Archive for the ‘storm’ tag
August 29, 2010: God Preserves in a Storm
The text for this lesson is Acts 27:13-44
Key Points
- God was with Paul and the others in the ship through the terrible storm and brought them safely to land. God is with us through all the storms of life, and in His boat, the Church, He brings us safely to eternity in heaven.
- Law: In a world ruined by sin, I will have storms in my life.
- Gospel: God is with me and preserves me through the storms of life, and in His boat, the Church, He brings me safely to heaven.
Discussion Points
- How do we know God was with Paul and was preserving him on this voyage?
- What are storms in your life?
- How was Paul able to face all his troubles with confidence and keep telling others about Jesus?
- Our hope, too, is in God. Why can we say this?
- Name the ways God protected Paul’s life during his voyage.
- What did Paul tell the sailors when they had given up hope of survival?
- For what reason did Paul go to Rome?
- What did Paul do in Rome and aboard ship?
August 1, 2010: Jesus Calms a Storm
The text for this lesson is Luke 8:22-25
Key Points
- Jesus calmed the wind and waves to assure the disciples that He is the Savior and to strengthen their faith in Him. Jesus is with us in His Word, Baptism, and Holy Communion, assuring us that He is our Savior and strengthening our faith in Him through all the storms of life.
- Law: Like the disciples, I am afraid when the storms of life beset me; I sometimes doubt that God is with me and will save me.
- Gospel: Jesus gives me His Word, Holy Baptism, and His real presence in Holy Communion to assure me that He is my Savior and to strengthen my faith.
Discussion Points
- How does the calming of the sea show Jesus’ power over sin? How does this miracle show God’s love?
- In what ways does Jesus demonstrate His divine and human natures in this text?
- Why should we remember Jesus’ power over the wind and waves?
- What are some spiritual dangers?
- When we encounter storms in our daily lives, where can we turn to or look for help?
- How do you know God is with you and will save you?
- How does knowing God is always with you help when you feel afraid?
- God did not want humans, His creation, to perish or be destroyed eternally, so He sent His Son, Jesus to perish for us. How did Jesus perish for us?
- Why did Jesus perish on our behalf?
- What does this mean for us?
March 1, 2009: Jesus Calms a Storm
The text for this lesson is Mark 4:35–41.
Key Points
- Just as Jesus calmed the storm with His Word for the frightened disciples, so He calms and ends the storm of sin and its certain death by taking our sin on Himself and dying in our place so we may live eternally.
- Law: “God doesn’t care about us, our fears, our sufferings, our anything.” That’s what we think, all too often, when the storms of life hit. We feel God is giving us the cold shoulder, or, worse by far, wonder if He even exists. Fear suffocates faith, leading ultimately to despair and hopelessness.
- Gospel: God does care. In the vast cosmos, nothing is as much the object of His love as you. Though, when walking through this valley of sorrow (or being tossed about in a ferocious sea), it seems the Lord is heartless, He is anything but. He is with you. At the right time, He will provide peace through His Word, bring you out of the valley and storm, and calm your trembling heart.
