Sunday, March 15, 2015, Pastor Joe Troutman preached “An Ever Present Help in Trouble” from John 6:16-21.
Jesus Christ is able to rescue those in the midst of the storms of life because he is the God who controls the winds and the waves.
1. Every Stormy Wind. John portrays Christ’s sign of walking on the water while the multitude goes around to meet him on the other side as reminiscent of the children of Israel being led by Joshua across the Jordan into the Promised Land.
2. Reason for Fear. The Lord’s miraculous sign of walking on the water denied by those who deny the deity of Christ. The sign is allegorized by many preachers as an example for us to follow in order to rise above the storms of life. The sign demonstrates that Jesus is God. His disciples in the boat were afraid when they saw him walking on the water. Fear is natural for sinners in the presence of God. But we sinners who trust Christ must not fear in life’s storms because he is our God whose presence brings comfort.
3. Do Not Be Afraid. As their God comes to them on the water, he commands them to not be afraid. They welcome him into the boat gladly. So Christ comes to his people to comfort them (Isaiah 43:1-2) Christ will also come to unbelievers, but to judge, rather than to comfort. They will have reason to fear.
Mid-Cities Presbyterian Church Library 
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