Fishing For Men

Please click here to see Sunday's sermon on Matthew 4:12-23.

As you read consider these discussion questions:

• How does the darkness that existed in Galilee of the Gentiles compare to the darkness in our society?
• What ways have you found to repent when you find yourself going the wrong way?  I find the busier I get the more focused I become.  Business can be it's own temptation too.
• How have you been "covered by the dust of a Rabbi"?  I know that my preaching style mirrors the pastors I grew up listening to at Bloomington Lutheran Church.
• Give a simple confession of faith as an example of your fishing for men. 
• What are ways have you heard other churches go fishing for men?  One great way is to point them to www.whataboutjesus.com

Jesus Cares

"Where did this wine come from? Why don't the bride and groom tell me these things ahead of time?!" You can feel the exasperation in the voice of the master of the banquet. On the surface a young couple served good and average wine in the wrong order. Only a few knew that a mini-crisis had been averted. These few began to understand more fully who Jesus, of Nazareth really was. "He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him."

Please take a read of Sunday's message. Then consider these questions...

• Jesus cares about changing water into wine. Why doesn't he care about the little things in my life?!

• When I pray to God it seems as though he never hears me. What am I doing wrong?

• Comment: Mary was out of line to go to Jesus. She should know that if Jesus wants to do something, he'll do it. He doesn't need our input.

• Why is Jesus so worried about the little things in life when he can't get something big like Haiti right?

• T/F and why: We should base relationship with God on how he answers our prayers.

• Comment: If Jesus really wanted to reveal himself as the Savior of the world, he should've picked a different miracle. Why did God hide back then just like he does today! He has TV, internet, cell phones, etc. Why doesn't God use them for the gospel?

This blog is a ministry of Star of Bethlehem Lutheran church.

Anticipation...

We may not love standing in line. In fact I've once heard hell described as standing in line while throwing up! Yet every year people stand in line for hours at ridiculous hours of the morning to get some electronic gadget. Whether or not you've taken part in the annual vigil that has become Black Friday, I think you know what it's like to anticipate something exciting. The crowds that came out to hear John the baptist could feel the electricity in the air! Could this be the Christ!? The Promised Savior of the world!

Take a read or a listen to Sunday's sermon on the Baptism of our Lord and consider these questions. See your baptism as God's concrete proof of your forgiveness.

• Can you think of a time when you appreciated honesty even when it wasn't good news?

• What tempations do you have to not be honest with your God?

• Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew that he was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. What does Jesus' baptism mean to you?

• When witnessing about the power of infant baptism, it's better to start with original sin and conversion that baptism itself. How would you explain infant baptist to a Baptist?

• How do you celebrate your baptism?

• John the Baptist's baptism and Jesus' baptism instituted at his Ascension are really the same thing - a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

• The voice of God the Father at Jesus' baptism applies to me even when I sin. How?