2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: What Can I Expect?

Scripture:   Mark 6

I.    I CAN EXPECT REJECTION

Nazareth is an obscure town consisting of between (100-500) people.

How was their rejection manifested?

1. It came out as (unbelief).

2. It came out as Jesus being (dismissed).

3. It came out at (blindness).

Jesus could do no mighty works there. Why? Not because He could not or lacked the supernatural power to perform miracles. Rather, (there was no reason to).

II.   I CAN EXPECT CERTAIN REALITIES

Reality #1: We can expect to be used by Jesus (for His work).

Our ministry is a continuation of Jesus’ work here on earth.

Reality #2: Things may not (go as planned).

Following Jesus has its risk, but God will have the final word in our lives. His justice will prevail regardless of our predicament.

Reality #3: We will witness some (phenomenal events).

1. In Jesus, our deepest spiritual hunger is satisfied.

2. Old ways of thinking often cloud our vision.

3. We must present Jesus without baggage.

Next Week: Series: The Servant King

Title: The Deadly Lure of Legalism- Mark 7:1-23

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!

Scripture:   Mark 4:35-5:20

 I.        THE POWER OF JESUS OVER STORMS

The Scriptures boldly declare the (deity of Jesus). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jn.1:1  See also Isaiah 9:6 and Isaiah 7:14/Mt.1:23

6 biblical truths revealed:

1)     God is working in the (circumstances) of our lives. [35-37]

2)     Jesus is human (aside from sin).  [38a]

3)     (Panic not faith) seems to be the norm for many of us. [38b]

4)     (Nature) is no match for the power of Jesus. [39]

5)     Faith grows with (trials and difficulties). [40]

6)     We all have to decide (who Jesus is). [41]

II.        THE POWER OF JESUS OVER EVIL

There is a difference between demon possession and demon oppression.

1)     Demon possession is for those who sell their soul to the devil.

2)     Demon oppression is real for the follower of Jesus.

Three truths stand out:

1.      Jesus (changes) people.

2.      Jesus (commissions) His people.

3.      There will always be (cantankerous) people.

Next Week: Series: The Servant King

Title: What Can I Expect?- Mark 6

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Listen First

Scripture:   Mark 4:1-34

I.        LISTEN FIRST        

Three important thoughts at the outset:

1.      Jesus taught (from a boat). (v.1)

2.      Jesus taught in (parables). (v.2)

3.      Jesus’ first words are important: (Listen to this!). (v.3)

A good listener allows the Word to (take root in his heart).

A good listener takes care what he/she (listens to).

A good listener (hears) the truth and (shares it).

A good listener learns to (wait dependently) on God.  See I Cor. 3:6

The drawback to not listening:

1)     They hear but never (hear).  (10-12)

2)     Their disbelief led Jesus to teach in (unexplained riddles). (33-34)

3)     Missing out on (peace and calm). (35-41)

Next Week: Series: The Servant King

Title: You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!- Mark 4:1-35-20

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Staying in the Kitchen

Scripture:   Mark 3

    I.        THE INEVITABILITY OF PRESSURE        

The issue is not (what) Jesus did but (when) He did it.

Jesus experiences two emotions:

1)     (Anger)

2)     (Sadness)

   II.        THE SAVIOR’S HANDLING OF PRESSURE       

Expect to be pressured by those who (want something from you). (7-12)

1.      They will (impose) on you.

2.      They will seek to (hinder) you.

Expect to be pressured by those who (want to be with you). (13-19)

1.      Call out the ones you want to (spend time with).

2.      Recognize there will be those who will (disappoint) you.

Expect to be pressured by those who (misunderstand) you. (20-21)

1.      They may try to (control) you.

2.      They may try to (stop) you.

What does Jesus teach us about handling pressure?

1)     Know who you are and why you are here.

2)     Make time to get away.

3)     Remember not all will agree with you.

Next Week: Series: The Servant King

Title: Listen First. Talk Second- Mark 4:1-34

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Jesus Changes Everything

Scripture:   Mark 2: 1-22

 I.        HE CHANGES BROKEN LIVES       

The words are forgiven refers to the idea of (sending or driving away).

Early Judaism identified 3 levels of blasphemy:

1.      Spoke evil of the (law of God).

2.      Spoke evil of (God), like cursing His Name.

3.      Sinful human being claimed to possess (divine authority) and (equality) with God.

II.        HE CHANGES STUCK LIVES

When Jesus passes by expect your life (to change drastically).

First Up: Levi (Matthew) the (tax collector).

Second Up: (Socially undesirable).

Important lesson: Jesus’ mission.

Third Up: the need for (change) seen in the old and new wineskins.

Next Week: Series: The Servant King

Title: Staying in the Kitchen- Mark 3

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Best News Ever!

Scripture:   Mark 1: 1-20

I.        NEWS OF A COMING KING      

Some preliminary thoughts about Mark:

1)     The author is Mark, the cousin of (Barnabas). He is known for (abandoning) Paul and Barnabas on the 1st missionary journey.

2)     Most scholars believe (Peter) was the real source of the book.

3)     Written with (Romans) in mind.  He uses the word “immediately” 42 times. He uses the present tense 150 times.

