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

Stairway to Heaven

Stairway to Heaven

  1. Have you ever had some kind of food or project that was missing one key ingredient that made the whole thing not work?

  2. Share a time when you tried to communicate with someone who spoke a different language. What was that experience like?

  3. Is it difficult or easy for you to come to grips with the fact that you are brought into faith, and it’s not due to anything you’ve done?

  4. How do we uphold proper teachings while also working together with other believers who believe differently about certain teachings than we do?

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The Longest Prayer Ever | John 17:20-26

The Longest Prayer Ever | John 17:20-26

This is a special Sunday in the church year that falls between Ascension Day and Pentecost, and our Gospel reading actually takes us back to the upper room on Maundy Thursday, when Jesus is praying. The content of His prayer is very striking–Jesus not only is praying for His disciples who are with Him in the room, but He also is praying for us! He says in verse 20: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” This sermon explores how Jesus is still praying this prayer today, as He intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. So we will focus on three aspects of what we can learn from this prayer: how important words are, to whom these words lead, and how Jesus has already been praying for us and for the people who will believe through our words.

Memorial Day Weekend | This Nation Remembers to Live Under God

Memorial Day Weekend | This Nation Remembers to Live Under God

  1. In Pastor Buegler’s opening story the punchline was: “Whoever gets the son….gets everything”. He then capitalized the word SON so that it also refers to Jesus Christ. Discuss the similarities and the differences in the sacrifices of the men and women who lost their lives in our nation’s conflicts with the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus against sin, death and the devil.

  2. Consider the little 2 words in our Pledge of Allegiance that were added in 1954: UNDER GOD. How does Romans 13:1 give powerful meaning to those words?

  3. Before the Lord gave us the 10 commandments in Exodus 20, He told us to REMEMBER who He was and REMEMBER what He has done for us…..therefore, “have no other gods before me”. Discuss how it would be good for us EVERY day to REMEMBER those 2 things: Who our God is…..and what He has done for us.

  4. The sermon warned us to never FORGET the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price. That “freedom is NOT free”. Discuss what distractions enter our lives that cause us to forget the price that has been paid. Discuss the best way for Christians to observe Memorial Day.

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Uncertain Steps Following a Certain Shepherd | Psalm 23, Rev. 7:9-17, John 10:22-30

Uncertain Steps Following a Certain Shepherd | Psalm 23, Rev. 7:9-17, John 10:22-30

In this sermon, Pastor Smith dives into the three Scriptures appointed for Good Shepherd Sunday, and shows us how comforting it is to know that Jesus is leading us through life, no matter what happens. In all three of these passages, we see wonderful destinations where our Good Shepherd is leading us. However, there are also some scary parts of the journey that we read about, much of which is uncertain and can bring us anxiety and fear. The important thing to remember is that no matter what happens, we know who is leading us, and we know where we are going. This perspective helps us make it through life’s dark valleys and strengthens our trust in the Shepherd.

Breakfast Fit For A King….and His Church | Rev. 5:1-14, John 21:1-14

Breakfast Fit For A King….and His Church | Rev. 5:1-14, John 21:1-14

  1. Isn’t it interesting when we fish for fish we bring them from their beautiful underwater world to their death and when we fish for humanity we bring them from death to the beautiful world of God’s grace?

  2. Discuss. Jesus used Peter’s old rickety boat as a platform to preach to the crowds. How can you use your own work-place to share the good news of a Risen Christ?

  3. Frank Sinatra sang “I’ll do it my way.” Can you cite some examples in your life of times when you just launched into a situation you encountered without any thought to prayer or the leading of God’s Word? Frank needs a song that is titled: “I Did It God’s Way.” Discuss.

  4. The business world uses the Peanut’s cartoon that ends with “Why can’t you guys get organized like that” as a training module for corporate leaders emphasizing the importance of organization. Under Moses’ leadership the 12 tribes in the Old Testament were organized. After Pentecost, the early church got organized. How can we today learn the importance of organization within the Body of Christ, the Church?

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Your Labor is Not in Vain | 1 Corinthians 15:58

Your Labor is Not in Vain | 1 Corinthians 15:58

  1. Think of a time when your “labor was in vain.” What was that experience like?

  2. Think of another time when your labor was meaningful and it mattered. What was that experience like?

  3. How does the resurrection of Jesus give more meaning to the work you do in His name?

  4. What was the biggest takeaway you got from hearing from fellow St. Paul members share their experiences of serving here?

