Watermark Fort Worth

Continuing in our series, God is Faithful, we explore faith and fear through the story of Jesus walking on water and Peter’s bold attempt to join him. This familiar biblical account from Matthew 14 takes on new significance as we examine how fear can paralyze us, while faith empowers us to step out into the unknown. God doesn’t merely suggest we avoid fear — He commands it. Fear is a choice, and when we fixate on circumstances instead of God’s promises, our anxieties grow. The message challenges us to recognize how our past hurts and insecurities can project onto our relationship with God, potentially hindering our intimacy with Him. Yet, we’re encouraged to bring our doubts and fears to Jesus, just as Peter did. The beautiful truth emerges: Jesus is faithful even when our faith falters. This insight invites us to be honest about our fears, both with God and our Christian community, transforming our weaknesses into opportunities for God’s strength to shine through.

Main Points:

- Fear rises in the storms of life, but God allows difficult circumstances to draw us closer to Himself.

- Faith moves toward Jesus in the face of fear.

- Jesus rescues us even when our faith falters.

- God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on our perfect faith.

- Admitting our fears is a strength, not a weakness.

- Naming our fears to God and sharing with others helps us overcome them.

Scripture Referenced:

Matthew 14:22-33; Job 9:8; Galatians 2:20; Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 13:5-6; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Isaiah 41:10

Discussion Questions:

1) The sermon began with the question, “What are you most afraid of?” Share your answer with the group. How does this fear impact your daily life and relationship with God?

2) How does focusing on our circumstances rather than on Jesus contribute to fear and anxiety in our lives? Can you share an experience where shifting your focus back to Jesus helped you overcome fear?

3) Discuss the statement: “Insecurity is the enemy of intimacy.” How have you seen this play out in your relationships with others or with God?

4) Peter’s bold request to walk on water is described as capturing “the heart of true discipleship.” What areas of your life might God be calling you to step out in faith, even if it seems risky or impossible?

5) The sermon states, “Control is just man’s effort to navigate fear without God.” In what areas of your life do you find yourself grasping for control, and how might surrendering control to God impact your faith and relationship with Him?

6) Reflect on the phrase, “Jesus is faithful even when our faith falters.” How does this truth encourage you in your walk with God?

7) Drew Zeiler emphasized the importance of noticing, naming, and sharing our fears with God and our Christian community. Why do you think this is challenging for many believers? How can we cultivate an environment where it’s safe to be vulnerable about our fears?

Practical Application:

1) Notice, Name, Confess: Each time you feel fear or anxiety this week, jot down the cause. At the end of the day or week, review your entries and look for root causes (health-related fears, fear of rejection, safety fears for you or your family, financial insecurity, fear of being unloved or lacking value and worth, etc.). Pray and confess to God the areas where you are struggling to trust Him. Ask Him for help. Share what you have noticed, and now named, with your community group or a trusted friend and pray for one another.

2) Step of Faith: Is there an area where God might be calling you to “step out of the boat” in faith? If so, prayerfully consider your next faithful step, ask God to help you take it, and take it – with eyes fixed on Jesus (Isaiah 26:3).

3) Scripture Memorization: Memorize Isaiah 41:10 this week: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Worship Setlist:

Yes and Amen; How Great Thou Art; Holy Forever; All Sufficient Merit; He Will Hold Me Fast

To start our new series, God is Faithful, we delve into the life of Abraham, a powerful testament of God’s faithfulness to keep His promises. The story in Genesis 15 reminds us that even in moments of doubt, God reaffirms His covenant. As we navigate our own waiting rooms of life – be it in family, health, career, or spiritual growth – we’re called to remember and believe God’s promises. This isn’t passive waiting; it’s an active engagement through remembrance, prayer, obedience, and community. Just as Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness, our trust in God’s timing and character can anchor us in life’s uncertainties. The covenant God made with Abraham, passing through the sacrificial animals without Abraham, foreshadows Christ’s ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises. In our moments of impatience or doubt, we’re reminded that God’s faithfulness surpasses our weaknesses, inviting us to lean into His unbreakable covenant love.

