Bulletins - First Free Will Baptist Church (Pearl, MS)

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Days Of Elijah
Brethren We Have Met To Worship
I Want to Be a Worker
Matthew 8:18–34 NKJV
And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their region.
Summary: In Matthew 8:18-34, Jesus emphasizes the demands of discipleship, depicting the urgency and total commitment required to follow Him. He encounters individuals who wish to follow Him, yet He reveals the sacrifices involved, and demonstrates His authority over nature and demons, validating His lordship and the necessity of faith.
Application: This passage encourages Christians to reflect on their commitment to discipleship, challenging them to prioritize their relationship with Christ even amidst personal sacrifices and societal pressures. It serves as a reminder that true following of Christ may lead to discomfort and challenge but promises the profound joy of His presence and power in our lives.
Teaching: Jesus' teaching in this passage reveals that following Him is not a casual choice but a radical commitment. His responses illustrate the need for readiness to endure hardships and the assurance that He is sovereign over all circumstances, reinforcing the idea that faith is not merely belief but an active choice to follow, no matter the cost.
How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's authority and power, demonstrating that He indeed has authority over nature and spiritual realms. It connects with the overarching narrative of Scripture where Jesus embodies the suffering servant who calls His followers into a life of faithful obedience amid trials, echoing the theme of sacrifice seen throughout the biblical text.
Big Idea: True discipleship to Christ requires a willingness to embrace discomfort and sacrifice, believing in His sovereign power to sustain us through every trial we face.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the cultural context of first-century discipleship in Jewish tradition, which will provide a richer understanding of Jesus' challenge to potential followers. Look into the implications of the term ‘cost’ in discipleship throughout the Gospels, which may reveal nuances in translations that highlight urgency in following Christ. Logos can help you explore commentaries that address the theological significance of Christ’s authority displayed in this passage, particularly in relation to the miracles recounted.
1. Commitment Beyond Comfort
Matthew 8:18–22
You could explore how the interaction between Jesus and the prospective disciples illustrates the immense personal cost of following Him wholeheartedly. Perhaps emphasize that Jesus wants His followers to understand that following Him may require sacrifices beyond convenience, expect stability, or familial concerns. This highlights the importance of prioritizing our commitment to Christ above other commitments, demonstrating that true discipleship demands readiness to embrace discomfort for the sake of eternal gain.
2. Calm in the Chaos
Matthew 8:23–27
Maybe reflect on how Jesus’s calming of the sea reveals His divine authority over nature, assuring his disciples that no storm is too great for his sovereign power. This incident suggests our need to rely on Christ amidst the storms of life, and the peace that His presence brings. The disciples’ awe-laden question, 'What kind of man is this?', invites an acknowledgment of Jesus’ true identity as sovereign Lord, encouraging believers to deepen their faith life amid trials.
3. Confronting Spiritual Chains
Matthew 8:28–34
Perhaps you could examine how Jesus's encounter with the demon-possessed men showcases His authority over spiritual realms, affirming His power to bring liberation and transformation. The townspeople’s fearful reaction could be contrasted with the freedom found in Jesus, warning against resistance to Christ due to fear of change or loss. This final point serves as a powerful reminder that embracing Jesus’ authority leads to true freedom, urging believers to welcome His transformative work.
- - Matthew 8:18–34NKJV
Lord, I'm Coming Home
Blest Be The Tie That Binds

1. Commitment Beyond Comfort

2. Calm in the Chaos

3. Confronting Spiritual Chains

Matthew 8:18–34NKJV