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.
Reality of the Yoke Matthew 11:25-30
Trust me, you’re worth more to me than you realize, says Jesus
Current Series: Reality Check
Our real calling in everyday life
Study & Share Insert
...#2 Consider what St. Paul says about our bondage; see Romans 3:9, 19-26, 6:1-23, 11:32; Galatians 3:22-23; see also Matthew 23:1-7; John 8:31-47; 1 John 1:8-10. Is anyone spiritually free of a “yoke” to pick one of their choice? That is, do we come to Jesus from a neutral place & decide his offer against all other spiritual offers, or must he rescue us for his purposes?
Reality of the Team Matthew 9:35--10:8
Jesus teaches his team his playbook, sends them out to play, & tells them he has more positions to fill.
Current Series: Reality Check
Our real calling in everyday life
Study & Share Insert
...#2 St. Matthew records Jesus’ harvest imagery in 9:37-38, 13:24-30, 36-43, 21:33-41. What’s the harvest? See Revelation 14:1-20, esp. v15; Philippians 1:9-11 What do you need to do to make yourself ready for harvest as grain, not chaff?
Creation to Commission
Genesis 1:1--2:4a
God created me & all that exists for his purposes; God recreates me in Baptism for discipleship
Current Series:
Study & Share Insert
...#1 Identify the Trinitarian references in this passage & the other readings for the day. You may need to look across multiple verses in a passage. Also, what connections do you find between this week’s readings?
Empowered for Mission Acts Acts 1:12-26
Let us repent of our sin, give thanks for the Holy Spirit, & boldly proclaim the Good News!
Current Series: Forged by the Spirit
Resurrection Power Births a Church
Study & Share Insert
...#1 Review the Apostles’ Creed in the Small & Large Catechisms to understand who the Holy Spirit is & what he does. Do you notice anything unreasonable or unintelligible about him or his work? Is he pure emotion or energy? See John 15:26-27, 16:12-15; SC, LC availablebookofconcord.org
Raising Up xxLeadersxx Followers Acts Acts 1:12-26
I guess you just had to be there.
Current Series: Forged by the Spirit
Resurrection Power Births a Church
Study & Share Insert
...#2 Theologians speak of different modes of Jesus’ real presence: historical (his annunciation to his ascension); sacramental (i.e. Holy Communion); & mystical (baptized Body of Christ). How does his Ascension help explain each one? Hints: Where did his resurrected historical body go? Is “the right hand of the Father” an actual physical place limited to the laws our universe of time & space? See Formula of Concord: Epitome VIII, available bookofconcord.org
A Day in the Life Acts Acts 2:42-47
How do we actually live day-to-day with fellow believers in everyday life?
Current Series: Forged by the Spirit
Resurrection Power Births a Church
Study & Share Insert
...#2 Consider Luke 24:44-48, (49-52), 53. How does the Acts reading demonstrate what Jesus tells them? Consider also Luke’s “great songs” (1:46-55, 67-79, 2:29-32); how are they coming true in Acts? How are they still coming true today in your congregation?
Witness unto Death Acts Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60
God who sent us His Son to show us the way through death to new life
Current Series: Forged by the Spirit
Resurrection Power Births a Church
Study & Share Insert
...#1 Consider 2:42-47, 4:32-35; what is on the cusp of happening? (See also 1 Tim 5:3-16.) What does St. John add (1 John 4:20)? How about St. Paul (1 Corinthians 11:17-22; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11)? How does focusing on the Word bring harmony & heal division? See John 8:31
Mission Never Stops Acts 5:29-42
God uses the world’s persecution to make every church stronger
Current Series: Forged by the Spirit
Resurrection Power Births a Church
Study & Share Insert
...#1 What does Jesus have to say about his followers & suffering? See Matthew 10:16-22, 24:9-14; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 6:22-23, 21:12-17; John 15:18-25; Revelation 2:1--3:22
