Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 2876 to 2900 of 5000 results

Luke 17:20-37

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... future “rapture,” whereby believers are taken up from the earth to be with Jesus at his return (see 1 Thess. 4:13–18). Consider to what extent 17:34–35 provides a secure basis for such an idea. Is this its main scriptural support? Illustrating the Text Jesus teaches that his second coming will occur when no one is expecting it. News Story: Any number of natural and manmade disasters have occurred when no one was expecting them, completely disrupting the lives of those who suffered through the events ...

2877. Use It or Lose It

Luke 19:11-27

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... meaning with regard to Jesus’s own kingship and the resistance to it by the Jerusalem authorities? Does this parable have a message for those in our own day who also think that “the kingdom of God is going to appear at once”? Illustrating the Text A truly committed disciple must be responsible with the gifts that God has given. Theological Book: Pensées, by Blaise Pascal. This complex work (published posthumously in 1669) by Pascal (1623–62) in itself is a testimony to an unusual discipleship and ...

2878. The Coming of the King

Luke 19:45-48, Luke 19:28-44

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... , it is symbolic of Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers. It is Jerusalem that in the past has rejected and killed the prophets and will now reject the Son (13:34–35; 19:9–19). For this rejection the city will be destroyed. Illustrating the Text Jesus’s triumphal entry was a carefully planned act of “glorious defiance and superlative courage.”1 Film/Television: In many westerns, whether film or television, the cowboy hero (such as in the movies Shane or Pale Rider) or lawman (such as Wyatt ...

2879. Two Testing Questions

Luke 20:27-40, Luke 20:20-26

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... by the Sadducean focus only on the law of Moses. Tease out in what way Jesus’s argument depends on the character of God and his relationship with his people; how could we develop that argument more fully for our generation? Illustrating the Text A necessary conflict exists between loyalty to God and civil obedience. Biography: Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer (1906–45) was a German theologian and pastor who grew into his understanding of the need for civil disobedience. When he was twenty-seven ...

2880. The Roman Verdict

Luke 22:66--23:25

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... of history? 3. Perhaps use the Barabbas episode to tease out what was distinctive about Jesus’s message. How might ordinary “Jews in the street” have compared the two, and what is likely to have determined their choice as to which they should prefer? Illustrating the Text Pilate shows how sometimes the most powerful person in the room is also the weakest and least free. Film: Mention a movie that looks at the life of a superhero. Superman, Spiderman, and Batman—almost all of them carry the theme of ...

2881. The Death of Jesus

Luke 23:44-49, Luke 23:26-43

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... introducing others that may distract from each Gospel’s theological purpose. What impression of the death of Jesus do these three sayings convey? Notice that the three in Luke (23:34, 43, 46) all pick up themes that have been important throughout his Gospel. Illustrating the Text Though he does not ignore Christ’s suffering, Luke’s focus is not so much on Christ’s agony of abandonment as on his compassion for others. Film: Jesus, directed by Peter Sykes, John Heyman, and John Krisch. Called by some ...

2882. At the Tomb

Luke 24:1-12, Luke 23:50-56

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... of the widow’s son and Jairus’s daughter. 5. “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20). In what ways is our future “resurrection” similar to and different from that of Jesus? Illustrating the Text Sometimes, in despair, we fail to remember the hope of what we have been promised. Christian Living: Looking to Jesus, by Virginia Stem Owens. Writing about the failure of Christ’s followers, men and women, to recognize the event of the ...

2883. The Risen Jesus Revealed

Luke 24:13-35

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R.T. France

... the term used several times in Acts for the Christian fellowship meal) that Jesus was finally recognized? Is it significant that the disciples recognize Jesus not through the proofs of Scripture (24:27) but at a fellowship meal (24:31)? Illustrating the Text The “chance” encounter with Christ turns the disciples’ depression to excitement and teaches them to expect the resurrection. Sermon: “Emmaus Epiphany,” by Cindy Holtrop. The future they thought they had solved is turned on its head with this ...

