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Welcoming the King (Study Guide)

“Welcoming the King” Sermon Study Guide for March 29, 2026 Downloadable Version Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 The king is coming… 1. The Mountain and the Valley a. A donkey and _________________________ Zechariah 9:9 b. A _____________________________ c. ______________________________ “Hosanna to the Son of David” - Psalm 118 d. __________________ Branches e. Kidron Valley Judas and us 2. Welcoming the King a. Do you ____________________________? b. _________________ in your life c. _____________________________ d. Living out _______________________________ Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What are some unexpected ways Jesus has shown up in your life? Which of the symbols, do you think, would have spoken the loudest to those gathered with Jesus? Why? What songs would we sing in such a gathering today? What are the songs that define our church? Why do you think the disciples are silent during the parade? What did the palm branches represent? What would we use t...
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Even When You Lack

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1 Samuel 17:41-50 March 22, 2026 • Mount Pleasant UMC It’s a tale as old as time, and one of the most well-known and best told stories in all of human history. It’s often used as a metaphor for an underdog defeating the assumed champion (cf. Armstrong, Valleys , pg. 79). Just say the words “David and Goliath” and all sorts of images come to mind. The new politician who is up against someone who has been in office for twenty plus years. The small upstart business trying to make it against a national chain store. The small band of rebels who take on a tyrannical empire (come on, you know I had to put Star Wars in here somewhere!). It’s a classic story that just happens to be true but there’s one big difference between all of those stories in the news or popular culture and the one in the Bible, and it’s wrapped up in this question: from where does the strength to win come? This morning we’re continuing our journey through the Holy Land (from the comfort of our pews), over mounta...
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Even When You Lack (Study Guide)

“Even When You Lack” Sermon Study Guide for March 22, 2026 Downloadable Version Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:41-50 1. The Valley of Elah Philistines & Goliath Saul vs. David 2. What David Had a. __________________________________ b. __________________________________ c. ___________________________________ Psalm 23:4 3. What You Have Matthew 25:14-30 John 8:32 Luke 12:1-12 Questions to Discuss or Ponder: What do you know about David, the shepherd boy? Recall his story up to this point. How would you respond to an enemy who is almost 10 feet tall? What is the difference between Saul and David in this story? Who is really providing leadership to the people? Why do you say that? How does David focus on what he has rather than on what he lacks? Why do we often find it easier to focus on our lack than on what God has given us? In what way does the truth set a person free? How does truth enable us to be brave even when people defy God? When have you experience a “David &...
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Blessed Are (Study Guide)

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“Blessed Are” Sermon Study Guide for March 15, 2026 Downloadable Version Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16 Mission: Impossible? 1. Called to Be and Do Philippians 2:13 Dual nature: Romans 7 & 8 “Be-atitudes” 2. Salt & Light “salt of the Earth” “light of the world” Philippians 2:5 - attitude of Christ “the gospel is personal but not ________________” Questions to Discuss or Ponder: In what way(s) does the mission Jesus gives us seem impossible?   How do you experience the tension between the sinful nature and the redeemed nature? How do you see your life reflected or challenged in the beatitudes? In what way are believers like salt? Could you be accused of being “salty” in a good way? Who has been “salt” to you? In what way? How do you “flavor” the lives of those around you? If we are “bearers of the light,” how does Christ’s light shine through us? Where in your world is light most needed right now? How does your faith extend beyond Sunday mornings? How could that ha...
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