Cleveland County herald., 1919-10-23


 GOLDEN TEXT-I believe: help thou mine unebief.-Mark SPA
 ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Mark 5:22- "A; S5-43; Luke 17:1S-23.
 PRIMARY TOPIC-Help in the storm
 JUNIOR TOPIC-Jesus comes to the help of his disciples.
 INTERMEDIATE TOPIC-Help when most needed.
 SENIOR AND ADULT TOPICAL ever-present helper.
 The storm-tossed disciples on the sea at night is an example of the struggling followers of the Lord in the darkness of the present age. as they are tossed by the tempests of the evil one.
 |. The Disciples on the storm-tcssed Sea (vv. 22-24).
 l. They were sent across the sea by Christ (v. 22). Doubtless his reason for this was to keep them from en- tanglement in the movements of the people to make him king. for in John 9:14, 15 it is shown that the people were so excited by the feeding of the five thousand that they were about to make him king by force. Though they were somewhat unwilling to go, it was mercy for him 10 constrain them.
 ?. Christ dismissed the multitude (v. 22). This may be taken as typical of his rejection of the nation whose rulers had already rejected him.
 8. Christ praying alone in the noun tain (v 23). Temptation to earthly honor and power had come to him, therefore he went to the Father in prayer for relief and strength. The need Of prayer is greatest at such times. While his prayer was in part for himself, yet it was for his disciples. According to Mark 6 AS, he saw from the mountain top the disciples toiling on the st0rm-tossed sea. We are nev- CT out of his sight as we struggle against the storms of life. and he ever lives to make intercession for Us.
 II. Jesus Walking on the Sea (vv. 25-27).
 l. It was in the fourth watch of the night (v. 25). He did not come to them immediately. but waited till al- most dawn. It was. however. the darkest part of the night, and physl- ea. danger was great, but their per plexity of mind was greater. They knew that the Lord had sent them, but why should they be in such straits if he sent them? A stormy sea is no evidence that we are not in the Lords appointed way. The disciples concern should be to obey the commands of the Lord, being assured that while do- ing his will he will protect them.
 2. The disciples alarmed at his con- ing (v. 26). It was the coming of their best friend to deliver them from danger. He comes to Us today in such ways that sometimes we are affrighted.
 8. Jesus words of comfort and good cheer (v. 27). In the midst of their distress they heard the Masters words, 'Be of good cheer; 1t is I. be not afraid" This changed their fear into joy.
 III. Peters Venture and Failure (vv. 2S-33).
 As soon as Peter recognized the voice of Jesus he cried, "Bfd me come to thee on the water" Jesus said, "Ceme" Peter obeyed and for time he walked upon the waves without sinking. His simple faith linked him with divine power and he was upheld but as soon as he took his eyes off his Lord and considered the raging sea he began-to sink. If we will but keep our eyes on the Lord instead of the waves we can outride the storms of life. When Peter began to sink, he did the sensible thing; he cried to the Lord for help. Jesus reached forth his hand and saved him. He has never lost one who honestly cried for help. When Jesus entered the ship the wind ceased. The people worshiped him as the Son of God. No ship can go down with Jesus on board