... question is put in the passage from 1 Samuel which was our scripture reading today is: "Is there any other way, for the people of God, than the way of the King?" That may not be one of the burning questions of your life right now (you not being overly concerned with kings or their ways), but bear with me. You heard, in the scripture, the story of a day when the people of God came to Samuel saying: "Appoint for us a king to govern us, like other nations." It was not easy for them to ask for a king ...
... today's lesson. It is important to clean up after we get dirty playing. Jesus wants us to know that there is something even more important than cleaning our hands. It is making sure that our hearts are clean. Our hearts are clean when we love others and are concerned for others. The old woman in my story wasn't always clean on the outside. She was clean on the inside. That's the way Jesus wants us to be - clean on the inside. _______ SHARING THIS WEEK'S GOSPEL THEME: AT SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL AND AT HOME ...
... and Christmas. If you multiply 250 billion times six pounds, you get 1,500 trillion pounds! If we take John 6 seriously as Christians, we should replace our preoccupation with eating and dieting with feeding on Christ. It would lead us to concern for the hungry of the world. We should follow our occupation as disciples of Christ rather than our preoccupation with eating and trying to lose excess weight. 2. Recent articles raise questions about the obsession of the medical profession with prolonging life ...
Mk 8:31-38 · Rom 4:13-25; 8:31-39 · Gen 17:1-7, 15-16; 22:1-18 · Ps 22
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... to deal with; that's why he spoke plainly to his disciples. To take some of death's sting away, he held out a great hope; three days after his death he would "rise again" (v. 31). Death can be dealt with redemptively if we are willing to talk plainly concerning it. Secret agent. The Lord's sharp rebuke of Peter must have really stung: "Out of my sight, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God but of man" (v. 33). He was accusing Peter of being a secret agent. Ostensibly he was a disciple ...
... lives. 4. Accept, celebrate and pass on God's gift of grace. As I was driving to the hospital recently, I was listening to Chuck Swindoll preach about the legalism of the scribes and Pharisees. He cited some of the seemingly ridiculous rules, such as regulations concerning work on the Sabbath. You couldn't lift anything in the ordinary way because that was work but whatever you could lift on the top of the hand, with the ears, elbows or knees, was not considered work and was permitted. (By the way, how do ...
John 12:20-36, Jeremiah 30:1--31:40, Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... (v. 32) and lead them out of Egypt. This portrays a relationship of childlike dependency. In the future God would imprint his will on their hearts, an image of maturity (v. 33). Epistle: Hebrews (1-4) 5-10 This lection is part of a larger section concerning Jesus in the role of high priest (4:14 5:14). It refers to Jesus' passionate prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane, offered up to the Father with heart and soul. Jesus learned obedience (submission) by the sufferings of the cross. Christ's sacrifice made ...
John 13:1-17, Exodus 12:1-30, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, John 13:31-38
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
Theme: The institution of the covenant meal for both Jews and Christians. COMMENTARY Old Testament: Exodus 12:1-14a This contains the priestly tradition concerning the institution of the Passover, the covenant feast of the Hebrew people. The Passover took over a more ancient springtime agricultural festival, infusing it with fresh content. The month of Nisan (March-April) in which the feast took place marked the beginning of the year for the post-exilic Jews. ...
... maintains that this was a general letter, circulated to all the churches and not expressly written for the Ephesians, whom Paul held very dear. In this lection Paul marvels at the wonder of God electing us as his own dear children. Another major chord concerns how Christ unites heaven and earth through his blood. Later in the letter Paul shows how the church is charged with fulfilling Christ's reconciling ministry. Gospel: Mark 6:14-29 King Herod hears about the ministry of Jesus and his miracles and jumps ...
Ephesians 4:17--5:21, 2 Samuel 18:1-18, John 6:25-59
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... . 2. Ahimaaz was eager to be messenger for the king but hadn't given sufficient thought to what he would say when he arrived. 3. The Cushite was slower but had a message to bear and the ability to relate it compassionately. 4. Don't be so concerned about getting there fastest. Rather, give priority to the content and sharing of your message. Epistle: Ephesians 4:25--5:2 1. Sermon Title: Give The Devil No Room. Sermon Angle: When you are constructing your spiritual edifice, make no room for the devil (v. 27 ...
