His Work Within You Devotion Book/Small Group Curriculum 2020/2021 Second Quarter

Created by the Pastors of Hales Corners Lutheran

As God’s family Welcome to the 2020-2021 personal/small group devotional book!

...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. we are and called Philippians 2:13

God invites into His Word to learn of His will. His Word then goes to work within gathered our hearts, convicting us and nurturing in us a love for God’s Word and love for other to WORSHIP GROW people. working in our hearts, the Lord also wants to work in us until we are doing His will. God works through the lives of believers, and He wants to work through you - in your families, work places, communities, and throughout the world - to live for Him based and be to make sent on your love for Him and His great love for you. a difference in the world for Christ! As you use this book, we pray that it will be an instrument God uses to draw you closer to Him, His Word, and to the family of God. Journey through these pages weekly, in tandem with our weekly worship sermons, and let the devotions and questions prepare HCL Mission Statement you for worship and enhance what you have heard in worship. Grow in your knowledge and love for the Lord, others, and yourself so that you may go out and make a difference in the world for Christ! Dear Lord, by the gift of your grace, work in us through your Word. Draw us daily to Your Word and into a loving relationship with You that obeys Your Word and does Your will. Amen. In service to our Lord, Your Pastors ASH WEDNESDAY Have on Me, O God! February 17, 2021

SCRIPTURE Psalm 51:1-17

OPENING PRAYER Have mercy on me, O God! Show me my sins. Show me my need for the Savior! On this Ash Wednesday show me my need to repent! Show me my Savior, Jesus! In Him, cleanse me, make me clean, that I may rejoice and be glad! Give to me a steadfast Spirit! Restore to me the joy of Your salvation! Give me opportunity and calling to be one of the instruments You use to teach and turn others that You bring into my life to You! Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth will declare Your praise! In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen!

FROM THE TEXT 1. Look above verse 1 in the title. What is the occasion for this Psalm? What events set the stage for David’s sorrow and repentance? 2. What is David asking God to do? (See verses 1,2, and 6-12.) 3. Who is David according to David in verses 3-5? 4. What is David’s response after Law and Gospel, sin and grace, repentance and restoration according to verses 13-15?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS 1. How are you and David alike? Different? 2. What gets in your way when it comes to seeing your sin? Repenting? Receiving His cleansing in Christ? Being restored in joy? Seeing yourself as “clean,” “whiter than snow”? 3. What gets in your way when it comes to verses 13-15?

PRAYER FOCUS • On this Ash Wednesday, ask yourself and offer it up to God – in what area of your life do you need His mercy? Ask and you will receive! • That Confirmands and parents would learn and grow in their understanding of God’s gift of Holy Communion during Communion Instruction classes. LENT SERIES MIDWEEK LENT SERIES If You Want to Walk on Water, Free People You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat!

It’s easy to see faith as just a list of dos and don’ts we have to keep in order It was mid-January of 2014 when we shared a sermon series to make God happy. But what if this view of faith is missing the mark? In this entitled, “If You Want to Walk On Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of mid-week Lent sermon series, as we take a look at the book of Galatians, we’ll the Boat!” The Holy Spirit blew across the congregation! discover that Jesus didn’t come to keep us captive to a list of rules. In fact, just the opposite is true! Because of Jesus, we live as free people. Do it again, Lord! Do it again! Who the Son sets free is free indeed, People stepped out in faith! They dared to take a risk for the opportunity to experience a transforming walk with Jesus! Pastor Leon Do it again, Lord! Do it again!

Come journey with us out where the waves are high and the wind is Free People (February 24) strong – for that’s where Jesus led Peter! It’s where Jesus will meet Galatians 1:1-2, Galatians 5:1 you and me! It will be the greatest walk of your life – you and Jesus – Jesus wants us to be free people. Regardless of your imperfections or the things you’ve done, because of Jesus because it really is true... “If You Want to Walk On Water, You’ve Got your relationship with God is never on the line when you fall short. to Get Out of the Boat!” In Christ, Free People: Live (March 3) Galatians 1:6-10, Galatians 6:4-5 Pastor Keith So often the approval of other people matters deeply to us. Galatians teaches us that free people live for Him, not .

