Crossing Over

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) Freedom Church exists to lead people into a NEW LIFE of freedom in JESUS. Message Title: “Crossing Over” Immediately after this… Matthew 14:22 (NLT) Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. Matthew 14:22 (NLT) Calling Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT) However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ… Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT) Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT) This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT) Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching… Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT) He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:1-16 (NLT) Your calling will always be connected to the body of Christ… the Church. You didn’t SIGN UP… you followed a CALL. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Matthew 14:23-24 (NLT) Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. Matthew 14:23-24 (NLT) Commitment When we know JESUS has called us… we can trust HIM even when the path doesn’t make sense. Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. James 1:2-4 (MSG) You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. James 1:2-4 (MSG) Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (MSG) What God wants to do through you, will always begin with what He wants to lead you through. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” Matthew 14:25-27 (NLT) But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:25-27 (NLT) Confidence Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. Matthew 14:28-29 (NLT) So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29 (NLT) Commitment to the calling… will always breed confidence. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Matthew 14:30-33 (NLT) Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:30-33 (NLT) When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. Matthew 14:30-33 (NLT) Clarity  “It’s time to step out of the boat into a place of uncertainty… because your uncertainty is the only place I move!” After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed. Matthew 14:34-36 (NLT) But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT) “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT) “For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me.  You are honored, and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you…” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT) “You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God— there never has been, and there never will be.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT) “I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior… From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done…” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT) “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator and King. I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT) “I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT) “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new.  See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.  I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:1-19 (NLT)