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 2651 to 2675 of 4943 results

2651. Mark 4:35-41

Mark 4:35-41

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... ). The Greek here suggests a violent, tornado-like storm with tremendous strength. In this story from Mark we get the only mention of Jesus napping. Although the wind whirls around them, and despite the fact that water is already being driven into the boat, Jesus continues his sleep, undisturbed. In many Old Testament text such unconcerned sleep is a sign of a complete trust in God’s power and presence (Proverbs 3:32-34; Psalm 3:5; 4:8; Job 11:18-19). The disciples, however, are in a panic. Convinced that ...

2652. Proper 19

Psalm 19:1-14, Proverbs 1:20-33, Mark 8:27-38, James 3:1-12

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... person. Proverbs 1:20-33 Second Lesson—James describes the havoc created by uncontrolled talk and vicious cursing. James 3:1-12 Gospel—Jesus clarifies the nature of his mission as Messiah as that of a sufferer rather than a conqueror, and calls his disciples to continue to follow in similar fashion. Mark 8:27-38 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Love the Lord, who has heard us and listens to our prayers. People: God has given ...

2653. Pentecost

Psalm 104:1-35, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4-15, Acts 2:1-21

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... knowing what is coming, stand with you and not with the Prince of this world, who already stands condemned. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Doer-of-great-things, glorified Truth-teller, truthful Ad-vocate, what great things you do, and promise, and fulfill. We are continually amazed at the speech you give the speechless, the power you give to the powerless, the meaning you give to those whose lives have seemed meaningless. We live in anticipation of what your loving Spirit can still do as people are open to the ...

2654. Easter 5

Psalm 22:1-31, John 15:1-8, Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... to each the maximum of both freedom and responsibility. Creator of the perfect and Healer of the imperfect, grant a continuance in health to those who are well and healing and recovery to those who are sick. Hear us as we name in our hearts those whose illness ... and injury are on our minds. Continue to provide gifts of healing to your church that as the apostles healed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth so today also ...

2655. Christmas 1

Psalm 148:1-14, Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Luke 2:21-40, Galatians 4:4-7

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... also with you. Pastor: Let us rejoice in God with all our hearts. People: Our Savior robes us with salvation like a garment and clothes us in integrity like a cloak. INVOCATION Eternal Parent, whatever the festive clothes we wear to mark this Christmas season, continue to receive us as robed with the white robes of salvation and wrapped in the cloak of your Spirit’s integrity. Your Son Jesus is worthy of all adoration and praise. We bow down before him. Amen PRAYER OF CONFESSION Spirit of God, given to ...

2656. First Sunday in Lent

Genesis 9:1-17, Psalm 25:1-22, Mark 1:9-15, 1 Peter 3:8-22

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... willingly suffered. Our only hope of salvation is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who was put to death in the body and brought to life in the Spirit. Were it not for that good news, we too would be imprisoned by our sin and guilt. Grant us continuing repentance and faith in the gospel; under the rainbow of your covenant and our baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the good news! Christ died for our sins once and for ...

2657. Lent 4

Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22, John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... house of prayer, but to manifest to the world the gift of salvation that you freely offer in Jesus Christ. Amen PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION Loving God, we pray for the world that you created and loved, seeing it in the beginning to be good. Continue your forbearance with all humanity and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, bring back to yourself and your ways those you are redeeming from trouble and are gathering in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from ...

2658. Trinity Sunday

Psalm 29:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-13, John 3:1-17, Romans 8:1-17

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... ancestors, God of our own generation and of our children and grandchildren, we pray for our nation on this weekend of remembrance, that we may honor all who have died in the defense of our freedom against tyrannical rulers of every time. Grant that we may continue our vigilance in the preservation of freedom of speech for all whether they agree or disagree with us. May our love of truth and our faith in its power to free, save us from suppression of debate and the lawful expression of dissent. We pray for ...