If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat! (February 21) Free People: Know (March 10) Matthew 14:25-32 Galatians 6:7-9, John 10:10 Free people know their affects their later. Following Jesus isn’t about keeping score or weighing out sin. It’s Unopened Gifts (February 28) about freedom and life. Jesus wants you to experience an abundant life—a full harvest of a GOOD life. But you Matthew 25:14-30 don’t start a harvest with harvesting. You start a harvest by planting.

Trust in Jesus – It’s the Risk! (March 7) Free People: Love (March 17) 2 Kings 5:1-14 Galatians 5:13-15 Galatians is , loving others matters. Free people put others first. Crying Out in Fear (March 14) Matthew 14:26-30, Isaiah 43:1-3a Free People: Abide (March 24) Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:5 How Big is Your God? (March 21) Free people stay close to the Source of their freedom...and in THAT place, lasting change happens! Matthew 14:25-32 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat! February 21, 2021

SCRIPTURE Matthew 14:25-32

OPENING PRAYER Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, come to us in the midst of our lives! Call us to come to you! Inspire our leap, our walk! Fix our eyes of faith on You and You ! When we get distracted or scared, when we fall or sink, reach out your gracious hand and pick us back up! Give us a walk that we will never forget! Let us never be the same again! I don’t want to be like those that stayed in the Boat! I choose to walk, Lord! I choose to walk! Jesus, come, call, catch, and walk with us in our journey in and through and throughout your Word! In Your name we pray and begin the walk of a lifetime! Amen.

FROM THE TEXT 1. Why were the disciples terrified? 2. What happened to calm their fears? What does “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” mean for the disciples? What does it mean for you and me? 3. Jesus calls Peter out of the boat with one word – “Come!” How does Peter respond? 4. Peter walks on water! Where were his eyes when he was walking? Where were his eyes when he was sinking? 5. Read John 6:66-68. How does this help you understand Matthew 14:30-31? The faith of a faithful, but desperate fearful soul cries out – what does it cry? What is Jesus’ response? How long did it take Jesus to save him?

Continued on next page MIDWEEK LENT SERIES Free People February 24, 2021

Continued from previous page.

SCRIPTURE APPLICATION QUESTIONS Galatians 1:1-2, Galatians 5:1 1. What’s your “boat?” Where is fear or comfort keeping you from trusting God? OPENING PRAYER 2. Where are you in your relationship with Jesus these days? Lord God, in this season of Lent we look to our remembrance of Jesus’ a. Huddled in the boat with a life preserver and the seat belt on. death and our celebration of His resurrection. We pray that Your Spirit will b. One leg in, one leg out. renew in us today our anticipation for these events and our awareness c. I’m walking on the water–and loving it! that Jesus’ death and resurrection are a sure source of freedom and d. I’m out of the boat–but the wind looks pretty bad! everlasting life. In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. e. I’m drowning and crying out to Jesus for His gracious hand! f. I’ve been lifted up by His grace, and we are walking together! FROM THE TEXT 3. Compare the following quote by Theodore Roosevelt to the story of 1. In verse 1, Paul refers to himself as an apostle. What does this mean? Matthew 14:25-32. How does this apply to you and your walk with When was he made an apostle? (See Acts 1:21-22, Acts 9:4-6) Christ Jesus today? 2. Read Galatians 5:1. What is this freedom? What does it look like in “It’s not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the the life of a believer? strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done 3. How should our certain future hope in Jesus shape our life here better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . . and now? who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of great achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place will never be with those cold timid souls who know neither APPLICATION QUESTIONS victory and defeat.” 1. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “free people?” 2. If you’ve ever been grounded, what’s the biggest freedom you’ve had PRAYER FOCUS taken away? • Jesus, Come to us! Call us out of our boat to walk with You! Fix our 3. How does our culture define freedom? How does the Bible correct eyes on You! When we get distracted by the storm of our lives and we our culture’s understanding of freedom? sink, inspire our cry out to You! By Your gracious hand pick us back up again, and again, and again! Walk us on into the Life You have for us PRAYER FOCUS with You! We worship You for truly You are the Son of God!” Amen. • Adoration – What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches • For our Special Needs Ministry as they gather together to enjoy me? relationship and community at this month’s Buddy Break. For the VIPs to feel seen, loved by, and connected with their buddies. And for • Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me? caregivers to feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a time of respite. • Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has • That Confirmands and parents would learn and grow in their done? understanding of God’s gift of Holy Communion during Communion • Supplication – What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light instruction classes. of this? SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT MIDWEEK LENT SERIES Unopened Gifts Free People: Live February 28, 2021 March 3, 2021 SCRIPTURE

