Taking the Sermon Home

Scripture References: Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17

This is our third week in which the key scripture text comes from Hebrews. We learn about a new covenant, or promise, made real through Christ. In Christ, we see the glory of God.
First, what does God promise us, according to the passage in Hebrews?

In Hebrews, we learn about a new covenant; in the Luke passage, we learn about a woman bent over for eighteen years, whose back was made straight…again, new life! Describe a time when you felt the “fresh wind” of God’s presence in your life. What new things happened as a result?

The Hebrews passage ends with, let us give thanks, by which we offer an acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for indeed our God is a consuming fire. In your prayer life this week, try to start not with your desires and petitions, but rather, with an awareness of the vastness and righteousness of God. Once we recognize that we are in the presence of a power far greater than ourselves, we are better able to utter, thy will, be done, and entrust our lives to our loving, creative God.

Taking the Sermon Home

Sunday, August 18, 2013
The focus continues on the book of Hebrews and its commentary on the nature of faith. 
The Scripture focus is Hebrews 11:29-12:2.

What do you notice about the experiences of the various biblical heroes and what does this have to say about the life of faith?
When has your faith called forth courage from within that you never dreamed you had?
Faith is caught, more than taught. What does this statement mean to you?

This week, give thanks, by name, for the cloud of witnesses that have nurtured you and demonstrated the love of Christ.

Taking the Sermon Home

Today we begin a four week look at the book of Hebrews, concentrating on chapters 11-13.
The series is entitled “Speaking of Faith,” for Chapter 11 begins with the words, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

How would you define faith? How does it differ from wishful thinking?
How can faith change one’s outlook on the future?
Who has been an example of faith in your life, and why?

Taking the Sermon Home

 Rev. Kathryn Carroll, Christ the King Lutheran Church

Scriptural Reference: Luke 12:13-21  The Parable of the Rich Fool

What gives the man in today’s parable the greatest feeling of security?

What makes you feel secure?

Riches, in and of themselves, are not necessarily wrong; it’s our relationship to them that can give us so much trouble!  What do you feel Jesus is trying to communicate through the story?