2659. Lent 1

Deuteronomy 26:1-15, Psalm 91:1-16, Luke 4:1-13, Romans 10:8b-13

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... also the ministers and those of the poor in this and every land who look to us for the gifts that we share, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION Hear, O God, our prayers on behalf of others. God of light and truth, continue to give more light to the church by the instruction of the Spirit speaking in the Word as written and as further insights are found in our communal life in the midst of a dark and evil world. Save us from being overwhelmed by the false and ...

2660. Proper 18

Psalm 139:1-24, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Luke 14:25-35, Philemon 1:1-21

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... Jesus. Give up anything that prevents your being a loyal Christian. PRAYER OF THE DAY Strong One, without your aid there is no way we can confront the forces of evil within us and around us. Without your enablement, there is no way we can begin, continue, and complete the work you want us to do. Discipline our spirits and keep us in the way of a disciple. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING All-knowing God, your wisdom is beyond our reach. We are thankful that you have accommodated yourself to our limited capacity ...

2661. Proper 22

Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26, Luke 17:5-10, 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... the full all that you have given into our hands. Achieve the purposes you have had for our earth before the time of creation now fully disclosed in the advent of Christ Jesus of Nazareth. Amen. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION Founder of the church, continue to bless the church of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let all members of the church make it evident by their faithful worship and good work that your church is one family everywhere in the world. Enable all who preach and teach and share their faith ...

2662. Proper 25

Psalm 65:1-13, Joel 2:23-32, Luke 18:9-14, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... great day. PRAYER OF THE DAY Save us from building ourselves up at the expense of others, fair God, lest we face your final humbling. Teach us humility and honesty in self-evaluation that does not seek freedom from blame by doing nothing, but by striving to continue until we have completed the course you have set before us. Help us to recognize our constant need of your grace, even as we grow closer to you. Grant us the resurrection to final joy as you did your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYER ...

2663. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Psalm 15:1-5, Micah 6:1-8, Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... our doing. INVOCATION God on high, we bow before you humbly but we cannot claim to always love kindness and do justice. Though we aspire to achieve this perfection, we can now offer only the advocacy of Jesus who has achieved such sinlessness before you. Continue the work of the Spirit in our transformation for your name's sake. Amen PRAYER OF CONFESSION Wise and mighty God, humble and gentle God, humbling and gentling Spirit, we confess that we do not always learn without pride or act with self-control. We ...

2664. Proper 10

Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 119:1-176, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-17

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... us, but we find it easy to close our minds, to refuse to hear what would require painful change, to reject the truth because it is inconvenient. Forgive deliberate denseness of mind, fearful resistance to change, stubborn insistence that our way is the best way. Continue your speaking until we hear. Try new parables on us until we think and understand. Argue with us until we do your will. What else will your love in Christ allow you to do? Amen Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the Good News! All ...

2665. Proper 12

Genesis 28:10-22, Psalm 139:1-24, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43, Romans 8:12-25

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... -24 First Lesson - The dream of Jacob will be identified for thousands of years as Jacob's ladder. Genesis 28:10-19 Second Lesson - Paul defines our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit as that of adopted children. Romans 8:12-25 Gospel - Matthew continues his reporting of the parables Jesus told in preaching to and teaching the multitudes and also gives the follow-up explanation to the disciples. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 CALL TO WORSHIP Let us bless God from our innermost hearts, forgetting none of ...

2666. Proper 16

Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ. Matthew 16:13-20 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: The judgements of God are unsearchable, but search them out. People: We will continue to plumb the depths of God's wisdom to trace the ways of divine providence. INVOCATION Infinite God, our minds cannot comprehend you, but we are bidden by your Spirit to worship you in sincerity. Expand our knowledge of you that our trust may be deeper ...

2667. Ephesians 5:15-20

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... be “filled with the Spirit.” Instead of licentious behavior the presence of the true Spirit will be revealed in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Hymns and psalms were, of course, part of the Jewish liturgical heritage that continued to be celebrated in the new Christian worship rituals. But “spiritual songs” and the Spirit-infused innovations that had their beginnings “in your hearts” are part of the unique Christ—centered, Spirit-driven faith that defined the church. It is ...