Matthew 25:14-30

OPENING PRAYER SCRIPTURE Command us dear Jesus, for You are our Savior and King. Inspire our obedience to Galatians 1:6-10, Galatians 6:4-5 Your command and call so that we open, and experience, and use all the gifts You give to us! Inspire us to the life You have for us! Forgive us for the tragedy of the OPENING PRAYER unopened gift. Lift us up by Your gracious hand and inspire our walk with You! Amen. Lord God, in this season of Lent we look to our remembrance of Jesus’ FROM THE TEXT death and our celebration of His resurrection. We pray that Your Spirit will renew in us today our anticipation for these events and our awareness that 1. In the “Parable of the Talents” in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus is the “man who went Jesus’ death and resurrection are a sure source of freedom and everlasting on a journey.” The disciples (and by extension, you and me) are the “servants.” life. In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. What are the “talents” that were given in the story? According to verse 15, what was given to each of the 3 men and why? 2. What did each of the 3 men do with the “talent” they were given, and how did FROM THE TEXT the master respond? 1. In Galatians 1:6-7, Paul has pretty direct words for the Galatians. What 3. It is hard to hear the judgment on the 3rd servant. Before we are ready for is his concern? Gospel, we’ve gotta hear hard things! What are the hard things that the master 2. What does Paul say will happen to anyone who promotes and teaches a says and does in verses 25-30? Look at Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, and 10:13. What “gospel” other than that which Paul preached; the good news of grace? gracious things does Jesus say and do for Peter in Matthew 14:31? (See Galatians 1:8-9) APPLICATION QUESTIONS 3. What is Paul’s motivation in being so direct? (See Galatians 1:10) 1. In Matthew 14:25-32 (last week’s devotion), what gift was Peter given? What did 4. How does Galatians 6:5 relate to Galatians 6:2? the other disciples miss out on? How was Peter different because of the gift He was given? How were the other disciples different than Peter after the event? APPLICATION QUESTIONS 2. This week’s devotion could have been called, “The Tragedy of the Unopened 1. How often do you find yourself comparing yourself to others? Gift.” (Read the section, “The Two Ways”, on pages 32-33 of the book.) Look at Matthew 25:25-30. Why did Jesus tell this story this way and have it end the way 2. What’s the difference between caring about something versus being He did? How do we receive this loving warning and encouragement? controlled or solely motivated by it? 3. How are we like the 3 men in this parable? Which of these men reminds you 3. Why is it easy to forget that you already have the approval you need most of you? Why? from God? 4. Look at verses 24 and 25. What was missing in the 3rd servant’s understanding of the master? What was in error? What caused him to do what he did with his talent? PRAYER FOCUS 5. There’s a phrase in the book on page 33 that introduces the concept of being • Adoration– What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me? a “Boat Potato.” What is that? Who is it in Matthew 14:33, and who is it in • Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me? Matthew 25:25-30? • Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has PRAYER FOCUS done? • Dear Jesus, “O ye of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31) and the • Supplication – What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of hard response to the 3rd servant in the “Parable of the Talents” is hard for us to this? bare! Comfort us by Your love for us. You rescued Peter, walked him back to the boat, and received the other disciples’ worship even though they stayed in the boat. Your grace is amazing! You love us enough to say hard things to us so that You can shake us from our laziness. Inspire us to open the gifts You give to us and to use them all to Your glory! In Your name we pray. Amen. • For Communicants, and their families, receiving First Communion. THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT MIDWEEK LENT SERIES Trust in Jesus - It’s Worth the Risk! Free People: Know March 7, 2021 March 10, 2021

