Text Study for Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Series Theme: Vision

Reading: Psalm 133

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What is something refreshing in your life right now?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord of light, you have looked upon your creation and affirmed its goodness. Sharpen our vision so that we may see the world with your eyes. With your eyes there will be no stranger only the children of God waiting to be welcomed. With your eyes we will not miss the exquisite beauty present all around us that stirs our hearts and gives glory to you, in Jesus' name, amen.

CONTEXT

This sermon series and generosity appeal, VISION, will dig deep into all five of Easter’s vision statements.

live in community,

care with compassion,

worship with joy,

learn with devotion,

love with generosity

Our vision board and pastors prayerfully curated the five vision statements to faithfully guide Easter in our mission (to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ). Focusing on the many ways we express our generosity is how we live out our vision statements at Easter, in our community, and in the world. We are stewarding God’s good gifts to us all when practice each vision. How will you practice each in your life? Join us in exploring and living out our vision statements.

From Dr Cameron BR Howard at EntertheBible.org:

As written in a book, the psalms became also a basis for meditation and instruction. They could now be read and prayed apart from formal worship and thus received another important function, especially in the synagogue. First used as songs and prayers addressed to God, they came to be received as part of Holy Scripture, bringing God’s word to God’s people. Psalm 1’s counsel to “meditate” on God’s law “day and night” already reflects this use.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Our new series is named “Vision.” What is one hope you have for this coming week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Psalm 133. This is part of the psalms of ascent; these are prayers said as people would ascend the steps into the Jerusalem Temple. What is your frame of mind when you come to worship?
Psalm 133 opens with an exclamation! What is being celebrated?
In your translation, what are the two words that describe when people live in unity?
Unity is a challenging word today. How would you define it? How does faith “unify” people? How has it divided people?
Oil and dew are two key images in this psalm. Remember, these were desert people where any type of liquid was precious to people.
Oil is often used in anointing royalty. It is also used at baptism. The sign of the cross is made on someone’s forehead. Why might we carry on this tradition in the church?
Jesus prayed these psalms. What might that mean to you to know Jesus also read and prayed these words?
In verse three, we hear about Mt Hermon. Can you find that on a map in your Bible? Think about snow melting on a mountain in spring and summer. How does that help the surrounding environment?
What is the blessing that God seeks for all people in verse three at the end?
Open to John 10:10. How does this connect to God’s heart in Psalm 133, 3?
What is good news in this psalm for you? For our community?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Next time your pour some water, give thanks for life in Christ, this church and our ongoing efforts for peace around the world.

Sending Prayer

Loving God, by covenant promise and enduring mercy you have joined us to yourself forever, and you invite us to respond to your love with faithfulness. By your Spirit may we share your vision for the church as we share the good news of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Grow Guide | Oct 19, 2025