Intro:

Happy Father's Day! This summer, we're exploring Proverbs and its powerful themes. Today, we're tackling fools. While the joke writes itself, I know the men here are anything but. I see men yearning for wisdom, seeking to be better fathers, husbands, and men. I’m proud to link arms with you. Today, we'll bless the fathers and ask God to guide us in wisdom.

Scripture References: Proverbs (various throughout), Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 1:22-23, Proverbs 9:13-18, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 15:5, Proverbs 17:10, Proverbs 18:2, Proverbs 26:4-5, Proverbs 26:9-12, Proverbs 29:9, Ephesians 2:1-5

Key Points:

• Proverbs and Categories of People:
  • Proverbs describes the world as it is, not just as it should be. It uses categories like the righteous, wicked, wise, and fool to describe generalities.
  • While we're all unique, wisdom comes from understanding these simple patterns.
  • God is direct; He hates sin and pride. This directness isn't mean, but a part of His character, as seen in the Law, Prophets, Psalms, and even Jesus' parables (sheep and goats, wise and foolish virgins).
  • Our "squishiness" about these terms can stem from taking sin too lightly. God takes sin seriously, and so should we.
• Understanding the "Simple," the "Wise," and the "Fool":
  • The simple person is naive or inexperienced. This isn't bad; Proverbs is written for the simple, like a father instructing his son (Proverbs 1:4). To gain from Proverbs, we must see ourselves as simple.
  • The wise person has a teachable spirit and puts God's authority in the right place, understanding that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7).
  • The fool is the opposite of wise. Proverbs 1:7 concludes: "fools despise wisdom and instruction." A fool is not interested in learning or growing; at their heart is pride, believing "I've got this."
• Characteristics of a Fool in Action:
  • Self-Righteous and Opinionated: Puts full weight on their own views, ignores others (Proverbs 12:15, 18:2).
  • Quarrelsome and Reactive: Always ready to fight, broadcasts emotions (Proverbs 15:5, 29:9). Social media can make us fools, amplifying these temptations.
  • Resistant to Correction: Hates reproof, stuck in a loop of repeating mistakes (Proverbs 15:5, 17:10, 26:11).
  • Wisdom's Warning (Proverbs 26:12): "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." This calls us to humility; when God corrects, will we learn or push back?
• The Seduction and Consequences of Folly:
  • Lady Folly is loud, seductive, and knows nothing (Proverbs 9:13). She tells us what we want to hear, making us feel good while leading to ruin.
  • "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (Proverbs 14:12). Our culture says "follow your heart," but the Bible says our intuition needs God's shaping.
  • Folly is deadly serious: It leads to disgrace, destruction, and hurts the community (Proverbs 13:16, 10:27, 26:10).
  • While modern safety nets may buffer immediate consequences, foolishness still leads to a "slow dripping away of life" – broken relationships, limited opportunities, loneliness.
• Dealing with Fools:
  • If you have authority: Punish foolishness for the good of the community. This sets an example for the simple (Proverbs 19:25). Don't honor foolishness. In parenting, actively train children in wisdom, as "folly is bound up in the hea

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Intro:

Good morning, everyone! We're diving into Matthew chapter 10 today, drawing wisdom from Jesus, Solomon (from Proverbs), and David (from the Psalms) to understand the fear of the Lord. We'll see how this powerful concept can actually free us from all our other fears.

Scripture References: Matthew 10:5-31, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 3:13-18, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 14:26-27, Proverbs 15:16, Psalm 19:9, Psalm 25:12-14, Psalm 31:19-20, Psalm 34, Isaiah 33:6, 1 Samuel 21, Ephesians 4:17-18, Colossians 2:3

Key Points:

