The Faith of Easter

The Faith of EasterText: Luke 19:28Introduction: A Grand EntrancePalm Sunday – The Triumphal Entry of JesusThis is a story of Faith – the foundation of salvation.Main Message: It’s Faith that Saves UsGalatians 3:26 – “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”Faith Defined: Forsaking All I Trust HimOur Church Needs FaithMore than funds, more than fellowship – we need Faith!Romans 1:17 – “The just shall live by faith.”Faith in Action – Lessons from Luke 191. Faith to Obey – The Disciples (Verses 28-30)The disciples obeyed Jesus, even without understanding fully.2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”Illustration: James Calvert, missionary to Fiji, told, “You will lose your life,” replied: “We died before we got on the boat.”Example: Hebrews 11:27 – “By faith he forsook Egypt… seeing him who is invisible.”2. Faith to Offer – The Owners of the Donkey (Verses 33-35)They gave what they had because “The Lord hath need of him.”Jesus Values Faith:Mark 11:22 – “Have faith in God.”Mark 4:40 – “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”Faith Pleases God:Hebrews 11:6 – “But without faith it is impossible to please him.”3. Faith to Occupy – The Multitude (Verses 41-44)Luke 19:13 – “Occupy till I come.”1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith.”The Crowd’s Failure:They praised Jesus on Sunday but shouted “Crucify Him” later that week.“This thy day” – the prophesied moment (Daniel 9:25, Zechariah 9:9) was missed.Faith is Essential to JesusMark 4:40 – “Where is your faith?”Faith Is Not Based on Feelings: It’s about trusting God no matter what.Closing Challenge: What Kind of Christian Are You?Easter Christians: Part-time believers who show up only on holidays.Fans or Fanatics: Are you fully committed to living by faith?Final Prayer: Ask God to increase our faith and help us live by faith every day.