2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Endearment

Scripture:   Mk. 10: 13-16; Mt. 18: 1-6

    I.        THE UNQUESTIONABLE LOVE OF JESUS  

Jewish parents common brought their children to the elders of the local synagogue so they might (pronounce a blessing) on them.

The disciples sharply rebuked the parents for disturbing Jesus.  Jesus’ response was He was (indignant). That is a strong word meaning “angry,” “irate,” or “outraged.”

  II.        THE MOTIVE BEHIND MINISTRY

#1: Can you talk for a minute about what’s been happening in the children’s wing since reopening in September?

#2: What are your goals for the Sunday morning kids program? How do you hope to see our kids and families grow?

#3: Can you share a story of how you’ve seen God working in our kids’ programs?

#4: Anything on the horizon you’d like to talk about?

Next Week: Eyes of Empathy- Mk 5: 21-43

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Discernment

Scripture:   John 4

According to a survey, what one quality are non-Christians and lapsed Christians looking for in a person with whom they talk about faith? 62% say (listens without judgment).

    I.        THE BACKGROUND NOISE

Standing between Judea to the south (which included Jerusalem) and Galilee to the north (which included Nazareth and Capernaum) was (Samaria).  To the Jews, Samaria was considered (no man’s land).  Why?

1.     The division of the kingdom after Solomon’s death.

2.     The northern kingdom set its capital city as Samaria.

3.     The Assyrian army overtook the northern kingdom and intermarried and the people became known as Samaritans.

  II.        LISTENING TO THE MUSIC

Jesus bypassed her belligerence because He had this uncanny ability to see beyond (the surface) and discern what was really (on that person’s mind).  Jesus saw the hurting woman and knew what she needed. All she (wanted) was something to save the endless, hot trip to the well. All she (needed) was the water of life Jesus was offering.

To put it simply: this woman needed (love).  Let’s track their conversation.

How are we as Christ-followers to act? Remember two words: (discernment and judgment).  They are different. Discernment is the ability to (distinguish what is good and what is not). Judgment is more of an (attitude issue).  Discernment requires correct perspective, while judgment requires an attitude of me vs you.

Discernment is required. I John 4:1 and Acts 20 show us that.

How does a person listen without judgment?

1.     It means you (really listen).

2.     It means you (empathize) with what they have to say.

3.     It means you see through (God’s eyes).

Next Week: Eyes of Endearment- Mk 10: 13-16; Mt. 18:1-6

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Amazement

Scripture:   Mt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10

“A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows that faith does not prove anything.” Nietzsche

“Faith is nothing but spiritualized imagination.” Beecher

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” Thomas Aquinas

I.    THE STORY UNFOLDING BEFORE OUR EYES

Follows the Sermon on the Mount. Gives rise to the question every pastor asks: (How are my words being applied?)

The heart of the story: the centurion’s concern (for his slave).  This was far from the norm. Scholars estimate that (50%) of the Roman population consisted of slaves.  They were seen as (property).

II.   THE SAVIOR UNVEILS HIS FEELINGS

Both Matthew and Luke tell us Jesus’ reaction: (He marveled). The NLT uses the words, (He was amazed).

The word marveled in Greek means “to be in awe and wonder; to be amazed.”

True faith had infiltrated the centurion’s life. How it works:

1.     Faith transforms into values of (love and concern) for others.

2.     He had a (humbled heart) despite his position.

3.     Submission to (Christ’s authority) in time of need.

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: Eyes Wide Open

Title: Eyes of Discernment- John 4

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Steadfast Love

Scripture:  

Mt. 27:55-56;

Mark 15:40-41;

John 19: 25-27

I.   THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN BIBLICAL CULTURE

Jewish culture did not look kindly on women.  Marriage and family law favored (men over women).

In Roman culture they were seen as (property) to be owned.

The NT gives a different picture of them.  Peter even references “the holy women in the old time.”  [See I Peter 3:5 for Peter’s other thoughts).

II.   THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN JESUS’ LIFE

1.     (Joanna) in Luke 8:3.

·       Picture of one who had it all but one thing: (peace of mind and soul).

2.      (Mary Magdalene) in Mark 16:9.