• Jesus' Bizarre Halftime Speech (Matthew 10):
  • Jesus sends out His disciples with a message of the Kingdom, healing, and deliverance.
  • But then the message takes a dark turn: "I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves."
  • He warns of persecution, betrayal, and hatred, yet astonishingly commands, "Do not fear those who kill the body... Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
  • This isn't a typical pep talk, but a profound invitation to a greater fear that delivers from lesser ones.
• The Fear of the Lord: The Beginning of Wisdom:
  • Proverbs 1:7 famously states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
  • This "fear" isn't a cowering dread but a reverent awe that leads to friendship with God (Psalm 25:14) and is described as "clean" and "enduring forever" (Psalm 19:9).
  • It's a treasure that brings stability, strength, and life (Isaiah 33:6, Proverbs 10:27, 14:27).
• Fear's Grip: Lessons from David (1 Samuel 21 & Psalm 34):
  • Even heroes like King David succumbed to fear, running, hiding, lying, pretending madness, and forgetting God's faithfulness.
  • Fear often leads us to strongholds – places we seek for safety that become captivity. It makes us huddle with those just like us.
  • Psalm 34 is David's testimony and sermon after God delivered him from his fears.
  • Fear is a faith revealer: It exposes what we boast in, what we magnify. To be free, we must boast in and magnify God (Psalm 34:1-3).
• A Greater Fear Delivers from Lesser Fears:
  • Just as the fear of rejection might make you jump off a bridge, or the fear of losing a child makes you brave the ocean, a greater fear can trump lesser fears.
  • The fear of the Lord is not a fear of Him, but a fear of going without Him—a reverent submission that keeps us in step with Him.
  • This fear leads to refuge in God (Psalm 31:19-20), obedience, and faithfulness. It frees us from the compromise that worldly fears demand.

Conclusion:

The idea that "the only thing to fear is fear itself" is a lie. The one thing we should fear is the Lord. And in this divine exchange, when we fear Him most, He delivers us from all other lesser fears, leading us to abundant life and wisdom.

Call to Action:

As we come to the table, let's ask God to expose the fears that reveal what we've put our faith in. Let's boast in Christ's sacrifice, knowing He's made a way for us to live free from fear's influence. Receive His broken body, and ask for a healthy fear of the Lord – one that is pure, clean, endures forever, and leads to fullness of life. Come to the table, and if you need prayer, a team is ready to minister to you.

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Intro:

Hey everyone, we're kicking off a new summer series in the Book of Proverbs! We'll explore wisdom's themes each week. You can also grab our summer reading plan at the connect table to devotionally read through the whole book. By summer's end, you'll have journeyed through Proverbs, seeing its practical wisdom for your daily life with God.

Scripture References: Proverbs 3:13-18, Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 1:22, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 2:3, Ephesians 4:17-18, Matthew 28

Key Points:

• Proverbs is a Wisdom Book:
  • It emphasizes the urgency of seeking wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting get understanding."
  • In a culture of acquiring, let's prioritize getting what truly matters – wisdom.
  • Proverbs 3:13-18 highlights wisdom's value: "Blessed are those who find wisdom… for wisdom is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold… Nothing you desire compares to her." It's imperishable, worth holding onto.
• Proverbs Offers Practical Wisdom:
  • This isn't just about spiritual knowledge; it's about wisdom for every corner of our lives: relationships, work, goals, resources.
  • If our wisdom isn't relevant to most of our life, it's not biblical wisdom.
  • The root word of Proverbs means "to be like," inviting us to compare our lives to its principles. It's a "plumb line" for daily living.
  • Ancient Hebrew culture saw life as a seamless garment – no separation between sacred and secular, public and private. Proverbs is a "timeless portable teacher."
• Proverbs Defines the Wise Person:
  • The book divides people into two simple categories: the wise and righteous or the fool and wicked. There's no middle ground.
  • Proverbs 1:22 asks, "How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance?" or "How long, you simpletons, will you love naivety?" God's Word compels us to choose a side.
  • A wise person is humble, seeks knowledge, listens to instruction, accepts correction, controls emotions, and brings joy to others.
• Obstacles to Teachability:
  • Narrow Belief of Knowledge: We can mistakenly believe learning is only spiritual. Colossians 1:16 reminds us that everything was created by Him – the sacred and the mundane. God cares about every detail of our lives, even parking spaces!
  • Assuming Full Understanding: We often face "crises of understanding" rather than "crises of faith." Loving God isn't the end of learning; it's loving God with our minds. Truth is eternal, but knowledge is changeable (Madeline L'Engle). Don't confuse them.
  • Inability to Unlearn: God may want to rearrange our thinking. Jeremiah 1:4-10 shows Jeremiah needing to unlearn his self-perception to embrace God's calling. What do we need to unlearn about our identity in Christ?
  • Pride and Sin: Sin distorts our thinking. Ephesians 4:17-18 describes futility in thinking and darkened understanding outside of Christ. But as children of God, we've been brought into the light (Ephesians 5:8) and in Christ are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).

