GRADS, WHEN YOU ASK A PREACHER A QUESTION, YOU GET A SERMON!  BUT I WISH YOU WOULD REMEMBER THIS ONE

1. Mark 9:34 the Apostles argued over who would have the most authority in the Kingdom of Heaven-
2. They were earthly (Non-grads), arguing over things to be done 2,000 years later; & missing joy
3. They at least came to Jesus and asked! - That is more than most of you do! & Jesus preached them not the answer they wanted- but the sermon that they needed! So I shall try today!

I.- EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED!     Matt 18:1-5

Jesus could have rebuked them- "You are worried about rank, when you aren't sure you're in Army"

A.- THE ONLY WAY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS THROUGH BEING CONVERTED, v.3 NO OTHER WAY!

1. To be converted means to be changed- to be turned about face!  Going a different direction -
2. Man is by nature (old) reprobate from God's spirit; conversion is to turn to God's way of life
3. Like birth- may be a process over time, but a definite time of change, turn- Me- Feb 8, 1944

B.- WHOSO SHALL HUMBLE HIMSELF AS A LITTLE CHILD, THE SAME IS GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM v. 4

1. In Active Voice- Humble Yourself- this involves your conscious, controlled action with self.
2. A little child may be wrong, but will change quickly- what a rebuke to the Disciples worldliness
3. As adults- we need to love in sincerity- much to change, speak spiritually, not carnally

C.- WHOSO SHALL RECIEVE SUCH LITTLE CHILD IN MY NAME RECEIVETH ME! V. 5

1. A little child is open-hearted with acceptance and love- will easily place faith in others
2. To enter the kingdom of Heaven- we must do so with the simple faith of a child- v.3 -
3. If you want to show any kindness to Jesus- do so to a little child in His Name (love, teach)

The Disciples did not learn- Matt 19:13,14- they tried to push the little ones away from Jesus

II.- WOE UNTO THE WORLD BECAUSE OF OFFENSES V. 9-

God's special love for little ones or young new believers? God will judge those who offend them

A.- THE DISCIPLES WERE BEING OFFENDED BY SOMEONE ELSE DOING THE LORD'S WORD - Mark 9:38,9

1. Many people have sought to be offended- because this gives excuse for being carnal -
2. No one in this church minds giving special help to new, baby believers! But not to old goats
3. Adults have problems too! & to discuss adult problems before children can hurt them-- don't

B.- BUT SOME BEASTS ON EARTH DELIBERATELY TRY TO SEDUCE THE YOUNG INTO SINFULNESS v. 7

1. Sin is in the world- & Jesus warned about those who teach others to break the commandments
2. Paul warned about some who enjoyed corrupting others- reprobate!  Under terrible judgement!
3. We need our laws enforced - Strong Christians to fight off the wolves! let kids grow up-

C.- WHEREFORE IF THY HAND OR THY FOOT OFFEND THEE, CUT IT OFF: BETTER MAIMED THAN CAST INTO HELL!

1. Some of our stumbling and offense comes from our own carnal, wicked, fleshly, worldly self!
2. Don't be fooled by idiomatic expression- no hand is evil, brain controls it- so cut that out! If habit is offensive (to child) cut it out- Obvious ones-smoking, drinking, filthy words, etc.

If you don't judge- God will! Not obvious spiritual pride, prejudice, lawlessness

III. THE SECRET OF GREATNESS (SUCCESS) Matt 18:11-14

Instead of using your strength arguing over preeminence- why not use strength to serve & save!

A.- LOOK TO THE SON OF MAN FOR YOUR EXAMPLE - HE CAME TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST v.-11.

1. The One nearest the Father- Prince of Peace, King of Kings- gave His life in service for you
2. If you would give your life- do so in seeking the lost for Jesus. (job for bread) this for LIFE
3. If you would do God's will- note v. 14- VBS coming- help win the little ones to Christ!--

B.- THERE ARE MANY SECRETS OF SUCCESS AVAILABLE FOR YOU, STUDY THEM WELL, & WORK FOR JESUS!

1. Interest in Others;
2. Respect yourself;
3. Be enthusiastic;
4. Be True;
5. Discipline! (a) Know God. (b) Know Yourself. (c) Know your work, and do it. (Edmund Burke)
6. Seek the Will of the Father- Pray for His will to be done, then rise up and do it!

C.- WHEN JESUS ASKS," ARE YE ABLE" WHAT WILL YOUR ANSWER BE? LET'S CHECK THE BIBLE Matt 20:2

1. Still looking for temporal power, two had their mother ask a special favor of Jesus- authority
2. But the key is not seeking authority- but seeking a ministry (Deacon) 26- 28 give yourself
3. The others were angry at the two v.24- but no one gets angry at a faithful servant!- You?

Many angry mobs today look for cannon fodder- but you can give yourself to serve God- & be happy

STILL WHEN SATAN TEMPTS US TO BE HAUGHTY, WE ALONE CAN RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.  CHOOSE TO SERVE!

1. You cannot serve without being converted, saved, born again - why not come now & claim Jesus?
2. The church in today's world is important- If you would love Jesus- love His body, the church
3. Your life is yours- it can be a joy- or a millstone about your neck!  Choose for yourself