The document contains excerpts from the Bible and reflection questions for a sermon. The Bible passages discuss walking by faith not sight, pleasing Christ whether living or dead, and affirming the true gospel. The reflection questions ask what pleases Christ, discerning true gospel messages, reacting to wanting to save the world not the soul, and the source of beliefs about God. The prayer seeks to experience God's grace through Christ and have a longing to save souls and express the gospel through mercy and justice.

1. Sermon Texts
6 So we are always confident; even though we know that while
we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— 7 for
we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we do have confidence,
and we would rather be away from the body and at home with
the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our
aim to please him. 10 For all of us must appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense
for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.
2 Cor. 5.6-10
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who
called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different
gospel— 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some
who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we or an angel[b] from heaven should proclaim to
you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that
one be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so now I repeat, if
anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you
received, let that one be accursed!
10 Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or
am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I
would not be a servant[c] of Christ.
1 Cor. 15:12-19
Reflection Questions
1. Paul states that his ultimate goal is to please Christ. Based on the entire chapter,
what do you think Paul meant by this? What pleases Christ?
2. Paul affirms that the gospel is given by God and is not the product of human
creativity. In our pluralistic world, how do you discern the difference between
messages that are consistent with the God-revealed gospel and those messages
that stand at odds with it?
3. Manuela quoted a millenial student who said, “I am not interested in saving my soul.
I want to the save the world?” What’s your reaction to that quote? Do you agree?
Disagree? Why?
4. What is the source of your beliefs about God? Where do you look to learn who God
is? Your own experience? The Bible? Have you considered studying the Apostles’
Creed or one of the Confessions?
Prayer
Gracious God,
Help us to experience the grace and the love that you embodied for us by giving your
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to die in our place. Help us to have a holy longing both to be
used by you to save souls and to express the gospel in deeds of mercy and of justice.
Amen
“What’s New? What’s Not? Who am I pleasing?” January 9-10, 2016
Rev. Dr. Manuela Kauer, Pastor for Mission & Outreach