As those who call on the name of the Lord, we are made holy in Christ so that we can live accordingly, enriched in our speaking and knowledge, and secure for eternity - Jesus will keep us strong until he returns.

Like the disciples in the boat, we are called to be courageous disciples when we face adversity and difficulties by remembering what the Lord has already done for us, because Jesus doesn't leave us but comes to us.

Jesus is training his disciples. As disciples of Jesus, we should neither be passive observers nor arrogantly do things on our own initiative. We need to spend time with Jesus, learn how to cope with interruptions beyond our control, and take risks and steps of faith.

Herod had persuaded Herodias to leave Herod's brother Philip so that Herod may marry her, and John's message of repentance troubled his conscience. John shows us what it's like to live for God. Being different is costly. There is a clash of kingdoms. Do we live for the kingdom of God or the kingdom of "me"?

Jesus sends his disciples to take the good news to the people. But he isn't looking for people who are well-prepared, but people who are willing. He is looking for people whose only support and safety net is God. And he gives them what they really need - his authority.

Stephen speaks boldly of the God who does not live in temples made by human hands.

Learning from Moses how to handle hardships and learning from the Israelites how not to.

We can learn from the exploits of David's Mighty Men. Although we are under a different covenant, we have the same God. We no longer fight against human beings as they did, but we should have the same conviction and mindset that they had. Just as they were willing to lay down their lives for David, we should be committed to following Christ no matter what.

When we break bread together as a church we remember and proclaim Jesus' death and also look forward to his coming. His death and his return are two vantage points that we can focus on in times of hardship. We also need to discern his body as we celebrate the Lord's Supper.

We can take offence at Jesus by stumbling over the messenger, over the message or over our own disappointments and failed expectations. We can promote an atmosphere of faith by enjoying God's word, being honest with God when things are difficult and giving thanks for what we've already received.