·       Picture of one whose life was (afflicted) and (out of control).

3.      (Mary) in Mt.27:56. Mark adds that she is the mother of James and Joseph.

·       Picture of one not swayed by others, not even family.

4.      (Salome) in Mark 15:40 (by name) and by inference in Mt. 27:61.

·       Picture of one who releases her child to follow Jesus and the hard path.

What can we learn from these magnificent women?

1)     Joanna- true peace and contentment can only be found in Christ.

2)     Mary Magdalene- Jesus takes messes and makes them treasure.

3)     Mary- the strength of a family’s love.

4)     Salome- Willingness to give up children to follow Jesus.

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: Eyes Wide Open

Title: Eyes of Amazement- Luke 7:1-10; Mt. 8:5-13

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Compassion

Scripture:   Mark 1: 40-45; Luke 5: 12-16

I.    THE CONDITION OF THE LEPER

The story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5

What exactly was leprosy?

• • • • It was considered (living death).
      • It was not just physical. It also had (spiritual overtones).
      • It was referred to as (“the finger of God”) by the Jews.
      • The full treatment for leprosy is found in Lev.13:38-46.
      • It eventually led to (solitary confinement) and (isolation).

II.   THE COMPASSION OF THE SAVIOR

See this man’s desperation is a clear light:

1. 1. 1. 1. He comes among people-a clear violation of (Moses’ law)
         2. He comes with (nothing to lose)-he’s already doomed.
         3. He comes after years of (isolation and being alone).
         4. He comes directly (to Jesus) in the midst of the crowd.

What was Jesus’ reaction? (Moved with compassion).  Defined as “the act or capacity for sharing the painful feelings of another.”

Active compassion engages with the pain of another person. What did Jesus do? He (reached out and touched) the leper.

A great irony: the leper is told to tell no one and he tells everyone. We are told to tell everyone and too often tell no one.

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: Eyes Wide Open

Title: Eyes of Steadfast Love- Mt. 27:55-56; Mark 15:40-41; John 19: 25-27

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Life Matters

TITLE: Is That All There Is?

Scripture:   Eccl.12 9-14

I.    LIFE HAS A PURPOSE (OR NOT)        

What is our purpose? To put it simply: Our purpose is to (fear God).

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and to worship Him forever.” (Westminster Shorter Catechism)

II.   LIFE HAS LESSONS (SO LISTEN)      

Lessons we learned from Ecclesiastes:

#1- There is (nothing new under the sun).

#2- Chasing wisdom and pleasure is (empty).

#3- Being a workaholic and thinking that will fulfill you, or chasing debauchery and thinking that is the answer, will leave you (high and dry)

#4- Thinking we have all the time in the world or can turn back the hands of time is an (empty pursuit).

#5- Don’t get wrapped up in fighting injustice, tyranny, and rivalry so much that you lose sight of (contentment and companionship).

#6- Spend your life (pursuing God and honoring Him).

#7- There is a (God-shaped hole) in each one of us.

#8- How we expend our lives while on earth and the choices we make, determine what (death brings us).

#9- Planning is okay and good but plan with wisdom and (eternity) in mind.

#10- (Worry) can destroy us or (faith) can lead us.

#11- It is (never too late) to follow Jesus but it is better to do it when we are young.

#12- Learn from life.

III.  LIFE HAS A FUTURE (SO PLAN WELL)

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: Eyes Wide Open

Title: Eyes of Compassion- Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Life Matters

TITLE: Don’t Waste It!

Scripture:   Eccl.12 1-8

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…” (v.1)

1. This verse is the (                                                     ) of the rest of verses 1-8
2. For a NT equivalent of this theme look to Philippians 3:8-14

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I might gain  Christ and be found in him…I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and   the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection…I forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. I  press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in    Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:8-14 (my summarization)

Youthful Strength is Short (v.2-5)

1. These 4 verses are full of symbolism of (                                                                                                     )

i. v.2 – Sun is setting – life coming to an end

ii. v.3 – Strong man now stooping

2. Picture here is of…

i. No more (                                                                    ) in life                                                                      

ii. Life getting harder

iii. Abilities declining

iv. Bodies are (                                                                                         )

v. Youthful passions are waning

3. “The man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets” – eventual death

Metaphors of Life’s Departure (v.6-7)

1. ¾ of these metaphors are (                                                                                                       ) that are now irreparably destroyed…

i.  Bowl broken, pitcher shattered, well wheel broken – water/life cannot remain in its vessel and departs

ii. v.7 – spirit returns to (                                                  ) who gave it; the body returns to the (                                                      )

Why does Solomon point this out to us?

