in the evening we see the same event of Jesus walking on the water from Matthew's perspective (14:28-33) and see what happens with Peter. Great stuff for Sunday night!! I hope you can be there. --------- August 23, 2026 EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE Matthew 14:28-33 "Peter Walks on Water, Then Needs Rescue" Theme: The gracious Lord allows a weak sinner to exercise faith, but helps his unbelief 1. Peter sees the inescapable reality of Jesus, God incarnate 2. The Lord allows His disciple to exercise amazing faith 3. Peter sees the stark reality of danger and fear overrules faith 4. The Lord will not allow His disciple to perish

1. The Meaning 2. The Reason 3. The Proper Partakers The sermon explores the Lord's Supper as a divine token of God's abiding love and personal assurance that believers belong to Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11 and the Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 28, it emphasizes that the sacrament confirms both what Christ accomplished on the cross for individuals and how He spiritually nourishes them daily. The preacher warns against minimizing or overemphasizing the ordinance, urging congregants to focus on its simple, biblical meaning rather than historical controversies. It highlights the communal nature of the meal, stressing that proper participation requires unity with other believers and self-examination. Ultimately, the message encourages those with doubts to approach the table confidently, relying on God's visible signs to dispel fear and confirm their redemption.

Someone will ask, Paul wrote, "how are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?" Those are good questions (1Cor. 15:35). The resurrection is difficult to grasp but grasp it we must if we're to receive life from him and give our lives for his name. This is Luke's purpose for us in what is a third of three resurrection encounters near the end of his gospel account. Jesus appeared to Peter, then to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and now to a group of disciples in Jerusalem. This encounter recorded for us in Luke 24:36–43 invokes fear but answers that fear with a broiled fish.

Pastor Matandika exhorts believers to walk with wisdom towards outsiders, ensuring their daily conduct reflects the transformative power of the gospel. He emphasizes that true theology must lead to practical application, where living before God's face motivates actions that glorify Him rather than oneself. Pastor Fletcher highlights the fear of God as the foundation for wise behavior, urging Christians to maintain integrity in all interactions, from workplace ethics to personal relationships. A significant portion focuses on the necessity of gracious, salt-seasoned speech, arguing that words reveal the heart and can either build up or destroy others. Ultimately, he calls for a holistic lifestyle where both actions and words serve as a testimony to unbelievers, pointing them to the glory of God.

Paul teaches that rulers are God's servants to restrain evil and commend what is good. Our obedience is not mere fear of punishment, but a conscience-shaped submission to God's appointed order. Even imperfect governments are used to preserve civil peace and punish wrongdoing. Therefore, believers should do what is right, honor authority, and accept lawful restraint as part of living under God's providential rule.

The sermon explores the concept of kingdom economics by contrasting worldly greed with divine provision, drawing primarily from Luke chapter 12. It emphasises that God knows and cares for human needs, urging believers to seek His kingdom above material accumulation. The preacher highlights the promise that all necessary things will be provided to those who prioritise spiritual priorities over earthly security. Through the parable of the rich fool, the text warns against hoarding wealth while encouraging generous giving as a means to store up heavenly treasure. Ultimately, the message calls for a life free from fear, rooted in trust in God's faithful care and eternal promises.