1. Jesus and his disciples were caught in a sudden, violent storm while crossing the sea. The disciples were afraid they would drown. 2. When the disciples woke Jesus, he calmed the storm with the words "Peace, be still." Jesus' ability to calm storms demonstrates his power over nature and the forces causing turmoil in people's lives. 3. True peace comes from having faith in Jesus, obeying his word, trusting him completely, bearing the fruits of the spirit, and engaging in his service by helping others. Living this way brings "perfect peace" even in difficult times.

1. P E A C E BE S T I L L

2. The Story Mark 4 : 35 - 41 Jesus wanted to go to the other side. He had a long day ... Ministering to the multitudes. The boat He was in & other boats set sail in a calm sea. Soon Jesus fell asleep.

3. Sudden Storm Suddenly the calm sea without warning became violent. The waves broke over the boat. The seasoned fishermen did everything possible to keep the boat afloat That day the sea behaved mysteriously It was determined to take them to the watery grave.

4. Sudden Storm Along with the boat the disciples HOPE & FAITH was sinking. They woke Jesus up. They cried, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown.” Jesus got up calmly He saw the angry sea The frightened disciples The sinking boat He even saw the cause of the storm ...

5. Storm Tossed Life – Raging waves The Question that many ask - Can I be caught in a storm when Jesus is aboard? * The answer is - YES. Yes. As long as the great controversy is on we are a prey.

6. On Going Controversy The Devil wanted to kill Jesus – he used Herod to try and eliminate Jesus as a boy he attempted to drown Him along with His disciples he raised mobs to stone Him to death he was sure he got Him on the cross he made sure the tomb was sealed - guarded But it was satan who was defeated.

7. On going Controversy Satan will confuse our mind Make us believe that Jesus is responsible for all our problems. He will also offer solution to our problems. So be VIGILANT As we near the end of the last days this conflict will intensify. The adversary is now out to get Christ’s followers. “ your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5 : 8

8. Things God won’t do … God won’t give us Life – a boat and then cause a storm to sink us midway of our life’s journey. What was on the other side? Why was Jesus asleep although He knew about the approaching storm? Jesus was recharging – On the other side there was to be a power encounter. ALL storms are caused by the demons.

9. Double Trouble … They say, when trouble comes your way it brings along its friends & relatives … threatening to drown you. Have a Nice Day

10. Double Trouble The attack on Christ’s followers is real It might begin at various points – family, friends, colleagues, finance, church, playground, reading / viewing material ... It might just begin in your mind Trouble keeps piling one on top of the other. Initially we deal with them ... Learn from them ... Fight them * When trouble surrounds us we feel crushed. Its too heavy. * We cry saying, “Don't you care that we perish?”

11. Friendly Iceberg Advice To add to our misery we are often visited by friends – relatives of Job’s friends ... They say - “ No matter how Great & destructive your problem may seem now. Remember, you’ve probably only seen the tip of them.”

12. Unceasing Waves … * The merciless waves threaten to sink your boat … Hopelessness surrounds U Those whom we trust – depend on - seem far removed Destruction seems like the best solution The shores have disappeared … U are in the eye of the storm

13. Ask & Answer - 2 Questions Why do people lose their Peace?? How to receive peace??

14. Storm Tossed Sea Loss of Peace : Its causes The Sea was angry. Lost it’s peace. The disciples were afraid. Lost their peace. “ They were terrified” – Fear ...Questions… doubts … unusual happenings … sickness … disagreements … financial crisis…poverty … anger … jealousy … suspicion … loss of loved ones, job, property ...

15. Receive His Peace The peace that the World offers – Peace treaty Peace day Peace talks But still wars – hatred – and inhuman activities are on the raise. The Peace that God offers - Lasting peace Peace in the midst of the storm He wants us to be instruments of Peace That’s the peace you are looking for Let us understand and receive that peace

16. Receive His Peace – Love His Word Great Peace have they that love Thy law, and nothing can make them stumble. Ps. 119 : 165

17. GREAT Peace … Quantity 1. Peace belongs to those who LOVE God and His Word. 2. Peace belongs to those who OBEY God’s Word … He keeps them from stumbling. 3. Daily Relationship with God & Our will merging into His gives GREAT Peace.

18. Merging of Will – God’s will & Ours * Like the river that flows into the sea loosing it’s identity – becoming part of the ocean Our mind – will – desires – purpose – all these should be denied. “Let the mind of Jesus be in you.” GREAT Peace will be given to those who allow God to direct n overrule.

