Jeffery Smith
You Are the Man! | 2 Samuel 12:1-10; John ...

As we continue to read about David’s life and reign as king over Israel, we start to see sin and failure, even from the man who is “after God’s own heart.” God warned Israel about how an earthly king would be far worse than Himself as their king. This was obvious when it came to King Saul, and now King David falls into some of the same sinful pitfalls. When you are successful and powerful, it is easy to hear people say “You are the man!” and agree, and think you are entitled to whatever you want. But sooner or later, God will reveal that “You are the man!”--a sinful, guilty man. When we, like David, realize we need someone else to really be “The Man” for us, then we behold The Man–our Lord Jesus. In this sermon, Pastor Smith directs us to The Man Jesus, who comes to save us from our sin.

You Are the Man! | 2 Samuel 12:1-10; John 19:1-11
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A Stone’s Throw Away | 1 Samuel 17

Who you relate to in a story affects how you see the story, as well as yourself. Join Pastor Josh as he talks about one of the most well-known Bible stories there is, the “story of the underdog,” David and Goliath, and see how he puts us into the story.

A Stone’s Throw Away | 1 Samuel 17
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Thank God for his ‘no’s’ | 1 Samuel 8

No one likes being told “no.” We want to get the things we ask for, and it’s not fun to be told no. But as a parent tells their child no to things that will cause harm, God does that to his children. Join Pastor Josh as he discusses 1 Samuel 8 and how, when God tells us no, it’s often for our own benefit.

Thank God for his ‘no’s’ | 1 Samuel 8
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Baffling Things Believers Do | Joshua 24:14-18

The book of Joshua shows the process by which the Lord gives the Promised Land to Israel. God’s people are entirely passive in this process. It is only by following God’s commands, fully believing and trusting in Him, that they receive the land. Whenever they try to act according to their own power or wisdom, the result is total failure. At this point in our “Growing Through the Bible” journey, we have enough information to see that God’s people are called to believe and do things that are completely different from the rest of the world. God strongly warns Israel against allowing themselves to be influenced by the nations. He knows they will start following their ways and they will fall away from His righteous way. Interestingly, there are many parallels between the situation in which God’s people found themselves in the book of Joshua, and the situation in which God’s people find themselves today. This sermon explores which way to choose–God’s way or the world’s way. We will discuss how baffling the actions of believers may seem to the world, but how these “baffling ways” are the ones that lead to life.

Baffling Things Believers Do | Joshua 24:14-18
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Everyday Thing | Exodus 32:1-16

The first commandment, “You shall have no other gods,” seems like a pretty easy commandment to keep, right? After all, you probably don’t have idols in a shrine that you bow down to every night. But Pastor Josh takes us through the story of the Israelites with the golden calf to see how: a god is not just a physical object, it’s where we find our identity. And where we find our identity is a daily struggle for us to wrestle with.

Everyday Thing | Exodus 32:1-16

I Believe! Help My Unbelief | Mark 9:14-29

I Believe! Help My Unbelief | Mark 9:14-29

Today we look at a very short, raw, and candid prayer that a father prays to Jesus as he is seeking healing for his son. “I believe! Help my unbelief.” It sounds rather confusing at first glance…how can you both believe and disbelieve at the same time? This is most likely an inner struggle we have experienced, but maybe we haven’t put it quite into these words. We will explore the difference between unbelief and doubt. Is the father judging his doubt too harshly and calling it unbelief? Does he believe? What happens in our prayer life when we don’t have faith as strong as we would like, and we are prone to doubt? We will wrestle with these questions and ultimately we will take confidence and comfort in Jesus. After all, prayer is less about ourselves and what we lack and more about Jesus and what He has. 

The father senses how serious this situation is and he panics. If the outcome rests upon the strength of his faith, then he is in big trouble!

What’s the difference between unbelief and doubt?

Do you believe in yourself, or do you believe in Jesus? 

We get into trouble when we focus more on the strength of our own faith, rather than on the One in whom we put our faith.

“Nothing so furthers our prayer life as the feeling of our own helplessness.”

Discussion Guide

What do you think is the difference between unbelief and doubt?

How do you know how strong your faith is? Can you think of times in your life when your faith felt very strong? Very weak? What factors affected this for you?

Why is it that so often we focus more on ourselves and our strength and abilities, rather than focusing more on Jesus?

What is one thing you’ve learned from this story that will help you going forward in your prayer life?


A Prayer for Koinonia | Philippians 1:3-11, Acts 2:42-47, and Luke 19:1-10

Sermon Discussion Questions | “A Prayer for Koinonia”

  1. The congregation in Philippi was very special to St. Paul as he sat in a Roman prison. He remembered them because of their “partnership in the Gospel”. Is there a congregation or a Christian ministry that you thank God for when you remember what they mean to you? Discuss your answer.

  2. There’s an old question that is asked: “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is: “One bite at a time”. The mission of the church to seek the lost…..to make disciples of all nations…..but who of us is up to such a challenge? Discuss what your “bite of the pie” just might be. And aren’t you joyful that you are not in this mission alone?

  3. As today’s culture closes its ears to the voice of the church of Jesus Christ, it should be easier to see that Christians don’t have enough energy to waste on fighting one another. Rather, we need more and more to thank God for the partnership we have with all Christians who speak the Apostle’s creed as their faith confession? Discuss the balance we must have partnering with Christian denominations other than Lutheran and yet not watering down our precious Lutheran doctrine.

  4. Make a list of all the ministries we partner with at St. Paul. You’ll NEVER list them all. Which ones are you thanking God for today?

