MTP Sermon Resources

Acts 10:9-23 October 31, 2021 • Mount Pleasant UMC There is a story told about a young C. S. Lewis, maybe when he was six or seven years old. One day he came to his father and said, “Daddy, I have a prejudice against the French.” His father looked at him and asked him why, to which young Lewis replied, “If I knew that, it wouldn’t be a prejudice” (Wright, Acts for Everyone: Part One , pgs. 161-162). I don't know if that story is true or not, but the idea certainly is. Here’s the truth: we live in a prejudiced world. Here’s even more truth: we all like to pretend that we have no prejudice, and then we find ourselves in a situation where it all comes to the surface. It’s a reality to some degree or another for all of us. And sometimes it shows up in quiet ways, and sometimes it shows up in violent ways. Prejudice is part of the story we read in the book of Acts this morning. We're continuing our journey through the book of Acts, the story of the first Christians, in this seri...

  “Second Conversion” Sermon Study Guide for October 31, 2021 Downloadable Version Scripture: Acts 10:9-23 1. Two Visions Caesarea - Cornelius Simon Peter - Joppa Jonah 1:3 2. “Do Not Call Anything Impure” “I’m not supposed to be here” “But God…” Law vs. Grace 1 Peter 1:15-16 “saints” 3. Two Current Issues John 13:34-35 Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Do you believe everyone has some level of prejudice? Why or why not? Can you share about a time when you had to confront your own prejudice? What happened? Peter was revolted by God’s command to eat unclean food. What command would produce the same reaction in you today if God were to give it? Why do you think Peter went so quickly with Cornelius’ men when he knew the destination wasn’t “clean” for him? Share about a “But God” moment in your life. In what way(s) do you struggle with living a grace-based life? Name someone who is a “saint” to you. What makes them that in your life? What other current issues come...

  “What Kind of Believer Are You?” Sermon Study Guide for October 24, 2021 Downloadable Version Scripture: Acts 5:1-11 2 Corinthians 13:5 - “genuine” 1. Contrast True Motives… Ananias & Sapphira 1 Corinthians 15:33 Isaiah 40:13-14 Romans 11:33-34 2. A Loving Spirit For love’s sake vs. for appearance’s sake “Zacchaeus - “salvation has come to this house” Philippians 2:13 Philippians 1:11 Generous, cheerful, loving givers “do good and ______________________” …spiritual laws… Questions to Discuss or Ponder: How do you react to the story in Acts 5? Does the punishment equal the crime? Why or why not? Why are the actions of Ananias & Sapphira threatening to the community? What does Isaiah 30:13-14 say about giving God advice? Why do we attempt to do it anyway? What is the difference between giving for appearance and giving out of love? Share about someone you know who is a cheerful, generous and loving giver. What sets this person apart from others? Wha...

Acts 2:42-47 October 17, 2021 • Mount Pleasant UMC Even though it was over 31 years ago, I still remember it like it was yesterday. Eight of us had gathered in our tiny seminary apartment, sitting on terribly uncomfortable couches and chairs (that had been built for outside use), to watch the final episode of season three of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Still today, it stands out as one of the best episodes of the series (and TV Guide ranked it as one of the best TV episodes of all time). The story revolved around the captain being kidnapped by the Borg, these technological horrors whose goal was to make everyone like them. And I remember watching the clock, wondering how in the world they were going to get out of this one before the hour was up. That’s when this happened. Take a look. Three little words that turned our lives upside down. To. Be. Continued. Now, I know that today, season-ending cliffhangers are common. We almost expect it. But back then, in the spring of ...

  “Jesus, Part 2” Sermon Study Guide for October 17, 2021 Downloadable Version Scripture: Acts 2:42-47 To be continued… 1. Pentecost speaking in tongues… 1 Corinthians 4:19 2. The Early Church a. ____________________________ Revelation 2:4 b. ____________________________ 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 c. ____________________________ 1 Corinthians 11:33 d. ____________________________ 3. “Added Daily…” Galatians 3:26-28 Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Recall a time when you life seemed to be a “cliffhanger.” What happened? How did you respond? Who is the primary “actor” in the book of Acts? Why do you say that? What have you believed about “speaking in tongues”? Why does this spiritual gift divide the church so often? Which seems to steer the church today more: personal feelings or the apostles’ teaching? Why do you say that? When have you seen “joyous generosity”? What did it look like? What does it mean today to invite someone to your table? When was the last tim...