When Jesus Comes to Dinner

Speaker: Crispin Schroeder

9.19.10

Text- Matthew 6:1-6

I.               Intro: Memorable Meals

II.              When Jesus comes for dinner… (Matthew 9:9-17)

A.     What does this scene say about Matthew that he felt comfortable inviting Jesus to a party with disreputable guests?

B.    What does this scene say about God that Jesus would respond to the invitation and show up?

III.            New Wine Skins

·      The Shema of Israel – Love God as evidenced by following the Torah

·      The Shema of Jesus – Love God as evidenced by following Jesus and loving others.

·      Parable of the Great Feast (Luke 14:15-24)

IV.            But I’m not much of an evangelist…

Prayer Pt. 6: An Audience of One

Prayer Pt. 6: An Audience of One

Speaker: Crispin Schroeder

9.19.10

Text- Matthew 6:1-6

I.               Intro: Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise and why I have trouble watching their movies…

II.              Our Need to Be Noticed

III.            2 Kings

IV.            That’s Not Chocolate in There

V.             How Not to Pray

VI.            Rewards 

Prayer Pt. 5: Solitude

Prayer Pt. 5: Solitude

Speaker: Crispin Schroeder

I.               Frenzied, Busy and Distracted

A.    How To Be Alone

B.    What The Internet is Doing to Our Brains

II.              A Life of Solitude

A.    Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)

B.    Jesus’ public ministry was anchored in a private life of solitude (Matthew 4:1, Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 4:42)

C.   Solitude in the Psalms (Psalm 42:1-2, Psalm 23)

III.            The Benefits of Solitude in the Spiritual Life

IV.      Conclusion and Homework (Philippians 4:4-8)

Prayer Pt. 4: Trajectory

9.5.10

Speaker: Crispin Schroeder

I.               The Trajectory of One’s Life

A.    Miracle on the Hudson

B.    Micro-slicing and the future of a couple’s marriage

C.   C. S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce

D.   The goal of the Christian faith is Transformation not simply Destination.

II.              Romans 12:1-2 “do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

III.            Keeping your spiritual alignment balanced through The Prayer of Examen (examination of conscience)

“How do things stand between me and God?  Where am I coming from, and where is my life in Christ growing?”

1.    Set aside time for reflection

2.    Reflection – Begin by looking over your day and thanking God for the gifts in your life.

3.    Asking for Clarity – When you come across something in your day that you are not thankful for, some negative attitude or sin you participated in take this to God.  Having thanked God for all the good gifts ask God for one more gift – to see clearly and in hope how I am growing more fully alive to God.

4.    Examine – I carefully consider what my actions, omissions, thoughts, and desires tell me about my relationship with God, with myself, and with others.

5.    Question – I patiently ask myself what my action or attitude meant.  Did it embody the love of God or fear, peace or anxiety?

6.    Closing – Finally I determine to keep my spirit filled with gratitude, and to take steps to get rid of mindsets that stand between me and my creator.

IV.            Conclusion