Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 2776 to 2800 of 3926 results

2776. Stand Up and Raise Your Voice

Deuteronomy 30:11-20

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... week young pro-democracy protestors in Egypt have shown they “have faith” in their voice. Even when the electronic, high tech versions of their “voice” were silenced by the government when it cut all internet connectivity; Even when pro-government supporters used old-fashioned camel drivers to incite terror and violence; Even when the army, the “peace-keepers,” looked away and let violence prevail: The voice of the protestors remained strong and sure. They knew their message and they used their ...

2777. Life’s Three Guides on the Pilgrim Way

Matthew 6:25-34

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... will be a great, and lifelong friend. For some it will be a challenger, always goading as they are guiding. The tradition of the “sherpa” is complex. Western explorers in the eastern regions of Tibet and the Himalayas sought the support of experienced local wilderness experts to get them up the mountains. These guides were usually hired as “servants,” mere workers. Yet what often started out as an “employer/employee” relationship almost always transformed as the altitude steepened and the oxygen ...

2778. How Are We Tempted Today?

Matthew 4:1-11

Illustration

King Duncan

... boss. "I'm already away from home four nights a week. It wouldn't be fair to my wife and daughter." "Look," his boss replied, "we're asking you to do this for your wife and daughter. Don't you want to be a good father? It takes money to support a family these days. Sure, your little girl doesn't take much money now, but think of the future. Think of her future. I'm only asking you to do this for them," the boss said. The young man told the class, "Now, that's temptation." Jesus overcame his first ...

2779. No Easy Buttons

Matthew 4:1-11

Illustration

Brett Blair & Leonard Sweet

... lexicon. In the ad whenever an individual confronts a difficult situation, all they have to do is reach over and push a red, over-sized, glowing button that reads, "easy." Got to pick up three kids, make dinner, finish that report at work, and be supportive to your spouse? No problem, just push the big easy button. Need to do a risky surgery never performed before? Hey, just push the big easy button. Faced with the need to balance economic growth and stability with environmental safety and the welfare of ...

2780. Keeping Perspective

Illustration

Staff

... I say again, divert YOUR course. Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course. Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES' ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT'S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP. Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call." Who you think you are ...

2781. Disillusioned Thomas

John 20:24-31

Sermon

King Duncan

... and her child could have been rejected. That rejection could have led to a very real disillusionment with anything religious. This mother had the courage to bring her child to the community of faith. Fortunately, she found a group of people who would stand with her and support her. Thomas was hurt but he still went to church. He still didn’t have the answers he was seeking. He still didn’t understand why his Master was dead, but at least he didn’t cut himself off from the fellowship of faith. And in ...

2782. The Meals-on-Wheels Temple

1 Peter 2:4-12

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... some have been put under water by the deliberate flooding of less populated areas to safeguard the survival of the larger cities. The only bright spot in these regional disasters and personal tragedies has been the out-pouring of local community care and support. I predict that one of the greatest stories of 2011 will turn out to be this one: Love and compassion have easily overwhelmed the water-power of the Mississippi. Memphis was one of the earliest cities to weather this month’s Mississippi overflow ...

2783. An Evening Prayer

John 14:1-4

Illustration

Dean Lueking

A century ago John Henry Newman wrote an evening prayer which expresses well the whole spirit in which we see the present in the light of that place which Christ has prepared for us: Support us, O Lord, all the long day of this troubled life until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, when the busy fever of life is hushed, and our work is done. Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

2784. Because I Live (Memorial Day)

John 14:15-31

Sermon

King Duncan

... Tony, who at the time was the much-respected coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Many prayers were lifted up as the Dungy family mourned this loss. In an interview after his return to his position as head coach, Dungy thanked the Colts organization for its support, and then he said words that surprised no one who knew him. “My faith in Christ,” said Tony Dungy, “is what’s gotten me through this.” (5) How many of you parents have asked yourselves how you could ever cope if something tragic were to ...

2785. A Caring Presence: I Will Not Leave You

John 14:15-21

Illustration

John H. Pavelko

The assurance of loving, caring presence in our lives is so important throughout our lives. Children who grow up in unstable homes often struggle with feelings of rejection and low self worth all their lives. We need the emotional support of other people throughout our life. We especially need it during life threatening situations. Surgery was scheduled for the next day. Tom could feel the anxiety rising. He knew his very life would be in the hands of the doctors. The day before surgery an attractive nurse ...

2786. The 4 Words that Tell What It Means to Be a Christian

Luke 24:50-53

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... then “opened their minds” so that they might see the past testimony of God, the present unfolding of the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the future promise of an empowering mission to all the world. Even with all this evidence, all this support, all this first-hand experience of Christ’s power and presence, the disciples could only muster a modicum of faith. The resurrected Jesus ate with them, talked with them, walked with them to Bethany. But as they were yet without the gift of the ...

2787. Times Were Hard

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Illustration

Trace Haythorn

The times were hard. The government, a huge bureaucracy that provided so many important things like roads and military support and the justice system, was hopelessly out of touch with the people. And the religious establishment wasn't much better. It seemed so focused on preserving the status quo that it had little or no vision for what might yet come to pass. When a prophet spoke out, they were ...

2788. God Is Like a Tiger

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Illustration

John Catoir

... than some kind of a vague, distant God in whom you have faith. We are owned by God. Once you have the faith to know that the Lord will sustain you and keep you and hold you and protect you, you don't have to worry. Faith then becomes the support of your life.