Ephesians 4:17--5:21, 1 Kings 3:1-15, 1 Kings 2:1-12, John 6:25-59
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... the Lord and those whom God has placed in authority over us, God promises a long and fruitful life. Epistle: Ephesians 5:15-20 Care-full (v. 15). Paul warns, "Be careful!" Not that the Lord wants us to filled with worries and concerns. The admonition "Be careful!" acknowledges dangers and opportunities. First, the dangers. Since moral and spiritual pitfalls and mine fields abound, we need to negotiate our way with great care and precision. Second, we have opportunities to grasp. We must take care to make ...
1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 63:7--64:12, Mark 13:32-37, Mark 13:1-31
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... kids that are turning out these days, rude, aggressive, noisy and disrespectful. He feels that parents are neglecting their parenting task of shaping and molding the personality and character of their children. The good doctor accuses many parents of being more vitally concerned about their careers than their families. Sermon Title: A Call To Action. Sermon Angle: Isaiah calls on God to rend the heavens and come down (v. 1). The city and temple have become decimated. All that the Israelites held sacred and ...
... they also convey her strong faith. Some of the crowd are also critical of Jesus. The Lord is moved to tears by the sorrow and weeping which he sees all around him. They go to the tomb and Jesus orders the stone removed. Mary cautions concerning the stench. Jesus challenges them to believe. He calls Lazarus forth from the tomb and when he appears, orders that the grave wrappings be removed. Many people believe in Jesus but John also cites this incident as the direct cause for Jesus' arrest. Gospel: Matthew ...
Mk 1:4-11 · Act 19:1-7 · Acts 10:34-38 · Isa 42:1-9 · Gen 1:1-5 · Ps 29
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... Lesson 2: Acts 19:1-7 In Ephesus Paul found a small band of Christians. He inquired as to how they had received the Holy Spirit, when they came to faith. They replied that they had never even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul then inquired concerning the nature of their baptism. They responded that it was the baptism of John the Baptist. After the apostle more carefully explained the Christian faith, they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Then Paul laid his hand on them, conveying the Spirit which came upon ...
John 18:28-40, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Daniel 7:1-14, Revelation 1:1-3, Revelation 1:4-8
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... to impose their will on others. The strength of Jesus' rule stems from being grounded in divine truth, which transcends this world. What is truth? (v. 38). Pilate was no idealist. He was into politics, a civil servant of Rome. His reply reveals his cynicism concerning the reality of absolute truth. For Pilate and for millions of contemporary folks, the idea of objective truth is laughable. They believe that truth is invented by those who have the power to do so. There's very much of a contemporary flavor to ...
Acts 4:32-37, 1 John 1:5--2:14, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-31
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... do not act. Social insecurity also takes the form of the fear of being a victim of violent crime. The disciples ensconced themselves behind locked doors to protect themselves from becoming victims. The resurrected Christ freed them to open the door and witness boldly concerning that which they had seen and experienced. Community with the risen Christ creates real social security for this world and the next. Hands-on faith. Thomas insisted on a hands-on faith. He not only wanted to see the wounds of his Lord ...
... had acted like Maria, there would have been fewer crowded trains straining to the death camps. If only priests and pastors had raised their voices; if only the Vatican had spoken out, the enemy's hands would not have been so free. Alas, their only concern was for themselves. Oh, how we have all failed the Christ who laid down his life for his friends! Sermon Title: You Are Chosen. Sermon Angle: When I was a kid playing sandlot baseball, we would pick two captains who would then take turns choosing ...
