Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 2876 to 2900 of 3926 results

2876. Low-Carb Christians

John 21:1-19

Sermon

Frank Ramirez

... the proper perspective. The apostle Paul quotes from pagan poets on several occasions. The world of literature is not closed to Christians. Jesus sends the fishers back out into the sea. There are feasts and more feasts. Paul plied his trade of tentmaker, perhaps to support himself, but also because as a well-rounded person it was important for him to be doing it as well as preaching. Indeed, at the center of the Christian life was a table where male and female, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile, slave and ...

2877. That We May All Be One!

John 17:20-26

Sermon

Frank Ramirez

... doesn't have to spell it out for us to know that God is at work. When the churches of a community work together on a food bank rather than running three or four separate ones because they won't work together, when the churches together support the local domestic violence shelter, when they meet together to pray for the schools or worship together on Good Friday, we see that the prayer of Jesus has come true. Not everyone is convinced. Some take pride in their solitary stance against everyone else. But Jesus ...

2878. Dorcas

Acts 9:36-43

Sermon

David E. Leininger

Women have always been uniquely important in the life of the church, whether or not men want to admit it. It started with Mary. Women were accorded special status during Jesus' ministry; in fact, it was probably women who were major financial supporters of the itinerant rabbi and his friends. Women were the first witnesses to the resurrection. This is not a feminist statement but a factual statement: from the first day to this day, if it were not for the women, there would be no church. It is that simple. ...

2879. Trouble In the Parsonage

Hosea 1:2-10

Sermon

David E. Leininger

There once was a retreat attended by the clergy of a community for the purpose of establishing support groups. To kick things off the leader broke the participants up into groups of four and instructed them to confide in one another. In one group, a rabbi broke the ice by saying, "I'll begin by sharing one of my most disturbing problems. Occasionally I slip out of town ...

2880. A Fool and His Money

Luke 12:13-21

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... he felt and ignored had been the warning of something more massive. At the farmer's funeral many fine words were spoken. He was an example to the community, he was a big barn builder, always willing to help his neighbor in times of need, and a strong supporter of community charities. A fine man, a fine man, indeed. But that night, the angel of God walked through the cemetery and wrote on the man's headstone the letters "FOOL." "So are all of you," Jesus said, "who are rich in the things of this world but ...

2881. Pax Christi Or Pox Christi?

Luke 12:49-56

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... slavery. This was more than an economic issue; this was an issue of faith. As we might expect, there were powerful prophetic abolitionist voices in the church. Although it is difficult for us to imagine today, there were equally powerful church voices who supported the "peculiar institution." We know what happened. It took the bloodiest war in American history to settle the issue. Again, we hear Jesus' words in our text, "I came to bring fire to the earth...." We know what a conflagration occurred 150 years ...

2882. When Faith Faces Disaster

Luke 15:1-10

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... cameras to make it heard. They proclaimed to all the world that the attacks were God's judgment on America for our toleration of a list of social positions that were in conflict with their own — gay rights, abortion, prayer in public schools, anything supported by the ACLU, and so forth. You might also recall that the response to those remarks was absolute outrage from people with any brain at all. As you can surmise, I think their position was abominable — the events of 9/11 are certainly not ...

2883. Prayers For the President

1 Timothy 2:1-7

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... other cannot be blamed for that, because both are guilty. So, can we agree to pray that our leaders prioritize and pursue these justice issues? Fine. Just remember, prayer is not a laborsaving device. If we pray that prayer, we are committing ourselves to support our leaders in that pursuit, to encourage them in that direction, and to call them to account when they drift away from the task. Honestly, the only way these biblical priorities will become the priorities of our leaders is some good ol' down-home ...

2884. The Most Dangerous Verse In the Bible

2 Timothy 3:10--4:8

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... that night and within two weeks she was back in South America. After all, "All scripture is inspired...." That is like using the Bible as an Ouija Board! William Sloane Coffin once bemoaned "Christians use the Bible much as a drunk does a lamppost — more for support than for illumination." There is one more danger and that is to do what I have been doing right here. Over and over I have been repeating "All scripture is God-breathed ..." (2 Timothy 3:16) and leaving it at that. I have no reference to ...

