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.
Strength & Endurance Training Luke 6:20-31
Physical health and wellness involves both; so too with saintly, spiritual wellness.
Current Series: Come Down Here
Called down from our attempts to get a leg up on others, we serve them instead
Study & Share Insert
...#6 As American elections become increasingly bitter & hateful, how does the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49, esp. vv26-38) equip you to be a force for peacefulness, temperance, & happiness in your community or workplace? How does that cut against your own preferred political party’s platform?
Jacob's Family Homecoming
Genesis 32:22--33:4
Out of tricks & alone, Jacob must reckon with God before reckoning with Esau
Current Series: From Generation to Generation
Imparting the Faith for the Future, Today
Study & Share Insert
...#2 Consider Hosea 12:3-5 (also Exodus 4:24-26); Luke 12:27-34, 13:24; 1 Corinthians 12:27--13:1 (13:2-8), 14:1; Colossians 4:12; 2 Peter 3:15; see also Isaiah 45:9. How is Jacob’s wrestling match, striving with God, a model for us? What warning does Isaiah give? What do 1Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 11:21-28 1 Timothy 1:18, 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7 add?
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
