Taking the Sermon Home

Reformation Sunday, October 27, 2013
Text: Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31-36
A Burden Relieved

Today is the day we celebrate the gift of grace, and the freedom that the gospel gives.

How do you define the word freedom?  What is the difference between freedom, and license?

Jesus says in John's gospel: So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed  

What does Jesus do to make you free?  How does this freedom change your perspective on life?

Taking the Sermon Home

October 20, 2013
The Real Deal
Sermon Text: Luke 18:9-14...the parable of the Pharisee and a tax collector. 

Where do you see yourself in the parable…as a Pharisee, or a tax collector…or, do you see
yourself in both? Why?

Think about your most treasured human relationships. What is it that makes them so
precious, and somehow different from other relationships? How does this relate to how
you nurture your relationship with God?


In what ways can our attitude impede a robust relationship with God?

Taking the Sermon Home

October 13, 2013

Scriptural Reference: Luke 18:1-8—The Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge

In the gospel this week, Jesus tells a story about a widow who keeps coming to a judge, seeking justice. The judge dismisses her for a time, but ultimately is worn down by her constant pleas and grants her request. 

Jesus highlights the words pray, justice, and faith in the story. What do you think these words all have to do with each other?

What do you expect to happen when you pray?  What part do you play in making prayer meaningful and fulfilling?

How can God use you to answer the pleas for justice in our world today?

Taking the Sermon Home

September 29, 2013

Taking the Sermon Home

Stories to Tell; Gifts to Share: Cheerful Sacrifice

Scriptural Reference: Luke 19:1-10

Today we complete our sermon series as we read about Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, and his encounter with Jesus.

· The business practices of a tax collector such as Zacchaeus were known to be suspect.  In other words, he was the type of person Jesus would likely have been critical of, and yet, Jesus seeks out Zacchaeus’ hospitality and is warmly received.  What does this say about Zacchaeus?  About Jesus?

· What happens when Zacchaeus is touched by the power of Jesus’ spirit?

· What does it mean in your life to be transformed by grace? 

· In what ways does the gospel make a difference in your life, and inform the choices you make about your giving?

Taking the Sermon Home

“Stories to Tell; Gifts to Share:” Giving to the Church

September 22, 2013

Scripture references: Deuteronomy 24:17-22; Acts 4:32-37; Luke 8:1-3

As we focus on stories, gifts, and giving—that is, stewardship—today we see three lessons in which the key message has to do with sharing.  In the Deuteronomy lesson, the Israelites are instructed to leave crops behind for others to take; in the New Testament lessons, the emphasis is on communal distribution.  Either way, however, the point is that the resources you possess are not to be used solely on the self.

How do you determine, how much is enough when it comes to financial resources?   What benchmarks do you use?

What motivates you to give?

How is your giving to your church an expression of faith?  An expression of gratitude?

What blessings do you receive from your giving?

Taking the Sermon Home

Scripture References: Philippians 4:4-9; Luke 18:18-25

Sermon Series: Stories to Tell; Gifts to Share
Grateful Living

The sermon series on stories and gifts continues this week.  Once again this week in Philippians, we learn how Paul experiences joy in his relationship with God despite 
hardship—and gives thanks. We also read about a rich ruler whose possessions 
keep him from turning his life fully over to the Lord.

How do you express gratitude to God? What do you withhold?
In what ways is gratitude a motivation for giving?
What are you grateful for…and how do you express it?

Taking the Sermon Home

September 8, 2013

Scripture References: Philippians 4:10-13; Luke 15:1-10

Stories to Tell, and Gifts to Share…this is an apt description of our lives as Christians. To begin with this morning, we rejoice that we are part of God’s story. It is through God’s grace that we live, and move and have our being.  Each day is an opportunity for graceful living, in which to give thanks for the promises of God that we are loved, valued and destined for an eternal relationship.

How would you define grace, and what difference does it make in your life?

In what ways does your relationship with God bring joy?

In the two parables we read this morning, something is lost, that is found after relentless searching. 

What does this tell you about the nature of God?