Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: touch, feel, sense of touch, tactile sense, tactility, contact, using one's hands, sensation, sense, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, notion, inkling, hunch, fancy, apprehension, presentiment, premonition, foreboding, love, care, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, warmness, emotion, sentiment, emotional state, compassion, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, understanding, concern, solicitude, solicitousness, tender-heartedness, brotherly love, sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, ego, pride, opinion, belief, view, impression, intuition, instinct, estimation, guess, theory, hypothesis, thought, way of thinking, point of view, atmosphere, ambience, aura, air, mood, climate, character, overtone, undertone, tenor, spirit, quality, flavour, colour, aptitude, knack, flair, bent, talent, gift, skill, art, trick, faculty, ability, propensity, inclination, sensitive, warm, warm-hearted, tender, tender-hearted, caring, soft-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, empathetic, responsive, receptive, intuitive, thoughtful

Antonyms: bad feeling, acrimony, animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, bitterness, detestation, disgust, dislike, disrelish, enmity, friction, grievances, grudges, hatred, hostility, loathing, malevolence, malice

Showing 2501 to 2525 of 3285 results

2501. The Covenant Renewed at Shechem

Joshua 24:1-27

Understanding Series

J. Gordon Harris

... by throwing away their idols and yielding their hearts [wills] to the LORD. Their testimony demands negative and positive acts of devotion to the God of Israel. So the people say again to Joshua, We will serve the LORD our God and obey him (24:24). Challenging the ability of the people to do what they say they will do is a marvelous method of getting true commitment from them. In the end, the people commit themselves to worship and obey their God. That is the ultimate witness to a vow. 24:25–27 A epilogue ...

2502. Israel Fights the Remaining Canaanites

Judges 1:1-36

Understanding Series

Cheryl A. Brown

... words had been used to describe Moses and Joshua, and now the mantle has fallen, as it were, upon Judah. But despite this favored status, Judah was not strong enough to drive the people from the plains, because they had iron chariots. The Philistines’ ability to work in iron, which they learned from the Hittites, gave them a strategic advantage over other peoples of the region who had not yet developed this technology and thus had to rely on inferior weapons. This, the first directly negative statement in ...

2503. Naomi and Ruth

Ruth 1:1-22

Understanding Series

Michael S. Moore

... is the basic unit of Israelite society (C. J. H. Wright, “Family,” ABD 2:763–66), and Sasson downplays this as well. On the legend of Kirta, see Gibson (Canaanite Myths and Legends, pp. 97–102). 1:3b She was left: C. Barth discusses death’s ability to intimidate the living in Die Erretung vom Tode in den individuellen Klage-und Dankliedern des alten Testaments (Basel: Zollikon, 1947), pp. 87–94. D. N. Fewell and D. M. Gunn (“ ‘A Son is Born to Naomi!’ ” JSOT 40 [1988], pp. 99–108) see ...

2504. Ruth Meets Boaz

Ruth 2:1-23

Understanding Series

Michael S. Moore

... little about refuge. Perhaps Boaz’s speech is rooted in a childhood memory of the wings of the cherubim solemnly enfolded over the ark of the covenant (Exod. 37:9). What makes Yahwism so different from other ancient Near Eastern religions is its proven ability to transform human character. Boaz does more than just talk about Yahweh’s protection; he becomes Ruth’s protector. He does more than just visualize hesed; he incarnates it. Ruth’s Introduction to Bethlehem 2:13 For the third time (see 2:2, 10 ...

2505. Esther Made Queen

Esther 2:1-18

Understanding Series

Timothy S. Laniak

... in verse 15, and of the king himself in verse 17. The subtle indication is that while Esther is formally passive with respect to the process, she is somehow actively attracting and engaging those around her in ways that bring her benefit. This ability contrasts with the behavior of Vashti, whose overt assertiveness cost her royal status. Esther’s relationship with Mordecai now takes a different shape, but the substance of it is the same. He forbids her to reveal her nationality and family background (v ...

2506. Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 11:1-31

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... of one’s neighbor (see also 14:21a) is unwise; although no reason is given, many can be presupposed (harm to oneself, etc.). 11:13 Antithetic and juxtapositional. Verse 13a is repeated in 20:19a. Like verse 12, this saying underscores control of the tongue. The ability to keep a secret is highly prized (cf. 25:8–10; Sir. 27:16–21). 11:14 Antithetic and chiastic. The importance of several advisers is stressed also in 15:22. Verse 14b is repeated in 24:6b. “Two heads are better than one,” as we ...

2507. Proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 18:1-24

Understanding Series

Roland E. Murphy

... in 14b. One can survive bodily sickness (and other evils), but not without a strong and lively spirit. Depression and other psychic difficulties are deadly (cf. 17:22). 18:15 Synonymous. There are two sure ways (heart and ears) to wisdom: mental alertness and the ability to listen (to others). The need to listen is a frequent topos (cf. 4:20; 5:1); verse 15b strengthens verse 15a. 18:16 Synonymous, with specification in the second line. A gift is not necessarily a bribe. If a bribe is meant, the verse ...