19. Peace in Submission Ellen G White says, There is peace in perfect submission. . . {ML 174.4} Many consider submission as weakness Some even think to submit is to lose one’s ambitions – purpose It depends on WHO you are submitting to. Unimaginable, Perfect Peace in Perfect Submission .

20. God’s Word brings Great Peace When there is harmony within self, We live in harmony with the entire cosmos.

21. Receive His Peace – Trust Him “ You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26 : 3

22. Perfect Peace - Focus on Jesus * God will Keep U beside Him – upon the bridge – Jesus our Rock * Condition – Our Heart, Mind, Soul, Desires … to be STAYED on Him in ALL circumstances. * Those who TRUST God – with their Future … Career … Children … Finances … Fears … Ambitions … Small & Big Probs. … They shall have Perfect Peace

23. Trust God with ALL Things * We are comfortable to trust God with small matters. When it comes to important matters like our career ... Future plans ... Finance ... Children, we’d like to do it our way. Trust God in BIG n Small – in ALL things.

24. Perfect Peace = Childlike Trust

25. Receive His Peace - Be Justified “ Therefore having been justified by Faith, we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5 : 1

26. If Not for Christ???

27. Woman caught in Adultery She was supposed to die Die a horrible death – stoned to death The law demanded it The people came prepared with stones She was caught in adultery Jesus had no option but to uphold the laws of Moses He was silent ... In prayer He said “Father, I’m going to die for her soon. She belongs to our kingdom. Please forgive her.”

28. Justification is Beyond Human Comprehension * To be Justified is to be made right How can someone who goes away from His presence - grace deliberately … who takes pleasure in sinful ways … who plans & executes sinful act carefully … who chooses to walk in devils Broadway … Can he/she be made right with God?? * The answer is YES . How? Why? I don’t understand … Christ makes it possible.

29. It’s His ...

30. Receive His Peace – Bear Fruit But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace , longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5 : 22, 23

31. Stages of a Tree Sapling Young tree Fruit bearing tree Decaying tree As Christians we also grow from a sapling to a fruit bearing tree Just one difference – The fruit of the Spirit is not seasonal. When we begin to fruit we continue to bear fruits.

32. Holy Spirit – Giver of Good Gifts As you grow in His Word As your mind stays on Him As you trust Him in All things He will fill you with Heavenly Peace. * It will overflow and touch others.

33. Receive His Peace - Intercede for Others “… For kings and all who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” 1 Timothy 2 : 2

34. Peace is Interdependent When rulers – bosses – administrators prosper n are at peace it penetrates into the populace. Our peace depends on neighbors – colleagues – friends – family’s welfare. Paul recommends, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy” Heb. 12 : 14. * Chose Peace – peaceful ways Accept all men. Accept circumstances. Trust that God can change everything ... everybody ... Including U.

35. Intercede in Love Intercede with Hope Intercede that His Peace will reign over all the earth. Pray for all – bring them into His presence.

36. ‘ Finally brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.’ 2 Corinthians 13 : 11 Receive His Peace – Live in Peace Live in Harmony with all of God’s creation. This is possible ONLY if we become complete.

37. To live in Peace means To accept and love yourself To accept and love others To be content with what you have and where you are To Trust God in everything To accept that He is always in control

38. To live in Peace means ... To like your job and the employer ... Your studies To speak words of peace To choose to stay away from situations of aggression To say NO to dishonesty To be tolerant with those who stumble ... Who are slow ... Who are ignorant

39. \ ALL are God’s Children

40. Receive His Peace – Be Engaged in His Service Ellen White says, “ The soul consecrated to the service of Christ has a peace that the world cannot give or take away.” {ML 176.7}

41. Service?? Rotary Club’s definition – “Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy.” We have no option. We are obligated. “ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to god, which is your reasonable service.” Rom. 12 : 1 One form of service is to live among ungodly people a godly life.

42. Beautiful Feet “ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ ” Isa. 52:7 When we are obedient to the gospel commission and GO we are engaged in the most significant service to mankind.

43. When you serve others ... When you bring Hope to the hopeless ... When you lead the blind to the Light ... When you set the sin slaves Free ... When you bring eternal balm to the hurt ... When you weep with the helpless ... Then --- The PEACE that is granted to you cannot be taken away.

44. Jesus Calms the Sea … Praise God!! The cry of the hopeless falls on listening ears Jesus arises … He stands still … He intervenes … He takes control …He speaks “ Peace. Be Still”. The winds and the waves obey His will. Peace is restored. Anger … fear … doubts … questions … insecurities … they ALL disappear.

45. Jesus says, “ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14 : 27 Blessing of God

46. Peace. Be Still.