#FamousChurchSample

“Your Time in Now. Step Out.” Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story of one disciple’s experience with the supernatural. Jesus’s disciples were out on a boat in the Sea of Galilee. They looked across the water to see what they thought was a ghost. Instead, their master greeted them, saying, “Be of good cheer. It is I, Jesus.” Peter responded, “Jesus if it’s you, bid me to come.” Peter was asking for Jesus to call him to an existence of supernatural power, and Jesus beckoned to Peter, “It is I. Come.” Peter obeyed, stepping out of the boat, and miraculously walked on the water toward Jesus… until he took his eyes off his master. Peter immediately grew fearful and began to sink. Notice, however, that it says began, as if the "sinking" never actually occurred. Peter only started to sink. Now, there was nothing supernatural about Peter sinking below the water. I'm sure he looked just like you or I would have. But then Jesus immediately reached His hand out, grasping Peter, and rescued him. Have you ever wondered how Peter was able to make it back to the boat? Well, the Word says that Jesus AND Peter returned to the boat! Jesus, God in the flesh, laid hold of Peter, and Peter finally experienced the supernatural existence that he had requested. You don't think Jesus jumped in and started swimming do you? No! Peter and Jesus walked back to the boat together…on top of the water! This is the God we serve. He inhabits the impossible and guarantees that we can experience the same. Step out in faith to that supernatural existence! You might get distracted by the waves and stumble along the way, but the God of creation will stretch out His hand and hold on to you. This is the life to which you have been called; this is the gospel. You have been created to experience a supernatural life that daily walks on water. Forget your failures, fears, hidden sins, and even your victories. Today is the day that you are going to step out of the boat and say, “I can’t do this on my own.” You don’t need to try any harder. Simply make a declaration that you’re not going to turn back, but that you are going to step out into the impossible, into joy unspeakable, into a peace beyond understanding, into power that turns nations on their heads. And if you begin to sink, Jesus will catch you. This is the #FamousChurch. Now, go and be it!