Conclusion:

This summer, as we become more teachable and pursue wisdom, remember we're not seeking wisdom for its own sake. We're pursuing it to know the one who holds all wisdom: Jesus. When you know Him more, you'll simply want to know Him even more.

Call to Action:

Let's approach the table with humility, acknowledging we don't have it all figured out, but we're coming to the one who does. As we worship and co

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Scripture: John 6:1-15, 35; Mark 8:5-7

Sermon Title Suggestion: Broken for Blessing: The Dynamics of Multiplication

Intro: Deep gratitude for Radiant church – our "you're not crazy cousin"! You embody shared family values: unwavering commitment to Scripture's authority and the Gospel's centrality, a deep hunger for the Holy Spirit, and a wild hope for revival. You believe God isn't done with California, value elder-led teams, local roots with a global heart, and dream of multiplying churches. This message, drawing from "Broken for Blessing," is to fortify you for your next 20 years of fruitfulness. May this be a fresh, specific word from the Lord for Radiant.

Key Points: 5 Dynamics of Christ's Multiplication (John 6)

1. Life is in the Message, Not the Model (John 6:35): The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the true Bread of Life, is the multiplying power. Church planting models ("baskets") are secondary and will change; the message of Jesus' brokenness for our wholeness is eternal and what truly nourishes. Don't merely become experts in models; remain passionately in love with Jesus and His message. Remember: "My bad... You're good" – this is the Gospel!
2. No Multiplication Without Subtraction (John 6:11): Just as the boy offered his entire lunch, true multiplication demands sacrifice. Jesus will ask us to put our best resources—our time, finances, and even our best leaders—into His hands, sometimes leaving us feeling hungry or stretched for a season so others might be filled. This is vital for a faith legacy that inspires future generations, fighting conservatism and embracing holy risk.
3. Anointed Administration is a Jesus Thing (John 6:10; Mark 6:40): Jesus didn't just perform a miracle; He organized it, having people sit in groups. Effective administration is a spiritual gift, partnering with the prophetic, not opposing it. Radiant, as you grow, don't resist God-given systems and structures that facilitate further healthy multiplication.
4. God's Abundant Provision AND Disruption (John 6:12-13): God always gives back more than we offer (12 baskets full!), but it often returns as "fragments"—raw potential, not always the finished product. This means a life of continual formation, raising new leaders, and embracing the disruption this brings. This keeps the church healthy and reliant on God, not just a few gifted individuals.
5. Disciples Catch a Culture of Multiplication (Mark 8:5-7): After witnessing the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples offered their own loaves for the 4,000. A culture of multiplication is caught. When we see God move and willingly offer our unique "loaves and fish," we participate in His incredible multiplying mission.

Conclusion: Ultimately, multiplying disciples and churches isn't just about growth; it’s about Jesus receiving the reward of His suffering. He, the Lamb that was slain, is worthy because He was wounded for our healing and wholeness.

Call to Action: Today, consider: what are your "loaves and fish"? Is it your time, talent, home, business, or finances? Jesus invites you to freshly place them in His hands. Respond with, "Count me in, Lord. You can count on me." Let's desire that the Lamb receives the full reward of His suffering through us.

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Scripture References: John 4, 8; Mark 1, 5; Luke 8, 10, 13; Matt 26, 28; John 20; Esther 4:16; Ruth 1:16-17; 1 Kings 17:8-16; 1 Sam 1:27-28; John 11:28-35; Judges 4:14, Judges 5; Prov 31.

