4-6-2014
Matthew 11. 1-11 & 15. 1-15
"Fair-Weather Followers"

FAIR-WEATHER FOLLOWERS Mark 11. 1-11 & 15. 1-15 I.  THE INNAUGURATION DAY ________ A.  The crowd loves a parade  B.  The crowd makes a leader feel important C.  The problem with a crowd is they _______  _______ II.  FAIR-WEATHER FRIENDS A.  They __________ at first sign of trouble B.  They disappear when their “wants” are not satisfied C.  They can go from supportive to __________ in a very short time III.  ARE THERE ANY FAIR-WEATHER ______________ TODAY? A.  They are everywhere. B.  There are “fair-weather followers” in ___________ today C.  How many Christians celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter yet miss the days in between.   IV.  SOME MAJOR _________ BETWEEN PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER A.  The Betrayal and Denial- _______ & __________ B.  The Cross and Crucifixion C.  The _________ in the tomb V.  JESUS said, MY KINGDOM IS ______ OF THIS WORLD A.  The salvation Jesus offers is not just a “change for the ________”  B.  In America- we are so blessed we don’t always long for a Heavenly Kingdom…we are pretty ________ with things  C.  Yet, EVEN The MOST ________ people of this world soon find that life contains trials, heartaches, illness, loneliness, & death. VI.  JESUS CALLS ____ TO BE “FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS” not “FAIR WEATHER FRIENDS” A.  Luke 9. 23-  Jesus said, “Whoever would come after me must…” ______ himself…Take up his cross daily…Follow ME B.  Would you die for your faith?  Would you sacrifice for the Lord? C.  A real follower of Jesus is someone that He can ______  ___ to be there on Good Friday…not just on Palm Sunday. VII.  SO WHAT KIND OF FOLLOWER ARE YOU?

3-30-2014
"Seeds, Yeast, Plants and Dough"
Matthew 13. 31-35

“Seeds, Yeast, Plants and Dough”  Matthew 13. 31-35 I.  TWO PARABLES…SEEDS & ______________ A.  Parables of _______ - the seed will grow, the whole earth will be affected  B.  The __________ of God II.  THE SEED: _________ GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD A.  A seed has great capacity to grow B.  The seed contains _________ C.  The seed is beneficial to the whole ________ III.  THE INVISIBLE __________ & INFLUENCE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD A.  The leaven multiplies and affects the whole B.  The leavening influence of God’s Kingdom is subtle and ________ C.  The leaven cannot ______ unless put into the dough IV.  JESUS’ KINGDOM DREAM THEMES A.  __________- God’s consistent purpose has  been to redeem & restore B.  God’s Reign C.  The Kingdom is _______: tangible and visible   D.  Growth & Change- The Kingdom of God changes people &  _________ V.  GOD _______ WANTS HIS KINGDOM TO GROW- Visibly & Invisibly A.  God wants His Kingdom to grow B.  God Wants ____ to Be: A Church With a Heart for Jesus VI.  PERHAPS YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF OR YOUR CHURCH TO BE             WITHOUT MUCH _______ OR POWER: A.  _______ THINGS can come from Small Seeds B.  How small was the seed of God’s Kingdom? C.  The tiny seed of God’s Kingdom has become the source of ______ things VII.  HOW CAN YOU BE PART OF GOD’S GROWING KINGDOM? A.  We can be part of God’s Growing Kingdom by having a heart for Jesus B.  God’s Kingdom needs pastors and missionaries – pray for _________ C.  We can be part of God’s Growing Kingdom by encouraging the planting of new ____________, and strengthening others   D.  God’s Kingdom needs people who will serve, and pray, and witness, and _______