Goats and Rams - Uncomfortable - Daniel 8
Daniel has another terrible dream. This one has rams and goats running all over the world destroying it in their wake. Nothing can be done; they are just too big and powerful. Who can stop the charging goats and rams?
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -
Describe a scary experience you’ve had with an animal. What made it so scary?
Read Daniel 8:1-14. Daniel is told later in chapter 8 that the destructive ram and goat represent the Persian and Greek empires. It was terrifying for him. As a Christian, what in the world terrifies you today?
If you read the explanation of the vision in Daniel 8:15-27, we see that ultimately the ram and the goat cause destruction but will be destroyed “by no human hand” (v. 25). God will give his people the victory. Peter speaks of similar trials that God’s people will face. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9. How does Jesus give you the victory in the midst of trials?
Knowing that Jesus has won the victory and has defeated the scary rams and goats, how do we live now?
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Beastly Nature - Uncomfortable - Daniel 7
We go back in time; Daniel is back in Babylon under that last terrible king. Daniel wakes up sweating; he had a terrible dream, just like the kings before. He sees four beasts coming from the sea, each more powerful than the last. The fourth is the biggest and worst beast; however, we see the son of man gives us hope for the future.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -
What is the strangest dream you’ve ever had?
Read Daniel 7:1-14. Describe Daniel’s dream.
In Daniel’s dream he sees 4 beasts coming out of the sea. Describe a time when you saw an institution or individual acting like a beast. Also, think about a time when you have acted like a beast.
Read Matthew 26:57-68. This is Jesus before the High Priest, right before they hand him over to the Romans to crucify him. How does Jesus answer the high priest’s (Caiphais’s) question about whether he is the Christ?
Ultimately, how does Jesus (the Son of Man) deliver us from the beasts around us and the beast of our sin?
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Trusting with Lions - Uncomfortable - Daniel 6
Babylon is over; the Persians are no longer in charge. King Darius loves Daniel because he has an amazing spirit of the Lord and is able to help the king do his job well. But the other leaders don’t like Daniel and create a rule to bring him down. How will Daniel react; will it be with panic and anger, or will he trust in the Lord no matter what may come?
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -
Share about a time when you had to deny yourself something.
Read Daniel 6:1-5. What is Daniel’s job with the new King, who is still not known to follow the true God? What about this job surprises you? What does this tell us about our vocations/jobs?
Read Daniel 6:6-24. Compare and contrast what happens with Daniel to what happens with Jesus before the cross and His resurrection.
Read Daniel 6:25-28. What effect does God’s deliverance of Daniel have on the king? How might you bear witness to Jesus who has delivered you?
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Writing On The Wall - Uncomfortable - Daniel 5
Fast forward 20 or 30 years. The current king of Babylon is not a good one. There are drunken parties every night, even though there is trouble at the gates. But when will this king open his eyes? Perhaps when the writing is on the wall. Or perhaps his heart will always be hard.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -
Describe a time when you realized “the writing was on the wall?”
Read Daniel 5:1-9. What action by the king causes the writing on the wall? How do we participate in similar actions? What should be the result for us?
Read Daniel 5:17-23. Thinking back to Daniel 4, what is the difference between King Nebucudezznar and Belshazzar?
Read Daniel 5:24-31. What is the interpretation of the writing on the wall? What should be the result of our sin?
Read Isaiah 49:8-18. As we struggle with the writing on the wall, what message does God give us through his prophet Isaiah?
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Bahamas Hurricane Relief
We really need money right now.
Any donation sent to grace for Bahamas relief will be sent to one of our churches commuted to helping in the Bahamas. Any donation will be sent along with no fees.
OLD INFO
Grace is Collecting Items to be Sent to the Bahamas
We are collecting
Water
No Perishable Food Items.
Gift of Money
The FLGA District of the LCMS is committed to helping the effort and will send 100% of your Disaster Relief gift to help.
Give online by going to https://flgadistrict.org then clicking online giving. Then designate how much to Disaster Response.
