MTP Sermon Resources

  “Leaving the Table” Sermon Study Guide for September 1, 2024 Downloadable Version Scripture: Galatians 2:11-14 1. “Clash of the Titans” Simon/Peter/Cephas Saul/Paul Antioch “hypoctite” 2. Healthy Conflict a. ________________________________ Matthew 18:15-17 b. ________________________________ Galatians 2:15-21 c. ________________________________ d. ________________________________ Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What was the last conflict you found yourself in? How did you handle it? How did it resolve (if it did)? What was at the heart of the divide between Jews and Gentiles? What similar divides exist today? Why, do you think, Peter reacted the way he did when the group from Jerusalem arrived? Have you ever been in a similar situation? What happened? What comes to mind when you hear the word “hypocrite”? If conflict is “normal and healthy,” why do we work so hard to avoid it? Which element of healthy conflict is easiest for you to overlook? Why? How can you

Matthew 5:3 August 25, 2024 • Mount Pleasant UMC One of the most sobering experiences in all my travels has been the times we’ve gone from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. The two towns are not that far apart geographically, only about 5 1/2 miles. And I still remember when it was easy to go from one to the other. But in the last decade or so, that journey has become very difficult, certainly for tourists but even moreso for those who live there. That’s because, in order to protect themselves from terrorist attacks, Israel has built a protective wall around much of the area that is controlled by the Palestinian Authority. So now when we go from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, we have to stop at a checkpoint, prove we are tourists, and slowly make our way through an opening in the wall. But those who live in Bethlehem and either have family in Jerusalem or work in Jerusalem have a much longer and more difficult trip, often being detained for a long time. And there are other places, all throughout the

  “Bringing Down the Walls” Sermon Study Guide for August 25, 2024 Downloadable Version Scripture: Matthew 5:3 Walls… 1. Poor in Spirit makarios = “happy” “poor” 2. Humble a. Nothing to ___________________________ b. Nothing to ___________________________ c. Nothing to ___________________________ “the discipline of ______________________” Philippians 2:3-4 Luke 18:9-14 Questions to Discuss or Ponder: Why is our natural/human inclination to put up walls or barriers between each other? What images or persons come to mind when you hear the word “humility”? Does that word generally feel positive or negative for you (or somewhere in between)? Read through the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10). In what way(s) do you understand these descriptions to equate with “happiness”? How does “poverty of spirit” relate to financial poverty in Jesus’ teaching? In a social media world, what choices does a person need to make in order to live humbly? When do you most experience the temptation

“Hidden in Christ” Sermon Study Guide for August 18, 2024 Downloadable Version Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4 1. Put On/Put Off Romans 12:2 - renew the mind The Three R’s a. _________________________ b. _________________________ c. _________________________ Philippians 4:4-8 2. Healing Spiritually 2 Corinthians 4:16 “contemplative prayer” Matthew 11:28-30 desire that turns into delight Isaiah 40:31 - renew their strength 3. Biblical Truths for Intimacy with God Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What do you need to be able to approach life with an alert mind and a thankful heart? What does it mean to renew your mind? How do you go about that? Which one of the three R’s do you need to engage with the most? Who do you know who represents peace and joy to you? What has been your response to anxiety? What might be a better solution? What is contemplative prayer? How might this practice help bring healing to your spirit? How close is your relationship with God currentl