Mark 11:12-26

Mark 11:12-26

SERMON #1

TITLE: Nothing But Leaves TEXT: Mark 11:12-26 PROPOSITION: Many talk the talk, but do not walk the walk. QUESTION: What? KEY WORD: Applications READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. Jesus was hungry. He saw leaves. He expected fruit. 2. Quote from McGarvey. (See below) 3. Study this passage with three applications. A. Jesus B. Jews C. Christians today Jesus Sought and Seeks

1. Jesus - fig tree should had figs - fruit 2. Jews - God's chosen - should show fruit 3. Christians - saved by God's grace - should show fruit

A. John 15:1-5 ? abide in vine, bear much fruit B. Romans 7:4 ? that we should bring forth fruit to God Jesus Found and Finds

1. Jesus - nothing but leaves - outward display only 2. Jews - outward display - no inward results 3. Christians - leaves A. Speak where Bible speaks 1 Peter 4:11 Requires study Acts 17:11 2 Timothy 2:15 B. Lord's Supper ? partakes but not remember, not discern C. Teach but do not practice what they teach C. Worship in spirit and truth John 4:24 Attend ? but they don't worship Give - not as prospered Sing ? but without spirit, without understanding, listen to others sing Pray - lack faith, life filled with doubt Communion ? partakes but does not remember Christ, discern, examine Jesus Did and Will Do

Matthew 25:1-46 The fact that if was not yet fig-time made it worse for this tree. On this kind of fig tree the fruit forms before the leaves, and should be full grown when the leaves appear: so this tree, by putting on its foliage before the time for figs, was proclaiming itself superior to all the other fig trees. This made it a striking symbol of the hypocrite, who, not content with appearing to be as good as other people, usually puts on the appearance of being a great deal better. A Commentary on Matthew and Mark, J. W. McGarvey, p. 335-6

SERMON #2

TITLE: How to Grow Faith TEXT: Mark 11:22 PROPOSITION: Faith in God must grow and become stronger. QUESTION: How? KEY WORD: Methods SCRIPTURE READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. Faith is essential. Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24; and many more. 2. How do we get faith? Romans 10:17 3. How do we KEEP the faith? 2 Timothy 4:7 I have kept the faith 4. How do we GROW faith? This is the more difficult question. 5. Here are some methods to increase your faith. Read your Bible

1. Romans 10:17 ? Faith comes by hearing the Word (read, listen to sermon tapes) 2. With a sense of anticipation 3. Regularly ? daily 4. With a desire to make personal application. What is God saying to me? Pray

1. Believing that God WILL hear and respond to you. 2. As we see answers to prayer, that builds our existing faith even stronger. 3. Remove all doubt. Exercise the faith you already have

1. To gain muscles ? use what you got. 2. Faith is TRUST. Do you trust God? 3. Act on that trust. 4. What are you looking to and trusting God for today? Read or listen to the testimonies of other believers

1. Hebrews 11:1-40 ? Heroes of faith encourage us 2. John 20:30-31 These are written that you might believe 3. Read Fox?s Book of Martyrs. 4. Study the persecution of the early church. Obey God's word

James 2:18 Accept adversity

1. The trials, problems, and pressures of life are a "tool" that God uses for our spiritual growth and faith development. (This is not an easy one) 2. 1 Peter 1:7 ? faith is refined (made pure) in the fiery trials Fellowship

1. 1 John 1:7 ? Walk in the light, fellowship with Jesus 2. Surround yourself with other Christians. 3. Attend church regularly. 4. Be around strong Christians. Something will rub off on you. Accountability

1. State your faith PUBLICLY. 2. This will help you to stay on the right track and be in obedience to God in yourself and by helping someone else-which will keep your eyes open to God's will and His working in your life.