Weekly Teaching Reflection
November 16th Reflection
Sermon Notes and Discussion Questions
Faith in the Storm — Luke 8:22–25
Big Idea:
Even when life feels chaotic and out of control, Jesus is in the boat with us. Our faith isn’t defined by the storm, but by whom we cling to during it.
Key Moments from the Sermon
Jesus intentionally led His disciples into dangerous and uncertain places to proclaim the gospel.
The storm on the Sea of Galilee revealed the disciples’ fear and wavering faith.
Quote: “It is not the height of the wave that determines your faith, but whom you choose to throw yourself against when the storm rages.”
Jesus calms the storm and asks, “Where is your faith?” showing His power over creation and His personal presence with us.
Quote: "We follow a God who made himself into his creation by taking on the form of man, experienced full humanity, and ultimately suffered at the hands of his own creation, so that he could redeem them to himself."
Quote: Brennan Manning: “My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have no control over it.”
Practical Takeaways
Identify areas where God is calling you to step out in faith.
Name your current storms and seek support from your community.
Remember: God’s presence does not always remove the storm—but He is in it with you.
Share and celebrate moments of God’s faithfulness in your life and community.
Small group questions
Jesus intentionally leads his disciples into places of uncertainty and potential danger. Where might God be asking you to step out of comfort or familiarity in your life right now?
What fears or assumptions hold you back from following Jesus into the “dark” places - places of discomfort, challenge, or new responsibility?
How do external circumstances (like stress, conflict, fear, and uncertainty) impact your trust in God?
How can you intentionally practice faith during storms rather than waiting for them to pass?
Jesus calms the storm and asks, “Where is your faith?” How do you personally wrestle with this question in your life?
How do you reconcile the reality that Jesus doesn’t always remove the storm, yet calls us to trust Him anyway?
How can the people around you help you maintain faith when life gets chaotic?