Mon, 26 March 2018
When Jesus Moves In Matthew 21:1-14
IINTRODUCTION Sometimes there is a huge “gap” between “expectations” and “reality.” Think about how you approached the golden age of “getting your driver’s license.” For most of us, we thought, “Driving is a piece of cake … so easy. Anybody can do it, especially me!” But the reality of driving was filled with fears like: “Am I in the center of the lane? How do I enter this bustling interstate?” and countless other concerns. What does it mean for you and me to be a Christ Follower? If we were to trust Jesus Christ to “save us” then what challenges and changes would be involved?
CONTEXT Jesus comes to town! Matthew 21 is Jesus “Coming Out Party.” Up until now, Jesus has kept relatively silent about his Lordship … the fact that he is the Messiah. But that’s over, now he enters Jerusalem humbly riding on a donkey. However, he also comes as the King of Kings to liberate his people. They cry out, “Hosanna,” which means “save us … now.” Jesus will do exactly that, but the reality of his salvation is different than their expectation.
CONTENT
#1 Adjust your understanding of Lordship (leadership) vv2,5,
#2 Adjust your understanding of Salvation Is 53:5-6, II Cor 5:21
#3 Adjust your expectations of Life with Jesus Gal 2:20, Ps 34:17-20, II Cor 11:24-28
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Mon, 19 March 2018
March 18: Caught in the Act Caught in the Act John 8:1-11 INTRODUCTION We’ve all been there and done that! Every one of us has at times found ourselves having done something that has brought pain to others and shame to us. We may try to cover up our moral failures — our sins — and look fine from the outside. But inside we hear the verdict reverberating — GUILTY. CONTEXT John 8 centers on a court case. Jesus is thrust into the roles of both lawyer and judge. At first sight, the case seems open and shut … an easy verdict upon a woman caught in the act of adultery. But the ruling which Jesus brings surprises and liberates … not just the woman but you and me, too! CONTENT
#1 Quit judging others Mat 7:1-5, Jms 5:16, 19-20 #2 Quit beating yourself up Jer 31:3, Is 43:1, Jn 3:16-17, Rom 8:1 |
Mon, 12 March 2018
John 15:1-11 1. I am the True Vine |
Mon, 5 March 2018
When Religion Falls Flat John 3:1-17
INTRODUCTION Religion can be defined as our attempt to earn a relationship with God. Christianity can be defined as God’s gift of a relationship with us through Jesus Christ. One approach may keep you busy but it will never achieve what you desire. The other approach is life-giving but demands that we take our eyes off ourselves and fix our eyes upon Jesus.
CONTEXT Nicodemus is a good guy! He’s extremely religious. He is a student of the Scriptures. He is a leader amongst his peers. Yet for all the wonderful qualities which Nicodemus has, he is seeking something more. In some strange way, he senses that “something” is really “someone” and that “someone” is Jesus.
CONTENT
#1 Experiencing God begins with God creating life in you v6, Ezek 37:1-14; 36:25-27
#2 You need GOD (and so do I) Our need vv13-15, Numbers 21:4-9
God’s gift vv16-17, Rom 8:1-3
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