2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Expect the Unexpected

TITLE: An Unexpected Birth

Scripture: Luke 1:22-35, 46-55

I. WHAT CAME BEFORE HIS BIRTH

When we study the Christmas story we normally (come in too late). When we come in late, we forget that Jesus had to leave (where He was) to come to (where we are).

Words of the OT:

1. Isaiah 7:14
2. Isaiah 9
3. Gen.22:18
4. Hosea 11:1
5. Jeremiah 31:15
6. Micah 5:2

II. WHAT CAME AFTER HIS BIRTH

Why did God choose the “Virgin Birth way?”

1) It highlights the (supernatural).
2) It shows humanity needs (saving).
3) It shows God’s display of (initiative).
4) It lays the groundwork for the belief that God is (fully human and fully divine).

What did Mary say yes to?

1. Being an (outcast for life).
2. Raising the (Son of God).
3. Lifetime of (roller coaster emotions).
4. Finding her (salvation) the same way we all do.

Next Week: Series: Expect the Unexpected
Pastor Ryan preaching

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Attitude Check

TITLE: Putting Actions to Your Words

Scripture: James 2:14-26

We need to remind ourselves of something much greater: (we have so much to be grateful for).

     I.        FEELINGS MATTER…SO DOES DOING

What the leper in Luke 17 teaches us:

1.       The man healed was a (Samaritan).  We are (sinners).

2.       The man healed was (overwhelmed by his healing).

            We should be overwhelmed by (the goodness of God).

3.       The man healed received a (greater blessing) from God. We receive one also: (well done).

Being blessed is (passive). Being thankful is (active).

   II.        MORE DOING…LESS TALK  

Thankfulness must involve (more doing) and (less talk). Talk is cheap and costs nothing. Expressing gratitude costs almost nothing. Being grateful as a result of (being obedient) does cost something.

A grateful outlook doesn’t just happen. Giving thanks (transforms your heart) and it rubs off on others.

Gratitude should never (be a chore). It is an expression of the (heart’s delight).

A (useless faith) is one kept to oneself. A vital, working faith is one that is (shared) and works for the (good of others).

Next Week: Series: Expect the Unexpected

“An Unexpected Birth”- Luke 1:26-35, 46-55

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Attitude Check

TITLE: Black Hat/White Hat

Scripture: Selected Scripture

I.    THE DANGERS OF INGRATITUDE

Must acknowledge this: ingratitude has no special category or (people).

“Gratitude is both a vital indicator of our soul’s health and a powerful defender of our soul’s
happiness.” (Anonymous) Note: Switch out ingratitude in that statement.

What happens when we fail to show gratitude?

1. Ingratitude toward others (ruins relationships).
2. Ingratitude fails to respond to (acts of kindness).
3. Ingratitude leads to (wrong expectations).

II. THE DELIGHTS OF GRATITUDE

What are the benefits/delights of gratitude?

1) It (lifts the spirits) of the one who hears it and the one who says it.
2) It liberates us from (envy).
3) It can have a (restorative, healing effect) on others. “Like apples of gold in settings of
silver, is a word spoken at the proper time.” Pr.25:11

Next Week: Series: Attitude Check
“Putting Actions to Words”- James 2: 14-26

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Attitude Check

TITLE: Pictures Don’t Lie

Scripture: Col.3:16-17;

Psalm 18:1-3, 8-9, 16-19

     I.        A GRATEFUL PERSON IS TRANSFORMED BY CHRIST                

What does Col.3:15-17 tell us happens by being transformed?

1.       The (peace of Christ) rules in our heart.

2.       (Gratitude) is a by-product of that change.

3.       Gratitude should infiltrate (all we do).

   II.        A GRATEFUL HEART IS GROWING IN GRATITUDE         

Always express gratitude for a (kindness).

Gratitude is to be part of our (makeup) and as a follower of Christ, it should be an even greater part of our response to the (goodness of God).

 III.        A GRATEFUL PERSON IS DEPENDENT ON GOD

(Humility) is a virtue we all need.  One of the things humility does is make us aware of our need for (dependence).

The amount of gratitude we have is determined by the amount of (awareness we have of our need for others).

Next Week: Series: Attitude Check

Black Hat/White Hat- (Selected Scripture used in sermon)

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Attitude Check

TITLE: The Pivot

Scripture: 1 Tim. 1:12-15; Dt. 33:25

 I.        SETTING THE STANDARD               

It is essential to know and believe this: thankfulness is not just a (religious duty), or a task on a list, or something nice people do. It is not just something we teach our children. Gratitude changes our (attitude). Gratitude changes the way people (perceive us).

What drove Paul’s gratitude was his realization of the (price paid for him).

