SIGNS: #5 Walking on Water - John 6:15-21

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SIGNS: #5 Walking on Water - John 6:15-21

April 28, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 6:15–21

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“Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature.” Augustine

'Walk on water' – a phrase common in English that refers to an accomplishment that is a miracle and nothing less. This became an idiom of doing the impossible. That is what Jesus did – the impossible! The disciples had witnessed the Feeding of the 5000+ and the crowds had seized on the wrong idea – 'let's make Him a king!' - not what Jesus intended. The desire for the Jews to throw off Roman rule was widely held – they hated Roman rule. Jesus did not come to be a political solution – He came to be a soul solution! Responding to the crowds, Jesus slipped away to a quiet place in the hills and the disciples made ready to return the fishing boat to its place in Capernaum. Unafraid and accustomed to night fishing, the disciples set out only to be confronted with a fierce storm making the home docks impossible. Knowing they were to meet Jesus there, they tried to row against the waves and wind but they were losing! Jesus walks out to meet them and deliver them.

What can be learned from such an extraordinary event? It cannot be that we should attempt water walking – Peter did in the Matthew account and sank! Sunday I will take us to the Sea of Galilee and into the boat – not for swimming or walking lessons but for lessons of trust and faith. The effect of Jesus in our life should be the same thing He called out to the disciples from the stormy water – 'It is I; do not be afraid!'. We are like the disciples – working against the storm – praying for the storm to end – when all along Jesus is telling us to trust Him – lose the fear!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike

A miracle occurs at the bankruptcy of our efforts!

SIGNS #7 – Resurrection of Lazarus - John 11:17-44

May 19, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 11:17–44

“If someone believes it is our faith that heals us and forgets that it is God who does it, we should ask that person how much faith Lazarus had.” Eric Metaxas Sunday is a narrative of contradictions – Jesus loves his friend but delays his trip. Jesus says he 'sleeps' then confirms the death of Lazarus but then promises that this will 'not be unto death'! He goes to the house to mourn but weeps only at the tomb – then calls out to his deceased friend and Lazarus responds! Mary and Martha are both deeply disappointed yet affirm complete trust in the Messiah. Through all of these seeming contradictions I will take us into this story and hopefully come away with a clear message – Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life! So what is our attitude? Do we cling to life as though there is nothing else? Do we fear death or face life in faith? I love what Richard Baxter (1615-1691) said: “I preached as never sure to preach again, And as a dying man to dying men.” That is us – a dying people giving hope to dying people! Come celebrate this hope Sunday! Pastor Mike

Women who met Jesus - John 2, 4, 7, 11, 19

May 12, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 4, John 7, John 11, John 19, John 2

“I learnt more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” John Wesley So many sermons have been preached about Esther and Ruth. I have done series in the past on both – and we have heard from Rahab and Hannah. Sunday I will turn out attention toward just a few that came in direct contact with Jesus and what was the result of each encounter. It is Mother’s Day so let’s hear from some of the women who met Jesus – women who came to see Jesus as Messiah – Savior – Lord – God! I cannot cover them all but I will do a few of my favorites – all from John. I originally thought I could cover 7 but as the weeks have progressed toward this Sunday 7 seems too ambitious (too long as well). What richness can we gain by studying the influence of women like Mary the Mother of Jesus or the sisters Mary and Martha or even Mary Magdalene? So, I will look at 5 and hopefully we can hear the words of Jesus to them and about them and they can be inspiring for our mothers on this Mother’s Day and everyone else too. See you Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day! Pastor Mike

SIGNS: #6 BLIND WILL SEE! - John 9:1-25

May 5, 2024 • Mike Burt • John 9:1–25

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert” Isa 35:5,6 This is a favorite story of Jesus healing the man born blind and it gives us lessons not only about faith but also about prayer, hope, and humility. We are confronted with two groups -- a man born blind who is willing to trust one he has never seen and a group of men with sight who are unwilling to trust what they can see with their own eyes. The second group is a body of men well trained and schooled in the Law and Prophets – yet were not looking for prophecy! They were abusing the Law as they accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath. The first man who was born blind did not spend the time in study or deliberation but accepted the ministry of Jesus without credentials and left his post of begging to journey to the Pool of Siloam without guarantee. He later blurts out those well know words, ‘this one thing I know – I once was blind but now I see!’. Sunday I will share this story and some of the Biblical backgrounds but in the end – we need to not trust only what we can see but put our faith the One who gives sight even to the blind! Join us this Sunday as the blind man is given sight and we will try to gain insight together! Pastor Mike