2885. Advent 1

Psalm 25:1-10, Jeremiah 33;14-16, Luke 21:25-36, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... tables, and to entertain ourselves. People: And then the world takes so much from us. Leader: At the same time, there are men and women in our town who need basic supplies for their survival. People: We will give our time, talents, and moneys to support this place and to provide for people in need. Doxology "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Good will to all from highest heaven Begin and never cease! Begin and never cease! Prayer Of Thanksgiving ...

2886. Advent 2

Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, Luke 3:1-20, Philippians 1:3-11

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... on our tables, and to entertain ourselves. People: And then the world takes so much from us. Leader: At the same time, there are men and women in our town who need basic supplies for their survival. People: We will give our time, talents, and moneys to support this place and to provide for people in need. Doxology While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (v. 6) All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Good will to all from highest heaven Begin and never cease! Begin and never cease! Prayer Of ...

2887. Ascension

Psalm 47:1-9, Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... move through us freeing us from the ties to earthly greed and jealousy; set us on a new path — straight for the kingdom of God. Amen. Word Of Grace God is present with us — Christ Spirit, Holy Spirit, Divine Spirit! Look around; notice the Spirit supporting and challenging us in our attitudes and our actions. It is good news that Jesus reigns on high and we are forgiven, free from guilt. Sermon Idea What is the meaning of ascension for twenty-first-century friends of Jesus? We do not have monarchs ...

2888. You're a Treasure!

Mark 7:24-30

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... gone dark.” In other words, a world without the power grid, a world where we are cut off from all of our electronic connections. How “alone” would you be in such a place? Do you have commitments and connections that would help support and sustain you without the benefit of electricity? Can you find solidarity in genuine solitude? In today’s gospel text Jesus seeks solitude and embraces community in the same breath. Leaving “kosher” ground, Jesus travels into Gentile territory. Yet while he is ...

2889. Be Opened

Mark 7:24-37

Illustration

Peter Marty

... need to find better ways to not be so bound-up with our lives and so tongue-tied with our faith. We need our ears, our tounges, our hearts and heads to "Be Opened!" Have courage. Grab hold to what is good. Loosen up and love a bit more freely. Support the weak. Strengthen the faint-hearted. Honor all people. And for Jesus' sake, keep looking for those ways to open your life to the power of the Holy Spirit … relying on that great prayer of the Psalmist if it helps: O Lord, open thou my lips, and let my ...

2890. Easter 5

Psalm 148:1-14, John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... evil and terror. Reveal the goodness of this world and the rewards that come when humans care for one another. We pray for peace through the world, in people’s psyches, in national capitals, among tribal leaders. Halt the wars and the greed that support them. Comfort the mothers and fathers, partners and children whose lives have been altered by war’s catastrophes. Be in this global village in palpable ways. Creating God — we pray for the Body of Christ in this place and through all nations. Help us ...

2891. Epiphany 5

Psalm 138:1-8, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... and divinity. We care for each other so we are not alone. Amen! Offertory Statement The exchange of energies within your body and soul is between you and God. The exchange of money from our wallets to the church budget is between us and God, too; together we support ministry on this street corner. Doxology As A Chalice Cost Of Gold (v. 4) When I dance or chant your praise, when I sing a psalm or hymn, When I teach your loving ways, let my heart add its Amen. Let each cherished outward rite thus reflect your ...

2892. Epiphany 7

Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40, Luke 6:27-36, 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-50

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... , and in still small voices. Our souls yearn to relate to God as a parent; we find ourselves loved. Jesus of Nazareth was the Godbearer we relate to and to whom we give our loyalty. The Holy Spirit, a gift promised by Jesus, lives within us and supports us as co-creators with God and as those journeying to eternity. We are not alone. God is with us. Amen! Offertory Statement Joseph in the Old Testament story made sure his brothers and their families had enough food to make it through times of famine. There ...

