MTP Sermon Resources

Isaiah 11:1-3a November 27, 2022 • Mount Pleasant UMC I cannot think of a time of year that is filled with more tradition than this one. Starting this past week, we have officially entered what is blandly referred to as “the holiday season.” Of course Walmart started it back in mid-October and Hallmark started in July! But here we are, and for many if not most of us, we are anticipating certain things that will happen in the next few weeks, things without which, “the holiday season” would be incomplete or even “ruined.” One of the things I look forward to in our family every year is what we have come to call “Hallowthanksmas.” Back when my parents would go to Florida for the winter, we would find a day when everyone could be together and gather in my hometown usually in early October. When the kids were little, we started with candy in the morning for Halloween, then we ate a big Thanksgiving dinner, and would finish the day with Christmas presents. Though we do it differently now, f

  “Family Story” Sermon Study Guide for November 27, 2022 Downloadable Version Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-3a Traditions and Advent 1. Isaiah and the Shoot of Jesse’s Stump “going through the motions” “But God…” a shoot of hope Genealogies - Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38 Jesus’ family line… 2. Delighting in the Fear of the Lord fear… God is king Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What are some of your favorite traditions during this time of year? What are “musts”? When do you find yourself most likely to get focused on the wrong things or unimportant things? How do you know when you are just “going through the motions” in your faith? How do you get back on track? Share a “But God…” moment from your life or in the life of someone you’ve known. What does it mean that Jesus’ family line was not perfect? How does that give you hope? What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? How do you demonstrate that in your own life? What are the pieces of your life that you can celebrate and God can use?

“Anchored to Hope” Sermon Study Guide for November 20, 2022 Downloadable Version Scripture: Hebrews 6:17-19 1. The Importance of Hope Romans 12:12 - rejoice in hope hopelessness today 2. Staying Hopeful a. Recognize… b. Develop… Romans 8:28 1 Thessalonians 5:18 c. Know… Colossians 3:15 d. Remember… 3. “Checkmate” Questions to Discuss or Ponder: How is your “attitude of gratitude” this year? What are you thankful for? Where do you see hopelessness in our world today? How do you typically respond? Of the characteristics of staying hopeful, which one do you need to incorporate into your life today? What does it mean to “give thanks in all circumstances”? In what circumstances do you have the most trouble giving thanks or finding hope? Who is someone who inspires you with hope? Who represents “rejoicing in hope” to you? What choice(s) do you need to make to be able to live in peace? What change(s) can you make? Scripture for the Week: Monday - Psalm 50 Tuesday -

Luke 12:16-21 November 13, 2022 • Mount Pleasant UMC So we are back where we started four weeks ago. At least I hope this parable sounds familiar to you! We looked at this when we began this series called “If Money Talked,” and as we wrap things up this morning, I want to remind you of what money has said to us thus far. First of all, we heard that money can add meaning to our lives, but it is not the meaning of life. Then we considered that the moment we think we own money, it actually owns us. And last week we talked about priorities, how money’s direction reveals our ultimate affection. So over the last week, I asked you to think about and pray about your priorities. What is most important to you in life? And is my spending in line with my priorities? It is amazing how often I’ve found in my life that those two things don’t match. What about you? Because if money talked, it would tell us, “What you choose to do with me speaks volumes about who and whose you are” (Stanley, If Money

  “Whose Are You?” Sermon Study Guide for November 13, 2022 Downloadable Version Scripture: Luke 12:16-21 1. Jesus Parable…Again “fool” - Psalm 14:1 “eat, drink, be merry” Matthew 6:19-21 a _______________________ heart a _______________________ heart 2. Our Response Our Mission… If money talked… Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What does it mean to be a “fool”? What do you want people to celebrate about you when you’re done? What do you want people to line up and thank you for in the end? Which part of your heart do you need to most grow: gratitude or brokenness? “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” Have you prayed this prayer? Are you willing to? What do the choices you make with your money say about who and whose you are? What will be your commitment to the mission of Mount Pleasant Church for 2023? Whose are you? Scripture for the Week: Monday - Matthew 6:1-15 Tuesday - Matthew 6:16-24 Wednesday - Psalm 14:1-7 Thursday - 2 Cor

Matthew 6:25-34 November 6, 2022 • Mount Pleasant UMC So let’s come back to the money quiz that you took a couple of weeks ago about what kind of relationship you have with your money. That’s what our friend “Money” was referring to at the end of this morning’s video. Hopefully you remember that, at the end of that quiz, there were four “relationship statuses.” Some of you are “living the dream,” which means you have your finances under control. You are living comfortably and able to save for the future. Another group of you are “going steady,” where you are doing all right but there are still some questions you have about finances. You give some, but you’re not where you want to be. For others, your status is “It’s Complicated,” which means money is a source of stress and conflict for you. You’ve tried to stick to a spending plan, but it seems boring and you often get off course. And finally, some folks are “on the rocks,” which means you spend a lot of time stressed out about money