Leaven: What is that About?

Introduction:

      A.   The People in Jesus' day expected the Kingdom of God to          come with a big bang and make a big difference all at once.

 

     B.   Today, we will look at a parable that should have

          prepared them for the way the Kingdom of God would come!

 

                            Prayer

                         Luke 13:20&21

 

I.   A look at the parable.

 

     A.   Notice Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is like leaven .          . . ."

 

          Def. leaven -  a substance that causes fermentation,

                        esp. in dough or liquids, as yeast, any                         influence working silently and unseen that                      brings about fundamental changes.

 

     B.   They expected that Jesus would lead a revolution and

          defeat their enemies, setting up an earthly Kingdom.

 

     C.   But as we now know, that wasn't how it would be at all!

 

     D.   Being like leaven the Kingdom of God would have a slow,          small start!

 

          1.   It started with a small group of people that Jesus               spent most of his time teaching.

 

          2.   But a little leaven in bread dough makes a big

              difference in the end result!  Such was the case

              here!

 

II.  What does this say to us today?

 

     A.   The Kingdom of God was going to make a difference in the         world; it already has!

 

          1.   Nothing has probably affected our world more nor had             as much impact as the teachings of Christ!

 

              a.   People who don't profess Christianity at all                    are still governed by laws influenced by

                   Judeo/Christian teachings.

 

              b.   Most countries of the world have laws of right                  & wrong that originated from these teachings!

 

          2.   We have all been touched by the results of Christ's              love!

 

              a.   Christ taught people to love with God's love!

 

              b.   These people in turn taught others to love, and                 this chain of influence still stands as a

                   witness to God's love today passed on by the                    people of God!

 

     B.   It can still make a difference today!

 

          1.   If we stop teaching about how bad things are

              getting, depressing people and stopping at that, we              can see growth today.

 

              a)   If you look online, too many times, Christians

are the most negative voices you see!

 

              b)   You could soon get the impression there is no

hope!

 

              c)   Why would you want to be a part of something

where there is no hope!

 

          2.   We need to be teaching about the solution and the                difference that can be made in Christ!

 

              a)   We need to be talking about the love of God that

takes us where we are and gives us a new life,

one worth living!

 

              b)   We need to be talking about letting God’s love

flow through us and being a part of what God is

doing in the world!

 

 

              c)   We need to be talking about how that love of God

can transform our country as we care and love

all people!

 

          3.   Christ didn't die for nothing!  There are still some             people out there who we can influence and bring to               Christ!

 

          4.   We have to reverse this negative attitude of the

              church today!  There is no need for it!  We are to               be victorious!  We are on the winning side!

 

          5.   The churches that are growing today are those that               believe that God still has a mission for them today,             and they are enthusiastically endeavoring to fulfill             their mission!

 

              a.   The people are all excited, coming to the

                   preacher with new ideas of how to reach or

minister to people.

 

              b.   They can be enthusiastic about it too because                   they know their church is enthusiastic and

                   willing to try new ideas!

 

          6.   Those who aren't growing are those who:

 

              a.   "have tried it all and nothing works!"

 

              b.   Anytime something new is mentioned, it is

                   knocked in the head with a negative overtone:

 

                   1)   "I just don't think it will work!"

 

                   2)   "We tried something close to that 10 years                      ago and it didn't work!"

 

                   3)   "That won't work here!"

 

                   4)   "There is no use; we are just not going                         to grow!"

 

              c.   People feel there is no need to share any

                   ideas, so they don't!

 

     C.   It doesn’t have to be this way!

 

          1.   Jesus Christ is still the same yesterday, today, and

forever! Heb. 13:8

 

          2.   Christianity can still grow!  It is still like

Leaven! It can still make a big difference in the

world!  We do not need to feel defeated!

 

a)   It may not be fast!

 

b)   But it can be steady!

 

          3.   We just need to be focused on sharing that Love of

God that the world, even many who profess to be

Christian, need to hear about and be able to see!

 

Conclusion:

 

     A.   So many churches are in the negative mode today, and they        could and should be in the positive mode.

 

     B.   Which church are we?

 

     C.   Read Luke 13:20&21 again.

 

     D.   How are we using our influence?

 

     E.   As we encounter Christ at the table today, ask Christ

fill you with God’s love!  As Christ to help you to be

Leaven and to let the growth start with you!

 

                      Prayer of Confession

Service of Communion