Valley View Baptist Church

Peter and John and a beggar had been brought before the Sadducees because the beggar had been healed. The Sadducees questioned Peter and John on how the man had been healed, and why. They didn't believe that Peter and John had the right to preach. They were aggressive and angry. But when they left, all three of them returned to a local gathering of believers; a church. But why did they return to that church in particular?

Today, churches are always looking for ways to grow their membership. They scratch their heads and wonder why they aren't seeing souls saved or why they aren't seeing growth in their church. It's not about gimmicks or programs. It's not about being "seeker friendly." It's not about walking softly to avoid stepping on toes or preaching a prosperity message.

That church in Acts must have had something! They must have had a welcoming spirit, kind members, and forgiving hearts. These are among the essential elements that every church needs. We can never go wrong following these principles.

The last two weeks have seen two hurricanes batter the Texas and Florida coasts. These storms of wind, rain, and waves have devastated the areas. Our prayers are with them this morning.

Just like the hurricanes that we have seen this week, the Disciples faced a "great" storm, a mega storm, much like a named storms we have today. The Disciples, many of whom were fishermen and knew how to handled themselves in the storms, had to wake the Master in order to overcome the storm they faced.

There are times in everyone's lives when a sudden, unexpected storm hits; the death of a loved one, terminal cancer, the loss of a job or a home, etc. They are unexpected, and out of our control. There are times when we've done all we know to do, and we have no other option than to run to the Master for help.

So how can we face the Unexpected Storms that come up in our lives? The same way the Disciples did...

One of the Disciples went down in history as a naysayer, a skeptic, a pessimist. He wanted proof of claims. He spoke up in skepticism. You know him as Doubting Thomas.

But Thomas had himself a red-letter day. He overcame his doubt, and when faced with a resurrected Jesus, he confessed Him a Lord and Savior. If Thomas can overcome his doubting nature, then surely we can too.

Are you angry? We all have those certain pet peeves that just get under our skin and make us mad. Maybe you clench your fists, grit your teeth, feel your blood pressure rise, yell, or otherwise express your anger.

Tonight Pastor Justin preached about Fighting Against Anger. We are all susceptible to it. The key is learning how to overcome it, and deal with it.

I think we can all agree that our country, and indeed our world, is in an uncertain state. Wars and threats of war are talked about world wide. Racial tensions in our own country are coming to a boiling point. Natural disasters are crashing upon our very own shores. The world is in a perilous state. And it could easily leave us all with feelings of uncertainty.

The Disciples felt uneasy too. They were uncertain about the state of their world. They secretly approached Jesus to inquire about the end of the world. But Jesus comforted them with words of promise, expectations, and a warning for those who do not prepare.

Are you looking for Security in an Uncertain World this morning? Turn to Jesus for the security you seek today...