SCRIPTURE 2 Kings 5:1-14 SCRIPTURE OPENING PRAYER Galatians 6:7-10, John 10:10 Lord, in our day it is hard to trust. It is hard to know Your voice, Your command, to be certain that it is You. And, if we know that it is You and we hear Your call, OPENING PRAYER risk can be scary! We have settled in and we have settled down. Excite us to the Lord God, in this season of Lent we look to our remembrance of Jesus’ thrill of Peter as he walked with You on the water! Bless us the way You blessed death and our celebration of His resurrection. We pray that Your Spirit will Naaman, after humility and obedience, to Your command and call! Amen. renew in us today our anticipation for these events and our awareness that Jesus’ death and resurrection are a sure source of freedom and everlasting FROM THE TEXT life. In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 1. In Matthew 14:27-29, what is the fear? What does Jesus say to combat the fear? What does Peter ask? What does Jesus command? How does FROM THE TEXT Peter obey? What does Peter experience as a result of risking and trust and obedience? 1. What is the main point of Paul’s teaching on the Spirit-filled life? (Verses 2. In 2 Kings 5:1-14, what is the disease? What does the prophet command 7-10) to combat the disease? What is Naaman’s struggle? What is Naaman’s 2. How did Paul encourage the Christians to endure in service? (Verse 9) servants’ counsel? How does Naaman obey? What does Naaman 3. What responsibility do believers have toward each other? (Verse 10) experience as a result of humbling himself, risking, trusting, and obedience? 3. How can pride keep us from experiencing the blessing of God? Look at APPLICATION QUESTIONS Naaman’s reaction to the command of the prophet in verses 11-15. (See 1 1. Can you think of times in your own life when sowing to please your Peter 5:5.) sinful nature has forced you to reap “destruction”? 2. Why do people become weary in doing good and give up? APPLICATION QUESTIONS 3. What are some things that you have sown that you are waiting to reap 1. What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? How did that work out for you? the rewards from? What are some things that you should start sowing? 2. What is the biggest adventure or risk you’ve ever taken in your faith to be obedient to God’s call or command? How did that play itself out? 3. Read and discuss “It’s Worth the Risk” on pages 78-80 of the book. In the PRAYER FOCUS midst of this section is a question: “What am I doing that I could not do • Adoration – What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me? apart from the power of God?” If you can’t come up with anything, then • Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me? you, my friend, are in the boat, not out on the waves! What are your thoughts about this? • Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has done? PRAYER FOCUS • Supplication – What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of • Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I trust in You! You are my Savior! My Lord! My this? King! Inspire my humble obedience! Show me Your command! Call me! I trust in You! I am willing, ready, humble, and obedient to risk; knowing that the walk with You, out where the waves are high and the wind is strong, will be the walk of a lifetime! Amen. • That parents and 2nd graders enjoy a special morning of receiving Bibles and engaging in activities using their Bibles at the Children’s Ministry 2nd Grade Zoom Bible event. • For parents and Confirmands as they worship together and grow in God’s Word and relationship with one another at Confirmation Church. • For prospective new members as they learn more about the church, make their commitment to join, and are welcomed into the church. That they may grow in their relationship with Jesus and within the church. FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT MIDWEEK LENT SERIES Crying Out in Fear Free People: Love March 14, 2021 March 17, 2021

SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE Matthew 14:26-30, Isaiah 43:1-3a Galatians 5:13-15

