Taking the Sermon Home

The sermon on January 19, 2014 was Come and See.  The sermon text is John 1:29-42.

Today we read John’s version of Jesus’ baptism, and learn how the initial disciples were gathered.

How do the men learn about Jesus and what compels them to follow him?

How does the group grow beyond the initial followers?

According to today’s gospel, becoming a disciple of Jesus is all about invitation. Who has been
instrumental in leading you to become a follower, and who might you invite to come and see?

Taking the Sermon Home

January 12, 2014
Today is a celebration of the Baptism of Our Lord. The Old Testament reading is again from Isaiah, the 42nd chapter, and the account of Jesus’ baptism comes from Matthew 3:13-17.

The passage from Isaiah describes a servant (which could be Israel) that has been called to fulfill certain purposes—to bring justice to the nations, and release people from things that bind them. God calls each of us in our baptism. What are the ways you can discern God’s plan for your life?

The gospel of Matthew describes Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. Why do you think Jesus was baptized, given his identity as Son of God?

What difference does your baptism make in your day-to-day life? 

Taking the Sermon Home

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, and Matthew 2:1-12

In our readings this morning, we anticipate the festival of Epiphany on January 6 and the occasion, according to Matthew’s gospel, when the three wise men come from the East to see the baby Jesus. They are led by the light of a star.

Matthew indicates that Herod is frightened by Jesus’ birth, and the fascination the wise men display. Why
do you think Herod is concerned? In what way does Jesus upset the status quo?

Who, or what, draws you nurture your relationship with God?

What are the gifts that you have, to offer the Lord? 

Taking the Sermon Home

Fourth Sunday in Advent
Sermon Title: Welcome, to the Real World
Scriptural References: Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

This morning we learn the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of Joseph, as he hears in a dream the prophecy from Isaiah in our First Reading: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” which means “God is with us.”

Describe Joseph. How does he react to his predicament with Mary?
In what way is he a model for us and our relationship to God?
What does the notion that “God is with us” mean for your life?

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!