St. John's United Methodist Church - Edwardsville, IL

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 27, 2021 Matthew 9:27-30 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. We may not hear the important question if we’re not following. II. Faith is ready when the opportunity comes. III. Jesus’ question gave them a chance for joy. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Name something you almost always over-prepare for, and describe why. Name something you almost always under-prepare for, and why. - Describe some obstacles the blind men might have faced in following Jesus? - What sorts of responses do people offer when Jesus asks if they believe He can heal or save them? - What are you doing to build your faith so that it’s ready for the opportunity Jesus may present to you? - What does the church need to do to build faith to be ready for the opportunity Jesus presents to us? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 20, 2021 Matthew 8:23-27 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Jesus cares deeply. He’s just not stressed about it. II. Let Christ’s peace be more contagious than our anxiety. III. Perfect love casts out all fear. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Tell about a time when you got caught in a bad storm. What were you thinking? What were you feeling? - Look at the scripture that follows this passage in Matthew 8. Why was Jesus crossing the lake? - Imagine if the disciples would have allowed Jesus to sleep instead of waking Him in their fear. What are some possible outcomes to that story? - What are the storms that people face with fear today? Where can Jesus introduce calm into those situations? - Why are you afraid? How can the peace of Jesus counter that fear? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 13, 2021 Matthew 6:24-27 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. We’re trapped when we make anything other than God our master. II. Walking in trust undoes our worries. Dwelling in our worries multiplies them. III. Worry is a thief and a murderer. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What is your favorite place to get ice cream or custard, and what do you order? - What are the ways people would have had money as their master in Jesus’ day? What are ways people have money as their master today? - How does God’s kindness towards other creatures help you trust in God’s kindness and provision for you? - Where have you witnessed worry take away from life? - What is the major source of worry for you? How would God have you walk in trust? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, June 6, 2021 Matthew 21:28-32 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Jesus will answer your question with a question. II. Obedience is not just knowing, but doing right things. III. It’s more about being on the right path than having a perfect pedigree. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Have you made a public profession of faith (like becoming a church member)? Tell about that experience. - What are the benefits of challenging people’s thinking with questions instead of answers? What are the drawbacks? - Jesus used this parable to challenge people who were outwardly religious. Who would be challenged by His story of obedience today? - What of your life looks like the “right path” of faithfulness right now? What of your life might need some course correction? - What will you do this week to live more fully into a commitment you’ve made to God? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 30, 2021 2 Kings 2:5-15 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. The friendships we forge in the faith become an enduring part of our legacy. II. Witnessing true godliness causes us to hunger for a deeper faith in our own lives. III. It’s up to us to take up the cloak. It’s up to God to provide the power. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Has the "Memorial" part of Memorial Day worked into your plans for this long weekend? If so, how? - Read 1 Kings 19:19-21 to learn about how Elisha was called to be a prophet. How is that similar to our calling to follow Jesus? - Who has inspired you to pursue a deeper faith? How might your life be inspiring others towards a deeper faith? - What is a calling God has invited you to pick-up? Do you have worries about taking on that responsibility? - What is one way you can make certain the torch of faith is passed on through your life this week? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 23, 2021 1 Timothy 4:7-16 St. John's Worship Website Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. To pass on hope, we can't major in the minors. II. Young disciples are called to exemplary love, faith, and purity. III. Youthful boldness is a great tool when guided by the Holy Spirit. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - If you were invited to give a commencement speech, what would be the title? - Paul talks about the risk of "wasting time" when it comes to training for godliness. What is at stake when churches bicker over non-essentials? - Where do you witness exemplary love, faith, and purity at work in disciples who are maybe a generation or two younger than you are? - How does the church nurture some of the risk-taking and questioning nature of youth? How does the church stifle that? - Name a young person you know who you lean on to help mentor you into the future? How has that relationship blessed your life? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 16, 2021 Psalm 78:1-8 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. To be a part of the relay, we have to put ourselves into the race. II. We’ll be held responsible for hiding Jesus from future generations. III. God’s salvation stories are filled with warnings and wonders. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What's a song you learned to help teach you something (besides the alphabet)? Do you still know the tune? - What does "apply the instructions of scripture to my life" mean to you? - What are some ways we hide Jesus from future generations, whether intentionally or unintentionally? - Why do you suppose it's important that the stories of scripture contain both wonders and warnings? - What specific thing can you do this week to take your place in the generational relay? What would keep you from doing that? