2 Kings 5:1-15

A man who was Prideful.

Your pride will keep you from being obedient.

If we will not be obedient in the little things, we will not be obedient in the big things.

He almost missed the blessing because of pride.

A Man who was Powerful.

Wealth and Position will not buy you healing.

Your power keeps you from being obedient.

A man who was Prayerful.

He went down to the Jordan.

He went down into the river.

He came up a changed man.

John 20: 1-18

Resurrection. It’s the word that changed the course of hu-man history. Without it, we’d have no Easter....no Sav-ior.....and no hope whatsoever. However, with resurrec-tion, we can all rejoice and celebrate together as we now know that Jesus has conquered sin and death! But what does resurrection mean to you personally? Perhaps you’re here today and you’re still really not sure. You know it has something to do with Jesus’ death, but it really doesn’t affect you the way you think that it should. If that’s the case, then here are three good reasons why you may want to give the Resurrection a second glance:

I. The Resurrection is Pivotal.

II. The Resurrection is Powerful.

III. The Resurrection is Personal.

Romans 5: 1-2; 6-11

1.) We Need the Lord Because We are Powerless

Without Him.

2.) We Need the Lord Because We are Guilty Sinners.

3.) We Need the Lord Because Our Sin Has Made Us God’s Enemies.

1.) Through Christ We Receive Acceptance.

2.) Through Christ We Receive Forgiveness.

3.) Through Christ We Receive Victory Over Evil.

1.) Growth Occurs When We are Receptive to the Movement of the Holy Spirit.

2.) Growth Occurs as We are Open to Change—Even Changes in Which We are Not Comfortable.

3.) Growth Occurs When We Invest Time with Those Who Do Not Attend Church.

Mark 10:17-23; Matt. 6:19-21; Malachi 3: 8,10-12

1.) Our Hearts Always Gravitate Towards That in Which We Invest.

2.) Our Giving is an Act of Worship—and God Uses What We Give.

3.) God Rewards the Faithful Giver.

1.) The Love of Christ Will Usher Conflict into Our Lives.

2.) The Love of Christ Will Conflict With Our Earthly Allegiances.

3.) The Love of Christ Will Conflict with the Love We Have for Ourselves.

Matthew 23: 1-4; 23-33

1.) Jesus opposed hypocrisy as well.

Truth: When you condemn hypocrisy, you’re already taking steps to following Jesus.

2.) Many people who do “religious” things are only pretending to be God’s people.

Truth: You should not blame the Christian faith for what faith- less people do.

3.) Hypocrisy comes in degrees—and each of us struggles with some measure of it.

Truth: A church should be full of hypocrites as it opens its doors to those who are searching for answers and in need of a

Savior.

Haggai 2: 1-9

1.) Be Strong and Don’t Fear. The God of “Yesterday” is the Same God of Today.

2.) Whether You’re Sad or Glad About “Yesterday,” Tomorrow Can Be Better with God’s Help.

3.) Regardless of Our Grief, Regrets, or Fears--Peace is Promised to Those Who Draw Near to God.

1.) Authentic Greatness Does Not Imply

Self-Promotion.

2.) Authentic Greatness Does Not Involve

Self-Reliance.

3.) Authentic Greatness is Found in Dying to Self.