The Wind and Waves Obey Jesus
– Mark 4:35-41 –

 

   Jesus did many convincing miracles. Nicodemus said, "...We know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (John 3:2) One of Jesus' miracles was the calming of the wind and waves. This miracle was to provide help or relief for Jesus' disciples that were in a storm.

 

   The miracles stated: Mark records the miracle in these words. "On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, Let us cross over to the other side. Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?  Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still! And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:35-41) What beautiful words - "Peace be still!"

 

   The miracle explained: Jesus had been preaching from a ship.  He asked the disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side.  During a great storm the boat was filling with water. Jesus slept on a pillow in the back of the boat. There were also other little ships in the same storm. The disciples begged Jesus to awaken and help them. He gave a simple command -- "Peace be still!" A great calm followed along with a rebuke to the disciples for their lack of faith. "And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!" (Mark 4:41)

 

   The miracle applied: Let us learn: (1) Teaching and preaching drains your body and mind. (2) Storms sometime come following great works. (3) You are likely not in the storm alone -- there are other little boats. (4) Jesus was sleeping, but He was not unconcerned. (5) Only Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, can bring true peace -- "Peace be still." (6) We also may need a rebuke from Jesus because of a lack of faith. (7) Allow Jesus to make the same impres­sion on you He made on these early disciples.

 

   The need for faith is ever present. Jesus' miracles should convince us He is the Son of God.  "...we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (John 6:69) Get in the boat with Jesus and have complete confidence He will take care of you! He saves those that obey. (Hebrews 5:8-9)

 

- - - - Charles Box

 

The Parable of the Growing Seed – Mark 4:26-29

 

   Jesus is the Master Teacher. He used many methods of teaching. He taught with questions. He taught with examples. He taught by explaining and applying Old Testament Scripture. One of the most powerful methods of teaching used by Jesus was to teach with parables. A parable is a method of teaching where a moral or spiritual truth is taught or illustrated by everyday life experiences. Parables often contain the word "like". Parables teach truth in a very simple and easy to be remembered way. Mark 4:26-29 is the parable of the growing seed.

 

   The parable stated: Many of Jesus' parables are well known and often repeated. The parable of the sower is an example. (Luke 8:4-15) A small, almost unnoticed, parable of Jesus is the parable of the growing seed. The parable is stated in Mark 4:26-29. "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

 

   The parable explained: The gospel seed is sown in the hearts of honest people. It might seem lost, but, nevertheless, it springs up in that good heart. One of the mysteries of nature is how this seed that is sown in a field grows. The farmer cannot explain it. He simply plants the seed and waits while God makes it grow. The same process is true in conversion and spiritual growth. I cannot explain how it happens. We just plant the seed (God's words) and in some way God, through His Spirit, causes it to grow in the heart of mankind. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." (1 Timothy 3:16) God's work is not accomplished with noise and great fanfare. Spiritual growth comes slowly. "For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head." (Mark 4:28) The result of spiritual growth, caused by God's word, is a harvest for God. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

 

   The parable applied: Let us learn: (1) the gospel of God's grace is that which brings about conversion. (2) Conversion and spiritual growth only comes when God's word is sown in human hearts. (3) An honest and good heart is necessary if conversion is to take place. (4) None is able to explain how God, through His Spirit, works through the word in honest hearts to wash, sanctify and justify. (I Corinthians 6:9-11) (5) The preacher or teacher contributes nothing to the conversion process. He is simply the farmer who planted the seed. God made the seed and makes it grow. (6) Christianity is a matter of growth. The beginning is small but the end is a harvest. (7) God carries on His work quietly and without fail. (8) Those that receive the seed and finish their work will be rewarded with eternal life.

 

   The process is simple. Plant the seed in honest hearts and God will give the increase. We may not be able to explain it, but by faith we accept it because it is God's plan. Preach the word! “And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)

 

   Are you in Christ? Have you heard the gospel (Romans 10:17), believed in Christ (John 8:24), repented of sins (Acts 17:30-31), confessed your faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32-33) and been baptized into Christ for remission of sins? (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16) Those that honor Christ are the people that faithfully obey Him. Are you faithful in Christ?

 

- - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: Health South Rehab Gadsden: Charles Box, Sr. In Need Of Prayers: Jerry Barr, Shirley Boutwell, Dannie Box, Ida “Jean” Brazell, Dorothy Buck, Shirley Curry, Bobby Fullington,  Judy Green, Roy Goodwin, Billy Heartsill, Jeff Hughes, Mary Lawrence, Gentry McCeary, Renny McNaughton, Roland Mitchell, Reba Miller,  Elizabeth Perdue, Betty Pitts (aunt of Jeff Thomas), Mary Powell, Zachary Reynolds, Don Shirley, Sarah Stidham, Leroy Tindal, Ted Tindal,  Richard Watts, Mary Williams and Kim Willett. Crowne Health Care: Mary Alexander, James Alford, Gene Buck, Gladys Childs, Kathy Johnson, Wallace Murry, and Myrtle Perdue, Corrine Till. Pine Needle: Mary Lou Phelps. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Helen Autrey, and Doris Pierce. Shut-Ins: Emma Lee Gafford, Jean Hayes, and Doris Taylor.

