Sermon and Worship Resources

Antonyms: keep, claim, continue, stick by, self-control, power through, achieve, defend, bear, hope, acquire, quick visit, adopt, continue along, adhere, remain, pursue, support, take up, keep up, reuse, advocate, stay, persevere, cherish, keep going, carry on

Showing 2501 to 2525 of 3926 results

2501. Mark 4:26-34

Mark 4:26-34

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... argument, for in their renditions of this parable (supposedly derived from their reliable "Q" source) the plant sprung from the mustard seed is no longer the Markan "shrub," but is a full-blown "tree" (Matthew 13:32; Luke 13:19), capable of supporting nests of birds. (Mark's version only states that the birds nest in the "shade" of the mustard plant, leaving the strength of its branches somewhat in question.) This positive, strength-oriented interpretation of Jesus' mustard seed parable does fit well with ...

2502. Mark 6:1-13

Mark 6:1-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... Jesus' own genius for a successful peripatetic ministry, he orders his traveling disciples to quickly create a "home base" while they are staying in one locale. Jesus' method serves a dual purpose. First, by establishing residence at the home of a faithful supporter, the disciples will show honor and respect for that follower. Secondly, by establishing a temporary residence, people of that locale would always know where to find them the potentially faithful would not have to seek the disciples out in a new ...

2503. John 6:35, 41-51

John 6:35, 41-51

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... . It is an eschatological message aimed at eliciting endurance in the present age. As in verse 31 the saying attributed to "the prophets" is only found in approximate form in Isaiah 54:13. Either John or one of his early sources consistently introduces supporting scriptural verses in this rather imprecise manner. Verses 45 and 46 must be taken together. They form another wheel in John's circular argument about the gift of faith and the ability to maintain integrity of faithfulness. Verse 45 insists that all ...

2504. Ephesians 6:10-20

Ephesians 6:10-20

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... are all part of a standard armored soldier's wardrobe, and each piece protects and prepares the soldier for combat in a particular way. The "belt" or "girdle" of truth plays a dual function. First, its complete encircling of the faithful supports the Christian wholly, leaving no part unprotected. Second, the soldier's belt was also a place to store other weapons, showing that the truth of God's love through Christ also provides Christians with a grounding for other convictions salvation, deliverance ...

2505. 300,000 for Me; 140 for Jesus

John 1:43-51

Illustration

Bill Bouknight

... , "The Lord must have been looking over my shoulder because immediately I remembered my 1966 political campaign when Rosalynn and I had traveled the state and had shaken hands with 300,000 Georgians, extolling my good points, and asking them to vote for me. I had asked 300,000 to support me, but only 140 to affirm Jesus. The terrible difference in those numbers brought me to my knees."

2506. LIVE-SAVING STATIONS

Mark 1:14-20

Illustration

Mickey Anders

... no thought for themselves went out day and night tirelessly searching for the lost. Some of those who were saved, and various others in the surrounding area, wanted to become associated with the station and give of their time and money and effort for the support of its work. New boats were bought and new crews trained. The little life-saving station grew. Some of the members of the life-saving station were unhappy that the building was so crude and poorly equipped. They felt that a more comfortable place ...

2507. The World's Worst Bargain

Mark 8:31--9:1

Sermon

King Duncan

... of life found in scripture but the river of life found in a novel by Hermann Hesse. River Phoenix was one of the most respected young actors of his generation. He and his siblings broke into show business at a young age, and he was soon helping to support his family, ultimately buying his parents a farm. In 1985, he starred in his first movie, Stand by Me. This was followed by several other roles. He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 1988’s Running on Empty. He also played the young Indiana Jones ...

2508. Jesus Is Contagious!

1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... First, he refused to accept the “rights” that he might have claimed as an apostolic witness for the gospel. He could have preached full time. He could have refused to do ordinary labor to earn his keep. He could have insisted that the community support him because of his special knowledge, his special insights as an apostolic witness. But Paul refused to take that road. Instead Paul chose a second path, a path that was determined by his apostolic destiny and his contagious love for Christ. Paul declared ...