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 9, 2021 Exodus 2:1-10 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Not everything is working in favor of the nurturing community. II. Nurturing community requires a great deal of trust in God. III. Personal compassion can have an impact well beyond helping an individual. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - If you had a comfort item (like a blanket or stuffed animal) as a child, what was it? Do you know what became of it? - Where do you see examples of the mighty Pharaoh being made to look like a fool in these stories? Why would the Hebrew people find those stories funny? - When is showing trust to others a way to show trust in God? Can you share an example of that kind of trust in your life? - The ways that the women helped each other in today's stories involved risk for them. What did they risk in their show of courage? - What is a nurturing community that you're a part of? How do you benefit? How do you contribute? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, May 2, 2021 Genesis 1:26-32 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION Please feel free to use these notes for personal devotion and reflection, as well as spiritual conversation with your small group and family. SERMON NOTES I. We’ve been given the image of our Creator. II. We’ve been given responsibility and authority. III. We’ve been handed goodness that Jesus restores and we pass on. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What's your favorite family heirloom, or what do you think will be something you'd like to pass on to a future generation? - In a passage that's filled with words that bring honor to humanity, which verse or section in today's scripture helps you feel most beloved? Why? - Do you see your relationship with the rest of creation like a "reign?" What kind of responsibility would come with that sort of reign? - This is the first instance in this telling of creation where God observed the work of the day and declared it "very good." Why do you suppose that is? - Where do you see the restorative work of Jesus at work in creation? - Is God nudging you to more fully acknowledge that you are created in the divine image, or that someone else in your life is created in the divine image? Which is harder for you? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, April 25, 2021 Galatians 5:13-26 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Our freedom in Christ leads us to serve and not destroy one another. II. The Spirit sets us free from legalism, and free from the sin that separates us from God. III. In all circumstances, the faith of disciples can be exhibited through the fruits of the Spirit. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Are you a garage sale fanatic? Why or why not? - Paul saw the Galatian church being undermined by internal strife and division. What do you think he meant when he cautioned against "biting and devouring one another?" - How does the Spirit set us free from sin, and not just punishment? - The church of Paul's time was persecuted, so he listed characteristics of faithful living that couldn't be outlawed. How can that be important to us today? - Where would you put yourself on the quadrants of "Affirming Traditional" or "Activist Nice-maker?" Where do you think God would have you be? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, April 18, 2021 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. If we let it, our identity in Christ has the power to break down any barriers that would separate us as believers. II. The question for Christians isn’t “Are we connected?,” but “How are we connected?” III. The body of Christ shares in suffering and honor, and we grieve our division. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - If you could visit any one city in the world (safely, of course), where would you go and why? - What do people in Corinth seem to be divided about in 1 Corinthians 12? Is that something that you believe divides the church today? - How have you seen Jesus act independently in scripture? How have you seen Jesus act interdependently? - Why do think some believers seem to enjoy when other Christians fall or suffer? What does Jesus offer us to help us overcome that temptation? - Where do you land on the axis of "Connectional" vs. "Autonomous?" What about on the axis of "Local" vs. "Global?" - Where do you believe God would have you be on today's quadrants? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, April 11, 2021 John 3:1-20 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. The kingdom of God doesn’t advance unless people experience new birth through Jesus Christ. II. Religion and reconciliation are not synonymous. III. To endure, the church has to live in and reflect the light of Christ. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Besides Jesus, if you could go visit with someone some evening just to ask some burning questions, who would you go to? Why? - What do you think of when you hear the term "born again?" How does Jesus use the term in today's passage? - Is it possible for people to practice religion without having faith? Is it possible to have faith without practicing religion? Describe examples of each. - Why are churches focused on things other than discipleship likely to expire? - On your own chart, where would you place yourself in the quadrants of "cultural club" vs. "Christian discipleship" and "Invitation" vs. "Wishin' and Hopin'?" Why? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, April 4, 2021 Luke 24:1-12 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. We still have a hard time believing that death lost. II. Believing this unbelievably Good News robs death of its power. III. God has grace for the wonderers who wandered. