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

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE:  Do You Hear That?

Scripture: Mark 11: 1-25

I.   JESUS CALLS US TO TRUE WORSHIP

Mark spends the rest of the book recording the final week of Jesus’ life. It is called (Passion Week) and he devotes 1/3 of his book to it.

Some prophecy:

1. Psalm 118:26- (Triumphal processions)
2. Zechariah 9:9- Jesus (riding on a donkey)

Hosanna means (save now).  They were not praising Jesus because He was the (Messiah).

There are still people today who follow Jesus because of (what He can do for them).

II.  JESUS CALLS US TO TRUE FAITH

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?

1. Practical meaning- It held the (promise of figs).
2. Deeper meaning- (impending judgment)

Two valuable lessons:

1. (Put your faith) in this Savior.  (20-24)
2. (Be forgiving) like this Savior. (25)

Next Week: Some Gave All- Mark 12: 1-12, 28-34, 41-44

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Avoiding a Face Plant

Scripture:   Mark 10: 13-31, 35-52

“Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the person who has it.”

“When pride comes, then comes dishonor; But with the humble there is wisdom.” Pr.11:2

     I.        ADULTS SHALL BE CHILDREN            

Lesson: Salvation is for those who are like (little children), realizing they cannot save themselves, and must come seeking (grace).

   II.         THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST     

Lesson: This young man lacked one thing: (love for God). God is no one’s debtor. Those who are first in this world may end up (last in the kingdom).

 III.        SERVANTS SHALL BE RULERS

Lesson: Worldly people want power and authority to (lord over others), but in the kingdom, greatness is measured by (humility of service).

 IV.        THE POOR BECOME RICH

Lesson: The crowd had physical sight but no (spiritual insight). Bart had no sight but had (deep insight).

Next Week: Do You Hear That? Mark 11: 1-25

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Let’s Find Out the Truth

Scripture:   Mark 9: 2-13, 30-40

  I.        JESUS REVEALS WHO HE IS     

The word transfigured is word we use for (metamorphosis).

What did this event show?

1)     He was trying to (avoid the cross).

2)     He was putting Jesus on the same level as (Moses and Elijah).

3)     The Law and Prophets are signaled as being (fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah).

   II.        JESUS REVEALS WHO WE NEED TO BE     

1.      We need to be (learners)

2.      We need to be (like children).

Next Week:  Avoiding a Face Plant- Mark 10: 13-31, 35-52

2021 THEME: Life on the Edge

Series: The Servant King

TITLE: Sometimes We Get It/Sometimes We Don’t

Scripture:   Mark 8: 1-21, 27-30

I.        MISSING THE POINT          

#1: The past faithfulness of God is often forgotten with (present challenges).

• • • • • God’s past expressions of faithfulness are the same as His present will be.

#2: Present focus often obliterates (seeing reality).

II.        STATING THE POINT    

#3: Present response should be determined by (divine truth) not (social opinion).

Everything we hear or say must not be based on the court of (public opinion) but must always be founded and based upon the (Word of God).

Next Week:  Special Guests: Mike, Trisha, and Ryan Laws