Comfort Zone Calories

“The purpose of this sermon is to encourage and uplift those in attendance at Pine Rivers. It is based on Natalie’s understanding and interpretation of texts and Andre Hamilton is in no way liable for the following ideas/behavior presented by the speaker.” Kids: Note down how many times I say the word ‘boat’ to get a surprise at the end!!!

Comfort Zone: a situation or position in which a person feels secure, comfortable, or in control. Empty Calories: food containing energy but little or no other nutrition.

Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. 23 After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) 29 “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

1. The boat distracts you and fills you with empty calories.

2. The boat confines your relationship with Him.

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you.” John 15:1 – 8

“As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:1 – 8

“If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples.”

3. The boat limits your true potential and the future God has given His church.

“let me define fat. It involves scores of passive parishioners sitting week after week and soaking up what is in some cases gourmet preaching, but who are still infected with a disease called ‘spectatorism. This mass of untapped potential is generally educated far beyond their level of obedience, and is not translating Christian theory into practice. Spectatorism generally creates flabby, weak, spoon-fed believers who have grown old, but not up on the Lord. They know more about church policy than evangelism and are better acquainted with parliamentary procedure than with discipleship.” Rex D. Edwards

Elton Trueblood asks “if in the average Church we should suddenly take seriously the notion that every lay member, man or woman, is really a minister for Christ we could have something like a revolution in a very short time. ”

“Christians do not simply attend Church, consuming a religious product. Rather, members of the body are equipped to serve effectively in their vocations and their communities – wherever God places them.” Rex D. Edwards

Philippians 1:21 “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”