OPENING PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Ask yourself and/or all those with you: What causes people to fear in these Lord God, in this season of Lent we look to our remembrance of Jesus’ days? Gather those answers and go to the Lord in prayer to open your time death and our celebration of His resurrection. We pray that Your Spirit will together. renew in us today our anticipation for these events and our awareness that Jesus’ death and resurrection are a sure source of freedom and everlasting FROM THE TEXT life. In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 1. In Matthew 14: 26-30, Peter experiences fear two times? What are the circumstances? What does Jesus do for him that helps him overcome FROM THE TEXT his fears? 1. What was Paul’s concern regarding the freedom the Galatian Christians 2. In Isaiah 43:1-3, what promises does God make that come alongside His had in Christ? Compare this thought to what he says in verse one of this command not to fear? chapter. 2. According to Paul, what commandment fulfills the entire law? APPLICATION QUESTIONS (Verse 14) 1. Read Chapter 6 from the book and discuss. 3. Although we have been liberated from spiritual bondage, what kinds of 2. What are people scared of today? What causes you fear? servants do we become? (Verses 13-15) 3. Discuss the questions on Page 134 of the book. 4. How does Verse 13 address those who think their freedom in Christ allows them to do anything they want? PRAYER FOCUS APPLICATION QUESTIONS • Lord Jesus, fix our eyes on You and Your Word so that You would rescue us from the paralyzing nature of fear. Restore to us the boldness and 1. Have you ever heard of the saying, “Every person for themselves?” If so, confidence that comes from knowing that You are with us! Inspire us to what’s one area of your life where you’ve noticed it the most? walk with You knowing that You are commanding and calling us, saying: 2. What might make you hesitant to use your freedom to serve others? “Fear Not! For I am with you! Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have 3. Paul was introducing a new way to live out faith and it was a challenge called you by name; you are mine!”; “Take Courage! It is I! Do not be for some of the Galatians. In what ways is it difficult to change the way afraid!” In Your name, dear Jesus, we pray! Amen. you’ve always done something? • For our Special Needs Ministry as they gather together to enjoy 4. How can you begin to become more aware of others around you? relationship and community at this month’s Buddy Break. For the VIPs to feel seen, loved by, and connected with their buddies. Gratitude for the loving hearts of all the buddies. And for caregivers to feel refreshed PRAYER FOCUS and rejuvenated after a time of respite. • Adoration– What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me? • Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me? • Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has done? • Supplication– What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of this? FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT MIDWEEK LENT SERIES How Big Is Your God? Free People: Abide March 21, 2021 March 24, 2021

SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE Matthew 14:25-32 Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:5

OPENING PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them Lord God, in this season of Lent we look to our remembrance of Jesus’ with Your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do death and our celebration of His resurrection. We pray that Your Spirit will them in Your name. Amen. renew in us today our anticipation for these events and our awareness that Jesus’ death and resurrection are a sure source of freedom and everlasting FROM THE TEXT life. In the power of Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Go over the story of Matthew 14:25-32 one more time. Pour over the sentences and phrases. Mine its depths for you to again ask our Lord, FROM THE TEXT “What more would you show me, Lord? What more can I gain?” 1. What is the significance of “fruit” being singular (rather than plural)? Is it possible to show evidence of one fruit but absent in another? APPLICATION QUESTIONS 2. Why do you think that love was the first fruit of the Spirit working in the Read thru Chapter 10 of the book and discuss the questions on page 203. life of the believer mentioned? 3. Describe the difference between joy and happiness? PRAYER FOCUS 4. Where does the world find peace? 5. Why is faithfulness such an important fruit of the Spirit in the life of the • Jesus, from this point on, for the rest of my life, every time I walk on follower of Jesus? water, every time I trust in You and seek to discern and obey Your 6. How can exercising self-control enable us to be a better witness to calling on my life, You will get bigger in my eyes, and my worship will those around us? grow deeper, richer, and stronger. This is my chance of a lifetime! May I always remember, and never forget: “If You Want to Walk on Water, APPLICATION QUESTIONS You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat!” Jesus, in your name I pray. Amen. 1. Which of the fruit of the Spirit is easiest for you to live out? 2. Why isn’t it usually enough to just “ harder” to live out things like kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control? 3. In what ways can spending time with the Source of the fruit of the Spirit actually help you live out the fruit of the Spirit?

