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I’m in Heaven | Genesis 28:10-22

This week we focus on the story of Jacob, and in particular the memorable dream God gives him where he sees a ladder, or stairway, to heaven. This is a powerful vision for Jacob as he sees that God comes down from heaven to earth to be present with him and to deliver him great promises. Many years later, Jesus will refer back to this vision of the stairway to heaven in reference to Himself! This sermon focuses on how God created all things initially for heaven and earth to be united–God living with His people. Sin messed this all up, but the story of the Bible is how God is working to reunite heaven and earth, so that one day He and His people will dwell together again. We will discuss these implications in the story of Jacob, the life of Jesus, and our own lives today.

I’m in Heaven | Genesis 28:10-22
Guest User
The Laughter of the Lord’s People | Genesis ...

When you read through the Bible, you might assume all the people in God’s story are holy and perfect and qualified. You’d be wrong. In fact, it is downright laughable the types of sinful people God chooses to include in His story of salvation. Laughter is a big theme in the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. Laughter can mean multiple different things depending on the situation. We might laugh because of disbelief, bitterness, sarcasm, or it may be because of humor, relief, or joy. We see several examples of this kind of laughter in the section of Genesis we are reading this week. Join Pastor Smith as we discover how laughable it is that God chooses people like Abraham (and people like us!) in His story. 

The Laughter of the Lord’s People | Genesis 12:1-9
Josh Gremminger
Ex Nihilo | Genesis 1:1-10,26-31

Who gets to decide what’s right and wrong? If you and I disagree, then how do we actually decide? Pastor Josh takes us through Genesis 1 to see how: when God created, he gave definition to things- including what’s right and wrong. He walks us through how understanding that fundamental truth is key to understanding morality today.

Ex Nihilo | Genesis 1:1-10,26-31
Josh Gremminger
The Marathon of the Multitude | Hebrews 12:1-3

Imagine that you are running a marathon for which you did not willingly register. And it’s really hard. There are numerous obstacles and difficulties, not to mention pain and suffering, standing between you and the finish line. You feel like giving up. But then you notice people cheering you on. These are people who have already finished the race, and they are encouraging you toward the finish line. This is what the author to the Hebrews describes to us in this passage. The life of faith is like a marathon. A multitude of the faithful have gone before us, and by the grace of God have also finished the race. We look to them, and especially to Jesus, for an example, for encouragement, for strength. This helps us endure to the end to receive the victory Jesus has won for us. 

The Marathon of the Multitude | Hebrews 12:1-3
Josh Gremminger
Halls of Greatness | Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews ...

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Heroes of Faith,” or the “faith hall of fame.” As Christians, we have a very strong connection to them, “by faith.” Join Pastor Josh as he draws upon what this connection is, what it means for us, and what it means for those around us.

Halls of Greatness | Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-16; Luke 12:22-34

Looking Back To Go Forward | Exodus 16:2-15

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Looking Back To Go Forward”

  1. What are some things in your life that you trust in every single day?

  2. What’s a time in your life when you felt like you were between a rock and a hard place with no way out, but God provided?

  3. Which petition of the Lord’s Prayer do you find the most difficult to truly pray? Why?

  4. Does God require blind faith from us? Why or why not?

  5. What is “the peace which surpasses all understanding?” Why can we have it by trusting in God?

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IYKYK | Mark 6:45-56

IYKYK | Mark 6:45-56

The disciples do not know Jesus when they see him walking on the water. Not only do they fail to recognize him, but they become even more afraid when they see him because they think He’s a ghost! By stark contrast, the people at Gennesaret in the second story recognize him immediately and know that he brings healing and salvation. I want to focus on how if you know Jesus, then you know who He is and what He offers. If you know him, you recognize him in any context. This sermon explores what might cause us not to recognize him. How it’s dangerous for us to be away from Him. How we need to know Him, REALLY know Him, so that He will bring us peace and confidence and salvation at all times, even if we are far away, in a storm, etc.

IYKYK = ______________________________________________

In the Gospels, it can sometimes seem like knowing Jesus is an IYKYK situation.

Let’s take a look at who knows Jesus in Mark 6:45-56…

The disciples fail to recognize Jesus. In stark contrast, the people of Gennesaret immediately recognize Him!

If you know Jesus, then in your greatest need you see Him, you take heart, and you are no longer afraid.

If you don’t know Jesus, then even in your greatest need you see Him and are afraid.

Knowing Jesus is not some kind of IYKYK exclusive, inside information situation. Anyone can know Jesus. Here’s how…

Discussion Guide

How do you feel if you find yourself on the wrong side of an IYKYK situation (Translation: how do you feel if you are on the outside looking in on an inside joke, insider information, etc)?

What is the difference between the disciples’ reaction to seeing Jesus (Mark 6:45-52) and the people’s reaction at Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56)? Why do you think this is the case?

What would make someone look at Jesus and be afraid?

What does it mean to “know Jesus?” How can I know Him?