Or you can give money designated to FLGA Disaster Responses to grace and we will send it to the FLGA District.
Here is a Letter from our Distinct President Greg Walton
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our gracious Savior Jesus!
You have no doubt heard the news of the devastation in the Bahamas. Many of you are also aware that we have one congregation there, Nassau Lutheran Church, located on the Island of Nassau. It sustained no damage, but the big Island, Grand Bahama, is utterly destroyed. These folks need our help. Your help is urgently needed. We are working with Pastor Sam Boodle of Nassau to help assess needs and respond. We invite all congregations to designate a special offering to the Florida-Georgia District for Disaster Assistance for the Bahamas over the next few weeks or donate directly to our disaster fund through the FLGA District website (flgadistrict.org). Jay Wendland (jwendland@flgadistrict.org), our District Disaster Coordinator, will be working with local agencies and contacts in the Bahamas to ensure that donated funds are correctly directed to help those in need get emergency food, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities.
We do understand that there are many local initiatives and agencies also reaching out to help the nation of Bahamas. We do not want to compete, and encourage you to support those ministries and agencies locally as they collect supplies to be shipped to Freeport and Abaco. However, there is plenty to be done, and the Florida-Georgia District will continue to work with the Synod to receive financial contributions to support the long-term work that will be happening in the Bahamas in the coming months and years. We invite you to partner with us in this endeavor as we lift these people in prayer. Thank you!
In His peace,
Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Walton, President
The Florida-Georgia District, LCMS
Beastly Pride - Uncomfortable - Daniel 4
The king wakes up in a cold sweat, another bad dream. A huge tree that touches the sky is cut down and is prevented from growing out of the ground again. What does it mean, and will the king listen? Or will the king keep up his behavior of glorying his own image and become no different than a beast in the field?
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -
Share a time when you saw someone's pride cause them to fall.
Read Daniel 4:1-27. What is King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? How does Daniel interpret what it means for the king?
Read Daniel 4:28-37. Compare verse 29 and verse 34, where the king is looking. What does this tell us about our pride and our relationship with God?
Read Philippians 2:5-11. How does Jesus come into the world? How should we respond to this? What does this say about pride and humility?
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Value of Life - Uncomfortable - Daniel 3
The king sets up a huge image, and when the music plays, you are to make yourself reverent towards that image and join in worship. Daniel's friends respectfully decline, which enrages the king so much that we see his value of the image of God: human life.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -
What are some things that culture expects us to bow down and declare our allegiance to today? (Read Daniel 3:1-7)
Read Daniel 3:8-30. How do Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to the king’s demand? Why do you think they respond this way?
What does the king do after he confronts them? How does God show up?
How does this story give you encouragement to live out your faith in Jesus in today’s world?
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Uncomfortable King - Uncomfortable - Daniel 2
The king wakes up and yells for his wisest men. They run in and see a distraught and angry king. He had a terrible dream and wants to know what it means or he will kill all of his wise men. Is this what true power looks like -- that it can wake up on the wrong side of the bead and end life in whomever it chooses? Perhaps Daniel’s description of the dream will bring comfort to the king, but maybe not.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -
Read Daniel 2:1-16. How would you feel working for someone like King Nebuchadnezzar?
Read Daniel 2:17-30? What does this tell us about God? How is He different from others who have power in the world?
Read Daniel 2:31-45. What does the King’s dream ultimately mean? How does remembering that the kingdoms of the world are temporary give you a sense of hope?
Read Colossians 2:14-15. How does Jesus disarm these powers to give you an eternal sense of hope?
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Uncomfortable in Culture - Uncomfortable - Daniel 1
Daniel and his 3 friends are the best of the best. They are all royal Hebrews: handsome and filled with wisdom. But when they are taken captive by Babylon, they are put in a place meant to demean them. They are given new names glorifying false gods and are given food sacrificed to those gods. How would you handle this situation? It’s interesting to see what Daniel does.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK - “Rough Seas”
What, in today’s world, makes it difficult for you to live out your faith?
