Storms - Beltway Park Church

Firm Foundation

July 2, 2023 • Geoffrey Turner • Matthew 7:24–27, James 1:22–25, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

There are many times our lives can feel like a sandcastle. We spend time worrying about the wrong wave coming at the wrong time and potentially wiping out our sandcastle. But Jesus tells us if we build our foundation on the Rock, we can wave-proof our life! Jesus further tells us how to build our foundation on the Rock – by hearing the words of Jesus and doing them. A byproduct of truly hearing the words of Jesus is action. The wise man is a doer, and the foolish man is only a hearer. Jesus warns us to not be like the foolish man, building his house on the sand. If our foundation is anything other than in Jesus, it is sand, and we are susceptible to every storm of life. The storms of life cause us to lean into Jesus even more. Every testimony we share is a testimony of a weathered storm. Jesus offers us a house built so securely on the Rock that no matter what waves, winds, or storms come our way, we’re secure.

Hearing in the Storm

June 25, 2023 • Geoffrey Turner • John 10:25–27, John 10:10, 1 Kings 19:9–14, Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 6:25–27

Do you struggle from hearing from God? If so, you are not alone. Maybe it’s not that God isn’t speaking, but rather we are having trouble listening. Listening for God’s voice takes practice and intentionality. Learning to hear the voice of the Lord in the middle of the storm changes everything. There are two primary ways in which the Lord speaks: the first is through His Word and the second through His Holy Spirit. Listen to learn more about how you can hear from the Lord in the midst of the storm, as this invitation is for you!

Faith in the Storm

June 18, 2023 • Geoffrey Turner • Matthew 14:22–33, Hebrews 11:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

God calls us to radical faith. Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith is taking the step God is calling us to even if it doesn't make logical sense. When we step out in faith, we experience God's power and provision. In Matthew 14: 22-33, the disciples are on a boat in the middle of the night on the Sea of Galilee and they see Jesus walking on top of the water coming toward them. They were terrified and cried out in fear. Jesus says (v. 27) "Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid." Then Peter answered Him saying (v. 28-29) "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Jesus said to come and Peter got out of the boat and came to Jesus walking on top of the water. But, Peter took his eyes off of Jesus because he was distracted by the wind and waves. He began to sink and called to Jesus to save him. So Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. The wind ceased and the disciples worshipped Jesus, the true Son of God. The enemy would love for us to not take steps of faith out of fear of failure, difficulty or distraction. But whenever we take our eyes off Jesus, we miss our walk on water moments of faith. Faith requires us to step out of the boat and when we do, we experience God's power and provision. Then, whenever we fail, reach out to Jesus who is reaching out to us (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Peace in the Storm

June 11, 2023 • Geoffrey Turner • Mark 4:35–41, Colossians 1:16–17, John 16:7

We all experience storms. A situation or circumstance that just feels like it is overwhelming or all consuming. In Mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tiytokr_v8&t=275s-41 Jesus was with his disciples on a boat in the Sea of Galilee, when a great windstorm arose. The waves were breaking into the boat, the disciples were scared and overwhelmed but Jesus was asleep on a cushion. So they woke Him up asking "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” We can relate to “do you not care,” because many of us have said those exact same words whenever the storm in our own life have felt too great. Colossians https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tiytokr_v8&t=76s-17 "For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Everything is subject to the “Peace, be still” of the Lord. We can never allow the presence of a storm to cause us to doubt the presence of God. Just because Jesus isn’t physically here, like He was in the boat with the disciples, doesn’t mean the presence of God and His power are outside of our grasp. John 16:7 "I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." We have the opportunity for our hearts and our minds to be guarded in the very blood of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Incredible things happen in us when we choose to focus on Him in worship and submit our storms to Him in prayer.