Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.
Last Sunday’s Sermon – “It’s Not too Late: To Rejuvenate the Church”
This Sunday’s Sermon – “It’s Not too Late: To Participate in Ministry”
Jeremiah 1:4-10
- This scripture has a lot of meaning to me – Read it during a retreat during college and it led me to accept a calling into the pastoral ministry.
- Context of Jeremiah – Prophesied in Judah during turbulent times of late 7th century and early 6th century B.C. Saw the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. But also offered words of hope that God would one day redeem Israel.
- We as the reader know that Jeremiah has received a legitimate call from God. Later, he will be challenged and labeled a false prophet.
- Jeremiah tried to use his “youthfulness” as an excuse to not respond to God’s calling.
- Key verse for me during the college retreat – “I have put my words in your mouth.”
Preaching is being God’s voice to God’s people. Biblical preaching is very difficult. One needs to speak God’s words which are often times challenging and uncomfortable.
- My personal calling into pastoral ministry – home pastor planted the seed to listen for God’s voice. Friends in college noticed that I might have gifts for pastoral ministry.
- The importance of having both an inner and an outer calling.
- Local churches are often the place where young people begin feeling the nudge from the Holy Spirit to enter into pastoral ministry. What can the church do to encourage young people to consider pastoral ministry?
Matthew 28:16-20
- Context of Matthew’s Gospel – Matthew is writing from a very Jewish perspective in which he sees the coming of Jesus as part of God’s central plan to bring redemption through Israel to the world.
- The Great Commission begins on a mountain. For Matthew, significant things happen on mountains – transfiguration, temptation, sermons.
- It’s curious that the disciples are hesitant to continue on with Jesus’ ministry. But then they worship him which is appropriate since this text is to remind us of chapter 1 where Jesus is known as Emmanuel, “God with us.” Did Jesus’ reminder of his name help the disciples in their hesitancy?
- Jesus’ has all authority in heaven and in heaven. He has the authority through his victory on the cross over sin and death. This is why new life and eternal life are possible. This text reminds us that Jesus is already running the world and not just some time in the future. Even though the world is still not transformed, through Jesus, it is being rescued. Through the Great Commission, we get to participate in this rescue!
- Great Commission – 1) Make disciples – invite and help others to follow Jesus 2) Baptize – This marks us out as followers of Jesus. 3) Teach – Specifically, Matthew has in mind the Sermon on the Mount earlier in the Gospel.
Last Sunday’s Sermon – “It’s Not too Late: To Rejuvenate the Church”
This Sunday’s Sermon – “It’s Not too Late: To Participate in Ministry”
Jeremiah 1:4-10
- This scripture has a lot of meaning to me – Read it during a retreat during college and it led me to accept a calling into the pastoral ministry.
- Context of Jeremiah – Prophesied in Judah during turbulent times of late 7th century and early 6th century B.C. Saw the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. But also offered words of hope that God would one day redeem Israel.
- We as the reader know that Jeremiah has received a legitimate call from God. Later, he will be challenged and labeled a false prophet.
- Jeremiah tried to use his “youthfulness” as an excuse to not respond to God’s calling.
- Key verse for me during the college retreat – “I have put my words in your mouth.”
Preaching is being God’s voice to God’s people. Biblical preaching is very difficult. One needs to speak God’s words which are often times challenging and uncomfortable.
- My personal calling into pastoral ministry – home pastor planted the seed to listen for God’s voice. Friends in college noticed that I might have gifts for pastoral ministry.
- The importance of having both an inner and an outer calling.
- Local churches are often the place where young people begin feeling the nudge from the Holy Spirit to enter into pastoral ministry. What can the church do to encourage young people to consider pastoral ministry?
Matthew 28:16-20
- Context of Matthew’s Gospel – Matthew is writing from a very Jewish perspective in which he sees the coming of Jesus as part of God’s central plan to bring redemption through Israel to the world.
- The Great Commission begins on a mountain. For Matthew, significant things happen on mountains – transfiguration, temptation, sermons.
- It’s curious that the disciples are hesitant to continue on with Jesus’ ministry. But then they worship him which is appropriate since this text is to remind us of chapter 1 where Jesus is known as Emmanuel, “God with us.” Did Jesus’ reminder of his name help the disciples in their hesitancy?
- Jesus’ has all authority in heaven and in heaven. He has the authority through his victory on the cross over sin and death. This is why new life and eternal life are possible. This text reminds us that Jesus is already running the world and not just some time in the future. Even though the world is still not transformed, through Jesus, it is being rescued. Through the Great Commission, we get to participate in this rescue!
- Great Commission – 1) Make disciples – invite and help others to follow Jesus 2) Baptize – This marks us out as followers of Jesus. 3) Teach – Specifically, Matthew has in mind the Sermon on the Mount earlier in the Gospel.
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