this past sunday

august 9th Sermon

Sermon recap

This past Sunday, Caleb Gustafson delivered a powerful sermon on the theme of "Dying to Doubt and Living to Faith," inspired by the story of Peter walking on water from Matthew 14. As we gathered on August 9th, we were reminded of the importance of faith and trust in Jesus, especially during life's storms. Caleb shared personal experiences and biblical insights that connected deeply with our journey of faith.
  • Faith Amidst Fear: Caleb highlighted Peter's moment of doubt as he began to sink in the stormy sea. This serves as a reminder of how fear can challenge our faith, yet Jesus is always there to extend His hand and lift us up.
  • The Comfort of Home: Drawing parallels with Dorothy's journey in "The Wizard of Oz," Caleb emphasized the comfort and safety of returning home, both physically and spiritually. Our true home is found in the presence of Jesus, who offers us peace and security.
  • Life Through Baptism: The sermon beautifully illustrated how through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This transformative act assures us that we are never alone, even when life feels overwhelming.
As we reflect on these messages, let's embrace the assurance that Jesus is our constant companion, guiding us through every challenge. This week, may we find strength in His presence and extend His love to those around us.

Sermon Study GUide

August 9, 2026 Sermon

Reading
  • Matthew 14:22-33
  • Matthew 8:23-27

Warm Up
  • Have you ever been in a situation where you felt overwhelmed by doubt or fear? How did you respond?
  • Reflect on a time when you felt "at home" or at peace. What contributed to that feeling?

Scripture Exploration
  • Read Matthew 14:22-33. What stands out to you about Peter's interaction with Jesus?
  • How does the account in Matthew 8:23-27 compare to the story in Matthew 14? What are the similarities and differences?
  • Explore the phrase “O you of little faith.” How does this resonate with your own experiences of doubt?

Personal Reflection
  • What does Peter’s experience teach us about faith and doubt? How does this apply to our daily lives?
  • Consider the significance of Jesus walking on water. What does this reveal about His nature and power?
  • How does the theme of "home" play into the message of the sermon and the biblical text?

Personal Application
  • In what areas of your life do you need to cry out, "Lord, save me"?
  • How can you create a sense of "home" or peace in your relationship with God amid life's storms?
  • Identify one practical step you can take this week to strengthen your faith in challenging situations.
  • How can you support someone in your community who may be struggling with doubt or fear?