Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: Levi, disciple, evangelist, tax collector, the 12, the twelve, apostle, sermon on the mount, jewish audience, beatitudes, lord's prayer, great commission, parables, olivet discourse, mount of olives, olivet, synoptic

Showing 2676 to 2700 of 3314 results

2676. Pentecost ... Again!

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Sermon

Steven E. Albertin

... tall, unashamed, and unafraid in the presence of almighty God, because of what God himself has given us in Jesus Christ through the power of his Spirit. Martin Luther says it well in those familiar words from his explanation of the third article of the Apostles' Creed in The Small Catechism when he says, "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts and sanctified ...

2677. Reasons for Rejoicing

Philippians 4:2-9

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... but nothing with the potential of tearing a church apart is ever frivolous. It is very real to those involved and of the utmost concern. Mashed potatoes may prove to be the little snowball that triggers a deadly avalanche within the congregation. The apostle Paul experienced conflict and strong opinions in the early churches he ministered to, so in that area, nothing much has changed in 2,000 years. Paul gives us a glimpse into the everyday lives and concerns of Philippian Christians, a congregation that is ...

2678. The World According to Paul

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... that he is the "Christ figure," imitating the red-letter Bible. As in Owen's case, God's faithful servants sometimes hear voices that others do not hear and entertain visions that others do not share. Faith is the substance that empowers and fuels the vision. The apostle Paul is an instrument of God, bringing God's word through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps us to see that which cannot be seen in the circumstances of our daily lives. This is what the power of faith is all about ...

2679. A Spiritual “Re-formation”

Romans 3:19-28

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... . Through reconciliation, they experience a deeper, more mature faith, enjoying life together in a new and gracious way. We twenty-first-century Christians don't like to think or talk about sin in our own lives, but sin has gotten in and it won't go away. The apostle Paul reminds the Romans and us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). When we deny sin, we also deny the grace of God that overcomes sin. Anger is a sin that permeated the Reverend Tyler Caskey's church and ...

2680. All in the Family

1 John 3:1-3

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... . We are brothers and sisters of Christ and children of God, sharing the same father within a huge family. Both Jews and Gentiles, and all of humanity, are "fellow heirs, members of the same body, and share in the promise" (Ephesians 3:6). In the Apostles' Creed we refer to the church as "the communion of saints." A more apt description for today might be a "community of saints." The family of God includes the community of Christians in every time and place. We are one with all the saints who have ...

2681. Mentoring Matters

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... , but in a much softer voice, not at all disturbed by his dad's censure. Martin marveled at his son's respectful joy and consideration, realizing that Hans was modeling the behavior God wants us all to exhibit. Both Luther and the apostle Paul understood that child rearing mirrors the sacred. Paul compares his relationship to the congregation at Thessalonica with that of "a father with his children" (1 Thessalonians 2:11). Paul knows that parents, whether biological or spiritual, are vital to the nurture ...

2682. Legacies of Power

Ephesians 1:15-23

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... of our own, ‘Can we sit at your right hand and your left hand in your kingdom?' (Matthew 20:21). We have been tempted to replace love with power."5 There is a legend of a rich merchant who searched the Mediterranean world looking for the apostle Paul. In his travels, the merchant encounters Timothy, who arranges a visit with Paul, imprisoned at the time. Entering the jail cell, the merchant finds a rather old man who appears to be physically broken. Yet, the merchant is amazed at Paul's personal peace and ...

2683. Like A Potato

Ephesians 4:11

Children's Sermon

Marti Kramer Suddarth

... serve God. (Hold up the card stock with the scripture reference and verse printed on it.) Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, gives us some ideas, too. In Ephesians 4:11, he wrote, “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.” These are just some of the ways that Paul says we can serve God. They’re all different and they all ultimately serve God. Now, how are people different than potatoes? (Let the children offer some ...

2684. 1 Timothy 2:1-7

1 Timothy 2:1-15

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... and follow the gospel. That this is a missional message is further affirmed by the concluding Pauline statement in today’s text. The first identity claimed for Paul is as “herald,” a messenger. The second self-identification, as “apostle,” affirms the divine origin of Paul’s mission and message. Finally he is a “teacher,” specifically charged with communicating this “glorious gospel” to “the Gentiles.” The inclusiveness that has run throughout this section is the inclusiveness that ...

2685. Step By Step

Acts 11:1-18

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... discover that we have to take every day and every situation, STEP BY STEP. Peter did that with the Disciples in Jerusalem after he was sent by God to visit Cornelius and his family. Let's look at that passage. Acts 11:1-18 (NRSV) [1] Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. [2] So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, [3] saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" [4] Then Peter ...

2686. Fresh Grilled Forgiveness

John 21:1-19

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... to you or just the hecticness and angst of life catches up to you? We all fall back on something. Some people bake or cook, some people do crafts, some people yell and scream, some folks watch movies, some people eat. What do you do? The Apostle Peter went fishing. The passage for today takes places after the resurrection. John 21:1-19 (NRSV) [1] After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. [2] Gathered there together were Simon ...

