Archive for July, 2010
August 1, 2010: Jesus Calms a Storm
The text for this lesson is Luke 8:22-25
Key Points
- Jesus calmed the wind and waves to assure the disciples that He is the Savior and to strengthen their faith in Him. Jesus is with us in His Word, Baptism, and Holy Communion, assuring us that He is our Savior and strengthening our faith in Him through all the storms of life.
- Law: Like the disciples, I am afraid when the storms of life beset me; I sometimes doubt that God is with me and will save me.
- Gospel: Jesus gives me His Word, Holy Baptism, and His real presence in Holy Communion to assure me that He is my Savior and to strengthen my faith.
Discussion Points
- How does the calming of the sea show Jesus’ power over sin? How does this miracle show God’s love?
- In what ways does Jesus demonstrate His divine and human natures in this text?
- Why should we remember Jesus’ power over the wind and waves?
- What are some spiritual dangers?
- When we encounter storms in our daily lives, where can we turn to or look for help?
- How do you know God is with you and will save you?
- How does knowing God is always with you help when you feel afraid?
- God did not want humans, His creation, to perish or be destroyed eternally, so He sent His Son, Jesus to perish for us. How did Jesus perish for us?
- Why did Jesus perish on our behalf?
- What does this mean for us?
July 25, 2010: God Reverses the Sun’s Shadow
The text for this lesson is 2 Kings 20:1-11; Isaiah 38:1-8
Key Points
- God caused the sun’s shadow to reverse as a sign to Hezekiah that He had heard his prayer and would keep His promise to extend Hezekiah’s life and deliver the Israelites. God gives us His Word and Sacraments, which bestow what He has promised us in Christ Jesus, and promises to hear and answer our prayers for Jesus’ sake.
- Law: In my sinfulness, I am like Hezekiah and the children of Israel, needing a sign or wonder to assure me that God will do as He promised.
- Gospel: God hears and answers my prayers and gives me His Word and Sacraments, which bestow all that He has promised me in Christ Jesus.
Discussion Points
- Hezekiah was about 39 years old and had reigned about fourteen years. What did Isaiah’s message mean?
- What would you do if you were told you would soon die from a sickness?
- What did Hezekiah do when he learned that he would die?
- Why did he weep bitterly?
- Did God hear Hezekiah’s prayer?
- How was Hezekiah to be healed?
- What else did Hezekiah want?
- What sign did the Lord give?
- How did God use His creation the sun to assure Hezekiah that He would do as He had promised?
- How are we like Hezekiah?
- What are God’s promises for us?
- What is the greatest deliverance or rescue that God does for people who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior from sin?
- When can we call upon God or pray to Him?
- Why should we pray?
- For whom should we pray?
- Where can we pray?
July 18, 2010: God Heals in the Jordan’s Waters
The text for this lesson is 2 Kings 5:1-14
Key Points
- God poured His grace on Naaman, telling him to wash in the Jordan so that he would be cleansed of his disease. He pours His grace on us through water and His Word in Holy Baptism and cleanses us from our greatest sickness—sin. God cares for us and has power to heal our diseases according to His will.
- Law: As Naaman was sick with leprosy, so I am sick with sin.
- Gospel: Because of Jesus, God cares for me and has power to heal my sicknesses according to His will. He pours His grace on me through water and His Word in Holy Baptism and heals my sin-sickness.
Discussion Points
- Why was an Israelite girl living in Naaman’s house in Syria?
- Did the dirty Jordan River water wash away Naaman’s sickness? Who healed Naaman? Who heals us?
- What sickness do all people suffer from?
- How are we cleansed from sin and given saving faith?
- How did God use the natural element water to bring about His plan of salvation for Naaman?
- Did the river water cleanse or heal Naaman of his sickness? Was it the power of Elisha?
- How does baptismal water work forgiveness of sins, rescue from death and the devil, and give eternal salvation?
- How did Jesus’ blood cleanse us?
July 11, 2010: God Carries Elijah to Heaven in a Whirlwind
The text for this lesson is 2 Kings 2:1-14
Key Points
- God worked through the horses, the chariots of fire, and the whirlwind that carried Elijah to heaven to reassure and bless Elisha so he could boldly serve as God’s prophet. God works through the Means of Grace—Word and Sacrament—to strengthen our faith and bless us in our service to Him as we serve our neighbor.
- Law: Like Elisha, I am sinful and doubt my abilities to serve where God calls me.
- Gospel: God works through the Means of Grace—Word and Sacrament—to forgive my doubt and reveal that He is with me and to grant me the ability to serve wherever He calls me.
Discussion Points
- What do we call a man today with a special calling to preach God’s Word and administer Sacraments?
- Why was God about to take Elijah up to heaven?
- Why did Elisha not want to leave Elijah?
- Of what does the parting of the water in 2 Kings 2:8 remind you?
- What did Elisha want from Elijah?
- Why did Elisha tear his clothes?
- Was Elisha’s prayer answered?
- How did God use the whirlwind (the natural element) to help Elisha know God’s plan of salvation?
- Of whom does Elijah’s ascent into heaven remind you?
- What does that mean for us?
- Why is this story of Elijah’s miraculous departure from earth in the Bible for us to read today?
July 4, 2010: God Rains Fire
The text for this lesson is 1 Kings 18
Discussion Points
- God had hidden Elijah for three years, but now God commanded him to appear before Ahab. Why?
- Why was Obadiah afraid to take Elijah to Ahab?
- What did Ahab call Elijah? Why?
- What did Elijah tell Ahab to do?
- Were the prophets of Baal up to the challenge?
- What was Elijah’s prayer?
- Did he pray for fire?
- Which commandment did God’s people break in the story?
- Who or what might be a Baal for people today?
- What is idolatry?
- When do we commit idolatry?
- What does it mean to fear, love, and trust God?