Read Daniel 1:1-7. What do the Babylonians do to try and strip Daniel and his friends of their identity of God’s people? If you were Daniel's friend, how would you be tempted to respond?
Read Daniel 1:8-21. How does Daniel respond to the Babylonians? What does God give him and us that enables us to respond in this way?
Read 1 Peter 2:13-25. Here Peter speaks of submitting to authorities who we might sometimes not agree with. What wisdom does Peter give to you in these verses?
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Here Am I, Send Me - The Spirit Experience - Acts 28
At the closing of the book of Acts, Luke beckons us to look back, not only looking at the successes and failures of the church but to look at them through the life of Paul. We see where challenges and struggles with eyes that will not see and ears that will not hear take place. Yet, Paul, in chains, still preaches without hindrance. He continues to say, “Here am I! Send me!” May we face the challenges with the same creed.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK - “Rough Seas”
Tell a story of a time when you tried to tell someone something important and they didn’t understand.
Read Acts 28:17-31. What does Paul do in Rome? Why do so many people not believe his message about Jesus?
Read Isaiah 6:1-13. Isaiah is a prophet called by God to speak His word to His people. What is the message Isaiah has to say to God’s people who had gone astray in the Old Testament?
Why do you think Paul quotes Isaiah at this point in Acts?
What should we do with the message Jesus gives us, in a world that often doesn’t want to hear? How does the ending of Acts give you hope?
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Rough Seas - The Spirit Experience - Acts 27
Paul has been passed from local official to local official. No one knows what to do with him; they think he is innocent, but he wants to stand before Caesar. This sends Paul into the chaos of the sea, riding a ship from the outskirts of the empire to the center of Rome. But along the way there are problems. Huge storms and a shipwreck show us God’s love and guiding grace among difficult times.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK - “Rough Seas”
Read Acts 27:13-26. What happens along Paul’s journey to Rome? What promise does Jesus, through an angel of the Lord, give Paul?
When are some times that you have felt in distress in your life? What is God’s promise for you? How do you know His promise is true?
Read Acts 27:27-44. What does God use to preserve his people through the 14 days of the storm? What is Paul’s role in this?
What is God’s promise for us in the midst of suffering? How can you encourage a Christian friend who is going through suffering in their life?
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Belts and Bribes - The Spirit Experience - Acts 20-26
Paul wants to go to Jerusalem to visit the church there; however, on his way, folks keep talking about Paul in chains down in Jerusalem. When he arrives, a riot immediately ensues, forcing the rioters and the government to act in the only powers they know. Paul is showing them and us a different way, where we don't have to worry about what the opposition will do to us. Paul is showing us the way of the kingdom.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK - “Belts and Bribes”
Read Acts 21:7-16. How does Paul respond to Agabus when he prophesied that Paul will be put into prison?
Often times things can be scary for us in our faith. How can Paul’s trust in Jesus encourage you?
After Paul is arrested, he gives similar speeches in his defense. Read 22:1-22. What are the key points of his speech?
In times when the world seems to persecute you, how can you keep speaking of Jesus and the resurrection?
Bonus Question: For an overview of this whole section, read Acts 20-26. What are some common elements across these chapters? How do they help us understand the way of Jesus?
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7-17-19 Email Backpacks
School Supplies for Haiti
Last Pickup August 4th
BIG NEED: Backpacks
See pictures of possible (simple/basic) bags ideas.
Normal school supplies are needed.
I have been told Dollar General has a great selection.
This Week’s Reflection Questions
Tell about a time when you looked for power. Where did you try and find it?
Read Acts 19:1-7. What does God’s Spirit do when Paul lays his hands to the disciples in Ephesus?
Read Acts 19:11-20. What powerful things does the Spirit do? How do the Jewish exorcists misuse that power and the name of Jesus?
What are some ways that we might misuse the name of Jesus and the Spirit’s power today?
Read Acts 19:21-41. What concern does Demetrius have concerning the message of Paul about Jesus? Why do you think he has those concerns?