2789. The Family Album

1 John 3:1-7

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... was a bold and courageous man who stood firmly for what he believed." A man of strong convictions and deep faith, the archbishop held tightly to the teachings of the Catholic church. He marched against abortion and criticized any Catholic politicians who supported abortion rights. But he also vigorously denounced violence. He went on the internet in 1995 to field questions about clinic bombings and said, "If anyone has an urge to kill anybody at an abortion clinic, he should kill me instead." The cardinal ...

2790. Understanding Bible Prophecy

Deuteronomy 18:14-22

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... fascinating...." Indeed, they are, and for some, they have become immensely profitable as well. A cottage industry has grown up on Christian television presenting prophecy "experts" who are ready to interpret ambiguous passages both on the air, sustained by the financial support of faithful viewers, and in their widely sold books and videos. Probably the best-known of these folks is a fellow by the name of Jack Van Impe who, along with his wife, Rexella, operates the Jack Van Impe Ministries World Outreach ...

2791. Gifts For The Christ Child

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... of what could be done right there in Fort Myers, and the result was the establishment of a what became a very busy soup kitchen. It started out as a project of one Sunday school class, then the congregation, and soon it garnered broad support throughout the entire community. Opportunities for service, opportunities to make a difference in the lives of desperate people, are out there if we only bother to look. Of course, there are other gifts we can bring ... substance, for example. This would seem to be ...

2792. The Day God Voted

1 Samuel 15:34-35, 16:1-13

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... obvious: Despite the way that those who are running for office are presented - in slick little snippets on television or in newspaper ads that tell us nothing - intelligent voting demands that we go beyond the image and try to discern the person who is asking for our support. Once we do that, we will be at least a bit more in line with what we learn from God's choice of David as king over Israel. Brooks Hays, a former Congressman from Arkansas, told about a political pollster who went to the hill country of ...

2793. Thanks for the Memory, Bob

John 6:24-35

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... place of birth, job, family, and so on. He began to compose the kind of obituary for himself that he would like to have written. In it he included all sorts of church activities and community service, involvement with young people, his community, support for the various educational institutions, help with the United Way — one worthwhile activity after another. When the obituary was finished, he was most impressed, but at the same time, most discouraged. He realized that what he had written was a big lie ...

2794. A Disaster of Biblical Proportions

Job 42:1-17

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... every disaster had such a happy ending, but we know better. Amazingly, good did come out of the tsunami horror. The expressions of human solidarity, stretching across countries and continents, was one bright light. Relief organizations said that the outpouring of support from around the globe was phenomenal, and that was good. Less than a week after the flood, the world welcomed the new year 2006, but this time the calendar change was marked somewhat differently than before. Prayers were substituted for ...

2795. A Wonderful Mother (In-Law)

Ruth 1:1-18

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... ironically means "house of bread," and went to Moab. Food was readily available to everyone now, so everything should have been fine, but Elimilech died. To Naomi's eternal credit, she managed in spite of everything. She raised those two boys, found ways to support them, brought them into manhood as best she could. When Mahlon and Chilion were finally grown, they took wives for themselves - two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. I wonder what Naomi thought about that in her heart of hearts. She knew how much ...

2796. The View From Jesus’ Pew

Mark 12:38-44

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... see the generous folks smile and the stingy ones squirm. I said I did not mind preaching about money because I was not preaching about my money, but God's. I am older now, and whether I like it or not, the fact that my family and I are financially supported by what comes in the offering plate, for me to preach about tithes and offerings can be viewed with some legitimacy as feathering my own nest. I do not want people to think that; and the easiest way to avoid it is to avoid the subject as much as possible ...

2797. Where Would We Be Without...?

Romans 3:21-31

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... his work. Calvin stayed for two years until opposition forces ordered the two to leave. Farel, ready for a new challenge, headed for Neuchatel, while Calvin chose Strasbourg. Farel would not give up, however, and kept in touch with Calvin, joining supporters in Geneva in urging Calvin to return. In 1541, after months of indecision, Calvin resumed his work there. Geneva became a center of international influence. After visiting Geneva to sit at the feet of the master, young reformers from all over Europe ...

2798. A Whole City at The Door

Mark 1:29-39

Sermon

Robert J. Elder

... want? Sadly, it is often a Savior to do our own bidding that we desire. But what kind of Savior would that be? Are we going to demand of him what we want, or are we willing to follow, no matter where he leads us? Especially when we want to support church leaders, this is an important question. There is a whole city outside our door. What do we have to tell them about Jesus and his love? Amen. 1. Gordon Dahl, Work, Play, and Worship in a Leisure-Oriented Society (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1972), p. 12.

2799. Skin Game

Mark 1:40-45

Sermon

Robert J. Elder

... what is or is not beautiful. Creamy skin is thought to be beautiful, while leathery skin is not so desirable. One could have a debilitating internal ailment and still pass unnoticed among friends and acquaintances enjoying their full fellowship and support, escaping the notice of strangers. But that is not the case with anyone who suffers with an obvious skin ailment. Even healthy skins of different colors have been responsible for division and hatred between tribes, peoples, and racial groups, probably ...

2800. Disintegration and Reintegration

Mark 14:1-15:47

Sermon

John Smylie

... about to be betrayed. Perhaps they still can't get their life around the intensity of these moments. Whatever the reason for their failure, upon reflection they will look back at these moments and feel deep grief that they could not stay awake and support their Lord and their friend. Jesus is clearly disappointed with them and their sleepiness. Out of the darkness, Judas arrives. With him are others, a crowd carrying swords and clubs. Judas, one of the inner circle, one of the twelve, betrays his Lord with ...

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