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 2751 to 2775 of 4933 results

2751. Bearing The Right Fruit

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Sermon

King Duncan

There was an absurd newspaper item quite some time ago from Iowa City, Iowa. It concerned a woman whose palms suddenly started bleeding. A researcher who examined her said that the wounds resembled a certain stigmata that often appears on very religious people. Some of you may have heard of the stigmata. It refers to a condition where people bleed from the palms, especially around Good Friday, resembling the bleeding hands of Jesus on the cross. And this lady in Iowa City had these same kind of wounds on ...

2752. On Living Before You Die

Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon

Edward Inabinet

The NEWPORT NEWS DAILY PRESS published recently several pages listing accounts with unclaimed money in them. As impossible as it seems, hundreds of people or their families forget the bank is holding money for them in their name. When men and women give their lives to God, many then lose faith in the Creator. They don''t use the treasure He has for them. Our orientation gets mixed up. We aim our lives in the wrong direction. Charlie Brown in the PEANUTS cartoon comes to the kitchen one morning in his PJ''s ...

2753. Why the Church?

Matthew 16:21-28

Sermon

Donald B. Strobe

Our daughter Carole made her decision to become a minister while she was studying in England in the early 1970s. When she told some of her fellow students about her decision to enter the ministry, they were incredulous...not that a woman would decide for the ministry, but that anybody would want to be a minister. That means being part of the Church, doesn’t it? they said. Why the Church? That’s the question with which I begin this morning. Why the Church? George Arthur Buttrick in his book So We Believe, ...

2754. How Does It Work?

1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Sermon

James L. Killen

There is a very nice book for children that is titled, The Way Things Work. It uses cartoons and diagrams and simple explanations to help young children understand the operation of such things as a magnet, a light bulb, a water faucet, and even a car engine and a computer. These are things that children see working every day. They even have to work with some of them. It is important for them to understand how these things work so that they will understand how to work with them.1 We need to know how the ...

2755. Live the Questions

Exodus 5:22--6:12

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

I want you to listen to a very puzzling, probing, and profound word. “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not seek the answers which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live every thing. Live the questions now.” (Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet) translated M. D. Hurter Norton, W. Norton and Company, Revised 1954 ...

2756. Live the Lullaby

Luke 1:46-56

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Every baby will keep every parent up all night, at least once. It’s a rule. Whether because they are teething or colicky, anxious or tummy-troubled, or just plain fussy, it’s part of a baby’s mission in life to keep its parents awake weeping and wailing. We parents are “hard-wired” to respond to an infant’s cries. What has kept us grieving all week, a grief that can’t be spoken? What has kept our hearts hurting all week, a pain that won’t go away? When an infant or child is in trouble, or hurt, or killed, ...

2757. Praise and Prayer

Isaiah 63:7--64:12

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Where Are Your Zeal and Your Might?: As the chiasm in chapters 56–66 treads its return path, the vision of the battling warrior (63:1–6) paired with the one in 59:15b–20. This prayer, then, pairs with the prayer in 59:9–15a. As the new vision was bloodier, the new prayer is much longer and more urgent. It has the features of a lament on the part of the community such as those that appear in the Psalms and in Lamentations, but like some of them (and like chapter 62) it unfolds as more of a stream of ...

2758. Daniel in the Den of Lions

Daniel 6:1-28

Teach the Text

Ronald W. Pierce

Daniel’s Success and Darius’s Decree (6:1-9): Big Idea: God may allow those who remain faithful to him and his word to experience jealous opposition from unbelievers in a hostile environment. Understanding the Text Daniel 6:1–28 is woven into the book’s overall literary structure in two ways. First, it advances the narrative of chapters 1–6, in which the first four focus on Nebuchadnezzar (chaps. 1–2 with historical markers and 3–4 without) and the last two show the transition from Belshazzar of Babylon to ...

2759. The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 31:30--32:47

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

A Song for the Future: At the beginning of Chapter 31, we move finally to the “outer frame” of the book, composed of chapters 1–3 and 31–34. The links between the two sections are very clear, and they could be read together continuously. The common theme, especially at the “join” (cf. 3:21–28), is the commissioning of Joshua to lead the Israelites into the land, in view of the fact that Moses would not do so but would die outside it. However, whereas chapters 1–3 focus primarily on the past, chapters 31–34 ...

