…"It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

 But Jesus said: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you…..

     Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water…

when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

…Jesus said, "why did you doubt?" … Then those who were in the boat worshiped him…

Highlights of the story:

• Jesus revealing his divine power and presence walking on water.

Highlights of the story:

• Peter’s moment of great faith then the fear of the wind that caused him to sink

Today’s focus:

• The view from the boat

Today’s focus:

• The view from the boat

We have coined a phrase: “couch potato”.

The term was first coined in 1976 to describe a person who sits on the couch for hours watching television…usually eating chips.

John Ortberg coined a new phase to describe the disciples who stayed in the boat:

Boat Potatoes

Peter

• Peter saw what Jesus did.

• Peter asked Jesus to command him to do the same.

• He obeyed the voice of Jesus and walked on water!

• Yet, he was overtaken by fear when he looked out at the circumstances.

Yet the boat potatoes stayed in the boat.

What kept them there?

What’s our boat?

What keeps us in our boat?

Does it matter if we “get out of the boat”?

The parable of the talentsThree servants:

• One received ten talents and returned ten talents.

• One received five and returned five.

• One received one and did nothing…

“You wicked and lazy servant…”The third servant

was rebuked for doing nothing with the talent he was to be a steward of.

What is the meaning of this parable?

Meaning of the parable

There really is a slothfulness that is detestable to God. We have been time, treasure and talent that God intends for us to steward.

Yes, Jesus intends for us to get out of the boat.

Getting out of the boat

Things to consider….

What does Jesus command?

Trust

Don’t give up.

Word for the day: GROWTH