MTP Sermon Resources

“What Do You Want?” Sermon Study Guide for May 31, 2020 Scripture: John 1:29-42 1. “What Do You Want?” When the Son of God asks questions… 2. The Purpose of the Questions Ecclesiastes 1:2 “a God-shaped vaccuum…” Nicodemus Zacchaeus Woman at the Well A contemporary example 3. Two Questions, Two Words What would you say… How does your daily life… Delight & Invite Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Why do you think Jesus asked so many questions? If you could ask Jesus a question, what would it be? How do you think he would answer? Where do most people you know look for meaning and purpose? How do those things (or people) fail to provide what they are looking for? Share about a time when you were looking for what you needed in the wrong places. What happened? How is Jesus’ presence better than what you once sought? What would you say to Jesus if he asked you today, “What do you want?” What

Heart Strangely Warmed Romans 6:1-7 May 24, 2020 • Mount Pleasant UMC It was many years ago, after I had given a message when someone came up to me and said, “Can you talk?” Pastors love that question. It just naturally has a sense of foreboding around it. As the conversation began, this person began to tell me some struggles in their life, and then chose to tell me, very specifically, the plans for that next weekend. “Is that a sin?” I was asked. I think my conversation partner already knew the answer, but I had to answer honestly; I said yes, I believed it was. “Well,” came the response, “doesn’t God have to forgive me? I mean, that’s what he does, right?” In that statement, I heard echoes of the famous last words of a German poet, Heinrich Heine, who on his deathbed said, “Of course God will forgive me; that’s His job.” But, poetic or not, it was a big question for a young pastor! And I don’t remember what I said that evening, but I’ve thought a lot about that question ov

“Heart Strangely Warmed” Sermon Study Guide for May 24, 2020 Scripture: Romans 6:1-7 A question… 1. A Preacher’s Kid Zechariah 3:2 - “a brand plucked…” “a heart strangely warmed” 2. A Preacher to Rome law vs. grace Matthew 5:17 - “not to abolish” “By no means!” “united” 3. Your Own Aldersgate Questions to Discuss or Ponder: John Wesley was terrified of the storm. What frightens you? What fears have been added in the midst of this pandemic? Wesley described his experience as a “heart strangely warmed.” How do you best describe your experience with Jesus? What does it mean to us that Jesus did not come to abolish the law? What is wrong with the argument that we should sin more so that grace can abound? When have you experienced a “change of status”? What happened outwardly? What happened inwardly? What does it mean to be “united with” Christ? Have you had an Aldersgate experience? Can you describe it? Scrip

Fire to the Earth Luke 12:49-53 May 17, 2020 • Mount Pleasant UMC Our first parsonage had a fireplace. A real, honest-to-goodness fireplace. In the four years we lived there, I bet I can count on one hand the number of times we actually built a fire in that fireplace. It was right in our family room, which could have made things nice and cozy, and Cathy and I both love fires, but, you know, building a fire means I had to get wood and stack it and then find some kindling, then light it, and then deal with the smell of real smoke throughout the house. Honestly, it just wasn’t worth it. When we lived in the parsonage in Portage, Rachel decided she wanted a fireplace. She even went directly to the head of the Trustees and asked him to put in a fireplace. He kept telling her it was backordered, but she didn’t let up for a long time. She even had a place selected where it could go, right where the piano was—which, come to think of it, might have been her way of getting out of piano

“Fire to the Earth” Sermon Study Guide for May 17, 2020 Scripture: Luke 12:49-53 Fire! Fire Destroys “I have come…” Division… The cross… 2. Fire Purifies Proverbs 25:4 Acts 2:3 Colossians 3:5-6 Fruit… Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What comes to mind when you think of fire? Jesus was clear about his mission and describes it in several ways. What would you say is your mission in life? Why is it uncomfortable to think about Jesus dividing people? How is the cross divisive? How have you experienced the cross being a dividing line in your own life? In what way(s) do you think of fire being purifying? What in your life needs to be destroyed by the fire of the Holy Spirit? What needs to be purified? What is there in your life that only Jesus can burn away? What new thing does God want to grow in you? Scripture for the Week: Monday - Matthew 5:17-20 Tuesday - Mark 1:35-39 Wednesday - John 6:25-40

    Breathing Life Isaiah 42:14-17 May 10, 2020 (Mother’s Day) • Mount Pleasant UMC I was in the birthing suite for the arrival of both of our children. With Christopher, Cathy went into labor about midnight and he was born mid-afternoon. We got to the hospital in the middle of the night and we couldn’t wait to tell our families. However, wisdom kicked in before we dialed the phone so we waited until about 6:00 a.m. to call everyone. With Rachel, labor began about 7:00 a.m. on Maundy Thursday. I was supposed to preach that night, and so I suggested to Cathy that if she could give birth in the afternoon, I could make it back for the service. That did not go over well! The service began at 7:00; Rachel arrived at 7:15, and she’s been messing with my schedule ever since! But, unlike previous generations of fathers, I was privileged to be present when the kids were born. Childbirth is an amazing thing, as those of you who have been through it know, and on this Mother’s Day, I tip