MTP Sermon Resources

Darkest Valley Psalm 23:4 March 31, 2019 • Mount Pleasant UMC They’ve built a nice, new four-lane superhighway now, but the first time I went to Israel (1995), in order to get from Jericho to Jerusalem, you had to take a narrow, winding road through the mountains. It certainly gave us some geographical context for the parable of the Good Samaritan, a story that takes place on a road just like the one we were traveling. It was easy to envision robbers hiding around every twist and turn along the road. This road was so narrow that, according to my friend who was sitting in the front seat at the time, every time we went around a curve, the front part of the bus was actually hanging out over the edge, over the valley. He said it was the ride of his life! Of course, those bus drivers have been up and down those roads so many times and know how to navigate them. But that didn’t mean we in the bus weren’t just a little fearful. There were times we thought we just might die. And

“Darkest Valley” Sermon Study Guide for March 31, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 23:4 The valley of the shadow… The true test of your faith is… 1. Presence (23:4a) “You are _______________ me.” Jesus in the wilderness & the Garden Luke 22:42 2. Power (23:4b) Rod Staff Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What is the true test of any faith? In what way(s) have you seen this belief to be true? What do you make of the transition between verses 3 & 4? Recall a time when you have moved from talking about God to talking to God. When was the last time you prayed without asking for anything? What difference does it make to remember God is with you in the difficult times? What do the “lush places” look like in the midst of your valleys? What does it mean for God to carry a “rod” and a “staff”? How have you experienced God in those ways? If “the good life” does not equate with “the easy life,” what point is there in trying to

“Right Paths” Sermon Study Guide for March 24, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 23:3b A confession… Sheep and paths… 1. Right Paths 2. Wrong Paths 3. Our Choice Five Distractions from the Right Path and Dilutes Joy: a. A wrong view of __________________ b. __________________ and _____________________ c. Human _________________________ d. _________________________________ e. Hidden ______________________ Listen to the voice of ________________________________ Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Think about a time you got lost. What happened? How did you get “found”? Who determines what is right and what is wrong? How do you make right/wrong decisions? How do we get in tune with the mind of Christ? What in Mike’s story (the inmate) do you connect with? Share a time in your life when you chose a right path. What happened? Whose path do you cross that you might have an influence on this week? What big choice do you face for which you

Rhythm Psalm 23:2-3a March 17, 2019 • Mount Pleasant UMC I’ve always been a musical sort of person. As a kid, we had one of those big turntable consoles, and I would stand there for long periods of time, staring over into the console at the records spinning around and listening to the music. Because I’ve always been around and loved music, rhythm is something that has always come naturally to me, but I also know it’s true that rhythm does not come naturally to everyone. When we were practicing for our high school graduation, we were told to step on the beat of the “Pomp and Circumstance” song. Right foot, left foot, and so on. You know how it goes. You follow the rhythm. And my friend Brian really tried. He wanted to step on the beat, but he just couldn’t. No matter how hard he tried, his feet would not cooperate. All through practice, he struggled, and it did not get any better on the day of graduation. Yes, he made it to the platform for the ceremony, but it wasn’t easy nor

“Rhythm” Sermon Study Guide for March 17, 2019 Scripture: Psalm 23:2-3a The rhythm of a day… 1. Green Pastures (23:2a) Freedom from ________________ 2 Timothy 1:7 Freedom from ________________ Matthew 18:15-17 Freedom from ________________ Freedom from ________________ Matthew 5:6 2. Quiet Waters (23:2b) 3. He Refreshes My Soul (23:3a) Matthew 18:10-14 - wandering sheep Hebrews 12:1 Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What do you think of when you hear about “rhythm”? What does the rhythm of your day look like? How does the rhythm of a Biblical day differ from yours? What do you do to rest? In what way(s) do you honor the Sabbath? Of the four “freedoms” required for rest, which one do you struggle to attain? Why? What spiritual disciplines are in place in your life currently? What spiritual needs are going unmet at this time? In what way do you feel like a “cast” sheep? Spend some time in prayer, drawing near