2687. Unlocking the Access

Ephesians 3:1-12

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, [4] a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. [5] In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: [6] that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. [7] Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace ...

2688. Self Restraint

Luke 16:19-31

Illustration

Matt Ridley

... discouraged from cheating watering out of turn merely by the watchful eyes of his neighbors above and below him on the canal. If they have a grievance, they can take it to the Tribunal de las Aguas, which meets on Thursday mornings outside the Apostles' door of the Cathedral of Valencia. Records dating back to the 1400s suggest that cheating is rare. The huerta of Valencia is a profitable region, growing at least two crops a year. Two irrigation systems: one sustainable, equitable, and long-lived, the other ...

2689. Sitting at the Big People Table

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... the truth. [5] For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, [6] who gave himself a ransom for all this was attested at the right time. [7] For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Johnny Carson, in describing Thanksgiving, once said: "Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And ...

2690. Remember: Live Worthy of the Calling

Ephesians 4:1-16

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... ," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) [11] The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to ...

2691. Made Perfect In Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... do it. We all get together and somebody tells a story and pretty soon we all start playing that little game of one-up-man-ship. We may not do it very often but we all succumb to boasting from time to time. So, let's look at what the Apostle Paul says about boasting. 2 Cor. 12:2-10 (NRSV) [2] I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. [3] And I know that such a ...

2692. See What Love . . .

1 John 3:1-7

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... and unconditionally loved, no matter what you might do. Do you ever long for that? Do you ever wish there were a place where you could leave all your worries and fears and struggles and frustrations and mistakes and not have to carry them any more? Listen to what the Apostle John has to say to us today in his first letter: I'm reading from the Message. 1 John 3:1-7 (MsgB) [1] What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But ...

2693. I Doubt It

John 20:19-31, Act 4:32-37

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

The Apostle Thomas could have been related to Eliza Doolittle from the musical My Fair Lady. She expresses the same idea as Thomas when she cries out, "Don't tell me you love me, show me! Show me!" Thomas could have been related to Saint Francis of Assisi, as well. Because St. ...

2694. Beneath The Shadow Of The Cross

Mark 15:16-37

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

A. It was weird. It was really weird. The sky that afternoon had taken on a ghastly, ghostly, almost haunted hue. Ever since the midday bells had rung it had been like the edge of night. The darkness of the day seemed to reflect the way the apostle felt. It seemed to reflect the darkness of his soul and the darkness of the event taking place. John; one of the chosen twelve; one of the inner circle of leadership; the one who always seemed closest to Jesus, stood shrouded in his own sorrow. The lump in his ...

2695. WWF: Smack Down In The Wilderness

Mark 1:9-15

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... the wages of sin: death, to haunt and torment for eternity. This wasn't some practiced and staged entertainment event for the crowds of adoring fans. Jesus didn't just go through the motions. Jesus was tempted in every way. He was put to the test. B. The Apostle James in his letter writes: James 1:12-14 (NRSV) [12] Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. [13] No one, when tempted, should say ...

2696. There Will Be Light

Isaiah 2:1-5

Sermon

King Duncan

... war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.” Isaiah spoke of a world of peace and light. Next week we will deal with peace. Today, we want to talk about light. Nearly eight hundred years after the time of Isaiah, the Apostle Paul would write, “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor ...

2697. A Child Will Be Born

Isaiah 9:1-7

Sermon

King Duncan

... sins of the world.” Ask the demons what they think of Jesus, they will tell you. “What do you want with us, Son of the most high God?” Ask Judas what he thinks about Jesus, he will tell you, “I have betrayed innocent blood.” Ask the apostle Paul, what do you think about Jesus? He will tell you, “that nothing compares to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Ask Pilate what he thinks, he will tell you, “I find no fault in this just man.” Ask the Roman centurion what he ...

2698. Three Secrets of a Life Well Lived - Sermon Starter

2 Tim 3:10 - 4:8

Illustration

Brett Blair

... make it through the church interview process today. Theirs was a rough and dangerous world. Turmoil on every side, both in the Jewish nation and the Roman. Think of the pictures we have seen from Afghanistan these past few weeks and you get an idea of hardships the Apostle Paul faced as he traveled for 20 years and thousands of miles all over the Roman world. And now the end was near for Paul. This was not just a guess; it was certainty. He was under house arrest in Rome. He was under no illusion about his ...

2699. Watching Life Pass By

2 Tim 3:10 - 4:8

Illustration

Brett Blair

... write letters and me play with my dog. He watches Mom pay the bills. But mainly, he just watches." There are many who idly sit and watch life pass them by. They live lives for which their is no meaning, no significance. If this is characteristic of your life, the Apostle Paul offers a challenge to fight the good fight, to finish the race, to keep the faith.

2700. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... , Paul addresses the latest renditions of wrong information circulating within the Thessalonian community. Paul begins by employing traditional language, words which should have triggered a history of familiar messages that the community had received from the apostle. His vocabulary recalls “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” and invokes the image of “being gathered” or “assembled” (“episynagoge”)—a mental picture of the elect or righteous being gathered together at the end-times (see ...

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