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.
Extends to His Disciples Mark 6:1-16
Sent in his name, with his power, to accomplish his mission
Current Series: Power of God...
The Power of God is in the name of Jesus
Study & Share Insert:
...#2 We might say that King Herod has a guilty conscience. What connections do you find with John the Baptizer’s work (1:1-11, 14, 6:27-29)? What about Elijah (v15; 1 Kings 17:8-24, 18:17-18, 19:8-10, 21:11-19)?
To Heal Mark 5:21-24a, 35-43
To us, death is the end; to Jesus, it’s only sleeping
Current Series: Power of God...
The Power of God is in the name of Jesus
Study & Share Insert:
...#4 It’s often said that Christians need not fear death. What did Jesus teach (v35) this crowd? In what way do the following confirm this saying? See v39 above; Matthew 27:52; John 11:11, 13; Acts 7:60, 13:36; 1 Corinthians 11:30, 15:6, 18, 20, 51; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15; Revelation 14:13
To Heal Mark 5:24b-34
An intimate healing encounter, God’s power comes through human touch
Current Series: Power of God... The Power of God is in the name of Jesus
Study & Share Insert:
...#3 When Jesus says “your faith has made you well (v34)” he doesn’t mean the woman caused her own healing by some inward power of her own. Her faith is that which trusts in Jesus to receive his good gifts. How is her faith like your own- especially as you consider the sacraments? See SmallCatechism: Baptism, Office of the Keys, Lord’s Supper; SC available bookofconcord.org
Storm vs. Calm Mark 4:35-41
Perhaps we speak too soon when asking, “Hey God! Don’t you care?”
Current Series:
A Contrasting Kingdom The Kingdom of God stands whole; it is not divided into parts
Study & Share Insert:
...#2 What would changing the first reading to Jonah 1:1--2:1 add to (or subtract from) your insights about the Gospel reading? What happens if you compare throwing Jonah overboard to Jesus’ death (cf. Matthew 12:38-41)? What about using Proverbs 30:1-5? See also Psalms 104:3, 135:7
Faith vs. Sight Mark 4:26-34
We can’t see over the end, but we know what awaits us.
Current Series:
A Contrasting Kingdom The Kingdom of God stands whole; it is not divided into parts
Study & Share Insert:
...#1 Compare & contrast the Ezekiel (17:22-24) lesson & the Gospel. What connections make the Ezekiel lesson a good fit as a model or prototype for the Gospel lesson? Hint: in Ezekiel the tree symbolizes a particular person/role & the birds likely signify other nations.
United in Battle & Triumph Mark 3:20-35
God’s kingdom is united by Jesus himself against “momentary afflictions” like Satan & evil powers.
Current Series:
A Contrasting Kingdom The Kingdom of God stands whole; it is not divided into parts
Study & Share Insert:
...#1 How does this story connect with the OT reading? With these later episodes (Mark 6:1-6; 13:9-13; also Matthew 10:16-38; Luke 12:49-53) & with John 8:31-59 (also 5:17-46)?
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit Romans 8:12-17, 22-57
We bother with the Holy Trinity because it’s the only way the entire thing hangs together
Current Series: None
Study & Share Insert:
...#3 How does this passage inform your prayer life, esp. vv15-17, 25-27? How are our prayers trinitarian, that is, involving all three persons of the Holy Trinity?
Proof Mark Luke 24:44-53
Showing & telling about life on the vine
Current Series: Thrive on the Vine
Divine roots & fruits
Study & Share Insert
...#2 Jesus is sure to include repentance in his command for proclamation. How come? See Deuteronomy 30:1-20; 1 Kings 8:44-53 (cf. 2 Chronicles 6:36-40); Psalms 7:12, 78:34; Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 3:22; Ezekiel 18:19-32, 33:7-11 (12-20); Daniel 9:13; Joel 2:11-13; Jonah 3:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12, 4:17, 12:41; Mark 1:2-5, 15, 6:7-13; Luke 3:3-18, 5:32, 13:1-9, 15:7, 10, 17:3-4; Romans 3:23, 11:23; Galatians 3:22; 1 Timothy 2:4, 25; 2 Peter 3:9
Friendship John 15:9-17
Your momma wants your own friendship with Jesus, not hers.
Current Series: Thrive on the Vine
Divine roots & fruits
Study & Share Insert
...#1. Consider John 13:1-20, esp. v34, 10:18, & 14:31 (cf. 1 John 3:16). How is laying down one’s life not merely intensity of feeling/affection but the means, or way, of loving? See John 3:16; Acts 5:41; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 11:7-11; 22-33; Philippians 3:4-14
Abiding John 15:1-8
Our lives ARE fruitful when lived on the vine
Current Series: Thrive on the Vine
Divine roots & fruits
Study & Share Insert
...#2. How do the following verses flesh out “fruit”? See Matthew 3:8, 7:20; John 8:41; Roman 6:22; Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:20; see also 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 5:9, 15-20; James 3:17-18; 2 Peter 1:5-8
