MTP Sermon Resources

“Jesus Christ Superstar” Sermon Study Guide for August 26, 2018 Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20 Who is Jesus? Psalm 19:1 The Hero of the Story 2. The Answer to the Question What is God like? the shrunken stories John 1:14; 14:6 3. A Biography …capacity for joy… John 3:16-17 “sweet-smelling savor” Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What cultural images exist about Jesus? Is there truth hidden in any of those images? When you think of “heroes,” who comes to mind? What makes them the hero? How does Jesus show us what God is like? What happens when we believe the “shrunken story” that Jesus is just a great moral teacher or just "the sacrifice”? What difference does it make that Jesus is God in the flesh? What about Jesus’ story makes a difference in your life? In what way does his story form yours? Scripture for the Week: Monday - John 1:1-18 Tuesday - Philippians 2:1-11 Wednesday - Hebrews 1:1-...

Romans 7:21-25 August 19, 2018 • Mount Pleasant UMC It is said the there are two sides to every story. At least two sides. There is “her side” and “his side.” There is the official report and the story that is told. There is what your child tells you and what you know to be true! (No, “someone” didn’t break the lamp and the dog did not eat your homework!) There are places in the Bible where we see this to be true, too. For instance, when it came to the resurrection of Jesus, there was the report of the disciples and the official stance of the religious establishment (cf. Matthew 28:11-15). Last week, we talked about how there are two creation stories in Genesis. One tells the story in the form of an epic poem and the other tells it in the way it was probably shared around campfires. There are two sides to every story, and very often the truth is somewhere in the middle. So last Sunday we began telling the story, the bigger story that is our story as people of faith, pe...

“Why We Were Made” Sermon Study Guide for August 19, 2018 Scripture: Romans 7:21-25 Two sides… The Fall Genesis 3 What is sin? 2 Samuel 11 2. Paul “the law” Psalm 119:97 Philippians 3:5-6 Matthew 26:31 - “the spirit is willing…” The law can ____________ sin, not __________ it. 3. Our Story Genesis 1:26, 31 Image Likeness A more hopeful story… Questions to Discuss or Ponder: When have you experienced “two sides” to a story? How did you determine what was true? How do you define “sin”? What makes an action a sin? Does sin always involve action? Why or why not? Who determines what is sin and what is not? Why? In what way(s) do you identify with Paul’s writing in Romans 7? Why can’t the Law save us? What do you understand to be the similarities and differences between “image” and “likeness”? How does that affect the way we view ourselves and each other? What action will you take this week to exhib...

Psalm 19:1-6 August 12, 2018 • Mount Pleasant UMC This is my friend, Mike Tahaan. He’s been my group’s guide on two of my Israel expeditions, and on another, we connected at one of the lunch stops. When you travel Israel with Mike, you learn several things about him pretty quickly. He is very enthusiastic about the land, and so whatever he says comes out with lots of energy. He loves to laugh. He knows how to drive a big tour bus but prefers to be the guide. And he has several English phrases he returns to often. “Are you with me?” is one of his favorite, as is, “I’m gonna give you a prize.” The other thing he does a lot is to point out something particularly interesting, tell you the history behind it, then say, “Wow!” In 2012, when Rachel went with me for the first time, she started helping Mike. Whenever he would point something out, Rachel would yell out, “Wow!” And Mike would respond with, “I’m gonna give you a prize.” It became their own Israel liturgy for most of the...

“Wow” Sermon Study Guide for August 12, 2018 Scripture: Psalm 19:1-6 The Story… Creation Genesis 1-2 2. The Wonder of Creation Creation proclaims God’s ______________________ (19:1-2) Romans 8:18-24 1 Corinthians 2:9 There is no place where creation doesn’t _________________ (19:3-4) Mark 9:2-4 Revelation 21:23 God _________________ through creation Romans 1:20 Doxology Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What is the outline for our story? Which parts are you most familiar with? Why do you think our Scriptures include two creation stories? Does it matter which details are right? Why or why not? What does it mean that creation proclaims God’s glory? When have you experienced this to be true? Why, do you think, did God make the creation beautiful? What, do you suppose, did creation look like before the Fall? How have you heard God speaking through creation? If we are stewards of creation, what responsi...