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Praying Like A Wise Guy | 1 Kings 3:3-15

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Praying Like A Wise Guy”

  1. Do you feel the most used apps on your phone reflect your heart/desires? Why or why not?

  2. Do you find it easy or difficult to pray for people and circumstances for those outside of those close to you?

  3. Has someone in your life been an answer to prayer for you?

  4. What has God put on your heart? How long has it been there?

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Pray To The One Who Won’t Delay | Luke 18:1-8

Pray To The One Who Won’t Delay | Luke 18:1-8

Today we look at a parable Jesus tells in Luke chapter 18 about the “persistent widow.” Luke helpfully tells us that Jesus specifically told this parable so that people who hear it would keep praying and not lose heart. What is one main reason why people might lose heart when they are praying? If the one to whom they pray refuses to help or delays in answering. This is precisely what the unrighteous judge in this parable does…but even he eventually does help the poor widow! Jesus invites us to contrast this unrighteous judge with the righteous heavenly Father we have. And when we have confidence that God will give just to us speedily and answer our prayers, we are then led to always pray and to not lose heart. 

Have you ever felt like the widow in Jesus’ parable? Have you ever been close to losing heart in your prayer life?

The widow may have been close to losing heart, but it is the unrighteous judge who loses his patience first.

Jesus invites us to contrast the judge with the Father. 

It may seem like God is delaying while we are praying…

But God truly does answer every prayer. He answers our prayers justly according to His will. 

Discussion Guide

Have you ever felt like the widow in Jesus’ parable?

In what circumstances might we actually prefer praying to the unrighteous judge rather than to God?

How does Jesus’ teaching here cause you to have more confidence in praying to God?

Can you think of a time when God answered your prayer differently than how you wanted, and how He gave you His grace and strength to help in your weakness?


Hannah's Prayer | 1 Samuel 1:1-20

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Hannah’s Prayer”

  1. What’s something you’ve encountered that, on the surface, appears to be very easy to achieve, but

    isn’t?

  2. Are there any of the 4 misconceptions about prayer that pastor mentioned that you either relate to the most, or see the most from others?

  3. If someone asked you, “Why should I pray?” what would your response be?

  4. How can you still be desperate in your prayers to God since you already know Jesus and know

    God will provide for you?

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Let Jesus In | Revelation 3:20

Let Jesus In | Revelation 3:20

This week we launch a year-long emphasis on prayer under the title of “In Jesus’ Name.” Over the next six weeks we will focus on some famous Biblical examples and teachings on prayer so that we can grow in the way we utilize this precious gift from God. Too many times we have a misunderstanding of how prayer works. We have it all backward. We think that we are the ones who have to go seek out Jesus and initiate the conversation. But when we look at Revelation 3:20, we learn that it is Jesus who is knocking on our door and that prayer is simply about letting Him in…letting Him into our lives, our problems, our pains, our joys, whatever is happening. He desires to be involved so that He can bring His power and strength to help us in whatever way we need. This sermon will explore how too often we fail to make use of the gift of prayer, and it will also set the stage for how we can grow in this important area of the Christian life.

Be Very Careful How You Live

Sermon Discussion Questions | “Be Very Careful How You Live”

  1. Read the “Beatitudes” from Matthew 5:1-12. Now read them again substituting the word HAPPY for the word BLESSED. Wow…..it just sounds awful, doesn’t it? So, what is more important when it comes to our inalienable right the Creator gives us to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”?

  2. Discuss the challenge and testimony that Joshua gave the people of Israel as they entered the “promised land”. Are you going to choose the gods of this world? My house is going to serve the Lord. Make that a 2024 challenge for each of our houses. And how is it a tough choice?

  3. So, St Paul tells us to stay connected to our Father’s will for our lives. If the Father’s will is defined by the MISSION He gave us to be Christ’s BODY, the church in this world…..discuss some says to stay connected to that MISSION?

  4. When we think of the days being evil, why is it important to make the best use of our time as Christians? Remember, “work while it is day before the night comes when no one can work”. And why do you think the darkness of this world doesn’t not want to be

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Dead Bread or Living Bread? | John 6:35-51

Dead Bread or Living Bread? | John 6:35-51

This sermon is based on Jesus’ teaching from John 6:35-51, while also connecting to the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 19:1-8. The Jews are bewildered by Jesus calling Himself the “Bread of Life/Living Bread.” They can’t fathom a better bread than the manna Moses gave them in the wilderness many generations ago. I will explore how we as humans toil and struggle after “dead bread”, which only leads to our own demise. Elijah is an example–he thought he had done all that he could. He was lying down praying for his death, when the angel of the Lord sent bread to sustain him. So we too, after a long toiling after “dead bread”, receive the Bread of Life–Jesus Himself. We will discuss why it is hard for us to accept Jesus as the bread of life, and how He truly is the only way to life.

“Dead bread” is anything that fills you up for a while but ultimately leads to despair and death.

What is the dead bread in your life?

The story of Elijah from the book of 1 Kings

In the midst of Elijah’s despair, God comes and gives him bread to sustain him.

Jesus Himself is the living bread that we need. What looks different when we receive Jesus as our bread?

We don’t hunger anymore. Jesus fills us with what we need.

Jesus will never lose us.

Even though we die, Jesus will raise us up to eternal life.

Discussion Guide

What is the “dead bread” in your life? What is it about dead bread (or about us) that makes it look so appetizing to us?

What was the struggle the Jews were having with understanding and accepting Jesus’ teaching? 

What stands out about Elijah’s story? In what way can you relate?

What have you found to be the difference in your life when you have fed on “dead bread” vs. feeding on Jesus, the living bread?


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.

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 Westlake.