Main Points:

- God’s faithfulness means He always keeps His promises

- Waiting is a common experience in the Christian life

- We can trust God’s timing by remembering His promises, praying, walking in obedience, and living in community

- God’s covenant with Abraham points forward to Jesus Christ

- All of God’s promises find their “yes” in Jesus

Scripture Referenced:

Numbers 23:19; Luke 19:10; Deuteronomy 7:9; Lamentations 3:22-23; Genesis 15:1-21; Genesis 6-7 (Noah’s ark story); Exodus 3 and 12 (Moses and the Exodus); Genesis 3 (Promise of a deliverer); Isaiah 7:14 (Virgin birth prophecy); Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem prophecy); Colossians 4:2; John 14:15; Genesis 12 (Abram leaving his homeland); Genesis 17 (Circumcision covenant); Genesis 22 (Abraham offering Isaac); Genesis 16 (Hagar and Ishmael story); James 1:6; Galatians 6:9; Romans 11:35; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Hebrews 11 (Hall of Faith); 2 Corinthians 1:20; Proverbs 22:6

Discussion Questions:

1) How has God demonstrated His faithfulness in your life, even during times of waiting or uncertainty?

2) What specific promises of God do you find yourself clinging to in your current circumstances, and why?

3) How does understanding God’s covenant with Abraham deepen your appreciation for Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises?

4) In what area of your life do you need to surrender control and trust in God’s faithfulness, even when you can’t see the outcome?

5) The sermon highlighted four ways to trust God in waiting: remembering His promises, praying, obeying, and living in community. Which of these do you find most challenging and why?

Practical Application:

1) Spend some time reflecting on God’s faithfulness in your own life. Thank Him for specific times you have seen His promises prove true. If you are in a season of uncertainty and find this difficult, spend some time reading the list of God’s promises below and ask God to help you see His faithfulness in real, tangible ways.

2) Be willing to let others in. If you are in a community group, Bible study group, recovery group, or have a believing friend you can turn to, be honest when you are struggling to persevere. Ask for prayer.

3) If you are not currently in a season of uncertainty, waiting, or hardship, (or even if you are) ask the Spirit to lead you in comforting someone you know who is struggling. Send them a text or voice memo of prayer, praying over their current situation.

4) Choose one of God’s promises from the list shared in the sermon (below). Look up the scripture reference. Write the scripture and the promise down and place it somewhere you’ll see daily as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Promises of God Shared in the Sermon

-God’s Presence — In Christ, Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), God is no longer distant. Through His Spirit, He is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

-God’s Strength — Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you,” for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). His resurrection power strengthens us to endure (Philippians 4:13).

- God’s Guidance — Christ is the Good Shepherd who goes before His sheep, and His Spirit leads us into all truth (John 10:3–4; John 16:13).

- God’s Peace — Through the cross, He reconciled us to God, making peace by His blood (Colossians 1:20). That’s why He promises, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27).

- God’s Provision — Jesus called Himself the Bread of Life (John 6:35). He satisfies our deepest need and supplies all others.

- God’s Forgiveness — By His blood shed on the cross, we have complete cleansing from sin (Ephesians 1:7).

- God’s Purpose — In Christ, God is working all things together for our good and shaping us into His image (Romans 8:28-29).

- God’s Renewal — Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25). By His Spirit, He renews our strength and makes us new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

- God’s Salvation — He is the Savior who rescues all who call upon His name (Acts 4:12).

- God’s Coming Kingdom — Jesus promised, “I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3).

Worship Setlist:

Resurrection Hope; Great is Thy Faithfulness; Promises; Who Else; Agnus Dei; In Christ Alone

The book of Malachi draws a poignant parallel for us between Israel’s cold-hearted response to God’s love and our own tendency to drift away from our first love. We’re reminded that God’s love for us isn’t based on our circumstances or performance, but on His unchanging covenant. The message urges us to guard our affections, give God our best rather than our leftovers, and return to Him with wholehearted devotion. The vivid imagery of God as a refiner’s fire both comforts and convicts us – He’s working to purify us, to see His reflection in our lives. This overview leaves us with a pressing question: How will we respond to God’s patient, pursuing love?

Main Points:

Trust God’s covenantal love, not your circumstances

Give God your honor, not your leftovers

Guard your affections and who influences your faith

God is patient, but a day of judgment is coming

Jesus satisfies God’s justice for those who believe in Him

We are called to return to God and be refined by His love

Scripture Referenced:

Malachi; 1 John 3:1; Ephesians 1:4-5; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 12:29; Revelation 22:11; Revelation 6:8; Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 2 Peter 3:9

Discussion Questions:

The sermon mentions that Israel equated God’s love with success and provision. How do we sometimes fall into this same trap in our own lives?

How does viewing our relationship with God as covenantal rather than transactional change our perspective on faith and worship?

Drew Zeiler said, “Who you love will influence what you worship.” How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?