2884. The Commissioning of the Disciples

Luke 24:50-53, Luke 24:36-49

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... summary of the gospel? What else might we have wanted to add? Is it correct to see all this as derived from Scripture (24:44–45)? Discuss what passages from the Old Testament Jesus might have focused on in developing each of these themes. Illustrating the Text The resurrection body is substantial and recognizably human, yet redesigned and fit for eternity in a way we cannot fully comprehend. Visual: Bring in two identical items, one made from iron or mild steel, and the other made from stainless steel ...

2885. The Story of Israel and the Story of Gentiles

Romans 1:18-32

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... . The goal here might be to identify moral commonalities among the major religions of the world in the hope of establishing a broad base of rules by which various societies can get along. Romans 1:18–32 spells out such ethics in the negative. Illustrating the Text God is both loving and just. Classic Sermon: “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” by Jonathan Edwards. One could put this famous sermon (1741) on display in the church, have members of the congregation read the entire sermon (easily ...

2886. The Faithfulness of God and the Covenantal Curses on Israel

Romans 3:1-8

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... his righteousness. It behooves us all therefore to prepare to meet our God. And the best way to prepare to meet God is to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, which is received by faith in his atoning death on the cross. Illustrating the Text God holds accountable those who have been blessed with much. Biography/Autobiography: God Runs My Business, by Albert W. Lorimer; Mover of Men and Mountains, by R. G. LeTourneau. In these two books (1941, 1960) we learn about LeTourneau (1888–1969), who ...

2887. Exile for National Israel, Restoration for Spiritual Israel

Romans 11:1-10

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... (the beginnings of the remnant in the New Testament), and expanding to include the church (the replacement of Israel, however temporary that may be); and one day it will encompass the world (which will bring the revelation of God full circle). Illustrating the Text A remnant of Israel is chosen by grace. Biography: Many people are unaware that prominent Jewish believers in Jesus have lived their faith openly and still do. One such example is the great musician Felix Mendelssohn (1809–47), conductor ...

2888. The Mystery and Mercy of God

Romans 11:25-32

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... , the overall plan of salvation history is that one people group’s rejection paves the way for the other’s salvation. In other words, rejection of the gospel does not take God by surprise; indeed, he uses such rejection to advance his kingdom. Illustrating the Text We must respect the mystery of God. Bible: Historical events in Scripture demonstrate the intersection of heaven and earth. In Genesis 18 Abraham entertains heaven in human form outside his tent. In 2 Kings 6 Elisha asks Yahweh to open his ...

2889. Ethics and Eschatology

Romans 13:8-14

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... earthly good. Therefore, Paul offers precisely the right balance to the church in 13:8–14: it should concentrate on preaching the gospel and loving others (ethics), all the while knowing that the final resolution awaits the return of Jesus Christ (eschatology). Illustrating the Text Our continuing debt is to love others. Literature: Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo. In a well-known scene from this novel (1862), which has been made into a Broadway play and adapted for film, the escaped convict Jean Valjean ...

2890. Paul the Apostle of the New Covenant to the Gentiles

Romans 15:14-22

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... -to-door evangelism is not necessarily a method for all churches and for all times, but for us, the solemnity of commitment resulted in a joyous outpouring of the Spirit on his church. One wonders if Romans might not have a similar effect today. Illustrating the Text Only the miraculous power of God made Paul’s ministry effective. Film: The Blind Side. This film (2009) is based on the true story of Baltimore Ravens football player Michael Oher. Michael came from a troubled home. His father was frequently ...

2891. Church Divisions and Confusion of Allegiance

1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... reigns supreme. Today, as then, it is easy for pastors and spiritual leaders (subconsciously?) to be caught up in the same pursuit. This text reminds us that in the Christ community, anyone other than Christ is a mere undeserving servant. Illustrating the Text Personal agendas and cliques must give way to a community centered on Christ. Literature: “Revelation,” by Flannery O’Connor. In this posthumously published short story, the great American writer O’Connor (1925–64) points out with dark ...

