August 2017 Messenger Newsletter

"Immediately Jesus spoke to them... "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
(Matthew 14:27)

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Jesus Walks on the Sea

Mat 14:22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
Mat 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
Mat 14:24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.
Mat 14:25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea.
Mat 14:26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.
Mat 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
Mat 14:28 Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."
Mat 14:29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.
Mat 14:30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Mat 14:31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Mat 14:32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Mat 14:33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

[Mat 14:25] The fourth watch of the night would encompass the hours just prior to dawn, from three to six in the morning.

[Mat 14:30] Peter's experience is not uncommon in the modern era. Too much aware of the elements around him and the dangers which they imposed, Peter forgot to continue trusting the Christ who bade him come.

NSRV & Believer's Study Bible (BSB) Notes

Readings for the week of August 20th
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
First: Isaiah 56: 1, 6-8
Psalm 67
Second: Romans 11: 1-2, 29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15: 10-28

Sunday Worship Services at 10:00am
Sunday School at 9:00am

Wednesday Bible Study (Library) 10:30 am
Holy Communion Service (Sanctuary) Noon