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 Promise Kept
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Jesus was always God’s plan A for our salvation
Current Series: God Keeps His Promises
Exploring his covenants to see where (and what) his promises are
Study & Share Insert
...#1. How do the “Suffering Servant Songs” (Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9a, 53:13--53:12; see also Isaiah 61:1-3; John 12:37-41) show us that Jesus has always been God’s plan A for his creation? See Genesis 3:15; Romans 5:6, 11:32; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Galatians 3:22; Ephesians 1:3-12, 3:9; Colossians 1:26; 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:11, 15-28 (don’t forget to check surrounding verses for context)
By the way, our Maundy Thursday Sermon is... A Promise *for You*(04.01.2021)
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Holy Communion drives home the promise of Jesus’ death for you.
The Promise of Deliverance
John 12:20-33
Sometimes living is sacrificed now for more life later.
Current Series: God Keeps His Promises
Exploring his covenants to see where (and what) his promises are
Study & Share Insert
...#3. Read vv27-36a; how do they connect to last’s week’s gospel reading 3:14-21? How does this give you a sense of urgency as you consider how you’re joining Jesus in his mission, walking with him in the light? See Ephesians 5:1-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
By the way, our Wednesday Sermon and Series is... Passengers (03.24.2021)
Jeremiah 25:30-38
Good Time Charlie is just along for the ride, don't ask him to help because he won't.
Crew
When God's Church works together as a crew, not passengers, stowaways, or pirates, good things happen.
The Promise of Deliverance
Numbers 21:4-9
The serpent shows us sin, death, & the devil in our own lives. Jesus takes them on for our sake so we may live free of them.
Current Series: God Keeps His Promises
Exploring his covenants to see where (and what) his promises are
Study & Share Insert
...#2. The Israelites complain & revolt (“murmur”) the entire journey from Egypt to the Promised Land (11:1-35; chs 12, 16, ch 13, 14:1, 39-45, 20:2-5, 21:5; cf. Exodus 14:10-12, 15:22-25, ch 16, ch17). Yet for only the second time the people resort to prayer (v7; cf. 11:2). How does this show they are beginning to learn to be God’s people (his “crew”) & follow his ways? See Exodus 34:6-7; Joel 2:13; Psalm 51, 86:15; Jonah 4
By the way, our Wednesday Sermon and Series is... Crew (03.17.2021)
Jeremiah 18:1-11
The crew works together to fulfill God's vision and mission for this local congregation.
Crew
When God's Church works together as a crew, not passengers, stowaways, or pirates, good things happen.
Sunday's Sermon The Promise of Righteousness
Exodus 20:1-17
It looks foolish to be righteous as God defines it or to think it makes a difference
Current Series: God Keeps His Promises
Exploring his covenants to see where (and what) his promises are
Study & Share Insert
...#1. It’s been said that if we could keep the First Commandment (or first three), then we wouldn’t need the others. Christians & Jews (& Muslims) are radically & strictly monotheist (Genesis 9:6; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalms 20:7, 33:16-17, 115:4-8, 135:15-18, 146:3-4; Isaiah 44:9-20, 46:1-7; Acts 15:28-29; Romans 1:18-22, 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; Philippians 3:18-19). How does this give St. Paul the standing to assert that all have sinned & fallen short & that a righteousness apart from the law is needed for all? See Matthew 3:7-10; John 8:31-47; Romans 3:9-31, 5:12, 6:6-23, 16:25-27; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9
By the way, our Wednesday Sermon and Series is... Stowaways (03.10.2021)
Jeremiah 8:4-7, 18--9:6
Stowaways hide out and ignore the mission and ministry. They don't care where we're going or how we're getting there. Crew
When God's Church works together as a crew, not passengers, stowaways, or pirates, good things happen.
Sunday's Sermon The Promise of A Future
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
God makes his people through faith and trust, not our “best practices” and optimizations
Current Series: God Keeps His Promises
Exploring his covenants to see where (and what) his promises are
Study & Share Insert
...#4. Name 5 or 6 times in your life when you couldn’t see how God was going to get you through something (vv4-8, 17), and yet you continued faithfully in prayer and other spiritual disciplines until the situation was resolved. Looking back how was God present and active for you?
By the way, our Wednesday Sermon and Series is... Pirates (03.03.2021)
Jeremiah 3:6-18
Pirates work hard at their own vision, mission, goals, etc., trying to raid, takeover, and hold hostage the church's life together Crew
When God's Church works together as a crew, not passengers, stowaways, or pirates, good things happen.
Sunday's Sermon The Promise of Baptism
He conquers sin & washes us clean. Remembering this promise tells us who & whose we are.
Current Series: God Keeps His Promises
Exploring his covenants to see where (and what) his promises are
Study & Share Insert
...#2. How does vv19-20a connect with Jesus’ earthly ministry? Note- St. Peter is traditionally understood as St. Mark’s primary source. See Mark 1:21-28, 32-39, 3:13-15, 22-30 6:7, 12-13, 5:1-20, 7:24-30, 9:14-27, 16:9, 17. See also Genesis 6:1-4
By the way, our Wednesday Sermon and Series is... Intercession (02.24.2021)
Moses interceeded for the Israelites and Aaron, who were sin-sick from the golden bull calf incident. We do the same for one another.
Crew
When God's Church works together as a crew, not passengers, stowaways, or pirates, good things happen.
Sunday's Sermon For the Sake of
Jesus’ cross is how we make sense of holiness; it’s the fullness of holiness.
Current Series: Everyday Holiness
It is good for the world to encounter holiness in the lives of the saints. By the way, it’s also a team sport.
Study & Share Insert
...#1. St. Paul uses the word gospel 10 times in 1 Corinthians (1:17, 4:15, 9:12, 14, 16, 18, 23). How do 1:18--2:5 frame the gospel? Review the Formula of Concord ch. V, in both the Epitome (summary/abstract) & the Solid Declaration (full explanation; esp. paragraph 22). How does this clarity shine light on vv19 & following above? FC available <bookofconcord.org>
Sunday's Sermon Ins & Outs
Holiness travels between prayer & service
Current Series: Everyday Holiness
It is good for the world to encounter holiness in the lives of the saints. By the way, it’s also a team sport.
Study & Share Insert
...#4. Notice how Jesus heals folks personally & individually (vv23, 31-34). What makes you think he’s too busy for you? What does he desire for you & your burdens? What burdens are you withholding from him? See Mark 8:34, 9:35, 10:43-45; Matthew 11:28-30; John 3:16; Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16
Sunday's Sermon Permission
As the Body of Christ, we have Jesus’ permission & authority for our holiness to affect the everyday lives of others
Current Series: Everyday Holiness
It is good for the world to encounter holiness in the lives of the saints. By the way, it’s also a team sport.
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 John 6:25-27, 16:13; Small Catechism: Creed II available <bookofconcord.org>
Sunday's Sermon The Hallmark of Holiness
That we turn away & return to God is the one-day-at-a-time, practical foundation of doing holiness
Current Series: Everyday Holiness
It is good for the world to encounter holiness in the lives of the saints. By the way, it’s also a team sport.
Study & Share Insert
...#3. Do these first disciples say a “sinner’s prayer”? Make Jesus the king of their hearts? Decide that he’s their personal Lord & Savior? Read the color-coded “Wordless Book”? What’s another name for this compelling spirit of Jesus? See John 15:16-19, 26; Romans 8:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Small Catechism: Creed III, available <bookofconcord.org>