2668. The Message That WILL Save Your Life

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Sermon

James Merritt

... for you the gospel I proclaimed to you..." (I Corinthians 15:1, HCSB) Even in the very early church, there was a need to continuously clarify and remind people exactly what the Gospel was. He then goes on to say in verse 2, "You are also saved by it, ... think you could give God?" He thought a minute and he said, "There is nothing I can think of that I could say." As we are continuing to drive down the cart path (looking for my ball) I simply ask him, "Would you like to know how you can have eternal life?" He ...

2669. Did You Know...That You Can Know God?

1 John 2:3-5

Sermon

James Merritt

... to grow in your knowledge of God. First of all, Practice God's Presence. Train your mind to remember God consistently. Maintain continuous contact with Him. I Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray all the time." (I Thessalonians 5:17, MSG) Some people think that ... closer you are to God, the more you will know God. The more you know God, the more you will love God and the circle just continues. I hope I have given you a thirst and a hunger to really know God. If I haven't yet, maybe this statement will - knowing God ...

2670. When the Bills Come Due

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Sermon

James Merritt

... savings when they reach the age of 65? Do you know why? Because all those years, they were paying everybody but themselves. A husband had been sitting at a calculator for about 3 hours not saying a word. Finally, he looked up and said to his wife, "Honey, if we continue to save at our present rate, by the time I retire we are going to owe $700,000 dollars!" The reason this is so important is that Money Magazine says, 78% of us will have a major negative event in a given 10 year period of time (maybe a job ...

2671. Mind Games

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Sermon

James Merritt

... , can be renewed. Eph. 4:22 says, "Be renewed in the Spirit of your mind." Rom. 12:2 tells us we ought to be continuously "transformed by the renewing of our mind." It can be done. I read recently about a woman in St. Louis who invited a man ... make me leave, and you can't put me out." Well, then she began to plead with him, but he said, "I am not going." He continued to stay. She was so embarrassed, humiliated, and convicted that what she had done was wrong by inviting him to come and live in her house ...

2672. How to Preach a God-Sized Message to a Media Filled World

2 Timothy 4:1-5

Sermon

James Merritt

... moment and said, "I've got a better idea. I'll wait here. You go tell them." Well, someone has to step up to the plate and preach God's truth and it should be those of us who are willing to preach God-sized messages. f. Preach Constructively Paul continues by saying we are to, "Exhort." (II Timothy 4:2, NASB) That would means to "build up." I want to emphasize that we are not to be primarily negative in our preaching. We are primarily to be positive. Yes, we are to tell people what they cannot be without ...

2673. What Is 40 Days Of Purpose?

2 Timothy 4:9-18

Sermon

James Merritt

... from if you learn to respond in the right way. What is the goal? The goal is spiritual maturity. "Then we will be mature just as Christ is and we will be completely like him." (Ephesians 4:13, CEV) That is God's goal for us - to grow and to continuously mature. By the way, there is no such thing as instant spiritual maturity. God doesn't get in a hurry with us and He's going to take your whole life to make you like Christ, so don't get discouraged. Philippians 1:6 says, "Being confident of this that ...

2674. Close Up Parents: Be Cheerleaders, Not Jeer leaders

Colossians 3:21

Sermon

James Merritt

... or a mall today and watch the way some parents allow their children to run completely wild. Teresa was in a grocery store recently and watched a mother with a little girl that was about eight years old and her little brother who was about five years old continuously pulling items off the shelf. The little boy would throw them in the basket and then the little girl would then take them out and throw them on the floor. The mother never said a word to these children. This went on for a while as people began ...

2675. Framing Values – Part Two

Daniel 1:1-21

Sermon

James Merritt

... , over everything else were these two answers. 94% said - Raising healthy and happy children and 91% said - Having a good marriage. In other words, teenagers are telling us they want to grow up in a good family and they want to rear a good family. As we continue our Extreme Home Makeover For Families, I want to share with you how to frame values for your teenagers. We are going to learn today from the greatest teenager ever discussed in the Bible. His name was Daniel. In this chapter, though we do not read ...

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