Into The Deep

Text: Luke 5:4 Intro: What I love about the Bible is that it is not like any other book, every time you read it, you get something new. With the new year right around the corner, we want to go deeper in our relationship with Christ. Go deeper into his word. Go deeper into our prayer life. Go deeper in our dedication and devotion. Today we are going to discuss we should expect in the deep! I. In the shallow 1. Stay safe A. Keep control B. Log in for service, come and sit in church but never go deeper 2. Kiddie Pool A. Inviting people to a church in the kiddie pool (Jimmy example) 3. Get passed elementary Christianity

II. In the deep (Mark 4:35) 1. Leaving the crowd A. Not everyone can go with you to the deep 2. Lead into a storm (Matt. 4:1) A. Sometimes God leads you into a storm B. Its not a punishment but preparation (Humility, Character, Obedience)

3. Peace in the storm A. God still maintains peace for you no matter what storm you are facing B. Wind and waves (Jesus has power over the seen and the unseen) He doesn't just have authority of your marriage but the insecurity and jealousy you can't see, not just the financial situation but the mindset of poverty you don't see. III. Don't drift (Matt. 14:22-28) 1. Drift - desire - decision - sin (1 degree off can take you to a completely different destination) A. I can hang out with friends, I just won't drink. DRIFT B. I dont need to go to church, I'll just watch it online later DRIFT C. I can't help with the church event, I'm busy with work. DRIFT 2. Your drift affects other (Juan example) 3. Your distractions cause you to mistake God for a ghost A. Fear keeps you from seeing how good God is (God is greater than Covid) IV. The other side 1. God keeps his promises A. Noah, Moses, Abraham, Joseph, David went through storms but they all made it the other side. Conclusion: If we truly want to God's purpose and plan for our life. We have to push away from the shore. Go deeper in your relationship with Christ. Reach the other side! It won't be easy, you will face storms but they just prepare you for what God has for you on the other side.