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Sermon Series, Week III: Elijah: On Fire for the Lord
Scriptural Reference: 1 Kings 19
"A Deafening Silence"

After the thrill of overcoming tremendous odds and revealing the power and authority of God, Elijah finds himself running for his life.

When have you felt that everything was working against you…and where did you find God in the midst of it? Elijah’s interaction with God is honest and authentic—he does not hold back feelings. What does this tell you about the nature of his relationship with God?

How would you describe your relationship with God?

What things can you do, to develop a deeper connection?

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Week Two of Elijah: On Fire for the Lord 

The "Raining" Authority

Rev. Kathryn Carroll

Scriptural Reference: 1 Kings 18:20-46

Today the story of Elijah continues, with a dramatic contest between Elijah, and the prophets of Baal.  How is God’s power and authority demonstrated in the story…and how is God’s power and authority demonstrated in your life?

Elijah challenges the people that assemble at Mount Carmel with the statement, How long will you go limping with two different opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.  In what ways do you relate to this challenge?

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June 2, 2013   Sermon Series   "Elijah: On Fire for the Lord"

Week I: "Feast or Famine"

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 17:8-24; Luke 7:11-17

Rev. Kathryn Carroll, Pastor

Today is the first of four Sundays focusing on the prophet Elijah.  In the first scene, Elijah is both sent by the Lord to the widow in Zarephath, and then, is given the prophecy to share, that her supplies will not be depleted until the rain falls.  What does this story say to you about trust?

Next, Elijah is given power to revive the widow’s son, after his illness leaves “no breath left in him.”  What do Elijah’s extraordinary powers demonstrate to the widow about the nature of Elijah?  About the nature of Elijah’s God?

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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

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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?

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 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?  

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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?