Taking the Sermon Home

Third Sunday in Advent
December 15, 2013  'Tis the Season to Be....
Scriptural References: Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

Once again this week, a vision of God’s reign from Isaiah is paired up with a text on watchfulness and
readiness.
Describe the vision of Isaiah in your own words. How is all creation transformed and how is humanity transformed? What feelings or emotions are stirred within you as you read the passage?
Jesus does not offer a direct answer to John’s question about his identity; How does he respond, and why is this significant?
How is Jesus revealed…to you, and through you? 

Taking the Sermon Home

Second Sunday in Advent, December 8, 2013

Sermon Title: Self-Portraits

Scriptural References: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

The journey to the manger on Christmas Eve continues this week. Isaiah describes a Spirit-filled ruler for Israel that will judge with righteousness and bring peace. Then in Matthew, we read about John the Baptist’s ministry in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord.

In order to be ready for the coming of Jesus—the one in whom we see ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecies—John proclaims that we must repent. 

· What does the word repent mean, to you?

· Why is repentance a necessary step to receiving Christ in your life?

· Repentance is an inward journey—it looks at what needs to change within, irrespective of what’s happening around you.  Think of a situation, or a relationship, that is in need of repair.  How might you repent, or change, in order to improve or re-frame it?

Taking the Sermon Home

The First Sunday in Advent

Sermon Title: "In the Din"

Scriptural References: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

Happy New Year—this is the first Sunday in Advent, and the first Sunday of the liturgical year. Our readings are filled with warning, anticipation and preparation as they direct our eye towards the future.  Isaiah describes a time of universal peace—God’s shalom.  Romans and Matthew refer to an unspecified day when Christ will come again.

· What are some of the things you hope for?

· What are the blessings and challenges you experience from waiting?

· Why do you think Jesus did not provide explicit dates and times for his return?

There are four weeks until Christmas. Make a plan amidst your many activities and obligations to prepare spiritually. Is there room in your heart for his coming? How can you maintain your primary focus on Jesus, the Word made flesh? Align your priorities so there is time for regular worship, prayer and scripture reading.  May your waiting, bring you closer to your Lord!

Taking the Sermon Home

November 24, 2013
Scriptural References: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43
Sermon Title Thy Kingdom Come

Today is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the Church Year.

What are some of the images that come to mind when you think of a king? How does Jesus fit with those images…and how does he differ?

In the gospel reading which recounts the crucifixion story, the soldiers mock Jesus by saying, ―If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!‖ How does Jesus respond to this taunt, and what does it say about the nature of his kingship?

What does it mean to be one of Christ’s subjects? What does it imply about the conduct and course of our lives?

Taking the Sermon Home

November 17, 2013

Scriptural References: Malachi 4:1-2a; 

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19

"Signs of the Season"

 This morning we read about “life in the end times.” 

· Based on the lessons, what can we expect the end times to be like?

· How should we live as we await the end times?

· What are the signs of hope to look for when “the Day of the Lord” comes?

Taking the Sermon Home

November 10, 2013
Scriptural References: Job 19:23-27a; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38

Today our readings all relate, in one way or another, to resurrection and redemption.

Where do you find words of reassurance in today’s lessons?

In 2 Thessalonians we learn about people who ask questions about life after death out of a
sense of alarm, and in Luke we read about Sadducees who ask questions out of
disbelief. What barriers or questions do you encounter when contemplating death and life
after death?

How does confidence in the resurrection impact your life in the present?

Taking the Sermon Home

All Saints Sunday, November 3, 2013

Scriptural References: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Ephesians 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31

All three Bible readings on this All Saints Sunday relate to the Kingdom of God in one way or another—receiving the kingdom, and adopting kingdom behaviors.

What does the kingdom of God mean to you?  How does participation in this kingdom lead you to live?

Martin Luther said that we are both saints and sinners.  That is to say, left to our own nature we pull away from God; nevertheless, in baptism God claims us, seals us with the Holy Spirit and sets us apart for a purpose.  Today, we thank those saints who now rest from their labors, just as we pray that we might be “saints” and examples of faith for others.

Who is on the list of saints that has nurtured you and helped you deepen your relationship with God?   How did they lead by example?