​I. Intro Big Idea: Faith in Christ delivers from fear. Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
II. A Furious Storm
A. Our lives are in Jesus’ hands. Matthew 8:23
B. Following Jesus does not always entail smooth sailing. Matthew 8:24a
III. Sleeping
A. God is always in control. Psalm 121:1-4; Matthew 8:24b
B. It’s not wrong to fear. Matthew 8:25
IV. Completely Calm
A. Jesus wants us to recognize our weakness. Matthew 8:26a; Mark 4:38
B. Jesus wants us to focus on Him. Matthew 8:26b
V. Obey Him
A. Jesus transforms temporary fear into ultimate joy. Psalm 65:7-8; Matthew 8:27a; Luke 8:25
B. Jesus has overcome all that concerns us. Matthew 8:27b; 1 Peter 5:6-7

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What’s one of your favorite water-related activities?
§ What’s something about Sunday’s message on Matthew 8:23-27 you found challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
§ Why do you think people often equate God’s blessings with smooth sailing?
§ How can people misunderstand, or misapply the reality that God is in control?
§ What’s the difference between having fears and living in fear?
§ How does Jesus address our fears?
§ How can trusting in Jesus’ authority help us to move forward in making disciples as a church?
§ What’s a specific way you sense God calling you to respond to Matthew 8:23-27?

​​​To watch live on Sunday morning, visit 
​FBC Elma on YouTube.

I. Intro Big Idea: Jesus heals the sick. Matthew 4:23
II. Clean
A. All diseases are a result of the fall. Matthew 8:1-2; John 3:17
B. God reveals His compassion through His Son. Leviticus 13:46; Mark 1:41; Matthew 8:3-4
III. Under Authority
A. Jesus knows our stories. Matthew 8:5-7
B. We all practice theology. Matthew 8:8-9
IV. Amazed
A. Jesus challenges us to have great faith. Matthew 8:10-12; Ephesians 2:8-9
B. Faith in Jesus heals. Matthew 8:13
V. To Fulfill
​A. Jesus sees our suffering. Matthew 8:14-15; John 14:7
B. Trust Jesus to bear all your infirmities. Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; 9:12-13

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What’s one of the worst illnesses you’ve experienced?
§ Was there anything on Sunday’s message on Matthew 8:1-17 you found challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
§ Why do you think Matthew included the accounts of these healings right after the Sermon on the Mount?
§ How do people today sometimes misunderstand why Jesus heals?
§ How can we know God cares about us when we’re suffering?
§ Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. How can praying for each other help us to grow in faith as a church, and help us to grow in our witness to our community?
§ What’s a specific way God is calling you to respond to Matthew 8:1-17?

I. Intro Big Idea: Following Christ requires total commitment.
II. The Crowd A. Not everyone who follows Jesus trusts in Him. Matthew 8:19a; Ephesians 2:8-9
B. Jesus demonstrated His love by leaving. Matthew 8:19b
III. No Place A. We must count the cost of following Jesus. Matthew 8:19
B. Following Christ means abandoning our perceived rights to comfort. Daniel 7:13-14, 18; Matthew 8:20, 26:63-66
IV. Follow Me A. We must consider our priorities. Matthew 8:21; Mark 7:9-13; 1 Timothy 5:8
B. In surrender to Christ, we discover His love. Matthew 8:22; Romans 9:14-16
V. Raised to Life A. Jesus is completely committed to us. Luke 9:22; 22:54-62
B. Trust Jesus to save you through the cross. Luke 9:23-24

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ Does following Jesus make life easier or more difficult? Explain.
§ Why do you think Matthew included these conservations right after accounts of Jesus healing people?
§ How can faithfully seeking God when He seems absent be good for us?
§ How can putting our comforts first be harmful?
§ How can failing to put Jesus first be bad for our relationships?
§ What’s a way surrendering something to Jesus has helped you grow in His love?
§ What are some specific ways we can take up our cross as a church?
§ How can you respond to Jesus’ words in Matthew 8:18-22?

Pastor Jamie Mead

I. Intro Big Idea: Jesus is the Christ.
II. After the Exile
A. Jesus is God! Matthew 1:1; John 20:26-29; Hebrews 1:1-3
B. David’s descendants failed to rule. Psalm 49:7-8; Matthew 1:12
III. Jesus Who Is…
A. God protected the line of David. Matthew 1:13-15; Titus 2:11-14
B. The birthright transferred from the father. Matthew 1:16
IV. Spread the Word
A. Pursue Christ with urgency. Luke 2:16
B. Christ’s presence perpetuates witness. Luke 2:17
V. Treasured Up
​A. Don’t settle for the sensational. Luke 2:18
B. Treasure the Gospel of Christ. Luke 2:19

I. Intro Big Idea: Because of Christ the peace of God can dwell within us. 2 Samuel 12:24.
II. The King’s Presence
A. Our good desires can easily derail. 1 Kings 1:28; Hebrews 4:16
B. God’s plans prevail. 1 Kings 1:29-31; Philippians 2:12-13
III. The Throne A. Solomon had his father’s backing. 1 Kings 1:32-35; Ephesians 1:7
B. A wise ruler brings stability. 1 Kings 1:36-40
IV. Good News A. The coming of our King occurred in unexpected splendor. Luke 2:8-9; Romans 8:32
B. The coming of our King occurred in unexpected humility. Luke 2:10-12
V. Glory to God A. Peace comes only through God’s favor. Luke 2:13-14
B. God’s peace gets magnified. Luke 2:15

​The Next Step Follow-Up Questions
§ What’s something that will be different about your Christmas celebration this year compared to years past?
§ What’s something about Sunday’s message on 1 Kings 1:28-40; Luke 2:8-15 that stood out to you as significant, challenging, or confusing?
§ If someone asked you what makes the peace of Christ offers different than peace in this world, what would you say?
§ Read Romans 5:1-5. How can finding peace with God through Christ change the way we respond to our struggles?
§ How can finding peace with God in Christ help us to live as His witnesses?
§ What’s a specific way God is calling you to respond to 1 Kings 1:28-40; Luke 2:8-15?

​​To watch live on Sunday morning, visit 
​FBC Elma on YouTube.