4)     Focuses on what Jesus (did) versus what He (said).

To Mark Jesus is:

1.      Christ- means (an anointed royal figure)

2.      Son of God- he is proclaiming Christ’s (divinity).

II.        THE WORDS OF JESUS     

What about Jesus’ baptism?

1.      It inaugurated His (public ministry).

2.      It identified Him with (sinful humanity).

3.      It demonstrated His (approval) by His Father.

4.      It set (an example) for us to follow.

Lessons to learn:

1)     If the Son of God came as a servant, then being a servant is the (highest of all callings).

2)     If you are going to be a servant, be sure you (have compassion).

Next Week: Series: The Servant King

Title: Jesus Changes Everything- Mark 2

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Forgiveness

Scripture:   John 8: 1-11

 I.         THE WISDOM OF JESUS

The scribes were (lawyers).  Four major groups:

1.     Pharisees- (legalists)

2.     Sadducees- (liberals)

3.     Zealots- (rebels)

4.     Essenes- (withdraw)

Several issues stand out with this scenario:

1)     Where is the man?

2)     Was this staged?

3)     Purpose behind this whole grand scheme?

II.   THE WORDS OF JESUS     

Jesus stands firm, refusing to compromise His principles.

1.     He speaks to the men.

“The hands of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterwards the hands of all the people.”  Deut.17:17 (NASB)

2.     He speaks to the woman.

“All truth and no grace breeds legalism; all grace and no truth breeds licentiousness; truth and grace breeds freedom and life.”

            Three tremendous lessons to learn:

1)     Her sin was not just set aside; it was (forgiven).

2)     Forgiveness rests upon (God’s grace).

3)     Forgiveness rests upon the Lord’s (forgiveness).

Next Week: Series: The Servant King

Title: Best News Ever!- Mark 1: 1-20

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Transformation

Scripture:   Luke 19: 1-9

    I.        A SINNER MEETS A SAVIOR     

“The skeptic may deny our doctrine or attack your church, but he cannot honestly ignore the fact that your life has been cleaned up and revolutionized. He may stop his ears to the presentations of a preacher like me, or the pleadings of an evangelist, but he is somehow attracted to the human interest story of how you-John Q Public-found peace within. Believe me, the steps that led to your conversion are far more appealing and appropriate to the lost than a pulpit exposition of John 3 or Romans 8.” Chuck Swindoll

Zacchaeus was a very wealthy man. His name means (righteous one) or (pure).

  II.        A SINNER TRANSFORMED BY THE SAVIOR    

To Jesus, Zacchaeus was not someone to (despise), but someone to (love).

An invitation to a meal had many ritual overtones:

1.     How the (hands were washed).

2.     How the (food was prepared).

3.     How the (dishes and pots were cleaned).

4.     Whom (you sat/reclined next to).

(Transformation) is real and candid when it can be seen.

Z commits to do two things:

1)     Give up ½ his earnings to the poor

2)     Restore 4-fold to those he defrauded.

Next Week: Eyes of Forgiveness- John 8: 1-11

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Truth

Scripture:   Luke. 7: 36-50

I.    THE CONTRAST IN CHARACTERS   

One of the best references for the beauty of the Christian faith is the (changed life).

Let’s set the stage for this story:

1. The oddity of Simon (a Pharisee) inviting Jesus to his house.

2. The oddity of the woman.

Not only is she a woman in the (wrong place), she is also the (wrong woman) in the wrong place.

II.   THE CONTRAST IN RESPONSE  

(Acceptance) is the fruit people taste when we show them love. It means allowing others to be who they are without (disapproving of or losing) patience with them.

Why is acceptance so valuable?

1) It allows (judgment) to rest with the Lord, not us.

2) It provides each person the (freedom to choose).

3) It helps focus on (essentials), not (incidentals).

What does Jesus’ response with the parable show?

1. It reveals Simon has one major problem: (he is blind)

2. It reveals, not the superiority of the woman to Simon, but that (like us) is a (sinner).

Two truths we must never forget:

1) (Pride paralyzes).

2) (Forgiveness frees).

Next Week: Eyes of Transformation- Luke

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: Eyes Wide Open

TITLE: Eyes of Empathy

Scripture:   Mk. 5: 21-43

    I.        LIVES OF DESPERATION REACHING OUT   

Each of the four Gospels was written to a different audience. Mark’s gospel was written primarily to a (Roman) audience.  The Roman culture was known as an (abandonment) culture.  One common ritual was called (exposure).

Act One: A Desperate Dad

Two kinds of suffering in this world:

1)     (Primary)

2)     (Secondary)

Act Two: A Desperate Woman

Two things about this woman:

1)     The issue of blood has been 12 years. Speculation abounds

2)     No medical solution made her a religious outcast

  II.        LIVES OF DESPERATION FINDING RELIEF  

Act Three: Rescue

1.     The woman’s life is altered.  Her response to Jesus’ response.

1)     Jesus gave her just what (she needed).

2.     The good news for Jairus.

3.     How did Jesus rescue?

1)     Rescued a woman who had (suffered) for 12 years.

2)     Rescued a young 12 year old from a (short life).

3)     Rescued parents from an (empty existence).

Next Week: Eyes of Truth- Luke 7: 36-50