and I want to just a reminder. Yeah. Lots of hands going up. Lord Jesus, I pray that we would be reminded on this, on this day daily that you are with us through the storms may crash. Through the waves may crash and the storms and the winds may blow. That you. Are with us all, all, all, all, all the while that you're always in our boats and that I pray that we would be encouraged in that we would be strengthened in that truth." [01:05:22] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "There's others of you whose man, do you realize who Jesus is? It says all authority in heaven on. Earth has been given to you. It's, it's, and it's important that we understand who's in the boat, but if Jesus isn't in your boat, the storms of your life can be a really, really be a problem. You see what can happen is things begin to happen. Things, things break apart. Storm comes and we begin to fill our boat. Boats with things that don't actually work broken relationships, addiction, substances, all sorts of things. And when we do that, the mark and the Bible says it's called sin, that sin separates us from God." [01:06:22] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So if you're not, if, if you, if you don't think God is in your boat, if you don't think God is with you always, you don't think God is in control of your life, just pray to God that he, that he is with you always. He is with you through your, uh, different timings. It's fine. It's fine. Then Jesus, we worship you. We give you all going on a praise. We make sure you are the way that you are the way, the truth, the light, and we give you all the glory. And we need, and we need to know that you are with us in our boats. You are in control of our lives. You will go in storm. Storm in a range of life. So we could be made new." [01:09:52] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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