The Perfect Storm

“The Perfect Storm”   Mark 4:35-41   Jesus is in charge of this production, it’s all about His Plan   Jesus sets the stage   He is fully aware of the people, places, etc. involved   Jesus is the Main Act (Colossians 1:16-17) <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·         Jesus is the God Man, fully human and fully God <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol">·         <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif">Jesus identifies with our humanity (Hebrews 4:15) <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol">·         <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif">Jesus takes a Sabbath (v.38a) <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·         Jesus brings the storm (v.37) <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol">·         Jesus calms the storm (v.39) <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol">·         <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif">Jesus created and controls the universe <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol">·         <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif">Jesus’ words have immediate power to alter circumstances Jesus challenges His cast <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol">·         <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif">Jesus amplifies faith through adversity (v.40) <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol">·         <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif">It is in adversity that we seek Him most (v.38b) <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol">·         <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif">Jesus has an eternal perspective Jesus is writing His story His plan is to save through His power, to save you for His eternal purpose.   Questions for Discussion . . . 1. Do you think that Jesus brought the disciples into this storm? Is He is in control when life makes no sense? 2. Have you ever experienced a time when God acted in a way you didn’t understand? Has He used adverse circumstances to grow you spiritually? 3. What is an area in your life that would benefit from maintaining a more “long term”, eternal mindset? 4. When has the presence of God moved you in a way that displayed who He is and who you are in comparison? 5. Have you been through a “storm” in life that didn’t make sense, but in hindsight you can see His purpose?   6. How can we better trust Him in the circumstances and seasons of life that don’t make sense as we live them?