Thinking About Getting Out of the Boat I
July 9, 2008
Lesson 1: Introduction, Requirements, and Results
Wednesday and Sunday Adult Bible Class – Summer Lesson Series
West of Christ Broad Church
July 9 and 13, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
Introduction:
As we read the bible, we see that Scripture is filled with many “walks.”
· God walking through the garden;
· Abraham’s walk to MoriahMt. with his son Isaac;
· Joshua’s victorious walk around the walls of ;Jericho
· Peter’s walk on the water
Question: Can you imagine Peter’s situation? How do you think you would have responded?
· Evaluating what Peter was walking on;
· Considering whom Peter was walking with
Question: How do you respond to this? Have you survived the impossible through the God of the Impossible? Would you like to?
As Christians, we should each desire greater faith and more of God’s power and presence in our lives. This series is designed to help us understand and apply the skills necessary to successfully “walk on water.” Please be sure to “talk-up” this series so that every West Broad member (and guest!) can be blessed in his or her service to the Master.
I. Water-Walking: Requirements and Results
Physics aside, it is not easy to walk on water. Why is this true?
· There is always a call. Question: How easy is it to trust what you have never experienced for results you have never seen?
· There is always fear;
· There is always reassurance;
· There is always decision;
· There is always a changed life. Question: think of a time you got “out of the boat.” Did you notice a change in your life or the life of others? What was it?
Conclusion:
As a Christian, you must “get out of the boat” if you are to grow in the Lord. God knows you are afraid, but he also knows what he will do to enable you to succeed. Your challenge is to move beyond fear so that you can increase your courage and confidence in Jesus! The question is, will you accept that challenge?
