Discussion Guide | Aug. 3, 2025

July 28th, 2025

Introduction

"Do You Need a Miracle?" - Sermon Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Bill explores the miracle stories from Matthew 14, focusing on Jesus feeding the 5,000 and walking on water. He emphasizes that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher but God himself, with power over nature, disease, and death. The sermon highlights how Jesus challenged his disciples to participate in his miracles, particularly when he told Philip 'you feed them,' and when he invited Peter to walk on water. Pastor Bill stresses that God is still performing miracles today and calls the church to step out in faith beyond our comfort zones.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us today. Just as You challenged the disciples to participate in Your miracles, challenge us to step beyond our comfort zones and into the realm of faith. Holy Spirit, rest upon our discussion today, revealing to each of us the areas where You're inviting us to trust You more deeply. Help us to see You as the God of breakthrough who is still working miracles today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could witness any miracle from the Bible firsthand, which one would you choose and why?

Main Study

Key Verses

Matthew 14:16
Matthew 14:29-31
John 6:11
John 1:1-3

Questions

The sermon mentions that Jesus had compassion on the crowds and healed their sick. How have you experienced God's compassion in your own life?
When Jesus told Philip 'you feed them,' He was challenging His disciples to participate in His miracle. What area of your life might God be challenging you to step out in faith right now?
Pastor Bill suggested that Jesus might have been thanking God not for the loaves and fish, but for the little boy who gave everything he had. How does this perspective change your understanding of this miracle?
Peter experienced walking on water with Jesus, even if only briefly. What might be your equivalent of 'stepping out of the boat' in your current season of life?
The sermon states that 'fear is the emotional plague of our planet.' What fears might be holding you back from experiencing God's miracles in your life?
How does the idea that Jesus is 'God in the now' who still performs miracles today challenge or confirm your current understanding of faith?
Pastor Bill mentioned that 'kingdom activity and kingdom accomplishment often starts very, very small.' What small step of faith might God be asking you to take?
In the walking on water story, Peter's sinking was tied to his doubt and loss of focus on Jesus. In what areas of your life do you need to refocus on Jesus rather than the 'storms' around you?

Life Application

This week, identify your personal 'boat' - the comfortable, safe place you retreat to when faced with challenges. Then, prayerfully consider one specific way God might be calling you to step out of that boat in faith. It might be sharing your faith with someone, offering to pray for healing for someone who's sick, giving sacrificially, or addressing a difficult relationship. Write down what God is prompting you to do, pray about it daily, and take that step of faith before we meet again, trusting that Jesus is right there with you, ready to catch you if you begin to sink.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

Jesus is not merely a prophet or good teacher but God himself, with authority over nature, disease, and death.
God calls us to participate in His miracles, not just witness them - we need to go beyond mere hearing to becoming part of what God is doing.
Even small acts of faith (like the boy's five loaves and two fish) can be multiplied by God to impact many lives.
Fear and doubt cause us to sink, but keeping our focus on Jesus enables us to walk through impossible situations.
God is still a miracle-working God today who wants to heal and transform lives in the present, not just in biblical times.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the God of miracles, the same yesterday, today, and forever. We confess that sometimes we're like Philip, calculating why things can't be done, or like Peter, looking at the storms around us instead of keeping our eyes fixed on You. Forgive our doubt and unbelief. This week, give us the courage to step out of our comfortable boats and trust You in new ways. Help us to bring our five loaves and two fish - whatever small resources or faith we have - and watch You multiply them for Your glory. We believe You are still working miracles today, and we open ourselves to be both recipients and participants in Your supernatural work. In Your mighty name we pray, amen.

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