 

2. Please Pray For: Pray for Ben Newton, Jason Godwin and Dennis Phillips Jr. (Capt. Dennis Phillips, MNCI/IAG J-4, APO AE 09342) as they serve in Iraq.

 

3. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to Neomia Collins and Jerri Davis in the death of their aunt, Rebecca “Beck” Stinson.

 

4. Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday this week are: October 5^th Virginia Lowery, October 7^th Kathy Bozeman, Janice Cole and McArthur Taylor and October 10^th Ann Cauthen.

 

5. Secret Pal Program: For all ladies that wish to participate in the “Secret Pals” Programs for 2008-2009, the forms are on the table in the foyer. Please return them to Nell Daughtry by October 1^st. The ladies will meet October 5^th at the home of Nell Daughtry at 2 p.m. to reveal last year’s Secret Pals.

 

6. Baby Showers: (a) A baby shower is plan for Ashley Holladay on October 19^th after evening service. Everyone is invited to stay and bring finger foods. Ashley is to have a boy. (b) A luncheon/baby shower is plan for Darrell and Jamie Powell on November 2^nd after the morning worship service. Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a meal and fellowship with Darrell and Jamie. Remember they are having a boy.

 

7. Thank You: (a) Dear Walnut Street Family, Thank you for the flowers, balloons, and cards you sent to me while I was in the hospital, but especially for the thoughts and prayers. I am so blessed to have such a loving church family! Love, Heather Bagents (b) Dear Walnut Street, thank you so much for helping us with the school supply drive. With your help, we were able to make 99 students supply packets! We appreciate you! The Fort Deposit Youth Group (c) Just a short note to say how much I have appreciate and welcome your help in time of need. I don’t know what to say or do to let you know how thankful I am. But I hope you received this card on behalf of my family and me, thanking all those who have helped and supported us in time of need. God Bless You, Witfield Collins

 

8. Gospel Meeting: Our Gospel Meeting will be October 5^th through 8^th with Ron Bryant as the speaker. Sunday – Bible Class at 9:30, Worship at 10:30, Lunch at 12:00 and Worship at 6:00 and Weeknights at 7:00.

 

9. Biographical Sketch of Ron Bryant: He served churches in Illinois, Missouri, and Arizona. As of July 2008, he has begun to work fulltime in gospel meetings and in workshops on “Leadership,” “Family Life,” and special studies on “Right Relationship with God.” He and his wife Susan have built a new home and now live near Jacksonville, Alabama. They have a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren, all in the state of Arizona, whom they are able to see often as they teach and preach in the Southwest. He received his training at Free-Hardeman University, Arizona State University, and Southern Christian (now Amridge University).

 

10. Put These Dates On Your Calendar: (a) October 5^th – 8^th – Gospel Meeting – New Haven Church of Christ – Speaker Ron Williams – Sunday Worship 6:00 PM and Weeknights 7:00 PM (b) October 12^th-14^th – Gospel Meeting – North Lowndes Church of Christ – Speaker Charles Box – Sunday 6:00 PM and Weeknights 7:00 PM

 

Answers From the Bible # 3

 

   Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? In Romans chapter three Paul, by inspiration of God, described man's problem. In doing so he quoted from Psalm 14:1-3. He said, “As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10-12) Later in the chapter he said, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) The result of sin is horrifying. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Except for the death of Jesus we would be forever lost.

 

   What is wrong with denominationalism? Denominations were planned by men; the church of Christ was planned by God and Christ. "To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:10-11) God planned the church in such a way as to have unity. Unity is possible when, "All speak the same thing." (I Corinthians 1:10) Denominations promote division instead of unity.

 

    What does it mean to worship in spirit and truth? John 4:24 teaches that our worship must be "in spirit and in truth." "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." "In spirit" means from our heart and with the focus on spiritual things. "In truth" means according to the teachings of God's word. The New Testament does not authorize mechanical instruments to be used with our singing. How can a Christian use something not authorized by God and at the same time say He is worshipping God "in Spirit and in truth?"

 

   To become a Christian, you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), repent of sins (Acts 2:38), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized to be saved (I Peter 3:21). Become a Christian today! Worship "In spirit and in truth!"

- - Charles Box

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)