Author: Kim Braatz

Sermon: Wisdom, Our Source for Life
Theme: We search for wisdom as the means to be fully alive and joyful.
Purpose: The congregation will understand the need to seek wisdom and desire to grow.
Scriptures:
Proverbs 2:1-11 Wisdom comes from the mouth of God.
Mark 6:1-6 Jesus teaches and they wonder where his wisdom came from.

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Sermon: “Time to Get Started”
Theme: Discipleship is the path to wholeness and joy, but requires the ongoing commitment that requires sacrifices of our ego that opens the door to growing.
Purpose: The congregation will recognize the need to shift from focusing on their negativity and instead surrender to the gift of God’s renewal.
Scriptures: Luke 9:57-62 – Those who were going to follow but were not ready to pay the cost.
Romans 13:8-14 Owe no one except to love one another; wake from sleep.
Questions:
What difference does it make if we are disciples? What is it that we really want out of our relationship with Christ? Why is it that many do not see a benefit of being a Christian? What is the relationship between sacrifice and spiritual growth? How is it that many of us seem to encounter the same issues and challenges repeatedly? What can we do to move forward and actually encounter God’s presence in our lives? What can we do to make today different from the past?

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Sermon: “Welcoming the Unwelcome”
Theme: As we see Christ in others it transforms us into the body of Christ that can heal and transform others.
Purpose: To bring the series to a close with a commitment to be a body of Christ who practice love and hospitality with all people.
Scriptures: Luke 15:1-10 Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors, rejoicing in salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 We no longer regard anyone from a human point of view.

Questions:
What are we really willing to sacrifice in order to extend hospitality? What difference it really make when we offer hospitality, especially in challenging situations? In what ways was Jesus an “unwelcome guest?” In what ways is Jesus too demanding? In what ways does Christianity expect too much of us? How do we grow to where we can joyfully and lovingly offer hospitality, even when it is a sacrifice? How does growing in the ability to be gracious, welcoming, and kind change us as a church? In what ways does it change our ability to share Christ’s love with the world?

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Sermon: “A Sacrifice of Hospitality”
Theme: Maturity in Christ draws us into seeing other’s needs and to make sacrifices on their behalf.
Purpose: The congregation will seek to set aside their “rights” and “privileges” in order to share Christ.
Scriptures: Matthew 10:40-42 Whoever welcomes you welcomes me.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 To the Gentiles I became a gentile – all for the gospel.

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