2760. You Can't Start a Car With a Cross

Sermon

Ron Lavin

"We beseech you in behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20) Recently, I reached into my pants' pocket for a loose car key I had put there earlier. "Quarters. Dimes. Pennies. Ah, there it is." I was in a hurry. I tried to put the key into the ignition lock of the car. Then I saw that it wasn't a key at all. It was the tiny aluminum cross that we distributed recently at church. "You can't start a car with a cross," I said out loud. As I dug back into my pocket for the car key, found it, ...

2761. All This And Heaven Too

Revelation 21:1-27

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

Dick Sheppard was one of the great preachers of England in another generation. He was really one of the British church, a great preacher prophet. His preaching often set all of Britain aflame. The morning after he died, almost all of England mourned his passing, and a London newspaper proclaimed a great truth. The paper carried a picture of the pulpit of the church where Dick Sheppard preached, St. Martin’s in the Field. A soft light shone down on the reading desk where there was an open Bible, and in the ...

2762. All This And Heaven Too

Revelation 21:1-27

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

2763. Complete Joy

Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon

Jeff Wedge

There was once a man who decided he was dead. He was actually quite alive, but the man insisted he was really dead. The man's friends were quite concerned over this attitude, and tried hard to persuade the man he was actually alive, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, one friend with a scientific turn of mind tried to convince the man of the error of his insistence. The friend pointed out that dead men don't bleed. After some time to consider the possibilities, the man who said he was dead agreed. At that ...

2764. Body Language

Mark 7:1-23

Sermon

Mark Trotter

This is my first Sunday back from our vacation, during which I spent some days in Canada fishing for salmon with some members of this church. In previous trips no one from the church had been with me, so I was not inhibited in reporting my success when I got back. This year the truth squad is sitting out there, the Richeys are over here, the Coutts are back there, so I have to be honest with you and tell you that the fishing just wasn't very good this year, except for one exception. Your humble pastor ...

2765. Tradition Can Be Changed

Luke 2:41-52

Sermon

Cynthia Cowen

Tradition is defined as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought or action. Take for instance a cooking method. Sarah asked her mother, "Why do you always cut the turkey in half and put it in two small roasters?" "Because my mother always did. It's a tradition handed down through our family," responded her mother. "But Mom, did you ever think they didn't have big roasters back then?" Tradition — a customary pattern or action. But who said traditions can't be changed? A family tradition ...

2766. Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

Ephesians 1:1-14

Sermon

Timothy J. Smith

Praise God for all the wonderful things God has done in our lives and in our world! We continue to be filled with awe and wonder. Our fitting response is to sing praises to our God. Our favorite praise hymns and songs can transport us beyond our present situation into the very presence of God. The early Christians experienced the presence of God through their worship and singing. It is commonly believed that the first chapter of Ephesians contains words and phrases from hymns and liturgy that would have ...

2767. Oh That Cookie Jar Goodness!

Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30

Sermon

Lori Wagner

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) Prop: If you can find one, a “lie detector” device could also serve as an interesting opening (in reference to the movie, “Meet the Parents”) Has anyone had one of those mothers or grandmothers….or maybe a father or grandfather who just seems to know your next move? You’re going for the cookie jar when you hear a voice clear from the other ...

2768. For The Love of God Is Contagious

Mark 7:31-36 · Luke 5:12-15 · 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

A number of years ago, the computer magazine, PC World did a review of a book entitled The Policeman's Beard is Half Constructed, (Warner Books, New York, 1984). It is a book that was written by a computer program called Racter (short for Raconteur) from Mindscape. The software was developed to help people do brainstorming. The book is filled with essays, poems, limericks, stories and conversations, all of which were written by the computer using this software. Here's a couple of examples which Racter came ...

2769. With All The Saints

Isaiah 25:1-12

Sermon

John A. Stroman

Isaiah 25 is a remarkable passage for All Saints' Sunday. It begins with an outburst of praise for what God has done and for what God will do. An unidentified city -- strong, oppressive and hostile -- will be destroyed and never rebuilt. Amid the destruction God protects and cares for the poor and the needy. Once this evil city and its ruthless inhabitants have been destroyed and vanish, another city will rise on Mount Zion where God will invite all people to a magnificent feast. God will wipe away all ...

2770. The Chain Of Command

Luke 7:1-10

Sermon

Alexander H. Wales

When I spoke with the Rabbi about this itinerant preacher, Jesus, I knew right away that he was the one I would have to go to if Gaius was going to survive. Gaius has been with me since the campaigns against the barbarians in the north. He's probably the closest servant and friend I've ever had in all my years of military service. Knowing how sick he was, knowing that our doctors had done all they could, there wasn't really anywhere I could turn except for some miraculous cure. "This Jesus fellow has been ...

