Weekly Bulletin
Believe
Crucial Topics
August 24, 2025
Pastor Terry Fulks
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
I Am the Bread of Life
22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
John 6:16-29 ESV
In these two encounters with Jesus, there are two crucial topics that are addressed by the Savior.
1. Don’t be afraid.
a. Unhealthy fear
8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8 ESV
b. Healthy fear
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28 ESV
c. The cure of fear is to hold to God’s promises
10 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.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
2. Don’t work on things that perish.
a. Seek eternal things
- First Covenant
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Isaiah 55:1–2 ESV
- Second Covenant
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:1–2 ESV
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 ESV
b. Heaven is a better storage unit
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19–21 ESV
“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.”
– Helen Keller
“God is our greatest treasure, and our lives will count on earth only when we invest them in His kingdom for eternity.”
– Counter Culture
Points to ponder:
- Life is worth living when you’re living for the right things.
- Fear is weakened when you look at life through the lens of God’s character and His promises.
- You can work hard all your life and get to the top only to find your ladder was leaning on the wrong building.
- God’s work is to get us to believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Have you believed in God’s work? Now is your opportunity.
Connection Prayer: Lord, please help me surrender to you and place my faith in you. Give me a hunger and thirst for you. I want to thank you for your light, life, love, and your truth. I now, with what faith I have, confess that you Jesus died on the cross for my sins, were buried, and rose from the dead on the third day. I take you as my Savior, Lord, and Leader. Please forgive me of my sins and thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to follow you all the days of my life. Amen.
Next steps for the new believer:
- If you prayed the connection prayer with me:
- Pick up a new believer pack as you leave.
- Read John 3, three times before you go to bed tonight.
- Read the gospel of John all the way through by reading about ten verses a day.
Next steps for the believer:
- This week review the sermon notes at least twice.
- Everyday this week ask God to help you to be courageous.
- Examine your heart as to how much you are investing into His kingdom.
- Memorize a verse in John chapter 6 this week.
- Read John 6 at least twice this week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thirst Church Ministry Fair
For three Sundays—August 17, 24 & 31—stick around after the 9AM service to explore all the ministries and groups happening at Thirst. Each week, we will be set up in the lobby to share info, answer questions, and help you get connected as we gear up for our Fall Launch!
Worship at the Bandshell | Sunday, September 7 | 10AM
Join us for an inspirational outdoor worship service at the City Bandshell in downtown Oconomowoc. Come experience uplifting music, an impactful message and the joy of community. The service will be immediately followed by full submersion baptisms in the lake. Click HERE for details and to sign up to be part of the baptisms.
Returning to TWO services starting Sunday, September 14th.
We will resume two services at 9AM and 10:30AM on Sunday mornings, starting Sunday, September 14th.