At St John’s Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN, we are deep into planning the Fall Sermon Series to use at the outdoor Radio Church (until snow arrives) and with online worship. Using the Narrative Lectionary 2020-2021 readings, we want to dwell deep into the promises of God and the grace God extends and endows the people, and how that promise shapes our purposes and callings as people of faith today.
Week 1: September 13
Story: Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17; 3:1-8
God’s promise and grace creates us and wants us to be free. Our purpose and calling in daily life desires a true relationship with God, including the honesty of our hearts known intimately by our creator.
Week 2: September 20
Story: Genesis 15:1-6
God’s promise and grace gives us faith to trust God and be aligned with God. Our purpose and calling in daily life is to have an intentional prayer time in which we seek God’s blessing and guidance.
Week 3: September 27
Story: Genesis 37:3-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21
God’s promise and grace can provide forgiveness. Humans do not seek to do this naturally, but with forgiveness, there is always a way forward. Our purpose and calling in daily life is to respond with how we pray: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We are to be a forgiver, not holding grudges, not being vengeful.
Week 4: October 4
Story: Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8
God’s promise and grace provides a way out of oppression for those who seek and love God. Our purpose and calling in daily life desires to see others’ oppression and work to lift it.
Week 5: October 11
Story: Exodus 32:1-14
God’s promise, and grace, and mercy is greater than God’s wrath. This is a good and healthy God, not a demanding, narcissistic god. Our purpose and calling in daily life should mimic God. We should always allow grace and mercy be greater than our wrath.
Week 6: October 18
Story: I Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-11
God’s promise and grace is willing to let us see that we can converse with God with our deepest feelings; God stoops to be real and present in our lives. Our purpose and calling in daily life should approach God regularly and with utter awe and hopeful seriousness.
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