PRAYER FOCUS • Adoration– What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me? • Confession – What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me? • Thanksgiving – What can I thank God for in light of what Jesus has done? • Supplication – What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of this? • That as a church, we would be a positive influence in our community, providing children with a safe and fun place to be with their families during our Walk-Thru Easter Egg Hunt. HOLY WEEK SERIES Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

So many things in our lives compete for our attention. Too often, we struggle through life not knowing where to turn. The writer to the Hebrews offers a simple solution. “Fix your eyes on Jesus,” he reminds us. Simple, sure. Easy, not most of the time. During this last week of Jesus’ earthly life, we take the opportunity to fix our eyes upon Jesus, who is the beginning and end of our faith. He is our center, He is our anchor. As we see Him walk to the cross and rise again out of the empty tomb, may we be refocused, re-centered, re-energized from life in Christ. May we again be “Fixed” upon Him. In Christ, Pastor Wood

Fixed: On the King | Palm Sunday (March 28) Philippians 2:5-11

Fixed: On the Servant | Maundy Thursday (April 1) Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 26:30-46

Fixed: On the Cross | Good Friday (April 2) Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 27:27-61

Fixed: On Jesus | Easter Sunday (April 4) Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 28:1-10 HOLY WEEK SERIES HOLY WEEK SERIES Fixed: On the King Fixed: On the Servant March 28, 2021 April 1, 2021

SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE Philippians 2:5-11 Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 26:30-46

OPENING PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Dear Lord, as we prepare for Holy Week, we will see Your love in many Lord Jesus, often it is easy to lose heart when my desires are not met. forms while we look back at Your life. Please let Your love be a witness to us Teach me to pray, as You pray, to put my will aside to follow Yours. Amen. and strengthen us in our faith. Amen.

FROM THE TEXT FROM THE TEXT 1. Read Verse 5 numerous times aloud–silently, maybe even write it. Try 1. Why does Jesus take Peter, James, and John with him? Are there other and say it back now from memory. Were you successful? times when Jesus brought only these three? 2. In Verse 5, Paul commands for you to have a certain mind. Where do 2. For what purpose does Jesus ask these three disciples to keep watch? you get that mind or pattern of thinking? (Read 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.) 3. For what does Jesus pray? 3. Many of us think Jesus first began when He was born of Mary–not so according to Paul. Remember Paul met Jesus, he should know! In verse APPLICATION QUESTIONS 6, when did Christ begin as true God? 1. Have you ever prayed to the point of weeping? For what? 4. Although Christ was true God, what did He do to show servanthood? 2. Can you remember a time when God answered your prayer with a According to this text, what proof do we have that Christ was not forced clear “no”? to be a servant? Are the nails what held Jesus to the cross? 3. How might fixing your eyes on Jesus equip you to seek the Lord’s will 5. What was the lowest point of Jesus’ humility? What is God’s response over your own? to Jesus’ humility? 6. What is every knee’s response to Jesus’ humility? PRAYER FOCUS • That we would follow God’s will in our lives instead of our own. APPLICATION QUESTIONS 1. At first, you were asked to memorize a verse from scripture. While that is good and useful, what Paul wants you to do is live the mind of Christ, not just memorize it. How is the Holy Spirit empowering you to have the mind of Christ? 2. Christ chose to show love in humility. King Jesus served us. List some ways in which you serve others. 3. Christ did not just serve those that agreed with Him, but He served all people. Who are people that you serve that are not like you? 4. The praising of Jesus on Palm Sunday was short-lived. Just under a week later Christ would be dead. There will be a time that everyone will announce Christ as their King for eternity. How are you living with Christ as your King now?

PRAYER FOCUS • That we would recognize Jesus as the King of our lives and live reflecting His character and praising His name. HOLY WEEK SERIES EASTER SUNDAY Fixed: On the Cross Fixed: On Jesus April 2, 2021 April 4, 2021

SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 27:27-61 Hebrews 12:1-3, Matthew 28:1-10