Sermon: Honoring Mothers & Godly Women

Intro: Happy Mother's Day! We celebrate moms and spiritual mothers, acknowledging the joy and the aches holidays can bring (loss, struggle, longing). Jesus meets each of you in your unique story. He knows what you need. Jesus deeply loved His own mother and all women, treating them with radical dignity, respect, and compassion—truly countercultural for His time.

Key Points:

1. Jesus’ Radical View of Women:
   • Spoke respectfully to them (Samaritan woman, John 4; woman caught in adultery, John 8).
   • Healed them publicly (Peter's mother-in-law, Mark 1; woman with issue of blood, Mark 5; bent-over woman, Luke 13).
   • Affirmed their faith & worth. Many women followed & financially supported His ministry (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna - Luke 8). Mary of Bethany learned at His feet (Luke 10).
   • Entrusted women as first witnesses of His resurrection (Matt 28, John 20).
   • These women, freed from shame, became deeply devoted, bold partners in His mission.
2. Celebrating Women in Our Church Family – Echoes of Biblical Strength:
   • Mary of Bethany (Matt 26): Extravagant worshippers, pouring out your most valuable for Jesus. Like her, Radiant women, you’ve done beautiful things for Him.
   • Miriam (Exodus 15): Leading in worship, singing songs of deliverance, reminding us God brings us to dry land.
   • Esther (Esther 4:16): Courageous, sticking your necks out for others’ freedom and safety, saying "If I perish, I perish."
   • Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17): Faithful, loyal, obedient, choosing right relationship over comfort, loving for the long haul: "Where you go, I will go."
   • Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17): Hospitality in scarcity, giving generously from little, trusting God’s miraculous provision.
   • Lydia (Acts 16): Businesswomen and those with abundance, leveraging success and resources for God's Kingdom.
   • Hannah (1 Sam 1:27-28): Prayer warriors, contending earnestly, prevailing on God, and lending your answered prayers back to Him.
   • Mary at Lazarus’ Tomb (John 11:28-35): Raw faith in grief, falling at Jesus’ feet, finding Him as the God who weeps with us & brings comfort.
   • Deborah (Judges 4-5): Strong leaders with prophetic wisdom, inspiring victory ("Up! For this is the day..."), and partnering beautifully, calling men and women higher in God.

Conclusion: Radiant women, for 20 years (and all women of faith), you've chosen the better thing. You've poured out love in extravagant worship, not counting the cost. You’ve taken courageous steps, chosen faithfulness, given generously, contended in prayer, wept honest tears at Jesus’ feet while believing Him even in the dark, and led with wisdom. Because of this, we’ve seen Him. Thank you for being lovers of God and spiritual mothers. Proverbs 31: not competition, but a celebration of a woman's lifelong fruit. God counts & celebrates all you do.

Call to Action: Let's continue this journey of faith: loving God and living for Him. Men, actively honor and celebrate the women in your lives. Women, keep arising, using your God-given gifts to call us higher. Let's embrace the future, partnering for the Gospel. God is worthy of it all!

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Rescue Society, Not Yacht Club: Sustaining Your Yes

Scripture References: Matthew 20:1-28

Sermon Intro: Welcome! Today, reflecting on our church's journey and recent powerful baptisms, we dive into the heart of our mission – not just beholding Jesus, but the "so that" part: seeing the lost found, prodigals return, disciples made, and churches planted. As we look to the future, the crucial question isn't just what we'll do, but how we'll sustain it. How do we avoid "mission creep"? How do we ensure we remain a dynamic "rescue society" and don't slowly drift into becoming a comfortable "yacht club," forgetting why we started? How do we sustain a life of sacrifice and service for decades to come?