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Easter Sermons | Contemporary & Traditional | 2025

Easter Sermons | Contemporary & Traditional | 2025

In his Easter Sunday sermon, Pastor Smith explores the power of memory. We see the angels tell the women to remember Jesus’ words, foretelling that He would die and rise again. They do remember and then they understand that He is really risen. Memory has the power to do two different things. First, it can take you away from the present to a time that has passed. But this is not the only role memory plays. It can also bring you more fully into your present life. In this sermon we explore how remembering the resurrection does not simply take us away from today into a past event. Remembering Jesus’ resurrection actually brings us more fully into the present because it gives us sure and certain hope for the future.

Out of the Mouths of Babes | Matthew 19:13-15, 21:1-17

Out of the Mouths of Babes | Matthew 19:13-15, 21:1-17

In this sermon, Pastor Smith focuses on how the little children “get it” when it comes to Jesus. They give him worship and praise, as they should! Whereas the adults, especially the leaders, WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER, don’t get it at all. Jesus quotes Psalm 8 which gives rise to the common expression “out of the mouths of babes.” It is interesting to speculate that perhaps the same children whom Jesus blessed in Matthew 19 have now followed him to Jerusalem and are now praising Him. So often on Palm Sunday we focus only on the voices who shift from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him” just four or five days later, and it is right to grieve how wrong they become, but today we will celebrate how the children get it right on Palm Sunday and what we can learn from them.

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, Forged Through Fire | Psalm 116

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, Forged Through Fire | Psalm 116

  1. What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

  2. Do you find it difficult or easy to thank God for answered prayer? _____________ Why? _____________________________

  3. Discuss Luther’s (dying) words, “We are beggars, this is true.”

  4. What types of prayers do you find yourself praying the most?

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The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, Why We Should Sing Praise In Lent | Psalm 98

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, Why We Should Sing Praise In Lent | Psalm 98

  1. There’s a joke about “being Lutheran in the Midwest is to live as though everyday is Lent”. Discuss why LENT is understood as being a somber, emotionless season?

  2. If Psalm 98 points us to the coming of the Messiah (for the Jews a “new born King” and for us the second coming end of the world King), then what’s the meaning of SAVIOR, KING AND JUDGE for us as we await the end of time?

  3. It’s one thing for King Jesus to rule over heaven and earth, but another thing for Him to rule over our daily life. What is the practical application of allowing Jesus to sit on the throne of our life?

  4. Get out your hymnal and read the words to “Joy To The World”. Discuss why it is a wonderful Christmas carol. And then discuss why it is a hymn celebrating what Christ as done for us as we await His second coming.

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The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, Am I Allowed to Pray Like That? | Psalm 35:1-10; 22-28

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, Am I Allowed to Pray Like That? | Psalm 35:1-10; 22-28

This week we look at the group of psalms known as the “imprecatory psalms.” These psalms are characterized by the curses and calls for destruction the psalmist cries out for God to bring upon his enemies. It is likely that when you’ve read a psalm like this before, it has made you uncomfortable. How can we love our enemies, while at the same time asking God to wipe them out? We will take a careful look at these psalms and figure out if we also are allowed to pray like that? How can we reconcile these prayers with what the rest of Scripture says about enemies, revenge, justice, and evil? Can we add a prayer like this to our playlist as we journey through life? Ultimately we will see how God does respond to evil in this world, and how we can pray for God to vindicate His people from their enemies.

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, A Safe Place | Psalm 13

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey, A Safe Place | Psalm 13

What makes someone a “safe” person to open up to with your raw emotions? Do you find yourself able to openly lament to God, or is that uncomfortable for you? Have you ever felt like David in Psalm 13, “How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” What benefits come from opening your heart to someone like this?

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey | Psalm 27

The Psalms: A Playlist for Life’s Journey | Psalm 27

Remember the New Testament encouragement to “put on the whole armor of God” because the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour” believers? Discuss the reality of this warning and encouragement. King David knew all about the need to engage the physical enemy. And then he wrote Psalm 27 to encourage us in our spiritual battles. He begins by saying: “If the Lord is my LIGHT should I ever fear the DARKNESS?” On this first weekend in Lent…..what is the application of David’s advice? David speaks about the POWER of worship and prayer in verses 6 and 7. Do you daily plug your life into that power source? If not, why not? If so, how have you been blessed? Read Psalm 27 once more. Where do you find JESUS CHRIST in this Psalm? Do you see Him in verse 13?

