Encounters | A Ghost Story on the Sea of Galilee: Matthew 14:22-33 | Ray Machen-Gray

In this message, Ray Machen-Gray invites the Echo Church family to pause, be fully present, and remember the staggering truth that the God who created the universe loves each of us personally and desires relationship with us. Drawing from 1 John 4 and the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, Ray explores what it means to live in that love and to obey Jesus, even when His instructions seem counterintuitive or hard. Ray emphasizes that the point of the story isn't Peter's failure, but his willingness to get out of the boat at all—and Jesus' loving, immediate response when he faltered. Obedience, persistence, and desire for Jesus matter more than qualifications or strength. Ray challenges the church to: Live in the present with God, meeting Him "in the now." Obey Jesus even when it's inconvenient or doesn't make sense. Pursue Jesus above all else, preferring to be with Him in the storm than safe without Him. Be willing to step out publicly, encouraging others with visible faith. Recognize our need, cry out quickly for help, and trust Jesus to rescue. Engage in evangelism so others can experience this life-changing love. The sermon closes with a call for the Echo Church community to commit to stepping out—whether in prayer, outreach, giving, or personal witness—trusting that Jesus will meet them in obedience and use them to reach those who don't yet know Him.