Upside Down Kingdom

Joe Stewart
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Lent
Sunday Morning

The Upside Down Kingdom

Jesus demonstrated his power during his lifetime. By healing, forgiving, walking on water, and rising from the dead, Jesus declares himself the Son of God and prepares us to witness with fresh eyes his greatest power on Easter morning: his power over life and death for all time and all people. Our own power to believe and thrive in faith grows as we tap into the power he repeatedly demonstrates.

Locations & Times

First Baptist Church Seminole Tx

202 SW Ave B, Seminole, TX 79360, USA

Sunday 5:00 AM

Exploring Easter

Exploring Easter

Read Plan

Welcome to First Baptist. This page is where you will find the sermon notes and more information about what is happening at FBC.

Stay connected:
www.fbcseminole.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstSeminole
Twitter: @Seminolefbc
Instagram: @fbcseminolekids
@fbcseminole_youth

We meet Sundays:
9:00 am Worship
10:30 am Worship
Connect Groups throughout the week.

Generosity Through Giving

We want to thank those of you who give faithfully and systematically to our church. We hope you know how important your giving is to what God is doing at FBC Seminole, in our community, and across the planet through the different ministries we are able to partner with through your financial generosity. We've fixed plumbing, remodeled kitchens, replaced shingles, celebrated our teachers, and made  a difference in a host of other opportunities. Your generosity matters. We offer Financial Peace University on a consistent basis for those who need financial help.  It's a financial management system that allows multitudes to eliminate debt and live in freedom. Text the amount you want to give to 84321.

https://fbcseminole.org/give

Standing Strong In the Storms

First Peter sets forth what it means to be Christians in a hostile world. The great salvation we received gives us a future hope and inheritance that guarantees our future. Discover how you can live as living demonstrations of Gods family to attract others to join God's chosen race, royal priesthood, and holy nation.
Join us with Pastor Joe Stewart on Wednesday evenings March 19th - May 14th.

https://fbcseminoletx.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2655101

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Do we treat Jesus like a street magician?

David Blaine - Do Not Attempt

David Blaine, a former street magician, has a six-part documentary on National Geographic called Do Not Attempt. Blaine is attempting to outdo his childhood idol, Harry Houdini, by going to remote locations around the world and doing things he warns should not be replicated.

https://www.tiktok.com/@tashaleo32/video/7488595644244921631

Faith isn't a magic show for your amusement. Faith is a kingdom for your allegiance.
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Who or what is on the throne of your heart?

Matthew 21:1-11 NIV

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciplessaying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

1. Jesus is the King of Divinity

2. Jesus is the King of Prophecy

3. Jesus is the King of Humility

4. Jesus is the King of Victory

I. Jesus is the King of Divinity
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Give Him your anything - and He will be your everything.

A mindset of scarcity breeds misery, but generosity brings victory.

II. Jesus is the King of Prophecy
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Don't give up on God because God hasn't given up on you.
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Hudson Sharp

III. Jesus is the King of Humility
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He’s not a street magician who you beckon to grant your wishes for your
amusement. He’s your king who deserves your allegiance.
IV. Jesus is the King of Liberty

Sign up for Baptism on Easter Sunday!

You can sign up to be baptized on Easter Sunday at either service on Sunday, April 20

https://fbcseminoletx.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2816916

Here are some discussion questions for Matthew 21:1-11 - what jumps out as you read?

Understanding the Passage

1.How does Jesus demonstrate his foreknowledge and control over the situation in verses 2-3? What does this reveal about his identity?
2.Why is it significant that Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9? What does this say about his kingship?
3.What do the actions of the crowd (laying cloaks and branches, shouting “Hosanna”) signify about their understanding of Jesus?

Reflection and Application
4.Imagine yourself as one of Jesus’ disciples witnessing this event. How might you have felt or reacted? What expectations might you have had for what would happen next?
5.The crowd asked, “Who is this?” (v.10). How would you answer that question today if someone asked you about Jesus?
6.How do you personally celebrate or acknowledge Jesus as King in your life? What does it mean to honor him as a humble and sacrificial leader?
7. What's the difference between faith as a magic show for your amusement and faith as a kingdom for your allegiance?

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 NIV