2509. Blessed Assurance

Matthew 6:25-34

Sermon

Mike Ripski

... way I live. I’m affluent, a man of means. But I bet there are some things you don’t know. Do you know that my mother is in a very expensive nursing home? That my brother is disabled and unemployed? That my son is a missionary and can hardly support his family? And that I have a grandchild who must have costly medication? The visitor responded, “No, I had no idea.” The man replied, “We’ll, since I don’t give a penny to any of them, why do you think I’d give any money to the church?” I ...

2510. He Made Me Whole

Mark 1:40-45

Illustration

Keith Wagner

... . He spent much of his early years isolated from his peers. Because of his lack of coordination and weak condition he was run over by a horse and wagon, not once but twice. Adler understood the need to be touched. Fortunately for him, his parents were extremely supportive and very social people. With their help, not to mention their faith, Adler was able to rise above his situation and encourage his followers to do the same. Like the man in our story, he too could say, "He touched me," and made me whole.

2511. Bigger Is Not Always Better

Mark 8:31-38

Illustration

Mickey Anders

... complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while. The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish. The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late; fish a little; play with my children; take siesta with my wife, Maria; stroll into the village each evening where ...

2512. No Poland without a Cross

Mark 8:31-38, Matthew 16:21-28

Illustration

Chuck Colson

... . When heavily armed riot police arrived, the students were forced into the streets. Then they marched, crucifixes held high, to a nearby church where they were joined by twenty-five hundred other students from nearby schools for a morning of prayer in support of the protest. Soldiers surrounded the church. But the pictures from inside of students holding crosses high above their heads flashed around the world. So did the words of the priest who delivered the message to the weeping congregation that morning ...

2513. John 2:13-22

John 2:12-25

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... of the Lord on that day.” Jesus cleared from the temple the very things that kept the temple priesthood a vital and powerful focus in Jewish faith. The animal sacrifices that were carried out only by the priests, the monies for the temple tax, which supported the priests, were the cornerstone of temple faith. If these activities were no longer to be a part of a temple-based faith, what would be the new focus of devotion and obedience? If animal sacrifice was no longer the mode for the expiation of sin ...

2514. The Agony of Change

John 3:1-21

Illustration

Craig Brian Larson

... program illustrated "the agony of defeat" with a painful ending to an attempted ski jump. The skier appeared in good form as he headed down the jump, but then, for no apparent reason, he tumbled head over heels off the side of the jump, bouncing off the supporting structure. What viewers didn't know was that he chose to fall rather than finish the jump. Why? As he explained later, the jump surface had become too fast, and midway down the ramp, he realized if he completed the jump, he would land on the level ...

2515. Mark 15: 1-39 (40-47)

Mark 15:1-15

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16). But this Sunday is also “Passion Sunday,” the beginning of the “Liturgy of the Passion” (Mark 14:1-15, 47, or Mark 15:1-39 [40-47]), which encompasses Jesus’ arrest, trial, abandonment by all his supporters, the abuse and ridicule he suffered, and finally his terrible crucifixion and death. This is a Sunday of two processions: first the joyful parade of the Palms, where the crowds shout “Hosanna”; then the wretched trudge out to Golgotha after the crowds turned their ...

2516. Easter 4

1 John 3:11-24, Acts 4:1-22, John 10:1-21

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... in word but also in deed? It is an overstatement to show us the danger of loving only in word and not in deed. It is important to express love in word. We all need affection and assurance in addition to our deeds. A husband may say, "My fidelity and support of my family are proof of my love." True, but the family also needs to hear, "I love you." But "I love you" without deeds to back up the words is empty. 3. Spirit (v. 24). In the Bible we hear repeatedly the word, "abide." A fruitful Christian is one ...

2517. Easter 7

Acts 1:12-26, 1 John 5:1-12, John 17:6-19

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... after physical death. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES 1. Can The Church Get Along Without Jesus? Need: Can you imagine the fright and concern of the disciples when they realized they were without their leader after the ascension? His presence for three years gave them guidance, support and courage. If there were problems or needs, they knew to whom to go and they always had their needs met and questions answered. On this Sunday after the ascension the disciples were alone to face a hostile world. Can the church get ...

