Bulletin

Weathering the Storm

John 16:33 (NKJV) 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV) 24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

There have been many who have lived several years in an area where they never anticipated a storm that could overwhelm. Their house was built in such a way as to withstand anything they could have imagined. There was a foundation, with walls and a roof that had withstood what seemed to have been the strongest of storms. Then, however, a hurricane, tornado, flash flood, volcanic eruption, or earthquake became a force that completely overwhelmed any preparations they had made for a storm. In but a few moments all that had once felt so secure was completely destroyed before the torrent for which there had been no way of preparing.

That a storm is coming isn’t the question. The question is whether or not the preparations have been made for all imminent threats. The coming storm for which no preparation has been made is the one that will surprisingly devastate.

There is a defense the world will offer against physical and governmental threats with science and munitions, but security in these things alone will come short of preserving and protecting the soul against a much more devastating threat. It is only in a relationship with the Creator of all things that security can be found against any and all threatening storms. It’s only the house that is built on the foundation of Jesus’ words that is able to stand when that storm eventually comes.

In a day that seems to be filled with threats of plagues and dangerous conflicts, there is a need for preparations of security. While caring for these obvious defenses, however, there is a much greater need to ensure the salvation of the soul. It is from this preparation that all others will also come.

What storm?

No question about it – storm’s a-coming

John 16:33 (NKJV) 33 “… In the world you will have tribulation; …"

What kind?

It’s the storm you’re not ready for that is most dangerous

Genesis 6:17 (NIV) 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish.

How to weather the coming storm of any kind?

Psalms 29:10 (NIV) 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

Sleep prep – rest of faith

Mark 4:36-41 (NIV) 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 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?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

In Christ – peace that only faith brings

John 16:33 (NIV) 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Getting the storm right

Matthew 10:28 (NIV) 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Acknowledge God

Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV) 32 "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

Noah’s prep

Genesis 6:8-9 (NIV) 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. 9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.

His faith

Hebrews 11:7 (NIV) 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

It’s in Him where any storm becomes quiet

Psalms 91:9-10 (NIV) 9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

Making Him Lord – securing His favor

Psalms 91:14-16 (NIV) 14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Response to His words – building of prep for any storm

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Where storms have wreaked havoc – In Him - rebuilt

Isaiah 54:11-17 (NIV) 11 "Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli. 12 I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones. 13 All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace. 14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. 15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. 16 “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; 17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

How will you weather the coming storm?