In what ways do we sometimes give God our ‘leftovers’ instead of our best, and how can we change this?

How does the analogy of the courtroom and satisfying justice deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice?

Practical Application:

Take time this week to examine your heart. Are there areas where you’ve hardened yourself toward God, become apathetic, or questioned His love for you?

Evaluate your closest relationships. Are they drawing you closer to God or pulling you away? If they are believers, how are you doing at encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), confessing to and praying for one another (James 5:16), and spurring one another on in love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)?

Share the gospel: Remembering the urgency of the coming Day of the Lord, pray for an opportunity to share God’s love with someone who doesn’t know Him and be faithful to follow through when the opportunity comes.

Worship Setlist:

Ancient Gates; Come Thou Fount; Holy Forever; What a Beautiful Name; Jesus, We Love You

Studying Haggai, we’re challenged to ‘consider our ways’ and recommit to putting God first in our lives. Just as the returned exiles neglected rebuilding the temple, we too can become distracted by worldly pursuits, leaving our spiritual ‘house’ in disrepair. Haggai’s message resonates deeply with our modern struggles, as we often find ourselves prioritizing personal comfort over spiritual growth. It reminds us that true satisfaction and purpose come not from paneled houses or material success, but from aligning our priorities with God’s kingdom.

Main Points:

- The message of Haggai is to consider our ways and recommit to putting God first.

- God calls us to prioritize building His kingdom over our personal priorities.

- When we neglect God’s priorities, we often experience spiritual lack and dissatisfaction.

- God’s presence, not outward appearance, makes His temple (the church – people of God) glorious.

- Jesus fulfills the promises foreshadowed in Haggai’s prophecies.

Discussion Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when pursuing worldly success left you feeling unsatisfied. How did that experience shape your understanding of true fulfillment?

2. In what ways do you see God’s discipline as an act of love in your own life, similar to how He allowed the Israelites to experience lack?

3. How have you experienced the tension between pursuing personal priorities versus kingdom priorities in your own life? What areas might God be calling you to reconsider?

4. How does understanding the church as God’s temple (Ephesians 2:19-22) change your perspective on your role in the body of Christ?

5. How does the promise of God’s presence being what truly makes His temple glorious encourage you in your spiritual journey?

Practical Application:

1. Take time this week to answer the question posed in the sermon: “Consider your way…What do you need to keep doing, stop doing, and/or start doing to put your relationship with God and the building up of the church as first priority in your life?”.

2. Pray daily this week for God to work in you to reorder your priorities through His Word and Spirit.

Worship Setlist:

There is a Savior; A Thousand Hallelujahs; Behold the Lamb; Worthy of it All; Abide

Zephaniah paints a vivid picture of two distinct groups: the ‘remnant of Baal’ and the ‘remnant of Yahweh’. This imagery challenges us to examine our own hearts and allegiances. Are we, perhaps unknowingly, bowing to modern-day ‘Baals’ in our pursuit of satisfaction and security? True worship demands exclusivity – a sobering call in our world of divided loyalties. The sermon highlights the importance of fearing God, maintaining undivided devotion to Him, and recognizing Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises of salvation.

Main Points:

- The book of Zephaniah presents two distinct groups: the remnant of Baal and the remnant of Yahweh.

- The day of the Lord is a pattern of events throughout the Bible where God brings judgment on sin, but through that judgment comes salvation.

- The fear of the Lord is meant to produce a proper response in God’s people.

- Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of salvation, the “ark” that saves people from judgment.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that modern idolatry can take many forms beyond literal idol worship. What are some ways you’ve observed or struggled with “bending the knee to some authority other than Yahweh” in your own life?

2. The remnant of Yahweh is described as humble, wholehearted, and secure. Which of these characteristics do you find most challenging to embody in your own walk with God? Why?

3. How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of Zephaniah’s prophecies impact your view of the Old Testament and its relevance to Christian life today?

Practical Application:

1. Self-Examination: Take time this week to prayerfully examine your heart for areas where you might be engaging in “mixed worship” – trying to serve both God and other “gods” in your life.

2. Pray: If you have identified any area(s) you are elevating or are tempted to elevate above your relationship with God, confess those to God and ask Him to reveal any changes you may need to make.