2518. Advent 1

Mark 13:32-37, Mark 13:1-31, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 63:7--64:12

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... be faithful, it is good news that God is one you can trust. He is worthy of our confidence. We can stake our lives on him. Outline: You can count on God – a. To grant you grace v. 4. b. To give you every spiritual gift v. 7. c. To support you always v. 8. WORSHIP RESOURCES Psalm Of The Day: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Psalm 80; Psalm 80:1-7 "Stir up your might and come to save us!" (v. 26) Prayer Of The Day: "Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength ...

2519. Proper 18

Proverbs 22:1-16, Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-13

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... more deeply we believe, the more zealous and determined we are to do something about what we believe in. If we believe in a candidate, we will vote for him. If we believe a business is sound, we buy stock in it. If we believe in the church, we will support it. If we believe in God, we will obey him in loving our neighbor. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 1. Do touch me! (7:32-33). Need: In this instance Jesus used touching to heal. He was asked to lay his hand upon the man, for those who ...

2520. Proper 22

Job 1:1-5, Job 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-14, Hebrews 2:5-18, Mark 10:1-12, Mark 10:13-16

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... and integrity. How can we take the blows of life without blaming God and losing our faith? Outline: How to suffer without sinning – a. Sin by blaming God for our suffering 1. Loss of possessions 1:13-19. 2. Loss of health 2:7-8. 3. Loss of spouse's support 2:9. b. How to suffer without sinning 1. Be a blameless person 2:3. 2. Fear God 2:3. 3. Accept the bad with the good 2:10. Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 1. We see Jesus! (2:9). Need: Usually we approach the pulpit with ...

2521. Trust and Obey

Luke 24:36-49

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... “thank you” every time? Do you “trust” their friends, and their friends’ parents? Do you “trust” your teen’s pledges about drugs, alcohol, and sex? As an adult do you “trust” your co-workers? Can you “trust” that they are being supportive, not subversive? Can you trust your assistant isn’t really an assassin? Trust is what finally enabled that first generation of disciples to take on their new identity as eye-and-earwitnesses. The disciples were terrified after the arrest, trial ...

2522. Proper 8

2 Samuel 1:1-16, 2 Samuel 1:17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Mark 5:21-43

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... all that we can desire" Mark 5:39-41. Gospel: Mark 5:21-43 1. Fathers who care (5:21-24a, 35-43). Need: Our land has many fathers who do not care about their children. Some fathers desert their families, get divorced and fail to support their children, and abuse their children physically and mentally. Many children cannot appreciate the allusion to God as a loving Father. In this gospel, we have two fathers who care, two fathers every person needs: earthly and heavenly. If we do not have the former, we ...

2523. Little Things Cast Long Shadows

Illustration

William R. Boyer

On Father's Day, if we are lucky, we remember our own fathers' love and support. Chances are it's not the big things that come to mind, but the everyday expressions of love which grew in us (like seeds) as we matured. Little things cast long shadows in the Kingdom of God.

2524. 2 Corinthians 7:3-15

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... One of the means by which Paul encouraged the growth of connective tissue within this Body of Christ was through an intentional commitment to communal caring. Paul organized and initiated a great collection, gathered from many different churches, for the support of those members most in need in the Jerusalem church. Some scholars have argued that Paul’s “collection” was a Christian equivalent of the Jewish “temple tax” required annually of every adult Jewish male for the continued upkeep of the ...

2525. Paul’s “We-With” Body-Building

2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 2 Timothy 4:9-18

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... around them. They literally hold each other up. (Robert Dale, Seeds for the Future: Growing Organic Leaders for Living Churches [Chalice Press, 2006], 40.) This is what this book called “The Bible” does: strengthen “me” root systems for “we-with” nourishment and mutual support. Flip the word “Me” over and what do you get? “We.” It takes a “WE” to make a “ME.” That’s the power of connection, the power of being a “we-with” part of the body of Christ. We literally do hold each ...

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