First United Methodist Church of West Newton

A Seven Week Lenten Sermon Series on “THE LORD’S PRAYER” Matthew 6:9-13

First Sunday in Lent – February 26

NAMING WHAT IS HOLY

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Matthew 6:9

Second Sunday in Lent – March 4

WHAT DREAMS MAY COME

Your kingdom come. Matthew 6:10a

Third Sunday in Lent – March 11

THE PATH OF GOD

Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10b

Fourth Sunday in Lent – March 18

BARE NECESSITIES

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Fifth Sunday in Lent – March 25

BACK IN BLACK

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12

Palm Sunday – April 1

TO THE RESCUE

And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.”

Matthew 6:13

Easter Day – April 8

GOD’S GLORY CANNOT STAY BURIED

For the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever. Amen (Matthew’s gospel footnote)

This Sunday, at 10:00 a.m., the NEW Good News Sunday School class will discuss the following video. Watch the video and ponder the questions below. Contact the church office if you wish to be on the list to receive each week’s lesson via email.

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

Here are some of the questions we will discuss in class: 

1. What are the aspects of church that cause people to “hate religion”? And what are the factors that inspire people to say they “love Jesus”?

2. Jefferson Bethke attacks hypocrisy in the church, pointing out that Christians don’t always practice what they preach. How is this a legitimate criticism, and where do we need to work to restore integrity to organized religion?

3. If people are turned off by the obligations of religion, how can the church present the demands of faithfulness in a positive light?

4. Did Jesus organize his followers, and if so, how? What structures did the early church put in place to advance its ministry and mission?

5. How do you define “religion”? Is there a better way to describe the practice of discipleship?

6. Why has Bethke struck a nerve with his video? Are people interested simply in videos that challenge authority, or is something deeper being touched?

February 11 – Men’s Breakfast, 9 a.m., at Gary’s Chuckwagon

February 19 – Bible Sunday, 11 a.m., Light refreshments following worship

February 22 – Ash Wednesday Worship, 7:30 p.m.

February 26 – First Sunday in Lent. Beginning of 7 week sermon series “Prayer: God’s Way”