Pentecost_22C_Sermon.docx

of the Sermon:**

This sermon explores the enduring glory of God, especially in times when the Church feels diminished or uncertain. Drawing from Haggai, Psalm 145, 2 Thessalonians, and Luke, it reminds us that God’s presence—not our achievements—is the true source of glory. The message encourages us to remember God’s steadfastness, stand firm in faith, and trust in the resurrection promise that God is always the God of the living. Even when our efforts seem small or the world feels fragile, God’s Spirit abides with us, calling us to build for a future filled with hope and greater glory. The sermon concludes with a call to courage, faithfulness, and trust in the peace and renewal God promises.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Presence Is Our True Treasure: The glory of God is not found in impressive buildings or outward success, but in the abiding presence of God among us. When we gather, serve, or worship, we are responding to a holiness that is already present, not manufacturing it ourselves. This truth frees us from anxiety about appearances and invites us to rest in the assurance that God’s Spirit is with us, even in seasons of weakness or uncertainty. Our calling is to be attentive to God’s presence, not to our own accomplishments.
• 2. Remembrance as Resistance: Remembering and proclaiming God’s faithfulness is not just nostalgia—it is a spiritual discipline that resists despair. When we recount God’s mighty acts, especially in times of uncertainty, we anchor ourselves and future generations in hope. Our praise becomes a declaration that God’s character does not change, even when our circumstances do. In this way, worship and testimony are acts of holy defiance against fear and forgetfulness.
• 3. Standing Firm Means Growing in Grace: Paul’s call to “stand firm” is not about stubbornness or retreat, but about being rooted in the ongoing work of God’s Spirit. Sanctifying grace is the process by which we are made steadfast—not by our own strength, but by God’s transforming power. To stand firm is to remain open to growth, to be shaped by Scripture, prayer, and community, and to trust that God is at work in us even when the world feels unstable. This stability is a witness to the world of God’s enduring faithfulness.
• 4. Resurrection Changes Everything: Jesus’ teaching that God is “not the God of the dead, but of the living” reframes our understanding of loss, grief, and endings. Resurrection grace assures us that death and decline are never the final word; God’s love and covenant endure beyond every ending. For those facing personal or communal loss, this is a profound comfort and a call to hope. The promise of resurrection invites us to live with courage, knowing that God’s life-giving power is always at work.
• 5. Building for a Future Glory: The call to rebuild, stand firm, and trust in resurrection life is ultimately a call to hope-filled action. God’s promise is that the “latter splendor” will be greater than the former—not because of our efforts, but because of Christ’s glory shining through us. Our task is not to cling to the past, but to build faithfully for the future, trusting that God’s Spirit is still renewing, sanctifying, and sending us. Even small acts of faithfulness become part of God’s unfolding glory, and in this work, we find peace and purpose.

1. In Haggai 2:1–9, what does God promise to the people as they rebuild the temple, and how does He describe the future glory of the house?
2. According to Psalm 145, what are some ways the psalmist describes God’s character and actions?
3. In Luke 20:27–38, how does Jesus respond to the Sadducees’ question about resurrection, and what does He reveal about God?
4. The sermon mentions that God’s presence, not outward success, is the true source of glory. What examples from the passages or the sermon support this idea?

1. The people in Haggai’s time were discouraged by the “smallness” of their efforts. Why might God’s promise of “greater glory” be hard to believe in such moments, and what does this reveal about human expectations versus God’s perspective?
2. The sermon says that remembering God’s faithfulness is an act of “holy defiance” against despair. How might regular remembrance and testimony actually change a person’s outlook during difficult times?
3. Jesus says God is “not the God of the dead, but of the living.” How does this teaching challenge common ways people think about loss, grief, or endings?
4. The call to “stand firm” is described as being rooted in grace, not stubbornness. What does it look like for someone to stand firm in faith while still being open to growth and change?

1. The sermon says God’s presence is our true treasure, not our achievements. Are there areas in your life or in our church where you feel pressure to “look successful”? How might you shift your focus to being attentive to God’s presence instead?
2. When was the last time you intentionally remembered or shared a story of God’s faithfulness with someone else? How did it affect you or them? What’s one way you could make this a regular practice?
3. The idea of “remembrance as resistance” suggests that worship and testimony push back against fear and forgetfulness. What are some practical ways you can incorporate this kind of remembrance into your daily or weekly routine?
4. The sermon talks about “standing firm” as being open to God’s ongoing work in us. Is there an area of your life where you feel stuck or resistant to change? What would it look like to invite God’s sanctifying grace into that area?
5. Jesus’ teaching on resurrection reframes how we see loss and endings. Is there a loss or disappointment you are carrying right now? How might the promise that God is “the God of the living” bring comfort or hope to that situation?
6. The call to “build for a future glory” means trusting that even small acts of faithfulness matter. Can you think of a small, faithful action you could take this week—at home, at work, or in church—that would be a step toward hope and renewal?
7. The sermon ends with a call to courage, faithfulness, and trust in God’s peace. What is one area where you need courage right now? How can the group pray for you or support you as you take a step of faith?