... tenacity, faithfulness and don't forget joy! Sure, he's making millions but he also gives his all. That's more than you can say about the majority of big league baseball players. Cal Ripken shows what can happen when a person doesn't concern himself with being #1 but lives life with gusto, fervor and tenacity, faithful to his call. People come to recognize eventually that there is something stellar about that kind of life. Baseball, the American icon, has become badly tarnished of late. Cal Ripken helped ...
Job 7:1-7, Isaiah 40:1-31, Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... up with wings as an eagle, they shall run and not be weary..." (v. 31). Understanding the law of lift. In order to fly a person needs to understand the principles of aerodynamics, the laws of lift and of drag. Isaiah instructs his grounded kinsmen concerning the laws of spiritual aerodynamics. If they would have their faith take flight, they must understand that they must wait on the Lord in faith, trust in his grace and goodness. Then, only then, would their faith take flight. We dare not be ignorant of ...
2 Corinthians 1:12--2:4, Isaiah 43:14-28, Mark 2:1-12
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... our parents to the baptismal font to obtain Christ's saving grace. Our family carried us physically, emotionally and spiritually for a long time until we were able to stand on our own two feet. During periods of duress, we continue to be carried along by the prayers and concern of our care givers, who take pains to bring us into the very presence of the Lord. A can-do faith. The men who carried their paralyzed friend had a faith that wouldn't stop! Theirs was a can-do faith. When they got to the house where ...
... of the characteristics of a mystery religion but there are profound differences. The central story (myth) is based on historical reality, on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Secondly, Christianity has no secret rites or ceremonies. The mystery has been revealed concerning how God redeems sinners and grants them eternal life (Ephesians 3:3-5). Made a minister (v. 7). Paul was made a minister or servant of the gospel by the grace of God. He hadn't earned it (v. 8). All Christians are ...
... of paramount importance. They got all bent out of shape when some of the Lord's disciples were seen eating with defiled (unwashed) hands. Jesus' response to them can be paraphrased in this manner: "Don't get all upset about defiled hands; rather be concerned defiled hearts, hearts that are blackened by sin." The defilement comes from inside the human heart. Lives must follow where your lips lead (v. 6). Jesus quotes Isaiah: "This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me." We confess ...
Proverbs 31:10-31, Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13-18; 4:1-12
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... the second announcement of his passion but the disciples do not seem to understand. When they get back to Capernaum, Jesus asks them what they were arguing about along the way. At first, they remain silent. They were ashamed to admit that they had a dispute concerning who among them was the greatest. Jesus counsels that he who would be the first must be the servant of all. To illustrate his point he takes a child in his arms and pronounces: "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me...." The ...
Mark 9:38-41, Esther 7:1-10, Esther 9:18-32, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:42-50
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... the world. COMMENTARY Old Testament: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 The book of Esther, written about 460 B.C., makes no mention of God, worship, or prayer. It doubtless was included in the canon because it is sort of an Easter story concerning the Jewish people. The wicked Haman had laid plans for the genocide of the Jewish people. Mordecai catches wind of the plot and intercedes with his adopted daughter, Queen Esther, who intercedes with King Ahasuerus during a feast. Haman is hanged on the very gallows he ...
Hebrews 1:1-14, Hebrews 2:5-18, Job 2:1-10, Mark 10:13-16, Mark 10:1-12
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Russell F. Anderson
... wasn't fault or sin, no divorce would have occurred. In some cases, the fault may be approximately equal. However, in most of the divorces that I observe, one of the marriage partners has committed adultery and thus broken their marriage covenant. As far as I'm concerned, the onus of fault rests on that party, though there is no such thing as absolute innocence. If we accept the premise of no one being at fault, no one will learn from his or her mistake. We see the result of glossing over the fracture of ...
... The outward appearance of a person is usually the first thing we notice; it's only human. God sees what's on the inside, God sees the heart. Humans are impressed with statistics, who is the tallest, the fastest, the strongest or the cleverest. God is concerned about spiritual qualities, such as a loving, caring and serving spirit. Through God's Spirit we can learn to see through God's eyes. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:1-17 1. Sermon Title: How To Take Possession Of Your Real Estate. Sermon Angle: When our kids ...