pad

Cofield, D.Z. - Making Sense Out of the Storm

Improve your own sermons by reviewing some of the best from the Preaching Today collection. The information below provides a brief synopsis of what you can expect from the downloadable transcript.

Download the transcript as a Word file to receive access to the full outline and complete sermon.

Making Sense Out of the Storm
by D. Z. Cofield
Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Topic: How God uses storms to get our attention . . . and then to save us.
Big Idea: We can learn much from the account of Jesus walking across the water in the midst of the storm, and from Peter's boldness to walk on the water toward him.
Keywords: Faith; Rescue; Tragedy; Trials; Trouble; Trust



Introduction:
  • We ask "Why me?" when we go through storms unbelievers don't go through.
  • Matthew 14:22-33 gives us five principles to help us make sense out of the storm.
Do what the Lord tells you to do.
  • Jesus told the disciples to go to the other side of the lake, and they obeyed.
  • We often think storms are a result of our disobedience. But it's not necessarily so.
  • This passage show you can do exactly what God asks and still face a storm.
Don't get so focused on the storm that you lose sight of Jesus.
  • Often God brings storms in order to speak to us; storms get our attention.
  • Jesus says, "Be of good cheer. It is I. Do not be afraid."
  • The children of Israel had forgotten who God was, and what he could do.
    -Illustration: You're picking a basketball team, and a tall guy walks up. You ask him a few questions about his skills, because you don't know him. Then Michael Jordan shows up; you don't quiz him about his skills, because you know him, and what he can do.
  • Whatever you're facing, I Am is on your side.
You won't do anything great for God if you won't get out of the boat.
  • Peter was willing to leave the "boat people" behind; we must be willing too.
  • The boat is full of the scornful, the doubters. Don't let them get in your way.
  • The only person who could have stopped Peter was Peter himself.
In a storm, God will reveal to us that we're not all we think we are.
  • We have a tendency to think more highly of ourselves than we should.
  • When Peter tried everything he could think of, he blurted, "Lord, save me."
  • Storms will keep us from taking ourselves so seriously and God so lightly.
God will save us in the midst of our storms.
  • Some of us doubt God's love for us and are always trying to help him out.
  • The storm didn't stop until after Jesus and Peter were back in the boat.
  • God doesn't have to stop the storm; he can walk with us right through the storm.
Conclusion:
  • We don't see God like we should until we go through some storms.
For additional information on how to order downloadable sermon transcripts, click here.

100% GUARANTEE - If you are not completely satisfied with the downloadable transcript you purchase, please e-mail us and we'll provide your next one completely free!


pad
Word Filepad
173-Cofieldpad$4.95pad
pad

Sign-up for our FREE e-newsletter
How to Use Other People's Sermons with Integrity
Can you copy Preaching Today Sermon transcripts?
Visit our other online resources:

FaithVisuals.com - Hundreds of creative, downloadable videos designed for churches
BuildingChurchLeaders.com - Tools for building faithful and effective church leaders
ChristianBibleStudies.com - Teaching tools for Sunday school and small groups
PreachingToday.com - Top-notch sermon illustrations and preaching tips
ChristianityTodayLibrary.com - The online, comprehensive Christian research library