Sermon. Scripture. Follow-up Questions.

  • Courageous Faith: Acting Without Certainty | Esther 4:1–17

    A. We pray first—but we don’t wait for perfect clarity

    B. Faith is not about discovering the exact plan—it is about trusting enough to act

    C. God is pleased by the heart behind the action, NOT the accuracy

    D. Faith chooses courage over safety

    Faith is not about knowing exactly what God is doing—it is about trusting Him enough to act anyway.

  • Meeting People Where They Are | John 4:1–26

    A. Jesus INITIATES the conversation

    B. Jesus meets people where they are

    C. Jesus uses whatever means necessary to reach people

    God calls us to initiate connection – through grounded, sincere conversations– through which He can save.

  • Wisdom in the World: What Truly Matters | Matthew 22:15–22

    A. Jesus refuses to be pulled into political division

    B. What does it mean to “give to God what is God’s”?

    C. God is less concerned with external allegiances than internal devotion

    D. Jesus’ mission is not to win arguments, but to transform hearts

    The goal is not to win debates, control systems, or perfect external behavior—
    but to give our hearts to God.

  • The Power of Emotional Presence | John 11:1–44

    A. Why was Jesus “deeply moved in spirit and troubled,” if He knew Lazarus would live? Why did Jesus weep?

    B. Jesus chooses presence before solution

    C. Emotional presence is a form of love

    D. Sometimes the most Christlike response is to listen

    Love is not always about solving problems—it is about sharing in people’s pain.
    Remember: Presence is not a delay of love—it IS love.

  • What the Feeding of the 5,000 is Really About | Mark 6:30–44

    A. Jesus’ compassion overrides convenience

    B. True compassion is not passive—it acts

    C. Jesus involves His followers in meeting needs

    D. Compassion often interrupts our plans

    Jesus shows us compassion is not just feeling—it is action.

    And often: The clearest evidence of knowing Christ is not what we say or believe, but how we respond to the needs of others.

  • Authentic Faith: Fruit vs. Leaves | Mark 11:11–21

    A. Outward (Hypocritical) Faith = Leaves

    B. True (Authentic) Faith = true fruit

    C. Outward Faith vs True Faith:
    - Focuses on rituals vs focuses on people
    - Looks religious vs produces justice and mercy

    God is not looking for leaves—He is looking for fruit.
    And that fruit is often found not in what we do for God, but in how we love and serve others.
    Ask someone to close in prayer

  • Prayer and Reliance on God | Mark 1:35–39

    Even at the height of growing popularity and overwhelming need, Jesus prioritized time with God.

    Several things stand out:

    1. Prayer came before ministry

    2. Prayer guided His mission

    3. Prayer protects us from confusing our desires with God’s will

  • Mission vs. Interruptions | Mark 10:1–16

    Jesus shows that the kingdom of God is not advanced only through big plans / important missions.

    Sometimes the kingdom looks like stopping, welcoming, blessing.

    The disciples thought protecting Jesus’ mission meant pushing children away.

    Jesus shows that the mission includes them.