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

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