Key Points:

1. Beware the Yacht Club - What Do You Deserve? (Matt 20:1-16):
   • The Parable of the Vineyard Workers challenges our sense of fairness. Service can breed entitlement ("I worked longer, I deserve more").
   • We must fight this by remembering GRACE. As Christians, we gave up demanding "fair" – we don't want what we truly deserve!
   • Sustaining service means constantly battling entitlement and remembering God's generosity, even when it doesn't seem "fair" by worldly standards. We never deserve more than the privilege of serving God and others.
2. Fuel for the Long Haul - How Do You See God? (Matt 20:17-19):
   • Jesus predicts His own suffering and sacrifice for us.
   • To sustain our service, we must stay connected to how He serves us. Is your focus primarily on what you do for God, or on what He has done and continues to do for you?
   • Remembering His sacrifice, His carrying the burden, His constant work on our behalf is the fuel for sustained missions.
3. Kingdom Values - How Do You Define Greatness? (Matt 20:20-28):
   • The request of Zebedee's sons highlights a worldly definition of greatness (position, power).
   • Jesus redefines greatness: it's service, humility, being last, being a slave. It's "momness."
   • Sustaining our "yes" requires embracing His definition of greatness. Any position or influence is for serving, not being served. Servant leadership isn't an option; it's the only model.

Sermon Conclusion: We are committed to remaining a rescue society. This requires actively fighting the drift towards comfort and entitlement. We do this not by trying harder, but by remembering: remembering the grace we didn't deserve, remembering Jesus' immense sacrifice for us (suffering outside the gate to rescue us), and embracing His upside-down definition of greatness. Let's keep going out on rescue missions together.

Call to Action: Examine your heart:

• Where might entitlement be creeping in regarding your service? Ask God to help you see through the lens of grace.
• Reflect on how Jesus serves you daily. Let gratitude fuel your service.
• Are you pursuing worldly greatness or Kingdom greatness (service)? Recommit today to being part of the rescue society, choosing sustained sacrifice over comfort, fueled by the love and grace of Jesus.

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Scripture References: Ephesians 5, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 1 Corinthians 7:1-40, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Revelation 19:6-9, Revelation 21:1-4

Intro:

• Reflection on the previous sermon (Easter).
• The significance of the concepts of covenant and contract.
• Marriage used as an illustration of covenant.

Key Points:

• Contract vs. Covenant:
  • Contract: Exchange of goods and services, conditional obligations.
  • Covenant: Giving of oneself, unconditional commitment.
  • Marriage vows as a prime example of covenant.
• The Church as a Covenant Relationship:
  • Ephesians 5: Christ's love for the church is a covenantal relationship.
  • Christ gave Himself for the church, not just His word.
  • We are called to respond with the same kind of self-giving love.
• God's Covenant with Us:
  • God's commitment is unwavering, regardless of our failures.
  • He has purchased us with His blood and continues to work for our holiness.
  • We are not our own; we belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
• The Marriage Metaphor:
  • Marriage is a picture of the covenant relationship between Christ and the church.
  • This relationship is eternal, unlike earthly marriage (Revelation 21:1-4).
• Reconciliation and Unity:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19-21: God's work of reconciling the world to Himself through Christ.
  • The cross breaks down barriers and creates unity (Ephesians 2:14-16).
  • We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation.
• The Marriage Supper of the Lamb:
  • Revelation 19:6-9: The ultimate celebration of the covenant between Christ and the church.
  • This event is the culmination of God's plan for humanity.

Conclusion:

• The Christian life is defined by a covenantal relationship with God, not a contract.
• This covenant is marked by His unwavering love, sacrifice, and commitment to us.
• We are called to respond with the same kind of love and commitment to Him and to one another.

Call to Action:

• Reflect on your own understanding of your relationship with God.
• Embrace the covenantal nature of your relationship with Christ.
• Live a life of love and sacrifice, following His example.
• Participate in the work of reconciliation, bringing unity to a broken world.
• Look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

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Scripture References: Philippians 3:1-11; Acts 9:15-16; 1 Peter 3:18; John 17:3; Ephesians 2:13; Revelation 21:1-3

Intro:

• Context: Philippians 3, Paul writing from prison.
• Focus on Paul's radical transformation: From Saul, the zealous persecutor who jailed/oversaw the killing of Christians, to Paul, the apostle jailed for Christ.
• What could cause such a complete reversal? (Think: converting core beliefs/loyalties). Paul had a direct encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9). His conversion wasn't just religious affiliation; it was a fundamental shift.