Theological Compass | Mark 6:30-44

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Theological Compass”

  1. What period of time during the history of God’s people would you choose to live in if you had to choose one?

  2. Do you notice subtly damaging “Christian” teachings anywhere in society?

  3. How will you go “ad fontes”, back to the source? What reading plan/book of the Bible are you/will you begin reading?

  4. How would you address someone that claims to be a Christian, but believes something that contradicts scripture? (Being a Christian means to just love; there isn’t a literal heaven/hell; etc.).

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Truth and Its Consequences | Mark 6:14-29

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Truth and Its Consequences”

  1. Last weekend our Gospel lesson from John 8 told us that to know JESUS was to know the TRUTH that would set us free. This weekend’s Gospel tells us the consequence doing so brought to John the Baptist. He lost his life for the TRUTH. Discuss the physical and emotional cost of Christians today (here and around the world) when we stand up for the TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD AND WILL.

  2. King Herod could not handle the truth as delivered by John the Baptist. That’s more than a great line from the movie “A Few Good Men”, when an army general says to his adversary: “You can’t handle the truth”. What are ways which the world today just can’t HANDLE THE TRUTH of God’s Word and Will?

  3. If the world doesn’t hear the TRUTH from the Christians living as His body in this world…..then discuss where “in the world” they will ever hear and learn it? What if we are this world’s only hope to distinguish the truth from all the lies Satan spews out? Do you see the eternal consequences?

  4. Share some really practical ways you can learn, live and share the TRUTH from God that sets us free.

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WHY ME | 2 Cor. 12:9

Sermon Discussion Questions | “WHY ME”

  1. When in my life have I asked the question “Why me?” Do I ever feel that God is not being fair to me? If so, when and why?

  2. When I suffer some “thorn”, is prayer my first response or my last resort? When has God answered my prayer request by saying “Yes”? How can prayer become my first and frequent response?

  3. Has God ever answered “No” to one of my prayer requests? If so, when? How did I feel about God’s “No” answer? As I look back, can I see a reason – a “good” – for God’s “No” answer?

  4. When and how has God’s grace in Jesus strengthened me to handle the “thorns” I experience in life?

  5. How can God’s grace in Jesus strengthen me to serve the Lord in my:

    • Home ______________________________________?

    • Church _____________________________________?

    • Community _________________________________?

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Learning a New Language | Lamentations 3:7-33

Learning a New Language | Lamentations 3:7-33

This week we will cover the book of Lamentations as a whole as a way to springboard into talking about how it is good for God’s people to learn the language of lament. When bad things happen, too often we choose one of three options: to suffer in silence, to dismiss the bad things by speaking platitudes, or to rage. None of these three options are the best way to deal with trouble! The Bible shows us the way to lament–to give complaints to God, to ask Him why things are going so badly and what He’s going to do about them. Lamenting to God may be foreign to us, but when it is done in faith it is one of the best things we can do when we are feeling broken and downtrodden by the sinfulness of this life.

Good & Trustworthy | Job 38:1-15

Sermon Discussion Questions |”Good and Trustworthy”

  1. What’s your favorite restaurant?

  2. Has there been a time in your life where you’ve felt like Job?

  3. Have you ever questioned God about what he’s doing? If he were to answer your questions directly, would you still ask them?

  4. Do you think most people in our society have “main character syndrome”- where they think they’re the protagonist in the story?

  5. How do we seek to avoid that kind of thinking?

The Mysterious Middle | Mark 4:26-29

The Mysterious Middle | Mark 4:26-29

This week we focus on a parable Jesus tells about the kingdom of God. A man scatters seed and looks forward to the harvest, but when the seed is in the ground and growing, he doesn’t know how that process works. Jesus tells this parable to communicate a truth about His kingdom–the fact that there is a beginning and an end, but the middle can be very mysterious to humans. How long will this middle process last? What is God doing? In this sermon, Pastor Smith explores what the “mysterious middle” is like for us as we live in God’s kingdom. The good news and encouragement is that even though we don’t know exactly what God is doing, it is enough to know that He is doing His good work to bring us to the joyful end of His salvation story.

Renewed | 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:1

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Renewed”

  1. Have you had a time in your life when you received or experienced something that wasn’t the way you expected it to be?

  2. Discuss what Paul says in verse 7 about treasures being stored in jars of clay (knowing that the jars of clay were frequently broken).

  3. What is something that you’ve renewed? How can you take that idea of renewal and apply it to you “being inwardly renewed” (2 Cor. 4:16)?

  4. What was a painful, uncomfortable, or unenjoyable situation that seemed like it lasted a long time, but now seems “momentary”? How can that help to give perspective about these “light and momentary troubles” compared to the “eternal glories” that await us?

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Good Sundays Make Better Mondays | Deuteronomy 5:12-15 and Mark 2:23–3:6.

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Good Sundays Make Better Mondays”

  1. Isaiah reminded us that we shouldn’t “trample on the Sabbath day”. What are some ways the world is walking all over God’s creative design for the rhythm of life?

  2. Demanding Sabbath laws of about what we can do and can’t do on Sunday is just as bad as ignoring Sundays as though they are just another day. Discuss how you can strike a Godly balance and honor the Creator’s intent for the “7th day”.