In what ways has Jesus confronted and challenged you? How has that caused you to be changed?
Watch the Week’s Sermon
True Power
Paul walks into Ephesus, and he sees multiple displays of power. First he sees the Spirit of God when some are baptized and they begin speaking in tongues. Then he sees the Spirit when some begin to use the power for their own gain and are quickly humbled. Finally, there’s power of the crowd when they feel Paul’s message of Jesus threatens their city and their God.
The Spirit Experience - Sermon Series
The Book of Acts
It’s about those who are enlivened by the Lord’s Spirit and are going out and acting as witnesses.
Sunday 10AM
Needed: Sunday Photographer
We would like someone to shoot pictures of families on Sunday Mornings.
In on our ongoing efforts to keep directory updated we want to shoot pictures of families at church.
Let Pastor Cris know if you are interested.
Thursday Bible Reading
11AM on Thursdays, we get together to read the Bible and talk about what we have heard. We are currently reading 2 Kings.
This is Pastor’s favorite Bible study. Join us as we listen to scripture for 45 minutes then talk about what we have heard.
We have been doing this Bible study for almost 2 years, and in that time we have read. Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1+2 Samuel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Job, Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Philippians, Hebrews, and Revelation.
All of this in just an hour and 15 minutes a week. Come join us as we continue to read the Bible together.
Prayer List!
We have made changes to the prayer list.
We will keep a prayer request on the list for 3 weeks.
Please let us know every 3 weeks if you would like to keep someone on the list.
This change was made to ensure an accurate list of prayers.
Here is how to give us a prayer request.
Website - www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/pray
Fill our a prayer form at Grace
Call the Church - 772-871-6599
See you Sunday!
True Power - The Spirit Experience - Acts 19
Paul walks into Ephesus, and he sees multiple displays of power. First he sees the Spirit of God when some are baptized and they begin speaking in tongues. Then he sees the Spirit when some begin to use the power for their own gain and are quickly humbled. Finally, there’s power of the crowd when they feel Paul’s message of Jesus threatens their city and their God.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK - “Freedom To”
Read Acts 15:1-5. What is the issue that the church is facing?
Read Acts 15:6-22. What is their decision regarding this issue? How do they go about making their decision?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1. Their decision at the Jerusalem council in Acts 15 deals with how to live under the freedom of Christ. How does Paul in 1 Corinthians shed more light on this?
What are some temptations you have faced that cause you to use the freedom you have in Christ that is permissible but not beneficial?
How does Christ and His attitude towards you and other sinners serve as a model to imitate for neighbors in your life?
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Manufactured Gods - The Spirit Experience - Acts 17
Paul goes into a new city; first he goes to the Jews then he ends up with the Greeks. However, when he goes up to Athens, he does not go to the Jewish center but instead to the center of Greekness, Mars Hill, where the learned came and discussed the wisdom of the world. But sometimes gaps show up in the manufactured idols, and statues get made to unknown gods. Paul gives this unknown god a name and tells his story.
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Freedom To - The Spirit Experience - Acts 15
Back in Jerusalem the church is hearing all these amazing stories about how the pagan Gentiles are confessing their sins and turning towards the one true God. They are rejoicing until someone in their midst asks if they are circumcised. After all, this one God they are worshiping called for all His followers to be circumcised. What does the church do? Actually maybe the correct question is how does the church handle the issue?
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK - “Freedom To”
Read Acts 15:1-5. What is the issue that the church is facing?
Read Acts 15:6-22. What is their decision regarding this issue? How do they go about making their decision?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1. Their decision at the Jerusalem council in Acts 15 deals with how to live under the freedom of Christ. How does Paul in 1 Corinthians shed more light on this?
What are some temptations you have faced that cause you to use the freedom you have in Christ that is permissible but not beneficial?
How does Christ and His attitude towards you and other sinners serve as a model to imitate for neighbors in your life?
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Learn the essentials of dementia, explore ways to support brain health, and get practical tips to make caregiving safer, calmer, and more effective