Key Points:

1. Conversion 1: From the Ladder of Legalism to the Cross of Christ (Phil 3:4-9)
   • Paul lists his "blue-chip" credentials (circumcised, Israelite, Benjamin, Hebrew, Pharisee, zealous persecutor, legally righteous). He had maximum "confidence in the flesh."
   • He counts all this previous "gain" as "loss" and "rubbish" compared to the value of knowing Christ.
   • Contrast: The "Ladder" mentality (perform well = acceptance; fail = rejection - exemplified by the coach clip/ "American way") vs. The "Cross" reality (righteousness comes not from our works/law, but through faith in Christ's work for us).
   • This Gospel truth needs constant repetition ("It's safe for you," v. 1) because we naturally revert to the ladder.
2. Conversion 2: From Life FOR/FROM God to Life WITH God (Phil 3:8, 10-11)
   • Paul's driving desire wasn't just duty for God or benefits from God, but intimacy with God: "that I may know him," "gain Christ," "be found in him."
   • What the Gospel achieves (forgiveness, eternal life) are vital, but they are means to the ultimate end: knowing and being with God Himself.
   • Forgiveness isn't just wiping a slate; it cleanses to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). Eternal life is knowing God (John 17:3).
   • Analogy: Seeking spousal forgiveness – the true goal is restoring connection/relationship, not just easing guilt or getting perks.
   • The ultimate question shifts from "Who wants benefits?" to "Who wants God?"
3. God's Desire: Life WITH You
   • God's primary goal isn't just making us morally better, but bringing us relationally closer (Eph 2:13). He desires communion.
   • Consider God's attractiveness: Humble (Incarnation), Serving, Loving (sacrificially), Redemptive (meaning in suffering), Powerful (Resurrection).
   • Does God want me, even knowing my failures? The Cross is the definitive YES. He takes us "as is," confident in His power to heal and restore. He sees, knows, loves, moves towards you.
   • All history points toward God dwelling with His people (Rev 21:3).

Conclusion:

• These conversions—rejecting legalism for grace, shifting from performance/benefits to relationship—aren't one-time decisions but ongoing processes.
• We continually need to recognize the "ladder" in our hearts and choose the Cross, choose life with Him.

Call to Action:

• Acknowledge the need for these conversions again today.
• Consciously choose the Cross over the ladder.
• Seek life with God, not just for Him or from Him. Recognize His desire for you.
• Remain in His love (Jude 21) – that relational space is where you truly belong, wherever you go.

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Alternate Sermon Titles: Donkey Day or The King Who Stops

Scripture References: Matthew 20:29-34, Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 35:4-6, Psalm 118, Matthew 27 (Referenced)

Intro: Welcome to this sermon! Today, we're looking at Palm Sunday, the start of Passion Week, Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. It’s a pivotal moment described in all four Gospels. While often called Palm Sunday (though only John mentions palms), the focus might actually be on the donkey. This event showcases the unique nature of King Jesus – a king unlike any earthly ruler. We see the crowds finally giving Jesus praise, shouting "Hosanna!" (Save Now!), recognizing Him as the Son of David, the promised Messiah. But even in this moment of seeming triumph, Jesus reveals His true character and mission.

Key Points:

1. The King Who Stops for the Hurting (Matt 20:29-34):
   • On His way to Jerusalem, knowing the immense weight of the week ahead (suffering, death, atonement), Jesus is interrupted by two blind beggars crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"
   • The crowd tries to silence them, wanting Jesus to have His moment.
   • But Jesus stops. He doesn't brush them off. He asks, "What do you want me to do for you?"
   • He shows compassion and heals them. This reveals the heart of our King – He has time for the marginalized, even amidst His most critical mission. He stoops down.
2. The King Who Rides a Borrowed Donkey (Matt 21:1-11):
   • Jesus deliberately fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) by choosing a donkey, not a warhorse.
   • Palms symbolized military victory and nationalism (like the Maccabean revolt). The crowd wanted that kind of king – one to overthrow Rome.
   • Jesus chose the donkey – a symbol of peace, humility, and service (a beast of burden). He was signalling a different kind of kingship, a different way of saving. He comes to carry burdens, not conquer with force.
   • It wasn't even His donkey! He borrowed it, showing humility and dependence, yet also authority ("The Lord needs it"). He owns nothing, yet everything.
3. The King Who Defies Expectations (Matt 21:10-11, Matt 27):
   • The crowd acclaimed Him King, shouting "Hosanna!" (Save Now!), expecting a political/military Messiah to defeat Rome. They chanted Psalm 118 but added titles like "Son of David" and "King of Israel."
   • Jesus' mission was different. He came to conquer a greater enemy: sin and death. He targeted hypocrisy within Israel, not just external oppressors.
   • This disconnect led the same crowd, just days later, to shout "Give us Barabbas!" – choosing a violent insurrectionist over the humble King on a donkey. They preferred their expectations over the King they actually got.
   • Jesus isn't a consultant or a vending machine fulfilling our demands. He is King.