2508. A Common Destiny for All

Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Huwiler

... tempered by the preceding insistence that “no one can comprehend” and “even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it” (8:17). The “common destiny” that Qohelet claims for all people (9:2) may itself be beyond the speaker’s ability to comprehend. 9:1–6 Qohelet returns to the theme of one fate for everyone. The language hints at the cult, especially in the reference to sacrifice. The reference to oaths in this section contrasts with 5:3–4. In chapter 5 Qohelet suggested ...

2509. Judah to Serve Nebuchadnezzar

Jeremiah 27:1-22

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... significant, not because of their value as precious metal, but because of their symbolic significance. They represented the presence of Yahweh, especially because Israelite religion was aniconic, imageless. In ancient Near Eastern theological thinking, the Babylonian king’s ability to take these objects would have represented either Yahweh’s collaboration with the king or his defeat by the king. By saying that the articles would be returned, these prophets were giving false hope that the situation with ...

2510. A Message About Moab

Jeremiah 48:1-47

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... can you say, “We are warriors, men valiant in battle?” This question, directed toward Moab implies that they were not such warriors. Perhaps the implication is that they have been “at rest from youth” (v. 11), or perhaps their lack of ability as warriors anticipates their future easy defeat. God, after all, has declared their destruction (v. 15). The call accordingly goes out to begin mourning for her. Verse 17 ends by lamenting the breaking of the mighty scepter, the glorious staff, metonymies for ...

2511. A Message About Babylon

Jeremiah 50:1--51:64

Understanding Series

Tremper Longman III

... enemies. 50:33–34 As Babylon is punished, so Israel will be freed from their oppression. The unit begins by an acknowledgement of that oppression. While it is true that the exiles were not enslaved as such, they were certainly deprived of much of their ability to chart their own lives. Daniel and his three friends are good examples. Babylon certainly would not let any Judahites return to Jerusalem. But it is God, who will act as their Redeemer, who comes to their aid. The promise of Babylon’s desolation ...

2512. I am the Man Who Has Seen Affliction

Lamentations 3:1-66

One Volume

Tremper Longman III

... poet calls on God to put a veil over their hearts, an image not found elsewhere in Scripture (the word translated “veil” is difficult and subject to debate). The heart is a way of referring to a person’s inner life, perhaps with an emphasis on cognitive ability. Thus, to veil one’s heart is to confuse them, to make it hard for them to make a proper decision. In this way, the enemy will be weakened and vulnerable and subject to the destruction that the poet requests in the final verse of the chapter ...

2513. How the Gold Has Lost Its Luster

Lamentations 4:1-22

One Volume

Tremper Longman III

... The only other occurrence of the term here translated ostrich is found in Job 39:13 at the head of a section describing the traits of that animal. Yahweh is instructing Job in his sovereignty and wisdom and explains how he endows and withholds certain abilities from various animals. While he has given the ostrich speed (39:18), he has deprived her of wisdom and good sense. Interestingly the latter is illustrated by her callous attitude toward her young: She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in ...

2514. Remember, O Lord, What Has Happened to Us

Lamentations 5:1-22

One Volume

Tremper Longman III

... people of God for putting their trust in other nations. The proper attitude was to trust God, not Egypt, Assyria, or any other human power to save them. After all, God was a warrior who demonstrated beginning with the Red Sea crossing his ability to defend his people over evil human kingdoms. It is well documented that Judah under Jehoiakim and Zedekiah pursued a relationship with Egypt to rescue it from Babylon. Egypt constantly let Judah down. The reference to Assyria is more problematic. Assyria had been ...

2515. Punishment for Israel

Hosea 9:1--10:15

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Achtemeier

... her abominable behavior ever since. Therefore, Yahweh’s judgment will strike at the very thing that the Israelites have tried to foster through their baalistic worship—namely, fertility, verse 11. Israel’s glory is here, as in 4:7, its vitality in the Lord, its ability to increase by God’s blessing (cf. Gen. 1:28), in fulfillment of God’s promise (cf. Gen. 22:16–17; 28:14). But that glory will fly away from it like a bird. Without God, who gives all life, the Israelites cannot conceive children ...

2516. Clean Garments for the High Priest

Zechariah 3:1-10

Understanding Series

Pamela J. Scalise

... of what the stone looked like, the message to which it points is good news for God’s people. “I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.” One stone with “seven eyes” (ʿenayim) points to the one day, and to God’s ability to look into the human heart. This verb (ptkh, and its cognate noun) may also mean “open; opening.” “Fountains,” another meaning of ʿenayim (NIV “eyes”), are also associated with the removal of sin. Flowing water washes sin away (e.g., Zech. 13:1). In that ...