2892. Wisdom and Foolishness

1 Corinthians 1:18--2:5

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... an incentive to succeed and do better. In Paul’s teaching, however, there is no tension between striving for greater gifts (14:1) and recognizing that in God’s kingdom gifts are given freely and grant responsibility rather than status (12:7). Illustrating the Text God’s wisdom and human wisdom are profoundly different and must not be confused. Personal Testimony: As a young man I (Preben) participated in a summer discipleship camp designed for the most dedicated young Christians—those who truly took ...

2893. Unity of Life and Faith

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... s resurrection, is the climax of the Christian hope (6:14). Christians must learn to think theologically and christologically to find guidance on how to live as true Christ followers. When they do not, culture rather than Christ becomes their true patron. Illustrating the Text Rather than reading the Bible through the lens of culture, read culture through the lens of God’s Word. Object Lesson: Bring a topographical or trail map and discuss navigation when hiking. Point out some features on the map, such ...

2894. Consider Others Higher Than Yourself

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... the stronger Christian causes.” Those belonging to Christ are first and foremost responsible to strengthen the faith of the community; personal and individual rights come second. In Paul’s thinking, human rights do not equal personal rights for a Christian. Illustrating the Text Wrong will never be right, but without selfless love, right can become wrong. Human Metaphor: Share several scenarios in which a person’s right to do a thing becomes inadvisable because of love for another person who would be ...

2895. Imitation and Role Modeling

1 Corinthians 10:23--11:1, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... -rooted indicatives (Christ did this) function as the basis for Christian imperatives (therefore do this!), Christian teaching must not be disconnected from Christian living. Paul’s statement about imitation reverberates back through everything he has said. Illustrating the Text Idolatry and moral compromise are often hidden in culturally accepted activities. Contrasting Concept: Throughout church history, and around the world today, many martyrs have given their lives rather than deny their faith in ...

2896. Worship and Proper Attire

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... between Father, Son, and Spirit. Paul’s elevation of the wife (“nor is man independent of woman” [11:11]) is surprising in the Corinthian context, but the reverse statement speaks volumes to the centrality of spousal unity for genuine worship. Illustrating the Text It is wrong to use outward appearances to establish a pecking order in church. Personal Stories: Share about a time when you were judged or misjudged based on clothing or other kinds of outward appearances. Tell about the situation ...

2897. Worship and Humility

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... the Christ event expressed through the community’s sharing of the one bread. Examining the significance of one’s faith claims for a Christian transformation of behavior is the only table manner (11:27) worthy of Christ’s invitation. Illustrating the Text The church and sacraments are meant to be status neutral. Contrasting Concept: Show or describe a clip from a reality television show that involves celebrity contestants surviving or competing together or with “ordinary people” (e.g., Undercover ...

2898. Resurrection and History

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... of God himself. Moreover, since they claim to belong to the Christ community, they are denying what they themselves believed (15:11). By doing so, they have rendered useless (eik?, “without cause or purpose” [15:2]) the faith they used to have. Illustrating the Text Doctrinal primacy—believing first things first—is central to the Christian life. Anecdote/Object Lesson: (Either tell this story or turn it into an actual object lesson with your listeners.) A professor stood in front of a college class ...

2899. Resurrection and Christian Living

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... , disembodied spirits. Their loved ones who belong to Christ’s community will be raised as full persons, body and soul. They will all live together forever when God restores his creation to himself (15:53–54; cf. 1 Thess. 4:16–18). Illustrating the Text The Christian hope is a bodily resurrection, of which Christ is the firstfruits—not a disembodied state of an immortal soul. Art: Present several examples of art that purports to depict heaven. Ask your listeners to reflect or comment on the ...

2900. Last Encouragement and Final Greeting

1 Corinthians 16:19-24, 1 Corinthians 16:5-18

Teach the Text

Preben Vang

... his household, they were not free to put that on hold while traveling or while waiting for the next place in their lives. Since Christ’s household spanned the world, they served in the capacity he had given them wherever they were. Illustrating the Text Christian communities are sustained over generations by a continuity of Christlike leaders. Bible: 2 Timothy 2:2. Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 (which echo Exod. 18:21) clearly indicate that a process of discipling, vetting, entrusting ...

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