  3. In the “Sabbath Manifesto” Pastor Buegler shared 10 ways to “do better” on the Sabbath. Create your own 10 ways to make Sundays better. Share your list with family or friends.

  4. How can you this summer “refuel” your physical life? How can you “release” some of the pressure you are under? How can you “refresh” your spiritual walk with Jesus…..the only true LORD OF THE SABBATH?

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From Confusion to Clarity | Isaiah 6:1-8; Acts 2:14a; 22-36; John 3:1-17

From Confusion to Clarity | Isaiah 6:1-8; Acts 2:14a; 22-36; John 3:1-17

Pastor Smith's Sermon on May 26, 2024 explores the theme of confusion in faith, drawing from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Pastor Smith uses the famous "Who's on First?" sketch to illustrate how confusion can escalate, much like Nicodemus' misunderstanding of Jesus' message. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being "born again" or "born from above" through the Spirit, while acknowledging the challenges in understanding the Holy Trinity. Ultimately, it reassures believers that while not everything can be fully comprehended, the essential truths of God's love and salvation are made clear through Jesus Christ.

Strong, Howling Wind | John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Strong, Howling Wind | John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

In this sermon, Pastor Josh explores the concept of inspiration, encouraging the congregation to reflect on what inspires them in their daily lives. He draws parallels between the story of Ezekiel and the event of Pentecost, highlighting how the Holy Spirit brings life and inspiration, transforming the spiritually dead. The sermon emphasizes that God's Breath not only gives life but also compels believers to share the wonders of God, much like the apostles did on Pentecost. Pastor Josh reminds us that while salvation is secure, actively sharing God's works can impact others' faith journeys. He concludes by encouraging the congregation to continuously declare God's mighty works, as divine inspiration is eternal and never fades.

God Is Our Mother | Isaiah 66:13

God Is Our Mother | Isaiah 66:13

Pastor Buegler reflects on God's comforting nature, using Isaiah 66:13 to compare God's comfort to that of a loving mother. He shares a story about the unique and sacrificial qualities of mothers, drawing parallels between a mother’s love and God's grace. Buegler emphasizes that God's comfort is available in difficult times, likening it to a mother’s care. He connects the nurturing role of mothers to the church's mission of evangelism, encouraging the congregation to share the gospel. The sermon concludes with a personal reflection on his own mother’s love and a call to remember and forgive their mothers' imperfections.

The 5 Ws of Giving | Matthew 25:31-40; Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 12:1-8

The 5 Ws of Giving | Matthew 25:31-40; Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 12:1-8

Pastor Smith discusses the principles of storytelling learned in grade school, emphasizing the importance of the "5 W's" (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and sometimes "How" to ensure stories are comprehensive and meaningful. He connects this to the biblical call for believers to serve others, integrating scripture readings from Matthew 25:31-40 and Ephesians 2. The sermon explores how believers, as blessed and redeemed children of God, are called to serve their neighbors with gratitude for God's overwhelming love and blessings. Pastor Smith highlights the diversity of gifts within the congregation and encourages practical involvement in the church's ministries, emphasizing the importance of participating in God's story of blessing others.

What Do You Expect? | Acts 3:1-21

What Do You Expect? | Acts 3:1-21

This sermon from April 14th emphasizes how our low expectations can be transformed by God's grace. Pastor Smith shares his experience of being awed by the April 8th eclipse and parallels it to the story in Acts 3, where a lame man expecting alms receives miraculous healing. He encourages the congregation to expect greater things from God, highlighting that God's blessings often exceed our expectations.

Easter Sunday Service (Contemporary) - Where’s Jesus? | Mark 16:1-8

Easter Sunday Service (Contemporary) - Where’s Jesus? | Mark 16:1-8

In this March 31 sermon, Pastor Josh highlights the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection. He poses the question, "Where is Jesus?" through various contexts, emphasizing how it shifts from playful to serious. Pastor Josh underscores the significance of Good Friday, noting Jesus' real death and burial, witnessed by many sources. He asserts that the resurrection, confirmed by the empty tomb and the angel's message, proves Jesus' reliability and divinity.

Easter Sunday Service (Traditional) - You Have His Word On It | Mark 16:1-8

Easter Sunday Service (Traditional) - You Have His Word On It | Mark 16:1-8

In this March 31 sermon, Pastor Smith highlights the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection. He poses a thought exercise about time travel, suggesting that witnessing the resurrection would be profound. Pastor Smith emphasizes that the resurrection changes how Christians live and view the future, urging the congregation to trust in Jesus' words, which have proven reliable.

Trade Off | Mark 11:1-11

Trade Off | Mark 11:1-11

In this March 24 sermon, Pastor Josh begins with a personal anecdote about a humorous shirt he received in high school to illustrate the concept of making trades. He connects this to Jesus trading the praise and comfort of Palm Sunday for the suffering and sacrifice of Good Friday. Pastor Josh emphasizes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he is received with kingly honor but chooses to continue towards his crucifixion, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice for humanity.

Whether you have been following Jesus for years, or you have just begun to find out who Jesus is (or you’re somewhere in between!), you might be looking for a church to call home. Come and see how you can follow jesus with us here at St. Paul.