3. Confession: Share with a trusted friend the ways you are living with a divided heart and take some time to pray together for healing and the Spirit’s help moving forward. James 5:16 says “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Worship Setlist:

Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord); Lord, I Need You; Son of Suffering; Holy Forever; Undivided Heart

In this exploration of the book of Habakkuk, we’re invited to wrestle with deep questions about faith in the face of adversity. Habakkuk’s journey from doubt to unwavering trust offers us an example for our own spiritual lives. As we grapple with injustice and suffering in our world, Habakkuk teaches us to turn to God with our raw emotions and questions. The central theme, ‘the righteous shall live by faith,’ echoes through the ages, reminding us that our relationship with God is the bedrock of our existence. This message challenges us to move beyond surface-level faith and dive into a deeper, more intimate connection with our Creator. As we witness Habakkuk’s transformation, we’re encouraged to find joy and strength in God, even when our circumstances seem dire. This timeless wisdom invites us to trust in God’s character and promises, even when we don’t understand His timing or methods.

Main Points:

- Turn to God first in times of trouble and bring all your emotions to Him

- Practice stillness and listening to hear God’s voice

- Trust in God’s character and remember His past faithfulness

- Find joy and strength in God, not in circumstances

- The righteous shall live by faith, which is the foundation of the gospel

- Habakkuk’s journey from complaint to confidence in God

Scripture References:

Habakkuk; Romans 3:10; 2 Corinthians 5:2; 1John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:9; Romans 10:17; Psalm 23

Discussion Questions:

Habakkuk shows us four steps to walk more faithfully with God. Let’s discuss each:

a) Turn to God: How do you typically respond when facing difficulties? How comfortable are you with expressing raw emotions and questions to God? Do you find it easy or difficult to turn to God first? If not Him, who or what do you find yourself turning to instead?

b) Stop and Listen: What practices help you create space to listen to God? What obstacles do you face in doing this regularly?

c) Trust God: How has remembering God’s past faithfulness helped you trust Him in difficult times? Where have you seen His faithfulness recently?

d) Rejoice in the Lord: How can we cultivate joy in God even when circumstances are challenging?

Practical Applications:

1. Write down 3-5 ways God has been faithful to you in the past. Keep this list somewhere visible as a reminder to trust Him.

2. Whether you’re facing something big or small, or if a challenge arises this week, make it a practice to turn to God first, bringing your honest thoughts and feelings to Him.

3. What stirs your affection for God? What causes deep gratitude to rise in your heart for Him? Whatever those things may be for you personally, intentionally make time for them this week.

4. Ask God to show you any opportunities to share the gospel with someone in your life. We have great news to offer others – God’s grace is available, and His way is trustworthy!

Worship Setlist:

Great Things; Resurrection Hope; Faithful; You are the Lord

The book of Nahum, often overlooked, offers profound comfort by showcasing God’s character. We learn that God’s jealousy isn’t a flaw, but a fierce love that desires our wholehearted devotion. His wrath, while intimidating, is a just response to evil that ultimately protects us. The imagery of God as our stronghold invites us to run to Him in our distress, finding refuge in His unchanging nature. This message challenges us to trust in God’s goodness not just when life is easy, but especially when we’re overwhelmed by hardship. It’s a call to look beyond our immediate circumstances and fix our eyes on God’s glory, knowing that He intimately knows and cares for each of us and is near.

Main Points:

- God is good, even when circumstances are challenging.

- The Lord is our stronghold and refuge in times of trouble.

- God’s character includes jealousy, wrath, and love – all working together for our good.

- Jesus is our ultimate comforter, having experienced human troubles himself.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is it easy or hard for you to see God’s goodness in your life right now? Why or why not?

2. How do you reconcile God’s attributes of jealousy and wrath with His goodness? How does understanding these attributes enhance your view of God’s love?

3. In what ways have you experienced God as a ‘stronghold in the day of trouble’ in your own life?

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in reminding each other to take refuge in God. How has your community group or church community supported you during difficult times?

5. Jason Bradshaw states, “If God is only good when your life is good, I believe we will miss out on much of his goodness in learning how to rest and be satisfied in him.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

6. How might focusing on God’s goodness, even when circumstances aren’t improving, transform our faith and perspective?

Practical Applications:

1. Daily Reflection: Each day this week, identify one way you’ve seen God’s goodness, even if your circumstances are challenging, and thank Him for it.

2. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Psalm 139 this week, as suggested in the sermon, to deepen your understanding of how God knows you intimately.

3. Community Support: Think of someone in your community group or broader church community who may be going through a difficult time. Pray for them and ask God to lead you in how to encourage them in a way that is helpful.

Worship Setlist:

The Lord Our God; What a Beautiful Name; All Sufficient Merit; Behold Him; Jesus, Firm Foundation