"Everybody Needs a Little Jesus" - Sermon - Grand Lake United Methodist Church

Grand Lake United Methodist Church

Media Give App

"Everybody Needs a Little Jesus" - Sermon

December 1, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Isaiah 9:6–7, Isaiah 9:2

Give

Read Isaiah 9: 1-7.

1. What does the word “Advent” mean? Why do we celebrate it every year in

the church?

2. Advent is often referred as the season of the “already” and the “not yet.”

What does that mean?

3. In what ways does this passage from Isaiah also represent the “already” and

the “not yet”?

4. Read Isaiah 9: 2 and John 1: 5 & 9. How do these passages relate to one

another?

5. Why is the “Light” so important? Why do you think some people resist the

Light?

6. Read Isaiah 9: 6, Luke 2: 10-12 and Luke 1: 32-33. How do these passages

relate to one another?

7. How do these passages from both the Old and New Testaments reinforce the

idea of “already” and “not yet” for the Advent season?

8. Why do we need “a little Jesus” (baby, child) rather than a big, strong,

ruthless warrior king?

9. Are you willing to give “a little Jesus” to those who are struggling in life or

simply having a bad day? Why/why not?

10. Do you believe a little Jesus can change someone’s day, or even their whole

life? Why/why not? (Hint: think about mustard seed of faith)

Reflection:

Lord Jesus, you are the Light shining in the darkness of this fallen, broken and

sinful world. We desperately need your Light and your Love to drive out the

darkness of hate all around us. We know that your love-light can sometimes be

overwhelming to people at first. Remind us to shine your Light gently enough for

people to first receive it, then brightly enough for them to walk in it. Help us to

all walk in your love-light together. And remind us, no matter where we are on

our faith journeys, that “Everybody Needs a Little Jesus.” We pray all of this in

your holy, precious and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

"Joy Bringer" - Sermon

December 22, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Luke 1:39–45

Read Luke 1: 39-45. 1. What does the word “theotokos” mean? Why is Mary called “theotokos”? 2. What did Mary and Elizabeth have in common? What differences were there between them? 3. Why do you think Mary “got ready and hurried” to visit Elizabeth? 4. What are all the ways Elizabeth talks about “blessing” in this passage? How do you think Elizabeth’s words made Mary feel? 5. What happened when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting? Why is this significant? 6. What does it mean to choose joy? Why is important to remember to choose joy? 7. What does it mean to be a joy-bringer? How is this related to being a Christian? 8. How can you be a joy-bringer to people in your life? 9. How can you be a “theotokos” in your own unique way? Prayer for the Week: Lord Jesus, just as Elizabeth’s son leaped for joy in your presence, we also find our joy in you. Remind us daily to choose joy regardless of our circumstances. Help us to not only choose joy, but also be joy-bringers to the world around us. Inspire and empower us to be “theotokos” in our own unique ways, bearing witness to your love, mercy and grace in this hurting and broken world. May all that we say and do bring you honor and glory. We pray all of this in your precious, holy and strong name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

"Let it Be" - Sermon

December 15, 2024 • Pastor Mick Whistler • Luke 1:26–38

Read Luke 1: 26-38. 1. Where and to whom did God send the angel Gabriel to announce the coming Christ child? What is significant about the person and place God chose? 2. Why was Mary “greatly troubled”? 3. What does it mean to “find favor with God”? 4. Has God ever called you to something that left you “greatly troubled”? If so, what was it? 5. Mary’s reactions range from fear to confusion to acceptance (see v. 29, 34 & 38). Can you relate to her reactions? Why/why not? 6. Read verse 37. What does this mean to you? How might this be a source of hope in uncertain times? 7. Read verse 38. Can you relate to Mary’s response? Why/why not? 8. How might our lives look different if we simply “let it be” as Mary does? What does it mean to “Let it be to me according to your word.”? 9. What are some promises in the Bible that you need to remind yourself of and embrace more often? 10. How can you share the Good News of God’s promises with others and help them to trust in these promises? Prayer for the Week: Gracious and Loving God, we confess that we are often troubled and confused, much like Mary was at first. Please help us to also be like Mary in moving quickly to acceptance, trusting in your promises and the power of your Word. Remind us daily of your incredible love, mercy and grace. Help us to embrace all the plans you have for us and empower us to help others do the same. Remind us that everybody needs a little Jesus, and as His followers, we are the messengers you have chosen to bring Good News to the world. Let it be to us according to your word. We pray all of this in the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

"The Little Leader of God's Big Plan" - Sermon

December 8, 2024 • Pastor Matt Overman • Isaiah 11:1–9

What is your favorite image of peace from Scripture or real life?  Read Isaiah 11: 1-9. What stands out to you in this passage? How does the image of the shoot from Jesse’s stump inspire hope? What would it look like for a “child to lead them” in today’s world?  Read Jeremiah 23: 5-6. How does this reinforce Isaiah’s vision of a righteous leader? What kind of hope does this bring during Advent?  Read Micah 5: 2-5a. What does it mean that God chose Bethlehem, a humble place, for Jesus’ birth? How does Jesus bring peace as described in this passage?  Read Psalm 72: 1-7. How do justice and peace go hand in hand? What are ways we can reflect the values of God’s kingdom?  Read Luke 4: 16-21. How does Jesus fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy in His ministry? How can we join Jesus in proclaiming good news to the poor and oppressed?  Read Ephesians 2: 13-18. How does Jesus break down barriers to bring peace? What barriers do we see in our world, and how can we work to overcome them?  Read Revelation 21: 1-5. How does Isaiah’s vision of peace point to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation? What hope does this passage give you as we wait for Christ’s return? How does Isaiah’s vision challenge us to live differently during Advent? What are small steps you can take this week to reflect Christ’s peace and justice?  Write down one “peace-building” action you will take this week—whether in your relationships, community, or personal life.  Take a few minutes of silence to reflect on what it means to follow the child who leads us. Prayer for the Week: Loving God, You are the root of hope and the source of peace. In this season of Advent, we thank You for the promise fulfilled in Jesus - who leads us with wisdom, justice, and compassion. We marvel at the vision of Your kingdom, where wolves and lambs live together, and a little child leads the way. Help us to trust in Your promise of peace, even when the world feels broken and divided. Teach us to walk in the way of Your Son, to see others with His eyes of love, to act with His heart of justice, and to embrace the peace only He can bring. May we be agents of reconciliation in our homes, our communities, and our world. Make us bold enough to follow Your Spirit, humble enough to learn from the least, and faithful enough to reflect the light of Christ in all we say and do. Fill us with the hope of Isaiah’s vision, the joy of the angels’ song, and the peace of Christ’s eternal reign. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd, we pray. Amen.