by Rev. Grant Armstrong Matthew 8:23-27 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC

SERMON NOTES

Jesus __________ deeply. He’s just not __________ about it.

Let Christ’s __________ be more contagious than our __________.

Perfect __________ casts out all __________.

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?

Next Step: What is God saying to you through His word today?

Next: Good Question, Jesus:“Do you believe I am able?”Matthew 9:28

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 6:46-49 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC

SERMON NOTES

“Jesus is __________” has always been a controversial statement.

__________-__________ are made by living our Jesus’ teaching.

We shouldn’t be surprised when __________ results in __________.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Name someone you know personally who has most motivated or inspired you. Why do you think that is?

If we are saved by grace and not works, why are our actions and obedience still important?

What kinds of storms will everyone face in life, regardless of their foundation?

Without naming names, how do we see rebellious lives coming to ruin these days?

Of the teachings of Jesus’ mentioned today, which one weighed most on your heart?

Next Step: What is God saying to you through His word today?

Next:Good Question, Jesus:“Why are you afraid?”Matthew 8:26

One of us always tells lies...one of us always tells the truth...but what IS the truth, really? We're digging deep this week with the films Rashomon and Life of Pi, discussing absolutes, equivocations, and whether a single noble lie can balance out a thousand false promises.

We'll also discuss Satre's concepts of "bad faith" and "the look" (na na na na!), the soap opera Dallas, and getting called poindexter at a comedy show. (It makes sense in context, I promise.)

Links for this episode:

The Atlantic - “Life's Stories”

The Invention of Lying (trailer)

True Detective - pessimism: religion and fairy tales

The Hogfather - ‘Belief’ as according to Death

The Dark Knight - Joker’s speech and 

ending scene

KURT - BIT FROM DALLAS  “IT WAS ALL A DREAM”?

The Look (Anime version) - Okami-san

The Look (Midi version) - download link

Brian Thomas Smith (aka the commedian who called Kurt "Poindexter")

Blake's notes for this episode - hosted locally

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Matthew 21:28-32 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC

SERMON NOTES

Jesus will answer your __________ with a __________.

Obedience is not just __________, but __________ right things.

It’s more about being on the right __________ than being in the right __________.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

Have you made a public profession of faith (like confirmation)? 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?

Next Step: What is God saying to you through His word today?

Next: Good Question, Jesus:“Why do you call me ‘Lord?’”Luke 6:26

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Mark 16:1-11Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

We can faithfully tend to __________ while totally missing the __________ of God.

Just because we’re not __________ Jesus doesn’t mean He isn’t __________.

It wasn’t Jesus’ __________ in the tomb that showed His power. It was His __________.

Resurrection presents us with a __________.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

What is your favorite Easter candy?

What were some of the emotions the women were experiencing as they prepared to anoint Jesus’ body? Would some of those feelings be especially helpful or unhelpful?

Describe a situation where it may be difficult to sense the presence of Jesus, but we can still know that He’s with us.

Based on your living testimony, would someone observing you say you’ve chosen to trust in Christ and walk in faith or chosen to doubt Christ and walk in fear?

What fear do you need to overcome today to live a stronger faith?

Next Step: What is God saying to you through His word today?

Next:Good Question, Jesus:“Which one obeyed?”Matthew 21:28-32

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 22:47-53  Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC

Strange things are afoot at the Kwik-E-Mart this week as we look into the documentary The Problem With Apu and three classic Apu-centric episodes of The Simpsons to see if these charges are warrented, and if the writers ever got better at writing Indian characters.

We also take time to talk about James Woods' career (or lack thereof), Indian covers of Western pop songs, and airlines treating people like cattle.

Links for this episode:

Tumblr - Hari Kondabolu - My career goal is to make people say my name.

Deadpool 2 trailer

Washington Post - “A beloved restaurant owner was deported; a community was in uproar, then it moved on”

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Civics Practice Test 

This American Life: Our Town (Part One) 

This American Life: Our Town (Part Two)

Psychology Today - “Why Are So Many Indian Arranged Marriages Successful?” 

Buzzfeed - “15 Times Indians Slayed With Their Covers Of Some Of Your Favourite Songs” 

The Simpsons - Lisa the Vegetarian clip

by Rev. Grant Armstrong John 11:1-46 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

A miracle comes for God's __________, not our __________.

With Jesus, there's no such thing as __________ __________.

Our __________ breaks the heart of God.

These miracles didn't just bring __________ __________ back to life.

The power of Jesus challenges our sense of __________.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

On that first Palm Sunday, I would have been 1) waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!"2) watching the crowd from a safe distance.3) telling the crowd with Jesus to keep it down.4) well out of the way.

What did Mary and Martha expect when they sent news to Jesus about Lazarus' illness?

What difference does it make in your life that Jesus wept?

Why do you believe the Pharisees became so angry with Jesus when He restored Lazarus back to life?

Where in our world today do you see Jesus bringing life in abundance against the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy? How do you become a part of that?

Next: Miracles: ResurrectionMark 16:1-11

by Rev. Grant Armstrong Luke 8:26-40 Online Offering - Secure web based giving to First UMC 

SERMON NOTES

Jesus will go out of His way to __________ the __________.

Naming the current __________ allows Jesus to __________ it.

Sometimes the power of God is met with __________ instead of __________.

A __________ life is the most valuable sign of Jesus’ saving power.

FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION

What’s the creepiest place you’ve even visited? What made it so spooky?

Read Luke 8:22-25. Why do you think the storm arose when and how it did?

Who are the “untouchable” people of our day?

Why is it sometimes so difficult to name our current reality?

What would you have done if the pigs that drowned in the lake belonged to you?

What evidence can people see that Jesus Christ has changed your life?

Next: Miracles: Waking the DeadLuke 7:11-17, Luke 8:41-56, John 11:1-46

It's rare for an artist to remake a work from their early career. With Spike Lee's remake of She's Gotta Have It, we're looking at the differences between the film (1986) and the web-series (2017) with a big helping hand from our guest Samantha from Rocket Punch Radio.

With art, music, sexuality, and civil unrest on the table, we also found time (in this long episode) to talk about the Spin Doctors, Celtics fans, and eminent domain.

Links for this episode:CBS This Morning - Spike Lee on Rebooting the iconic and timely “She’s Gotta Have It”YouTube - Lindsay Ellis - RENT - “Look Pretty and Do As Little as Possible: A Video Essay” Goodreads.com - Dossie Easton, Janet W. Hardy's "The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationship & Other Adventures"UrbanDictionary.com - “Gold Star Lesbian”The Magicians - The Wit and Wisdom of EliotWikipedia - 25th HourWikipedia - Audre LordePleasantville - "What’s Going to Happen Now?"Mars Blackmon in Nike commercials

Shoutouts:Samantha's TwitterThe Kave Podcast/Hot 365 Radio