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.
He Lives! 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Jesus lives, where even hope has died
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Study & Share Insert
...#1 Review the “Passion Predictions” referenced in Mark 16:7, as well as 8:34-9:1; 9:33-37; 10:35-45 (see also 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). How do they shed light on the following Old Testament passages which model/prophesy/suggest the Messiah’s resurrection? Genesis 3:15, 22:1-18 (cf. Hebrews 11:17-19); Psalm 2:7 (cf. Acts 13:33), 16:1-11 (cf. Acts 2:25-28, 13:35-37), 22:1-31 esp. vv14-15, 25-27, 40:1-3, 110:1; Job 14:4, 19:25-26; Isaiah 53:8-10; Hosea 6:2; Zechariah 12:10; Jonah 1:17 (cf. Matthew 12:40) Note: at least some are not immediately obvious; check surrounding verse for additional context.
Finish Line 2 Samuel 7:1, 8-16
God guaranteed the covenant, and so he guarantees its completion
Current Series: Guaranteed!
God doesn’t go back on his word
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...#5 Consider Genesis 2:15-17, 3:9-13, 4:8-11, 6:5-8, 8:21, 9:5-6; Leviticus 26:3-46; Jeremiah 11:7-10, 31:31-34; Mark 10:45; Romans 1:18-32, 5:12-17, 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Ephesians 1:7-8; Hebrews 9:15-26. How do these passages help you explain the necessity of Jesus’ death on the cross to someone else? Use your study Bible’s footnotes for additional help.
A Father's Son 2 Samuel 7:1, 8-16
Even after the throne is given up, a son will return for it
Current Series: Guaranteed!
God doesn’t go back on his word
Study & Share Insert
...#1 How do the following inform this promised kingdom? Note: in 2 Kings 24 the historic Davidic dynasty ends after 20 kings. See Genesis 3:9-15; Psalm 110; Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:1-18, 22:41-46; Luke 3:23-38, 20:41-44
Take as Prescribed Numbers 21:4-9
Ignoring things or hiding doesn’t make them go away
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God doesn’t go back on his word
Study & Share Insert
...#1 What connections do you find between the Numbers reading & each of the others? Give attention to the comparison that looking at the raised serpent for healing (v8) is like looking up at the cross for healing. Hint: look for themes, parallel ideas, inversions, reversals, similarities, extensions, metaphors, actions, vocabulary, grammar, etc. See Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21
Law & Order Exodus 20:1-17
God’s Law orders everyday life for our benefit
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God doesn’t go back on his word
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...#6 Our society today defines freedom as “no constraints,” yet the Judeo-Christian tradition defines it as “ability to do good/right.” How do the 10 Commandments seek to bind/constrain us or encourage us toward goodness? Cite evidence from Exodus 20 & the Small Catechism explanation of the 10 Commandments
A Son’s Father Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
In order to be a new father, Abraham must give up his old self
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God doesn’t go back on his word
Study & Share Insert
...#3 Consider v11 in your Bible & its footnotes. God’s Word makes the covenant & circumcision is the real symbol & common ritual (not a mere souvenir & celebration). How do you see this logic in other areas of your faith life?
A Bad Heart Genesis 9:1-17
Humankind’s heart is defective, God promises a new way and new heart
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God doesn’t go back on his word
Study & Share Insert
...#1 How do vv1-7 express a strong ethic for life, that life is a give from God, & that blood as sign of life belongs to God? See Exodus 21:28; Leviticus 17:11, 13-14; Deuteronomy 12:23-24; Numbers 35:31
Our Hope Psalm 147:1-12, 21c (Lutheran Book of Worship/ Book of Common Prayer translation)
The Holy Spirit heals broken hearts, minds, spirits, & bodies
Current Series: God's Grandeur
The Holy Spirit at work in our lives.
Study & Share Insert
...#2 How does this Psalm & specifically v12 encourage trust in God’s people, even when things are looking down? See Psalm 33:18, 22, 35:27; Isaiah 62:1-4; Zephaniah 3:17; Malachi 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:13-17, 3:4
Our Amazement Mark 1:21-28
The Holy Spirit prevails over the many spirits drawing us away from God & equips us to resist the evil touching our lives.
Current Series: God's Grandeur
The Holy Spirit at work in our lives.
Study & Share Insert
...#1 What is the point of the so-called “messianic secret” whereby Jesus prevents others from “testifying” to his powers (v24)? In other words, how do we ultimately recognize his power? See 1:34, 40-45, 3:11-12, 4:11, 7:31-37, 8:22-30, 9:2-9, 10:45, 15:33-39; see also Matthew 16:16-17; John 6:25-27, 16:13; Small Catechism: Creed II, availablebookofconcord.org
