The Faith of Easter
Text: Luke 19:28
Introduction: A Grand Entrance
- Palm Sunday – The Triumphal Entry of Jesus
- This is a story of Faith – the foundation of salvation.
Main Message: It’s Faith that Saves Us
- Galatians 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 Him
Our Church Needs Faith
- More than funds, more than fellowship – we need Faith!
- Romans 1:17 – “The just shall live by faith.”
Faith in Action – Lessons from Luke 19
1. 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 Jesus
- Mark 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.