Conclusion: Palm Sunday reveals the heart of King Jesus. He is compassionate, stopping for the needy even on His "big day." He is humble, riding a borrowed donkey, signaling peace and service, not earthly power. He challenges our expectations, calling us not just to praise Him when He fits our mold, but to submit to Him as Lord even when His ways aren't our ways. He came to deal with our deepest problem – sin and death – through His own suffering and sacrifice.

Call to Action: As we reflect on this King, let's examine our own hearts. Do we treat Jesus like a consultant or a vending machine, only following when it suits us? Or do we submit to Him as King, trusting His ways even when they don't align with our expectations? He is a King who can be trusted – one familiar with suffering, humble enoug

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Scripture References: Matthew 4:23-25; Luke 9:1-2; Luke 10:1-9, 17; Matthew 28:18-20

Introduction: Welcome to this week's sermon! Today, we hear from guest speaker Scott, who served with his family in North India for over 20 years. Scott shares his personal journey from a background skeptical of supernatural gifts to embracing the power of the Holy Spirit in evangelism. He begins with his own testimony: finding purpose and joy in Christ at 17 after a period of loneliness and depression, sparking a passion to share Jesus. He challenges us: do you have a story?

Key Points:

1. Early Encounters: Despite a conservative background, Scott soon experienced God's voice and words of knowledge for strangers, leading to ministry. This sparked his passion for evangelism.
2. Missions & Need for Power: Called to India's unreached, training highlighted "Church Planting Movements" fueled by "signs and wonders." Initially hesitant, Scott saw the need.
3. Power of Demonstration: A key moment: praying for a sick child whose mother had heard the gospel message repeatedly without response. After the child's miraculous healing, the mother declared, "I know your God is powerful," and followed Jesus. Proclamation plus demonstration was key. (80-90% of local conversions involved supernatural encounters).
4. Biblical Mandate for All: Scripture shows this power isn't limited: 
   • Jesus proclaimed, healed, delivered (Matt 4).
   • He gave the 12 authority to do the same (Luke 9).
   • He sent the 72 with the same commission (Luke 10) – not just apostles.
   • The Great Commission (Matt 28) gives all disciples authority, empowered by the Spirit, to teach obedience to all Jesus commanded.
5. Stepping Out Everywhere: Scott saw God work through prayer for healing/needs in India, the US, and the UK – proving it's not just for "over there." God works powerfully through willing believers anywhere. The fields are ripe here. 

Conclusion: Jesus commissions all His followers to both proclaim the gospel message and demonstrate its power through healing, deliverance, and other gifts of the Spirit. This isn't just for missionaries or pastors; it's for you and me, empowered by the Holy Spirit. People in our communities are hurting and waiting for an encounter with God's love and power. God is ready to work through ordinary believers who are willing to step out in faith.

Call to Action: Let's respond to this message. Are you feeling stirred towards greater boldness, a call to take risks for the Kingdom? Ask God for compassion that overcomes fear. Pray for eyes to see the needs He wants you to meet and the people He wants you to engage. Ask for discernment. This week, intentionally look for an opportunity to share about Jesus and an opportunity to pray for someone's need, expecting God to move. Trust that He is with you and wants to demonstrate His power through you. Holy Spirit, come upon us with boldness! 

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