This is Pastor Jared's weekly sermon info and his weekly Study and Share devotional Bible study. Unless otherwise noted all sermons and studies are copyright Jared Stillions 2020-2023. The devotional Bible studies may be reproduced & shared for personal, non-sale use, provided this copyright notice is included. The studies are formatted two to a page to make sharing it easier. Weekly posts go live at 9:00 AM on Sundays.
You can find his sermon podcast on the sermon-cast page. Check back each Sunday for new content. The podcast will soon be listed with major services. Why not put them on the same page? Due to limitations of our website builder.
By the way, here's the Lutheran Confessions, The Book of Concord, online and in the public domain. These writings, including Luther's Small & Large Catechisms are frequently referenced in these devotional studies. The Confessions are the historic doctrinal standard of the Lutheran Church and a faithful exposition of the Bible. You could say they are squared, leveled, and plumb by and to the Bible itself.
Surprised by Suffering
Faith-based suffering surprises & shames us; St. Peter says it shouldn’t 1 Peter 4:12-19, 5:6-11
Current Series: Grit & Grace
Suffering in a comfortable world
Study & Share Insert
...#2 How does this passage reflect Jesus’ teachings? See Matthew 5:10-12, 10:22, 38-39, 24:9; Mark 13:13; Luke 21:12, 16-17; John 9:1-3, 15:18-21, 16:2, 33
Courage
Jesus’ resurrection divides the living and dead Acts 10:34-43
Current Series:
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Study & Share Insert
...#2 How does St. John’s Gospel show Peter’s shocking turn to the courageous? John 13:6-10, 36-38, 14:25-27, 18:7-11, 15-18, 25-27, 20:19-23, 21:1-7, 15-22; also Acts 2:1-4, 14-40 consider https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage#Ancient_Greece How are the Last Supper & Garden reckless? How are the denials & locked room cowardice?
Humility & New Meaning
Relying on Christ’s power and sufficient grace to become a person of humility, looking past self to the interest of others 2 Corinthians 12:8-11
Current Series: St. Paul Hugs His Cactus
Dealing with our souls’ ugly parts
Study & Share Insert
...#2 What prevents us from skipping from the Palm Sunday story right to Easter Sunday? SeeSmall Catechism, Large Catechism: Creed 2nd Article availablebookofconcord.orgActs 2:36; Romans 6:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, 2:2, 7-10, 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 7:9-14
Embracing the Ugly (Thorn)
Understanding that painful reminder is there so that one will boast not in one’s strength, but in one’s weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:1-7
Current Series: St. Paul Hugs His Cactus
Dealing with our souls’ ugly parts
Study & Share Insert
...#4 Review Romans 7:7-24, esp. v19. What parts of your “personality” consistently cause trouble for you (even if hidden from others). How do God’s forgiveness & taking personal responsibility for your bad actions allow you to both love this part of self (for it is not going away) & seek to rein it in limiting its damage
Forgiveness
On the ability to both give and receive forgiveness, even forgiving the most difficult one to forgive- yourself 2 Corinthians 2:1-11
Current Series: St. Paul Hugs His Cactus
Dealing with our souls’ ugly parts
Study & Share Insert
...#3 St. Paul has a lot to say about fellow believers who cause public scandal & division. What do you think about his Biblical instruction? See Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:13; Galatians 6:1-2; Colossians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timohty 1:3, 20, 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 3:10; also Hebrews 12:3-11; James 5:19-20; 2 John 1:7-11; Jude 1:19
Hope
Christ has died for us even as we are sinners, justifying us with his blood, and reconciling us to God Romans 5:1-11
Current Series: St. Paul Hugs His Cactus
Dealing with our souls’ ugly parts
Study & Share Insert
...#6 How do you explain grace vs good behavior (works) to a neighbor who’s convinced they’re “good enough already, or at least better than some others” to merit eternal life, salvation, & forgiveness? See Romans 3:27-28; Galatians 2:16, 3:24-28; Ephesians 2:8-22; Philippians 3:9; Titus 3:7; 1 Peter 3:8-18a