Gory Before Glory | Luke 9:28-36

Gory Before Glory | Luke 9:28-36

In this sermon Pastor Smith ties in Jesus’ teachings right before the Transfiguration event with His “exodus” to come in Jerusalem. We see a brief moment of glory here on the mountain, but things will get gory once Jesus goes to Jerusalem and the cross that awaits Him. It is cross first, then glory. This goes for Jesus and it also goes for us. We too have future glory in store for us. But first…things could get gory. Maybe not literally, but as we follow Jesus in this life we will not always have glorious moments. There will be hardships and difficulties and burdens and tears. But in the end…we are assured of glory, because of the work of Jesus on the cross.

We all want glory, but usually we have to go through something difficult first…

Luke 9:28: “Now about eight days after these sayings”...what are these sayings?

The order is gory before glory. For Jesus and for us.

If we only expect glory as we follow Jesus, we have the wrong expectations. We should expect a cross. 

Followers of the Crucified One don’t ask why as much as we ask where.

Luke 9:35: God the Father says, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” Notice that the Father only directs our attention to Jesus after His glory has gone away. 

The cross seemed weak, gory, and not at all glorious. Yet it was the way to the ultimate glory God has in store for us.

Discussion Guide

Think about a time when you had to go through something very difficult to get something you really wanted. What was that like? What did it teach you?

What do you normally expect from your life as a Jesus follower in this world? Glory? A cross? How do your expectations affect your spiritual life?

When you are suffering under the weight of your cross, do you usually ask “why is this happening?” or “where is God in this?” Which approach do you find is more fruitful for your spiritual life? 

React to St. Paul’s words in Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us


Radical | Genesis 45:3-15; Luke 6:27-38

Radical | Genesis 45:3-15; Luke 6:27-38

Is there an example of something that was “simple but not easy” in your life? (How) does it change your perspective to think of people who bring harm/treat you poorly as your enemies? Discuss how it might look to love your enemy even if you don’t like them. In your experience, how has it “cost you” to truly forgive someone who has deeply wronged you? Why do you think it’s important for Christians to show this type of love?

Christ Is Indeed Risen From The Dead | 1 Cor. 15:12-20

Christ Is Indeed Risen From The Dead | 1 Cor. 15:12-20

In Luke’s gospel lesson for today we have his version of the BEATITUDES. It gives us Jesus’ advice for living a “blessed” life. When we greet one another and say, “Have a BLESSED day” are we making a statement about Christ’s Easter resurrection miracle? “Goodness without Godliness” is how a lot of people live. They believe being a good person and doing good things in life will somehow make them right with God. Where does that thinking leave them? The Bible says: “faith without works is dead.” It also says: “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Are those two truths contradictory? In our baptism we bury our sins every day with Christ so that as He rose from the dead, we too, might walk in newness of life. Discuss how leaving all our sins and failures in an empty tomb is the only way to live the BEATITUDE (blessed) life.

An Authority To Live By | Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:31-44

An Authority To Live By | Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 4:31-44

With hundreds of voices and causes seeking your attention every day….why is it that we search through them all seeking some lasting authority? And when we find an authoritative voice, we are amazed? Why? Is it because most of the voices we hear lack meaningful authority? Discuss. Young Jeremiah was hesitant to take up the task of serving as the Lord’s prophetic voice. But God assured Him that “all authority” would be with his proclamations. The Great Commission begins by saying “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me….therefore…..go make disciples of all nations.” Discuss how we Christians today are like Jeremiah….hesitant. And discuss how the Lord’s authority working through the church changes all that. Pastor Buegler uses four words that start with the letter “p” to show how Jesus’ teachings destroy evil in our lives and the world. Preaching, Presence, Power and Popularity. Which one amazes you the most? And why? Vs. 37 of the Gospel reading says: “And the report about Him was spreading into every locality in the surrounding region.” How do we make Jesus POPULAR today? Is it possible we simply are not sufficiently AMAZED by the authority that comes from God’s Word? How do we change that? And what bad habits keep us from being AMAZED CHRISTIANS today?

Hometown Zero | Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Cor. 12:12-31a; Luke 4:16-30

Hometown Zero | Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Cor. 12:12-31a; Luke 4:16-30

  1. What’s a time when you’ve been left feeling disappointed? What did you do/how did you respond?

  2. Have you ever seen someone/something far exceed your expectations?

  3. (Why) do you think having “IF…THEN” type thoughts when it comes to God can be so dangerous?

  4. How has God ever exceeded your expectations in a given situation?

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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.