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Besides Jesus’ tomb, name something else you’re excited to see empty. - Why do you think Jesus’ friends had such a hard time believing His promise to rise from the grave? - Why was it so important for Peter to run to the tomb? - Jesus restored Peter by giving him a responsibility in and to the kingdom of God. How does God do that when He redeems our lives? - When did you know that trusting in Jesus would save you from death? If you don’t yet trust Jesus’ power to give eternal life, what’s holding you back? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Thursday, April 1, 2021 1 John 3:11-24 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, March 28, 2021 Luke 23:32:46 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Anger is the clearest pathway to death. II. Wrath spills venom on everything. III. Anger refuses to see its own need for grace. IV. Forgiveness is the death of wrath. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What is something you do that someone has described as “annoying?” (nail biting, tooth grinding, etc.) - Where do you see anger lining Jesus’ path to the cross? - When do you experience anger spilling over and poisoning your life? - What is your practice for reminding yourself of your own need for grace and forgiveness? - Name one specific way that you will overcome wrath through forgiveness this week. - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, March 21, 2021 Luke 22:54-65 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Pride wants to stay in control of the situation. II. Pride clings to its own life, and loses it in the process. III. Jesus sees right through us. IV. Humility is the death of pride. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Tell about a time when your pride got puffed up, and then deflated. - What do you think was the biggest problem with Simon Peter’s hypocrisy between what he said he’d do, and what he actually did? - Where does our culture teach us to cling to our own lives instead of living fully for Jesus Christ? Why is it effective? - If Jesus were looking into your eyes right now, what’s the thing He sees that makes you break into tears? - Where does God want you to think of yourself less? How will you live into that this coming week? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, March 14, 2021 Luke 22:39-46 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work. II. Surrender to God doesn’t mean giving up. It means giving all. III. When Jesus says it’s time to wake up, it’s time to wake up. IV. Readiness is the death of sloth. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Describe a time when you were just too tired to do anything. - Jesus told the disciples in the garden to pray that they will not give in to temptation. What temptations may overtake them in that time? - What challenges does the prayer, “I want Your will to be done, not mine” present for people who pray that sincerely? - What do you think Jesus would be addressing if He were to approach you with the words, “Why are you sleeping?” What comes to mind? - Which of the following does God want you to focus on this week? Readiness in answering for your hope? Readiness in preaching God’s word? Or readiness for Christ’s return? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, March 7, 2021 Luke 22:21-27 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. A failure to self-manage will often spill over. II. Gluttony is concerned with its own cravings, and little else. III. Intentional living is the death of gluttony. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What food is most tempting to you when it comes to overindulgence? - Have you experienced some discipline "creep" over the course of sheltering? Where do you see that happening? - In what ways does our culture celebrate gluttony? Why do you think we find some indulgences more agreeable than others? - Intentional living involves living with a mission. If you were to write a one sentence mission statement for your life, what would it be? - What is one thing you can do this week to make certain that God's abundant blessing doesn't stop with you, but becomes a blessing to others, as well? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, February 28, 2021 Luke 19:45-48 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Greed cheapens what’s most precious to God. II. Envy wants what it doesn’t have, and nobody else can have it. III. Gratitude and contentedness are the death of greed and envy. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Describe a time when you really wanted what someone else had. - In Luke’s version, Jesus responds to the people selling sacrifices by quoting scripture. In other Gospels, He’s flipping tables and driving them out with a whip. How is it helpful for Jesus to show anger in this situation? How is it unhelpful? - Jesus often quoted part of a scripture, and those who knew the rest would catch on to what He was saying. How has your knowledge of scripture helped you better understand Jesus? - The religious elite were jealous that Jesus was stealing their thunder. How do we experience that kind of envy today? - In conversation with someone else, spend some time listing your reasons to be grateful to God. Start with basics like life, breath, clothing and shelter, then get more specific. - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Sunday, February 21, 2021 Luke 19:28-40 Donate Online - Secure, web-based giving for St. John's UMC SERMON NOTES I. Vanity won’t let you take the risk. II. Vanity wants the accolade and attention. III. Vanity is concerned about how this makes us look. IV. Modesty is the death of vanity. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - Are you giving up or taking on anything for Lent? What is it? - What are risks Christians seem reluctant to take because of how we might be perceived? - Do you think Jesus wanted the parade? Why or why not? - Jesus said, "If my followers are quiet, the stones would shout praise!" How would that shame the Pharisees? What does that mean to you today? - Where do you need to let vanity die and modesty grow in your life? How will you guard yourself against being overly concerned about appearances? - What is God saying to you through today's scripture?