In his sermon titled “Listening to Christ: A Baptismal Commitment,” Dennis highlighted the essence of baptism as a daily commitment to Christ. Drawing from scriptures in 2 Kings, Psalms, 2 Corinthians, and Mark, he detailed the importance of listening to and heeding the command of the Lord. His sermon suggests the appropriate observance of the Transfiguration feast to mark a transitional period that prepares believers for a renewal of their baptismal vows in the Lenten season. He also connects the passing of prophetic authority from Elijah to Elisha, encouraging his congregation to commit to listening to Christ as Elisha did to Elijah.
Continuing, Dennis encouraged his audience to dwell on the words of Psalm 50.1-6, which describes God’s mandate to His followers to listen intently to His words. The preacher urged the congregation to pause amidst life’s many distractions to listen to the voice of God.
Citing 2 Corinthians 4.3-6, the vicar emphasized to his congregation that as baptized Christians, they have been called out of darkness and tasked with sharing the gospel. He also recalled Mark 9.2-9’s account of the Transfiguration, where God instructed the disciples to listen to Jesus Christ, His beloved Son. Dennis paralleled this instruction to the congregation’s daily duty as baptized believers to listen to Christ amidst the noise and distractions of their day-to-day lives.
The sermon concluded by urging the congregation to carry their mantle of discipleship steadfastly, listen attentively to the voice of God, and share the light of the gospel, in line with the command issued at the Transfiguration.
Icebreaker Question:
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, besides wisdom and faith, what would it be and why?
Discussion Questions.
- Why is it important to listen to Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives?
- Context: In the sermon, Pastor Dennis reminds the congregation of their baptismal commitment to turn to Christ and listen to His voice daily.
- Application Question: What are some practical ways you can make time to listen to Jesus more intentionally?
- How can the example of Elisha’s devotion to Elijah inspire us in our commitment to Christ?
- Context: Elisha was a devoted listener to Elijah, and he continued the prophetic ministry after Elijah’s departure. We’re called to listen to Christ, who fulfills all prophecy.
- Application Question: What qualities or actions in Elisha’s life can you apply to your own relationship with Jesus?
- What does it mean to be a bearer of the gospel’s light in the world?
- Context: The believers are entrusted with the treasure of the gospel and are called to share the light of Christ with the world.
- Application Question: What are specific ways you can share the light of the gospel with others in your daily life?
- How can we practice listening to God’s voice in the midst of our busy lives?
- Context: The Psalmist encourages us to attune our ears to God’s voice and listen intently to His guidance and wisdom.
- Application Question: What are some possible distractions in your life that hinder your ability to hear God’s voice, and how can you overcome them?
- What is the significance of the Transfiguration and how can it serve as a reminder to listen to Jesus?
- Context: During the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ glory and heard God’s voice commanding them to listen to His Son. (Mark 9.2-9)
- Application Question: How can meditating on the Transfiguration help you prioritize listening to Jesus in your own life?
• Group Study Prayer Request:
Begin by asking if there are any prayer requests from the group members.
• First Prompt: Pray for the ability to listen to Christ daily, as was emphasized in the sermon. Ask for God’s help in staying committed to turning to Him every day in accordance with our baptismal commitment.
• Second Prompt: Pray for the wisdom and strength to carry the mantle of discipleship, just like Elisha did after Elijah. Ask for guidance to continue in the prophetic ministry, listening to God’s word and teachings, and sharing them faithfully with the world.
• Third Prompt: Pray for the grace to heed the divine command spoken at the Transfiguration, “Listen to Him.” Ask for the ability to prioritize listening to Christ amidst the noise and distractions of daily life.
• Fourth Prompt: Pray for the courage to be bearers of the light of the Gospel. Ask for God’s help in sharing its transformative power with the world, especially during the season of Lent, as a way of reaffirming our baptismal commitments.
Please pray for a Holy and life-changing Lent.
Breaking Open 