Live with your mortality in mind. You only have ONE life. Don’t squander it. Use it wisely. Don’t waste it.

 A wasted life is…

… a life oriented around (                                                                .)

… a life oriented around (                                                                                 .)

… a life oriented around (                                                               .)

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: Life Matters

Title: Pastor Bill Grandi preaching

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Life Matters

TITLE:  Putting Worry to Bed

Scripture:   Eccl.11; Mt.6:25-34

I.    PUT WORRY ASIDE                    
 

What Jesus said about worry:

1.     Worry keeps you from enjoying (what you have). 9v.25)

2.     Worry makes us forget (our worth). (v.26)

3.     Worry is (completely useless). (v.27)

4.     Worry erases (the promises of God) from your mind. (Vv.30-31)

5.     Worry is characteristic of (unbelievers), not followers of Jesus. (v.32)

II.   ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE                    

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can’t understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7 (NLT)

What should we not worry about?

1.     The results of (giving).

2.     The things you (cannot change).

3.     The conditions (aren’t ideal).

4.     That you don’t (and won’t) (understand everything).

5.     That you will (choose wrongly).

What should we be happy about?

1)     (Simple pleasures)

2)     (Joy) in every day.

3)     Responsibly enjoying (God’s provision).

4)     (Possibilities) presented to us.

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: Life Matters

Title: Pastor Ryan East preaching- Eccl.12:1-8

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Agony and the Ecstasy

TITLE:  The Defeat of the Cross

Scripture:   John 11:25; Romans 5: 12-21; I Cor. 15:12-25

“If I were an enemy of Christianity, I would aim right at the Resurrection, because that is the heart of Christianity.” Billy Graham

“If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not risen-nothing else matters.” Pelikan

I.    CHALLENGES TO THE RESURRECTION        

Objections to the Resurrection:

1.     Christ (didn’t really die).

2.     Someone (stole the body)

3.     The disciples (made up the story).

II.   RECLAIMING THE RESURRECTION                   

“The fact of Jesus’ resurrection is the benchmark from which we measure everything else about JC: his birth, his life, his teachings, his miracles, and even his death.” Clayton Bell

“Christianity is rightly seen as a life-changing experience, but it will transform you only if you accept as facts that certain events occurred in history…Christianity opens not with ‘Here’s how you have to live,’ but ‘Here’s what Jesus did for you in history. First, he died for our sins and was buried, and second, he was raised to life on the third day and he appeared to many eyewitnesses.” Keller

We must grasp and believe Christianity is an (historical faith).

Two arguments for the resurrection:

1)     The tomb was (empty).

2)     A large number of people (testified to seeing the risen Christ).

“It is impossible to account for the early Christian belief in Jesus as Messiah without the resurrection.” N.T. Wright

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: Life Matters

Title: Putting Worry to Bed- Ecclesiastes 11

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Agony and the Ecstasy

TITLE:  The Heart of the Cross

Scripture:  Romans 3:9-31

I.    THE DICHOTOMY WE FACE     

The cross offends the sensibilities of moral people. Why?

1.     The cross says we are all (unrighteous).

2.     The cross says we are all (helpless).

3.     The cross also says we are all (hopeless).

Only one person who did not find the cross offensive: (Jesus). He was not disgraced by its disgrace. “He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Heb. 12:2 (NLT)

II.   THE PROVISION WE NEED

“For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.” Romans 3:20 (NLT)

To be point blank: The gospel is good news for fallen humanity regarding how sins are atoned for, how sinners are forgiven, and how believers are made right with God.

The word reconciled means (to be made friends again).

Theme: Life on the Edge / Series: The Agony and the Ecstasy

Title: The Death of the Cross- John 11:25; I Cor.15:12-25;  Romans 5: 12-21