2771. Encounters With Christ II: Jesus and Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42

Sermon

James W. Moore

Some years ago, The Archbishop of Canterbury was rushing to catch a train in London. In his haste, he accidentally jumped on the wrong passenger car and found himself on a car full of inmates from a mental hospital. They were all dressed in mental hospital clothing. Just as the train pulled out of the station, an orderly came in and began to count the inmates, “1-2-3-4…”… when suddenly he saw this distinguished looking gentleman there wearing a business suit and a clerical collar and he said: “Who are you ...

2772. What Jesus Saw In Martha

Luke 10:38-42

Sermon

James W. Moore

2773. The Holy Trinity

Psalm 150:1-6, Psalm 33:1-22, Psalm 29:1-11, Matthew 28:16-20, John 3:1-21, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Genesis 1:1-2:3, Exodus 34:1-28

Sermon Aid

THEOLOGICAL CLUE The Holy Trinity is a "liturgical late-comer" among the feasts and festivals of the church; officially, it has been an established feast of the church for 555 years, since Pope John XX approved of it in 1334. Its history began with the dedication of churches to the Holy Trinity in the ninth century, at least one liturgy in the tenth century, and an actual feast celebrated in the eleventh century. This festival was retained in the revised church year and the liturgy of the church by the ...

2774. Good News, Release, and Comfort

Isaiah 61:1-11

Sermon

Richard L. Eslinger

Advent rushes to a finish. You know how hectic this next week will be. "Only (you fill in the blank) more days until Christmas," and there is an awful lot to be done. There is the last-minute shopping, rubbing shoulders with all the other last-minute people. Then, toward the end of the week, the planning and procuring for the big Christmas dinner begins. But we’ll probably forget something essential to the menu and be back at the supermarket on Christmas Eve, too. Here at church there is as much bustle as ...

2775. Splashed with the Spirit

Luke 3:21-38, Luke 3:1-20

Sermon

William G. Carter

One Saturday when I was seventeen or eighteen, I had an unusual religious experience. I was serving on my church’s board of deacons, and one of the middle-aged members of the board was driving me around so we could drop in and visit some older members of our church. This was during the late seventies, at a time when our congregation was going through some turmoil. A number of people had been caught up in the charismatic movement that was going through a number of churches. They started a Sunday night ...

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Showing 2751 to 2775 of 4933 results

2751. Bearing The Right Fruit

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Sermon

King Duncan

2752. On Living Before You Die

Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon

Edward Inabinet

2753. Why the Church?

Matthew 16:21-28

Sermon

Donald B. Strobe

2754. How Does It Work?

1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Sermon

James L. Killen

2755. Live the Questions

Exodus 5:22--6:12

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

2756. Live the Lullaby

Luke 1:46-56

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2757. Praise and Prayer

Isaiah 63:7--64:12

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

2758. Daniel in the Den of Lions

Daniel 6:1-28

Teach the Text

Ronald W. Pierce

2759. The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 31:30--32:47

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

2760. You Can't Start a Car With a Cross

Sermon

Ron Lavin

2761. All This And Heaven Too

Revelation 21:1-27

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

2762. All This And Heaven Too

Revelation 21:1-27

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

2763. Complete Joy

Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon

Jeff Wedge

2764. Body Language

Mark 7:1-23

Sermon

Mark Trotter

2765. Tradition Can Be Changed

Luke 2:41-52

Sermon

Cynthia Cowen

2766. Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

Ephesians 1:1-14

Sermon

Timothy J. Smith

2767. Oh That Cookie Jar Goodness!

Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30

Sermon

Lori Wagner

2768. For The Love of God Is Contagious

Mark 7:31-36 · Luke 5:12-15 · 2 Corinthians 5:16-20

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

2769. With All The Saints

Isaiah 25:1-12

Sermon

John A. Stroman

2770. The Chain Of Command

Luke 7:1-10

Sermon

Alexander H. Wales

2771. Encounters With Christ II: Jesus and Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42

Sermon

James W. Moore

2772. What Jesus Saw In Martha

Luke 10:38-42

Sermon

James W. Moore

2773. The Holy Trinity

Psalm 150:1-6, Psalm 33:1-22, Psalm 29:1-11, Matthew 28:16-20, John 3:1-21, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Genesis 1:1-2:3, Exodus 34:1-28

Sermon Aid

2774. Good News, Release, and Comfort

Isaiah 61:1-11

Sermon

Richard L. Eslinger

2775. Splashed with the Spirit

Luke 3:21-38, Luke 3:1-20

Sermon

William G. Carter

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