OPENING PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Jesus, You were betrayed by Your own people – by those You came to save Lord Jesus, our faith is centered on You and Your empty tomb. Give us life – by even me. Remind me today the cost of my salvation, and the depth of each day, even as You conquered death itself Easter Morning. Amen. Your great love for me. Amen. FROM THE TEXT FROM THE TEXT 1. What did the women expect to encounter at the tomb? 1. Does Pilate find that Jesus is guilty of anything? 2. How did their encounter with the risen Jesus change everything? 2. What irony do you find in the soldiers’ mocking of Jesus? 3. What was the task they were given that morning? 3. Where is Jesus identified? 4. How alone is Jesus on the cross? APPLICATION QUESTIONS 1. How is the resurrected Jesus the anchor of our faith? APPLICATION QUESTIONS 2. How does Jesus “perfect” or “bring to completion” our faith on Easter 1. The writer of Hebrews tells us that when we look at the cross and the Morning? suffering of Jesus, it will keep us from losing heart when we face our 3. What impact does the empty tomb have on your daily life? own struggles. How is this true in your life? 2. Why has Jesus endured all of this suffering and shame? For whom? PRAYER FOCUS 3. Where can you look any time you need to see the love of God for you? • Jesus – thank You for Your glorious victory over all that would try to separate me from You. PRAYER FOCUS • Lord, You have shown us Your love and Your mercy. Teach us to endure in humility the hardships we face each day. Allow us to share Your love with those we encounter each day. EASTER SERIES A Faith Built on Emptiness

Jesus’ love for us culminated in His death upon a cross; a death that He did not deserve. Had the story ended there, we would have no reason to rejoice. But thankfully, it didn’t! Jesus rose from the dead leaving the tomb empty, defeating death, and securing for us a place in heaven with Him! Never has an empty tomb meant so much to so many who choose to believe and embrace the saving love of our Savior! In Christ, Pastor Chad

Thank God It’s Empty (April 11) 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Have you ever worried that your faith was useless? It all hinges on one pivotal event, Christ was raised from the dead. If Christ was not raised, welcome back to your sins.

Thank God It’s Empty on Purpose (April 18) Galatians 2:15-20 Christ’s death and resurrection did not happen by accident. Because the tomb is empty, you live in Christ!

Thank God the Emptiness Is Your Fullness (April 25) John 14:15-20 Christ was with us, but now He is in us. Before Christ is killed He promises that we will not be left alone but that He will send the Holy Spirit to us.

We Are Full So That Others Are Not Empty (May 2) Philippians 1:18b-30 Paul rejoiced in God’s Will over his own wants. Paul was done with his struggles, he wanted his death and he wanted to be with God. Until God called him , he would faithfully share the power of the resurrection. We join Paul as a witness to the empty tomb until we are called home. Thank God It’s Empty Thank God It’s Empty on Purpose April 11, 2021 April 18, 2021

SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 Galatians 2:15-20

OPENING PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, we love You and give You thanks for the death and Dear Heavenly Father, We love You, and we give You thanks for Your order. resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. You are a God of the order of direction, and You don’t leave things to chance. Open our eyes to how You work in the death of Jesus to love us and FROM THE TEXT save us. Amen. 1. Read verses 12 -14. There was a problem within the church of Corinth. They did not believe in the resurrection of believers. Paul connects our FROM THE TEXT resurrection with whose resurrection in these verses? Why is that so 1. Paul, in verses 15-16, shows how he follows the law as a Jew and is critical? made right with God by something else. What is that something else? 2. In verse 15, when the church in Corinth spoke against the resurrection, How does Paul take hold of that something else? they not only spoke against Jesus, but they also spoke against who? 2. According to the end of verse 16, there is a significant problem for According to this text, what was God’s role in the resurrection? anyone that will only live by the law. What is that problem? Who is 3. Read verses 16 and 17 several times. Please stop and pray about these exempt from this dilemma? verses. It hurts me to hear Paul discuss what could make our faith futile 3. In verse 19, Paul stages a beautiful example of what brings death and or empty. What does Paul say is the pivotal hinge of our faith? what brings life. What comparison does Paul share? 4. Read verses 18 and 19. Now read Romans 8:11. Do you see a 4. In verses 19-21, Paul’s life has been changed; for who does Paul now connection within all of these verses? What is that connection, and how live? does it shape you and your faith? 5. What proof do you have at the end of this passage that Christ’s death and resurrection were not by accident? APPLICATION QUESTIONS 1. Have you ever had a discussion with someone who struggled with APPLICATION QUESTIONS the idea of Christ’s resurrection? Have you ever attended a faithless 1. Where in your life do you struggle most with God’s law? When you see funeral? How does the resurrection of Christ change how we mourn the areas in your life that you struggle the most with the law, how does and celebrate at funerals? that help you to cling even more to Christ in your faith? 2. Verse 17 is such a personal verse; you can almost hear Paul speaking 2. When is the last time that you prayed a prayer of thanks to Jesus that directly to you. How has being forgiven of your sins changed you? He could successfully live under the law on your behalf? Consider 3. What does it mean to you that your life in Christ has already started? praying that now. 4. Paul reminds us that we should not put all our hope into this life. How 3. How does life in Christ personally change how you live? Would other do you struggle with living for Christ and eternity rather than living for people see that and agree with that? the here and now? 4. Do you believe and share the fact that according to this scripture, Christ lives in you? PRAYER FOCUS • For others to believe in Christ and His death and resurrection. PRAYER FOCUS • For our 8th grade Confirmands who will be writing their faith testimony. • For parents and Confirmands as they worship together and grow in God’s Word and relationship with one another at Confirmation Church. • For our Special Needs Ministry as they gather together to enjoy relationship and community at this month’s Buddy Break. For the VIPs to feel seen, loved by, and connected with their buddies. Gratitude for the loving hearts of all the buddies. And for caregivers to feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a time of respite. Thank God the Emptiness Is Your Fullness We Are Full So That Others Are Not Empty April 25, 2021 May 2, 2021

