INTRODUCTION - AS FAR AS THIS WORLD IS CONCERNED, IT IS ALWAYS DANGEROUS TO BE WITH JESUS

• Satan is the god of this World, and he often sought to prevent Jesus from accomplishing purpose
• The Disciples who were along with Jesus for the ride, had to share in his danger and storm
• In reality, we would not be happy without some excitement but some of it destroys us

We need to watch carefully that we have faith enough for peace amid the storm

I. THE STORM - Mark 4:35

It is good to travel with Jesus, but it is not always easy - our error is in expecting it.

"LET US PASS OVER UNTO THE OTHER SIDE - Mark 4:35b - If you are with Jesus expect changes

• The great teaching of Jesus was in parable form- perhaps this story is a living parable!
• The Peace and Quiet of the Sea of Galilee invited passage- and many started out Still do
• They traveled in little boats-, Sometimes our faith is small-& we attempt great passage-

THERE AROSE A GREAT STORM OF WIND - Mark 4:30a - Why should we expect the life to be easy?

• In the Sea -mountain lake- storms arose quickly, sudden squalls were always a danger
• Why were the Galileans surprised? They should have known the lake, but expected different
• On every hand the Bible tells us that life is to be filled with storms, yet we not prepared

" MASTER, CAREST THOU NOT THAT WE PERISH " - Mark 38b - How quickly men's minds turn to self!

• Jesus was asleep - he needed rest - Trusted the Disciples to move the Boat across still does
• You cannot go with the Master without a little hardship- they were not careful-presumptuous
• Perhaps Satan was trying to destroy Jesus? But the Disciples were worried about "we"!

The storms of life are not calamities- but they are trials to test & strengthen!

II. THE PEACE - Mark 4:39

God always sends peace when it is His purpose- sometimes storms are also needed for His purpose

JESUS AROSE AND REBUKED THE WIND - 39a - How quickly nature responds to his wish- what of man?

• The power of this man- mysterious weak enough to need rest & sleep-strong to stop storm
• God allows us to come to our extremity- to teach us of our need for his care
• There are many storms today we have caused that the Lord would rebuke or we perish

THE WORDS OF JESUS WERE " PEACE, BE STILL" - v. 39b - There are three kinds of peace -

• Peace with God- Rom 5:1- for those who are fighting against God, and need Eternal peace-
• Peace of God- Phil 4:7- for those who are fighting for God- and need His grace to continue-
• Peace on Earth- Luke 2:14- Promised, and sure but will not be until Prince of peace comes

THE WIND CEASED, AND THERE WAS A GREAT CALM - v. 39b - If we will obey- we too can have a great peace

• Some would explain away every miracle- but I have seen DT's stop, depression leave, etc.
• But we cannot have this peace unless we obey God's word- Absolute surrender to His will
• Our world has storms on every hand- every disobedience makes them worse - they are opportunistic

Turn your ship into the storms of life- and attempt great things for God-excitement!

III. THE FAITH - Mark 4:40

What makes the difference between excitement and fear is faith- here should be in Christ

"WHY ARE YE FEARFUL?" Mark 4:40 a bit of gentle reproof- should enjoy being with Jesus

• The disciples were filled with unbelief- had seen the miracles- but still had fear of storm
• The familiar lake became a lake of terror-Take your eyes off Jesus- 'twill happen again
• Later Jesus came walking to them on the water-Mark 6:50--"0 Ye of little faith" - fear

THEY FEARED EXCEEDINGLY, AND SAID WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS? - Mark 4:41

• Strange how these men feared the Saviour more than the storm- Many do today- fear to trust
• What kind of a man is Jesus- There is no decent Biography but You can Know Him- want to?
• Won't you come to Jesus, let Him calm your soul- find joy & peace in Him- DON'T FEAR HIM

JESUS CAN STILL THE STORMS OF LIFE TODAY, AND GIVE YOU PEACE & QUIET IN YOUR SOUL!

• Part of Satan's plan for this age is to keep up the turmoil so we cannot see Jesus-
• But when you get tired of the wild world- look to Jesus Look and live, really life
• There are people full of troubles, and only Jesus can give them peace - tell the story.

Will you place your faith in Jesus Christ- and let Him bring you into harbor?

CONCLUSION - THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN AVOID ALL THE STORMS OF LIFE, BUT YOU CAN CALL ON JESUS

• The Lord does care that we perish, and he has made provision so that we need not perish
• Will you accept his provision? Search His word for every promise, & claim it!
• What about your spiritual growth- will you launch out in a little ship with Him?