Turning Tables | Steve DeFrain

 “TURNING TABLES”

Jesus went through hell to bring us heaven

Mark 11… ¹¹ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Zechariah 9… ⁸ But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.

Mark 11…¹² The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. ¹³ Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. ¹⁴ Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. ¹⁵ On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, ¹⁶ and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. ¹⁷ And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

TIMES THAT JESUS HAS A PROBLEM WITH CHURCH…

(POINT ONE) When RELIGION replaces RELATIONSHIP

(POINT TWO) When TRADITION stifles TRANSFORMATION

2 Thessalonians 2… ¹⁵ So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachingswe passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Mark 7… ⁵ So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands? ⁶ He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. ⁷ They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’⁸ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”

(POINT THREE) When we become a BARRIER instead of a BRIDGE

2 Corinthians 5… ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be the offering for our sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Acts 15… ¹⁹ “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

(POINT FOUR) When the SAINTS forget they are SINNERS

Psalms 103… ² Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— ³ who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, ⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Luke 8… ¹After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, ²and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³ Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Key Points:

• Summarize the main points or key messages of the sermon.
• Highlight any memorable quotes or phrases from the sermon.

Scriptural Foundation:

• Discuss the Bible passage(s) that were the basis of the sermon.
• Explore the context and significance of the chosen scripture.

Personal Reflection:

• Share your personal thoughts and feelings about the sermon.
• How did the sermon impact you? What resonated with you?
• Were there any moments of conviction, inspiration, or clarity?

Discussion Questions:

List a set of open-ended questions to facilitate discussion. These questions can help attendees engage with the sermon’s content on a deeper level.

Example questions:

1. What do you think the main message or takeaway was from the sermon?

2. How does the scripture relate to the sermon’s message?

3. Were there any practical applications or actionable insights that stood out to you?

4. Did the sermon challenge any of your beliefs or perspectives?

5. How can we apply the sermon’s teachings in our daily lives?

Group Sharing:

• Encourage participants to share their thoughts, questions, or personal experiences related to the sermon.
• Create an open and respectful environment for discussion.

Additional Resources:

• Provide information about any recommended books, articles, or further readings related to the sermon’s topic.
• Mention upcoming events or opportunities for Group members to explore the sermon’s theme further.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the key takeaways from the discussion.
• Emphasize the importance of applying the sermon’s teachings in daily life.
• Announce any follow-up actions or future discussions related to the sermon.

Closing Prayer:

• Take the time to ask members of the Group if they have any prayer requests.
• Conclude the discussion with a brief prayer, asking for guidance and wisdom in applying the sermon’s message to be on mission.