SCRIPTURE SCRIPTURE John 14:15-20 Philippians 1:18b-30

OPENING PRAYER OPENING PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, we love You and give You thanks that You never leave us nor Dear Heavenly Father, we love You and thank You that You use us to take forsake us. That You love us and care for us and that You will be with us until the care of Your children. Thank You for entrusting us to show love to other very end of the age. Amen. people in this world on behalf of You. Amen.

FROM THE TEXT FROM THE TEXT 1. In verse 15, Christ links a response in our actions that starts in our love for 1. Paul rejoices in how he has been helped by God. At the end of verse 18 Him. What is that response? and in verse 19, why is Paul rejoicing? 2. How does Paul make it clear who he honors in both verse 20 and verse 2. In verse 16, you get introduced to someone else. Who is that someone else, 21? and how long will that someone be with you? 3. How does Paul express his full commitment to Christ in verse 21? 3. In verse 17, this someone will not make sense nor be known by the world; why 4. Paul knows what is his best option. Which is the best option in verse is that? This someone not only lives with us but lives where? 23? But yet, Paul says clearly what is necessary in verse 24. Whose 4. In verse 19, there is a response that brings us into Christ’s life after His account is more necessary—to live for himself or to live for others? resurrection; what happens to us? 5. Paul shows us what it is like to live in this world in verses 27-30. What does it mean to live according to the Gospel? 5. Verse 20 reminds me of Ecclesiastes 4:12. Where do you see similarities in these two scriptures? APPLICATION QUESTIONS 1. Do you find you rejoice in whatever circumstances you face, or do you APPLICATION QUESTIONS grumble about the circumstances too much? 1. How does your love for Christ show itself in your interactions with the world 2. As a Christian, how do you live for Christ yet encounter death and with other people? differently than non-Chirstians? 2. The Helper in verse 16 is also known as the Comforter. How does the Holy 3. For Paul to serve, God was necessary for others. How has your faith in Spirit provide you comfort? How do you share that Comfort with others? Christ shown itself to be necessary for others? 3. When you read about Jesus in the Gospel, what are some of your favorite PRAYER FOCUS times that you remember witnessing Jesus bringing Comfort to other people? • That the Holy Spirit would equip us with a life worthy of the Gospel. 4. We often reference Matthew 28:17-20 when we teach about Baptism. Where do you see connections in God’s Word between John 14:15-20 and Matthew • That God would be glorified as our Confirmands are confirmed, and 28:17-20? that our Confirmands would be filled with the Holy Spirit as they take ownership of their faith. PRAYER FOCUS • Thank you, Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives, providing comfort and interceding for us. NOTES NOTES NOTES Hales Corners Lutheran

Hales Corners Lutheran Church | 12300 W. Janesville Road | Hales Corners, WI 53151 414.529.6700 | www.hcl.org

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