“Gratitude is the divinely given spiritual ability to see grace, and the corresponding desire to affirm it and its giver as good.” Sam Crabtree

II.        CHOOSING TO PIVOT        

“And as your days, so will your strength be.” Spoken to descendants of Asher:

1.       First mentioned in Gen.30.

2.       Genesis 49- Jacob’s blessing upon Asher

3.       Deut.33- Moses’ blessing as “most blessed” or “most happy.”

4.       Luke 2- Anna, the prophetess

What can we learn from the life of Asher?

1)      When we belong to Christ, we belong to a (happy tribe).

2)      When we belong to Christ, He is our (prosperity and protection).

3)      When we belong to Christ, God promises us (strength) to equal our days.

Next Week: Series: Attitude Check

“Pictures Don’t Lie”- Col.3:16-17; Psalm 18:1-3, 8-9, 16-19

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: What’s Next?

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11

I.    THE COMMISSION  

The power behind the early church:

1.  The understood the importance of the (Incarnation).
2.  There were chosen leaders-(apostles)-who led the church.

What were they to do?

1)  They would be spending their time (immersing) themselves in Jesus.
2)  They would not be doing it (on their own).

II.   THE CHALLENGE

What promise was given? (The Holy Spirit would be sent).

Two things are important for us to see:

1.  The church is not a (symbol) but a (reality).
2.  The church is not a (program) but a (power).
3.  The church is not (restricted) but (universal).

Next Week: Series: Attitude Check

The Pivot- I Tim.1:12-15; Dt. 33:25

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Let Me Remind You

Scripture: Mark 14: 1-31

  I.        REMEMBERED IN THE PRESENT (1-9)             

Who is this mystery lady?  Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.

Extravagant acts of love will be public; they will be criticized; but they will be noticed.

  II.        REMEMBERING THE PAST (12-21)     

“Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.”

Cliff Notes of Passover: Israelites were slaves in Egypt -> Pharaoh refused to release them after plagues -> one left: the death of the firstborn -> blood on doorpost.

Passover Meal was to remind them of God’s faithfulness and protection one evening.

III.        REMEMBERED IN THE FUTURE (22-31)  

“He who would learn to serve must first learn to think little of himself.” Bonhoeffer

Two elements in the Lord’s Supper:

1.       Bread was Unleavened Bread.  Symbol= body of Christ

2.       Cup was the third cup at Passover Meal. Symbol= blood of Jesus

Communion looks back to Christ’s death but also looks forward with anticipation of His coming.

Next Week: “What’s Next?”- Acts 1: 1-11

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Tell Me That Old, Old Story

Scripture: Mark 14: 43- 16:15

I.        TELL ME ABOUT THE TRIAL

One word can best describe it: (sham).

While Jesus models for us what a (faithful witness) is, Peter models for us what an (unfaithful witness) is like.

The chain: Anna -> Caiaphas -> Pilate -> Herod -> Pilate -> crucifixion

Jesus made it clear the Scriptures must be fulfilled and He was prepared to go to the cross.

II.        TELL ME ABOUT THE DEATH

III.        TELL ME ABOUT THE RESURRECTION

None of the gospel writers focus on the description of the resurrection. They all focus on the (aftermath).  Reason?

Is there a significance of the grave clothes folded neatly?

“For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” I Cor. 15:3-4

Next Week: (17th Anniversary) Let Me Remind You- Mark 14: 1-31

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE:  Words for the Wise

Scripture: Mark 13

I.        AVOID PANIC            

“Sometimes I like to read the conclusion of a book first to see what I have to look forward to. Well, I have read the conclusion of his book, the Bible, and guess what? We win!!” (Anonymous)

Thought #1: (Avoid Panic/Expect Persecution)

A broad sweeping capsulization of verses 1-23:

1.      Deception is coming, so don’t be (led astray). (1-8)

2.      Persecution can be expected, but don’t be (anxious). (9-13)

3.      Tribulation will be intense, so be (on guard). (14-23)

II.        ESCAPE JUDGMENT      

How should we look at the second coming?

1)     Jesus will come again to (gather His people). (24-27)

2)     Jesus will come again and the (time is near). (28-31)

3)     Jesus will come again and only (God knows when). (32-37)

Next Week: Tell Me that Old, Old Story- Mark 14:43-16:14

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE:  Some Gave All

Scripture: Mark 12: 1-22, 28-34, 41-44

I.   THE CORNERSTONE

What does this all mean?

1. The landowner represents (God).
2. The vineyard represents (Israel).
3. The vine-growers represent the (Jewish leaders).
4. The journey represents the whole of (OT history).
5. The slaves represent the (prophets)
6. The son represents (Jesus).

Lesson: Jesus has both the authority to forgive and punish.

 II.  THE CREED

What is the creed?

1. Love God (Supremely).
2. Love others (Genuinely).

Lesson: Jesus puts our focus right where it needs to be.

III.  THE COIN

Lesson: Comfortable giving honors no one even if the amount is large: sacrificial giving honors Christ even if it is small.

Next Week: Words for the Wise- Mark 13