2517. The Gold Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees

Zechariah 4:1-14

Understanding Series

Pamela J. Scalise

... by the power of God’s spirit. The possession of wealth and physical power is a strong temptation to forget God, and even to think of oneself as god (Deut. 8:10–18; Gen. 11:1–9). God’s people must remember the Lord, “who gives you the ability (koakh) to produce wealth (khayil)” (Deut. 8:18). The Lord’s word to Zerubbabel strips things down to their source, the divine spirit, by whom the Lord created (Job 26:13; Ps. 33:6), saved (Exod. 15:8, 10), brought judgment (Job 15:30; Isa. 27:8), guided ...

2518. Two Shepherds

Zechariah 11:4-17

Understanding Series

Pamela J. Scalise

... well for the survival of the flock under this shepherd’s care. Verse 8 moves into the political sphere, as the shepherd turns against other shepherds. The shepherd’s voice appears now to be the voice of God, for the actions that follow are beyond the ability of a human prophet. As in Ezekiel 34:10, the Lord removed bad shepherds in order to save the flock. God removed three human leaders of the community in one month. In spite of this precise detail, it has been impossible to connect this account to ...

2519. Mourning for the One They Pierced

Zechariah 12:10-14

Understanding Series

Pamela J. Scalise

... on “the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem” a spirit of grace and supplication. God’s gracious gift will come first, and repentance will follow. Pouring out implies a generous gift, distributed to all. The concept of “spirit” includes both desire and ability. God will inspire and empower the people to pray for God’s merciful acceptance and help. “Supplication” is the kind of prayer uttered by people who confess their sinfulness (e.g., Pss. 130:2; 143:1; Jer. 3:21; 31:9; Dan. 9:3 ...

2520. God Loves an Underdog

Luke 14:1, 7-14

Children's Sermon

King Duncan

... . The little canary sing a beautiful song, but wouldn't have a chance in a tug of war with the eagle. God has made everything beautiful and special and unique in its own way. God has made you beautiful, special and unique, too. Each of you has different talents, gifts, abilities. None of us is the best at everything. But God loves each of us the same and He wants us to develop the gifts He has given us and use them to His glory.

2521. Old Faithful

Acts 13:32, Revelation 7:9-17

Children's Sermon

King Duncan

... about Beehive. There is a rich lesson there. You will find a lot of people who are very talented, they can do lots of things well. But you can't count on them. They tell you they will do something, but they never do. So, even if they have the ability to be superstars, they never really accomplish much at all. It is one of the great secrets of life, boys and girls, to be a person that other people can count on. To do what you say you will do. To be where people expect you to be. So, remember ...

2522. Spiritual Blindness

John 9:35-41

Understanding Series

J. Ramsey Michaels

... theme of the following chapter. In immediate reply to the Pharisees’ question, Jesus reveals that he has been speaking metaphorically and proceeds to apply the metaphor by introducing the notion of sin or guilt (v. 41). Blindness is an appropriate metaphor for sin, even as the ability to see clearly is one for righteousness (cf., e.g., 11:9–10; 12:35–36; 1 John 2:9–11). But the reversal used with the metaphor (v. 39) is present in its application as well: The blind are not guilty; the guilty ones ...

2523. Walking in the Light

1 John 1:5--2:14, 1 John 2:15-17

Understanding Series

Thomas F. Johnson

... . To this the writer adds two new descriptions of their victorious condition as God’s faithful community: (a) they are strong and (b) the word of God lives in them. The word strong refers to their spiritual strength, likely (in view of the mention of Satan) their ability to resist temptation (possibly the temptations to be mentioned in v. 16). But the source of their strength is the word of God which abides or dwells (NIV, lives; menei) in them. Here God’s word is, as in 1:10, the truth about Jesus, who ...

2524. God’s Love and Ours

1 John 4:7-21, 1 John 5:1-12

Understanding Series

Thomas F. Johnson

... 13:8). 4:12 Verse 12 is concerned with the reality of God in daily life. This was an important consideration to the Elder’s readers. The secessionist false teachers were claiming a vital relationship with God (1:6; 2:6), intimate knowledge of God (2:4), ability to speak as a prophet by God’s Spirit (4:1–2), and love for God (4:10). They may even have claimed to have had visions of God, as later gnostic enthusiasts did. This undoubtedly left the Elder’s loyal followers wondering about the reality of ...

2525. Adam and Eve

Genesis 2:4-25

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

... . The man needed a helper, one suitable for him. “Suitable” (negdo) suggests a person who was significantly different from him so as to contribute distinctively to his life, yet one who was of the same essence and on the same level. “Helper “ implies the ability to assist another person. A helper may be inferior or superior, the latter concept substantiated by references to God as the helper of Israel (e.g., Deut. 33:7, 26, 29; Ps. 33:20). By definition, the person needing help admits some type of ...

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