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.
Ruth & Naomi Ruth 1:1-19a
Yes, Ruth is loyal to Naomi, but even more so to the one true God
Current Series: From Generation to Generation
Imparting the Faith for the Future, Today
Study & Share Insert
...#2 What connections do you find between Ruth & Luke 17:11-19? Remember Ruth is a foreigner/Moabite (descended from Lot; see Genesis 19:30-38, Deuteronomy 2:9). Consider especially Ruth 1:15-17 & Luke 1:15-19. What does 2 Timothy 2:8-15 add (esp. vv11-13)?
Paul & Timothy 2 Timothy 1:1-14
These character qualities are God’s purpose for us, given by his grace
Current Series: From Generation to Generation
Imparting the Faith for the Future, Today
Study & Share Insert
...#4 St. Paul is “in chains” in Rome (v16; cf. Acts 25-28, esp. 25:1-12, 28:11-30, also 23:23-35), a rather embarrassing truth for early Christians. Nonetheless, Paul encourages boldness with the Gospel (v7; Romans 5:3-5, 8:15, 10:13-17; 2 Corinthians 3;13; Ephesians 3:12, 6:19-20; Philippians 1:14, 20, 3:10; also 1 John 4:18). List at least 10 concrete circumstances in your everyday life right now where you need more boldness for the gospel & then pray for it.
Mercy from On High Luke 16:19-31
Dives drowns in indulgence while Lazarus is exalted in mercy
Current Series: Celebrating God's Gifts
What is happening when life is shaped by Baptism
Study & Share Insert
...#1. What do Matthew 28:1-4, 11-15; Luke 24:13-27, 36-40, 44-48; John 5:24-29, 37-47; Acts 3:12-26, 4:13-21, 13:26-48, 17:16-32 add to vv30-31?
Joy in God's Mission Luke 15:1-10
Scorn & indifference don’t find or rejoice in anything
Current Series: Celebrating God's Gifts
What is happening when life is shaped by Baptism
Study & Share Insert
...#1. Jesus actually tells three parables in this teaching moment. We heard the third one, the Lost (Prodigal) Son back in Lent. How do vv11-24 amplify & illustrate vv1-10? How do vv25-32 serve as a concluding warning to all three parables?
A Life Shaped by Baptism Luke 14:25-35
Following Jesus has its costs…and its gains
Current Series: Celebrating God's Gifts
What is happening when life is shaped by Baptism
Study & Share Insert
...#6. In v32 Jesus is NOT promoting “compromise” (or defiance). Such “terms of peace” between kings were often financial, the weaker paying “tribute” to the stronger. What does St. Paul add in Romans 12:9--13:10, esp. 12:18, 13:8? How do Christians have more (or less) to give up for discipleship (v33) in our culture?
Get Action Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-17, 20-21
Get out of your mind & into your body
Current Series: Cloudy Skies
Finding encouragement in a disenchanted, disillusioned everyday life
Study & Share Insert
...#2. Review the Formula of Concord Epitome: IV Good Works. How do good works (vv15-16, 21) fit into our lives? Which comes first “getting saved” or doing good works? See Luke 10:25-37; Small Catechism: 2nd Commandment; FC, SC availablebookofconcord.org
Joy Over Shame Hebrews 11:29--12:2
Divine joy & glory cloud out shame & disgrace.
Current Series: Cloudy Skies
Finding encouragement in a disenchanted, disillusioned everyday life
Study & Share Insert
...#3. Who is in your personal great cloud of witnesses? Who has taken time to build you up in the one, true faith (cf. Jude 3) in specific ways. Who kept you going when it was tough or helped you come back afterward? Contact them this week & tell them thank you.
Solid Ground Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Recalibrating to find terra firma once again.
Current Series: Cloudy Skies
Finding encouragement in a disenchanted, disillusioned everyday life
Study & Share Insert
...#3. Consider the 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed & its Small Catechism explanation. How does it connect to v3? What promised things does your faith receive in the present? What promised things are still hoped (“waited”) for? SC available bookofconcord.org
"Material Girl" -Madonna Luke 12:13-21
To travel with Jesus requires all things to serve the good of all.
Current Series: On the Road with Jesus
Jesus invites us to join him on the road, and to carry his good news wherever we travel. Also, for fun our sermon titles will make a short road trip playlist for you.
Study & Share Insert
...#6. Our culture is plagued with record debt & consumerism. What can the church of Christ do to bear witness to a better way of life?* See Proverbs 3:28, 6:1-5, 22:7; Romans 13:8; Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5-6; James 4:13-17. In your Lutheran Study Bibles by Concordia Publishing House, read the article “Five Reasons to Give Tithes & Offerings” p1092.
By the way, St. Peter’s next Financial Peace University class is open at fpu.com/1152117
(*Thanks to Pr. Nathan Hilkert, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Athens GA for this question.)
