Taking the Sermon Home

May 26, 2013

Scriptural References: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

· Trinity Sunday delves into the way Christians understand God in three ways—Creator (Father), Redeemer (Son), and Guide (Holy Spirit).  What do these various images imply about God’s interaction with, and ongoing presence in, our lives?

· When you close your eyes and picture God, what do you see?

· In John, Jesus says to the disciples, I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.  What truths do you think Jesus was speaking about? What truths do you find hard to bear in our contemporary world?

 

· Where do you hear God speaking now…and what is the truth God is speaking?

 Rev. Kathryn Carroll, Christ the King Lutheran Church

Taking the Sermon Home

Scriptural References for May 19, 2013: Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17

 Pentecost Sunday

How is the presence of the Holy Spirit evidenced in Acts?  Where do you see evidence of the Holy Spirit today?

How does “God as Spirit” inform your overall understanding of God?  In other words, what does it mean that God comes to us as “Spirit?”

John's gospel assures us that the Spirit's presence is a source of peace.  Reflect upon a time when your fears and worries were relieved by knowing that God was with you-how was the Holy Spirit revealed to you?

Taking the Sermon Home

 May 12, 2013

Scriptural References: Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26

Acts 16 describes some unlikely places for Paul and Silas to witness to their faith.  First, they pray and sing hymns to God while fellow inmates listen; then, after the prison doors are miraculously opened, they share the gospel with the jailer and his household.  When have you had the opportunity to talk your faith in an unlikely place?  What does it take, to recognize and seize upon such opportunities?

In John 17, Jesus is described as praying directly for you and me.  Jesus says to God in verses 20 and 21: I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.  What emotions does that stir within you?

What does it mean for us to be one with believers in the past, present, and future?   In other words, how does God’s word, make us one, so that unity, does not mandate uniformity?  

Taking the Sermon Home

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Scriptural Reference: Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53

For reflection:

The ascension of Jesus marks an ending as he departs into heaven, and yet, it is also a 
story of new opportunities and assurance. 
What changes does the ascension bring, and 
how are the disciples made to know that the Lord will remain with them?
Jesus tells the disciples that they are to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and 
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. What does it mean to you, to be a witness? 
How do you witness to your faith in your day-to-day life?