2893. The Problem with ‘Hail Mary’ Moments

James 3:13-18

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... transform our lives. Earlier church tradition has called this daily growth “sanctification” — the ongoing communion with Christ and continued development in discipleship that creates a community of faith steeped in “heavenly” wisdom. Today, maybe we should just call it “life support” — the divine power that makes it possible for us to feel grace and embody goodness every day, whatever comes our way. We do not ask to be set free from trouble, anxiety, life’s stress and strain any more than ...

2894. Big Men in Little Planes

Mark 9:33-37

Sermon

King Duncan

... have been the oldest graduating doctor ever! Still, she believed that even if she was too old for medical school she might be able to get a doctorate in science and work in a mission hospital as a lab technician. While in her first year of school, she supported herself by working a full‑time job in real estate sales. She studied hard and made it through the first year. She wrote to Dr. Cheatham to tell him of her studies and her desire to serve in the mission field. She wrote in her letter, “In about ...

2895. Epiphany 9

1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43, Psalm 96:1-9, Luke 7:1-10, Galatians 1:1-12

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... . Amen. Intercessory Prayer God of Music — there are so many songs we can sing, so many words we can speak, so many tears we shed. We are made in your image; do you too cry and rejoice? Grieve and celebrate? You know us before we are born and support us through life when we let you. We pray for people whose songs are violent and ugly, who don’t have their basic life needs met. We pray for persons whose songs mourn losses we can’t understand. And we pray for ourselves. Renew our songs of praise and ...

2896. Pentecost

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, John 14:8-17, (25-27), Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... crops in every nation. We pray for peace and food for the children and adults in every tribe. Come to politicians, raining on them wisdom and compassion, compelling them to share their wealth with people whose blessings are minimal, whose skills do not support their will to live. Banish corruption and evil intent; stop hatred and ugliness. Let us and this planet experience again real truth, real neighborliness, and real godliness. Let there be no more war; instead, inspire all humankind to wage peace. Amen ...

2897. Proper 7

1 Kings 19:1-15a, Psalm 42 and 43, Isaiah 65:1-9, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... adults go on being hungry; homeless people find bridges to protect them. Come to politicians with visions of how to be honest and how to use their power for all people, especially for those whose blessings are minimal, whose skills do not support their will to live. Banish corruption and evil intent; stop hatred and ugliness. Let us and this planet experience real truth, real neighborliness, and real godliness. Let there be no more war; instead, inspire all humankind to wage peace. Amen. Benediction Life ...

2898. Proper 11

Genesis 18:1-10a, Psalm 15:1-5; 52:1-9, Amos 8:1-12, Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... Free and the Oppressed — we pray for peace and food for children and adults in every tribe. Come to politicians raining on them wisdom and compassion, compelling them to share their wealth with people whose blessings are minimal, whose skills do not support their will to live. Banish corruption and evil intent; stop hatred and ugliness. Let us and this planet experience again real truth, real neighborliness, and real godliness. Let there be no more war; instead, inspire all humankind to wage peace. Amen ...

2899. What Kids Hear When We Teach Them the Faith

Mark 10:13-16

Illustration

Erskine White

... bridge was done, the Israelites crossed over on it. When Pharaoh's soldiers started crossing the bridge, Moses gave the order to blow it up. But do you know what? The dynamite was wet and it didn't work! So Moses issued an emergency call for air support and they came just in time to blow up the bridge. Pharaoh's army was drowned and the Israelites were saved. The mother was getting increasingly horrified as her son told this story. "Is that what your Sunday School teacher taught you about Moses?" she asked ...

2900. Paying for the Pipes and the Piper

Mark 10:17-31

Illustration

William G. Carter

... is getting to be a racket. Just what do churches do with all their money? Curious in North Jersey. Abby wrote back, Dear Curious: Even priests, ministers and rabbis must eat. Since they work full-time at their tasks, their churches must support them. Staff and musicians must also be paid. Buildings must be maintained, heated, lighted and beautified. Custodial staff must eat and feed their families. Most churches engage in philanthropic work (aid to the needy, missions, and education); hence, they have their ...

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