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.
A Lonesome Voice John 1:6-8, 19-28
With confidence & humility, one voice tells our ears the truth our eyes can’t see
Current Series: Love in the Ruins
Empty buildings and landscapes reflect the distance between us and God.
Study & Share Insert
4. St. John points away from himself & to Jesus. Consider the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grunewald (c. 1515). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isenheim_Altarpiece How does the painting’s symbolism inspire your actions during Advent & Christmas? How does it expose your failures?
It’s You or Them Matthew 25:31-46
God judges the living & dead, for life & punishment
Current Series: Judgment
Just and merciful, not scary
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...#1 Notice how the story unfolds. First, the sheep & goats are separated, next the sheep’s blessing is announced, then their works are described, finally they are surprised at their righteous works. What does the Old Testament tell us about such vindication? See Psalms 17:2, 24:5, 26:1, 35:24-27, 37:6, 43:1; 54:1, 98:2, 103:6, 135:14; Isaiah 34:8, 58:8, 61:1-2; Jeremiah 51:10; Joel 2:23; Micah 7:9-10
Get Action! Matthew 25:1-13
God judges our “meh” response to his gospel
Current Series: Judgment
Just and merciful, not scary
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...#6 How can you explain to a pre-Christian the connection between v13 & the guaranteed, imminent return of Jesus? See Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Peter 3:10
Hey Y'all, Watch This Matthew 23:1-12
God judges our prideful competition & showing-off toward one another
Current Series: Judgment
Just and merciful, not scary
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...#1 What do 11:28-30, 12:1-8, & 15:1-20 add to the context? How does Jesus’ critique include (or not) something like “you can’t get there [righteousness] from here [right behavior]? See Romans 3:22-26; 1 Corinthains 1:26-31; Ephesians 2:4-9
Holy Love Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-19
God judges our (lack of) love for neighbor, who needs our good works
Current Series: Judgment
Just and merciful, not scary
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...#1 How does the refrain “I am the LORD” root the Israelites’ behavior in God, not themselves? By the way, review the Golden Calf incident to see what happens when we look within/give into ourselves (see Exodus 32). See Exodus 19:5-6, 20:2, 8-11; Deuteronomy 6:20-25, 7:6, 26:18-19; Isaiah 61:6; Romans 6:12-23; Ephesians 2:12-13; 1 Peter 2:9
Ready or Not Matthew 22:1-14
God wants guests at his banquet to BE READY for the feast.
Current Series: Judgment
Just and merciful, not scary
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...#How does Isaiah 25:1-9 connect with this parable? How does it help you decipher the characters & plot of the story? Hint: v7 likely refers to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem & the Temple Mount in AD 70. See Isaiah 6:10; Matthew 9:15; Galatians 3:27; Formula of Concord-Epitome: XI 12; FC availablebookofconcord.org
Ready or Not Matthew 22:1-14
God wants guests at his banquet to BE READY for the feast.
Current Series: Judgment
Just and merciful, not scary
Study & Share Insert
...#How does Isaiah 25:1-9 connect with this parable? How does it help you decipher the characters & plot of the story? Hint: v7 likely refers to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem & the Temple Mount in AD 70. See Isaiah 6:10; Matthew 9:15; Galatians 3:27; Formula of Concord-Epitome: XI 12; FC availablebookofconcord.org
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...#5 Many congregations pile up a hoard of things (physical, financial, & metaphorical) that can only be used for a (foggy) “special” purpose within the congregation (this does not include special Christmas/Easter decorations & the like) & finally end up not being used much at all. First, where do see this attitude at work in your congregation? Second, how can you honor the giver & the gifts, yet help find a new, life-giving, fruit-bearing purpose for them? See Matthew 6:19-21, 19:16-24, 20:28, 23:11-15; Luke 12:13-21; 1 Timothy 6:9-10
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...#2 Consider Matthew 9:9-12. How does that help explain v32, "For John came to you in the way of righteousness & you did not believe him, but the tax collectors & the prostitutes believed him; & even after you saw it, you did not change your minds & believe him."? See Matthew 3:1-12, 11:2-30; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 3:1-20, 7:24-30, 36-50, 15:1-32; John 5:17-24, 30-47, 8:12-20, 31-47, 54-59, 10:22-39
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...#6 Seniority-based systems protect the longest participants (vv10-12) at the expense of the newest, until not enough new participants can be consumed for the sake of the system. Consider your congregation’s “actives” into 10+years, 5-10 yrs., 2-5 yrs., & l-2 yrs. What do you see? What can you do to change it?
