DEVOTED: To Have and To Hold

April 19, 2026

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

–Romans 8:1

IN THIS EMAIL

Shout Out: Beginner-Friendly Bible Study

Try This: Reminders for when You’re in the Storm

Bible Discovery: Luke 16:18

SHOUT OUT

Devoted followers of Christ at DCC

Shout out to Dakota and her “Beginner-Friendly Bible Study” crew!

Dakota used to be one of those “hide out in the back of the church” attenders. Getting involved or joining a group felt intimidating because she didn’t think she had anything to contribute.

As she grew in her faith, she realized groups are exactly where people like her grow in knowledge and maturity. She decided to help others who felt the same and posted about starting a “Beginner-Friendly Bible Study” on social media. She calls it “Starting Place,” a safe, welcoming space for new or growing Christians, with clear Bible teaching, open discussion and confidentiality.

Before long, new Christians were gathering in her living room, reading Scripture together and growing more confident in their relationships with God and one another.

A few weeks ago, I (Ryan) got to visit as a guest and was amazed at what God is doing.

It just goes to show: you don’t need a head full of knowledge, just a heart ready to grow. Way to go, Dakota!

May we all hunger to “be filled with the knowledge of His will” (Col. 1:9).

TRY THIS

Fresh ideas for spiritual growth

Reminders for when You’re in the Storm

We all know that storms will come. There are seasons when it seems like it just won’t stop raining, your rain jacket is soaked through and then your umbrella blows away. Whether you’re in the storm of mental health battles, disappointed dreams, temptation, unmet expectations, whatever it may be—there is prevailing hope when you belong to Jesus. Let’s turn to Scripture:

Matthew 8:23-27 NIV

Then he (Jesus) got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Imagine the scene: the crowds have been eagerly listening to Jesus’s teaching, He cleanses a leper, heals the paralyzed servant and miraculously heals many more. Now Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him across the lake. Everything is normal until a raging storm suddenly comes upon them, and the disciples panic. The waves are taking over the boat, they feel swamped and in danger of perishing. All the while, Jesus is fast asleep. With nothing left to do, they wake Jesus with fear in their eyes.

Jesus’s response gives us pause. He says, “Why are you so afraid?” ...It's kinda obvious, Jesus, because they were in immediate danger of drowning! But Jesus is calling them to know and remember something greater than the storm waves surrounding them: who He is. Jesus speaks with authority to the storm and it was completely calm. In an instant! What a powerful moment this must have been. So the disciples stood in awe, still wondering what sort of man Jesus was. (Spoilers: He is both God and man!)

Jesus' response to the disciples is where we can anchor in our own storms. We see Him reminding them to have faith. They have just witnessed miraculous healing by His hands, and still were so quick to forget His power. In the midst of a storm that was overtaking them, Jesus calls them not to be afraid. To have faith in His power over the storm, to remember His power that they had witnessed. I write this just as much to myself as to you: we are quick to forget. Just like the disciples, the moment we see danger, our hearts quicken and our minds fill with fear. But if we belong to Jesus, if we have called Him our King, we simply need to remember who we are! He is the one who has power over the storms, power to heal and calms our fears. AND Jesus is always near—He’s in the boat! Stay steady in the storm, when the winds howl and the waves are scary, the One who has power over them is the same One holding you.

Try This:

Reflect on art. What emotions does this painting convey of the storm?
Meditate on Scripture: Romans 8, Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:2-4, Psalm 62
Listen to: "Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor"
Journal and write out a prayer to Jesus. Whether you are in the storm now, or for strength in a future storm to come.

Do you know anyone in a storm? How might you help lighten their load? Say a prayer for them now.

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*Art Credit: Christ on the Sea of Galilee by Eugène Delacroix; 1841

Oil on canvas; 59.8 × 73.3 cm

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art; Kansas City, Missouri

Public Domain

BIBLE DISCOVERY

Get more out of the message

LUKE: Cost of Discipleship

Luke 16:18

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We’re diving back into the Gospel of Luke. After nine chapters introducing us to Jesus and His call, Luke now takes us with Him on the road to Jerusalem (Luke 9-19). Along the way, we’ll hear some of Jesus’ most famous teachings and stories, as He shows us what it truly costs to follow Him and why following Him is worth everything.

WATCH: YouTube or Website

DOWNLOAD: Bible Discovery

The Big Idea

(What is the author's point?)

Part of growing as a healthy Christ-centered church is understanding the Bible’s high view of marriage, the heartbreak of divorce and the gospel hope for those remarried, divorced and married.

Why It Matters

(Why is this relevant to us?)

We live in a world that sees marriage as a social contract. But we believe that it's a God-designed covenant meant to reflect deep, lifelong unity. In fact, on the second page of the Bible, Scripture describes marriage as two people becoming “one flesh,” a bond meant to endure and not be casually broken. When that bond fractures, it doesn’t just “end a relationship,” it tears apart something God designed to be whole.

That’s why divorce is so painful. It brings emotional, relational and even spiritual devastation. Many describe it as a kind of death. It impacts not just individuals, but families, children and entire communities.

At the same time, the Bible is not silently judgmental or overly simplistic about the reality of divorce. God loves to roll up His sleeves and get into the mess with His grace! While Scripture upholds a high view of marriage and warns against casual divorce, it also recognizes the brokenness of the human heart and the complexity of real-life situations. Divorce was never God’s design, but it is something He addresses with both truth and compassion.

And this is where the gospel speaks powerfully. Divorce is not the unforgivable sin. Nor is it the "end of the road." There is forgiveness. There is healing. There is a future. God meets people in the middle of their failure, pain and regret with grace that restores and renews.

Good to Know

(What are some helpful insights into this passage?)

“Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery...” (Luke 16:18). Why such clear and difficult words from Jesus? A low view of marriage often leads to a low view of divorce, but according to Jesus, marriage matters!

“What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Mark 10:9). The majority of Rabbi's in Jesus' day were pushing to relax divorce laws in order to give unsatisfied husbands an easier way out of marriage. Jesus actively pushed against that by refocusing on God's "one flesh" covenant for marriage laid out by Moses in Genesis 2:24.

Of course, because of sin, divorce has always been a reality, even among God’s people. God gave His people instructions on marriage and divorce to limit abuse and protect the vulnerable, especially women (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). He tolerates divorce even while hating its effects (Malachi 2:16).

Paul, too, recognized marriage as a sacred covenant and urged believers to remain committed to their marriage and pursue reconciliation whenever possible (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).

In the end, our hope is not in our ability to have happy marriages, but in the Good News that Jesus forgives and heals sinners! No matter where you are in life, there is hope because of Jesus!

THIS WEEK'S

Bible Discovery Author

Pastor Ryan Morrison

Group Guide

Following the series with your group?

Start with some icebreaker questions.
Read the passage together before you dive in.
Share any insights from the message. Use the questions below to get your conversation started.

Conversation Starters

1. Why does having a biblically-rooted "high view" of marriage matter in a culture like ours?

2. Share about how your family has been affected by marriage and divorce. What has God redeemed and healed?

3. When you hear Jesus’ words in Luke 16:18, what stands out most? Clarity, difficulty, conviction or something else? Why?

4. If married, what are some practical ways you can actively “hold fast” to your spouse this season (Genesis 2:24)?

5. If single, how does Jesus’ high view of marriage shape the way you think about dating, commitment and choosing a spouse?

6. What does it look like for our church to be a place that both upholds biblical truth and offers real healing for those affected by divorce?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for guiding us back to the Father's good design for marriage. We ask that you would give us the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in every way and encourage us to obey you and cherish marriage for the good of your people and the Glory of God. Amen.

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