MTP Sermon Resources

Luke 5:27-32 August 27, 2017 • Mount Pleasant UMC I have a confession to make: I’m a tech-aholic. And even worse, I’m an upgrade-aholic. The fact that I’ve had the same Mac sitting on my desk at home for four years is a testament to the growth of the fruit of self-control in my life! (Or something like that.) I love to try out new technology. The way my sickness works is this: as soon as I purchase something new, I’m always looking for upgrades, new ways to use it, new things to try. It’s a disease, I know, but thankfully I have a patient wife who gives me strength to say “no” every once in a while. Or tells me to say “no” more than every once in a while. Though, you know, this phone is two years old now… What was I saying? Oh, yes, technology. It’s a blessing and a curse. Every time you get something new, something newer comes along. And it’s especially difficult in our world where so many different generations respond to technology in different ways. Show of han...

“Next Door” Sermon Study Guide for August 27, 2017 Scripture: Luke 5:27-32 Jesus and Levi Tax Collector… The Meal… The Conversation… “Tax Collectors and Sinners" 2. Neighboring Worksheet… Ideas… Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Who are the people now we tend to treat like people treated Levi then? When have you experienced unexpected or undeserved hospitality? When have you had a chance to show that to someone else? How does Jesus respond to the Pharisees and lawyers? What is he saying about them by his response? How, do you imagine, did the Pharisees respond to Jesus’ statement? When was the last time you had a chance to eat with “tax collectors and sinners”? What one idea will you try out this week to establish a connection with your neighbors? Scripture for the Week: Monday - Luke 6:27-36 Tuesday - Luke 7:36-50 Wednesday - Luke 9:51-56 Thursday - Matthew 9:9-13 Friday - Romans 12:14-...

“Shaped By God’s Heart” Sermon Study Guide for August 20, 2017 Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 The Good Samaritan Who is my neighbor? The context of the parable… So Jesus told a story… 2. A Matter of the Heart Priest Levite Samaritan 3. Neighboring Love _______________ and love _______________ “A great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission produces a great _______________ which produces a great____________________.” (Rick Warren) “Go and do _______________________.” Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Why is the context important to understand this parable? Which of the character is Jesus’ parable do you most identify with? Why? What does it mean that the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart? How have you experienced the truth of that statement? How does the “great commandment” help us care for those around us? What do you need to do to live out Romans 12:1-2? What do you need to do to become ...

1 John 4:7-12, 18-21 August 13, 2017 • Mount Pleasant UMC To say it has been a difficult week in our country is an understatement. Threats from overseas, and late in the week, threats and home-grown terror and racism in Charlottesville, Virginia. To some extent, we’ve come to expect the posturing from North Korea, but when we’re honest, we have to admit we don’t understand a mindset that seems to want to create war, to attack others without provocation. They are “the other” to most if not all of us. And then we watch the white supremacy movement that took center stage at the end of the week, the hatred and violence that it bred, not just among those at the rally but also among those who were commenting on television news. Such events frighteningly remind us again of what happens when we label people, any people, as “the other.” We live in a world today where “the other” is an increasingly large category. If “the other” is anyone not like you, then there are a wh...

“But for the Grace of God” Sermon Study Guide for August 13, 2017 Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12, 18-21 Being “the other” The Path of Love Love comes from ___________________ agape Love is going to ___________________ (4:20) Matthew 22:34-39 “But for the grace of God…” 2. We are called to ____________ in love Entire sanctification / Christian perfection No fear in love Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Have you ever been “the other”? What was your experience? Share about how that felt and how it changed the way you treated others. If you had to describe the kind of love John is talking about to someone with no experience of Jesus, how would you describe it? Why does Jesus choose what he does as “the greatest commandment”? When have you experienced something “less than loving” from a fellow believer? How did you respond? What does it mean to you to “live in love”? Why does John say there is “no fear” in love? Have you experie...