Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church     
 
Pastor Tim Janiszewski - "Listening to Jesus: Week Nine"

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Messages of Grace

(Past Recorded Sermons) 










Preaching: 
Bob Jamison



 
This Sunday
March 13, 2016




Sermon Title:
"We Have it on Good Authority"




Scripture:
Matthew 21:23-27  
Picture of Pastor Tim
March 10, 2016
 
Dear MLEPC Members and Friends:
 
As we make our way to Holy Week, we continue to listen to Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew. Our goal is to hear from Christ as we read and reflect upon the first gospel between now and Easter Sunday (March 27). I encourage us to take time each day this week to read the passage indicated, to reflect, and then to pray as directed. By the power and presence of the Spirit, may you sense Christ at work in your life this week as you journey to the cross and the resurrection.
 
Monday--Read Matthew 24:15-35
  • Verses 15-29 describe great calamity. What does Jesus say about "the elect"? Who do you think are the elect?
  • In the time of tribulation, it will be tempting to look for replacement Christs and false Messiahs. When shall we next see the true Messiah, Jesus Christ?
  • When Christ returns, who will mourn? Who will be gathered to Christ by His angels? How does this picture encourage you to persevere though the tribulation times in life?
  • Prayer--Pray for the strength to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus through the tough times of life until He comes for you.
Tuesday--Read Matthew 24:36-51
  • In v 36, Jesus says that no one knows the day or hour of the Son's return--not even Jesus Himself. How does this point toward the belief that Jesus was "fully man" as well as "fully God"?
  • In v. 44, Jesus instructs you to be ready at all times. How can you live every day in readiness for Christ's return?
  • In vv 45-51, Jesus gives indication that being ready is not just a matter of what you believe. What else is involved?
  • Prayer--Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to serve Christ fully and faithfully, so that you are ready even if He returns today.
Wednesday--Read Matthew 25:1-30
  • The parable of the Ten Virgins continues Jesus' theme of watchful readiness in life. How does He teach this lesson through the story?
  • In the parable of the Talents (vv 14-30), what do the first two servants do that delights the master? What displeases the master in the third servant? What does this teach about your stewardship of gifts and talents?
  • What is the reward for the first two servants? What is the judgment for the third? How high are the stakes for them--and for you even now?
  • Prayer--Pray to be a faithful and fruitful steward of all that God has given you.
Thursday--Read Matthew 25:31-46
  • It is popular today to think that God loves everyone and will judge no one. How is this passage counter-cultural?
  • What are the sorts of things you are called to do as a Christ follower? What activities? How are you fulfilling this calling?
  • Again, Jesus teaches that there are only two eternal destinies open to everybody. What are they?
  • Prayer--Affirm that Jesus is your Good Shepherd and that you are His sheep. Ask Him how you are to serve the needs of others.
Friday--Read Matthew 26:1-25
  • In vv 1-13, how is Jesus preparing Himself for His coming suffering and death? Take a moment to use these verses to prepare yourself for the events of Holy Week.
  • Is it sometimes appropriate to do something that seems extravagant for Jesus?
  • Judas betrays Jesus as no one else. Why do you think he did it? Do you ever feel that you betray Jesus in smaller ways?
  • Prayer--Pray to honor Jesus with lavish generosity because of what He willingly suffered for you.
Saturday--Read Matthew 26:26-56
  • Meditate on the words of the Lord's Supper in vv 26-29. What do the elements symbolize or represent? What is the "covenant . . . for the forgiveness of sins"?
  • In vv. 30-35, how does Peter grossly overestimate himself? Is Peter alone in this? How do Christians sometimes have an over-inflated sense of their faithfulness?
  • What role does prayer play in the Garden of Gethsemane? How does this point toward the Church's historical practice of Holy Week prayer vigils? Pray that you too will watch and pray--always.
Sunday--Sermon Passage: 25:31-46
 
Pastor Tim

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