... the mind is troubled, normal thought processes and sound judgment are suspended. All sense of responsibility is lost. The only explanation for this tragedy is to be found in an illness that confuses the thinking process and brings on depressive moods. In all love and concern we want to believe today that because of such an illness, all sense of values was lost and there was no longer a responsibility for those actions taken on the part of our departed sister in the faith. We must leave the entire matter in ...
... the hurt we feel. Let's be just as honest as we can be about our questions and our pain. I want you to think about that passage I read from Romans chapter 8 just a few moments ago. I'll tell you what, folks, as far as I'm concerned this is one of the most powerful passages that we can find in all of scripture. Paul really has a way with words. Here he says in a beautifully clear and certain statement that the love and grace of God are more powerful than anything else in the whole universe ...
... . These three things abide. They will last forever. Then second, the comfort you find in God's mercy is not lost. God will hold you up. He will be near you. He will never forsake you, not even in "the valley of the shadow of death." Third, the care and concern of your family has not been lost. They are with you. We all share this with you. You can lean on these people here who care for you. Finally, the life of this child has not been lost. The finest part of ____________ lives on. Jesus said, "In my Father ...
... a funeral, these eternal truths become more clearly focused in our minds. We can so easily be absorbed in the cares of this temporary, tent life existence that we forget about the promise of eternal life. The author, Charles Kettering, said: "We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there." ____________ was aware of and often talked about the next life. The hardships and trials he faced convinced him that here we have but a nebulous stability. Not only ...
... himself. We remember him as a man who loved his wife and daughters dearly, who was patient and gave you space when you needed it. He thought ____________ and ____________ were the cleverest two kids he'd ever seen. And he followed ____________ short life with intense concern both for his grandson and for his daughter and son-in-law. We also remember his love of music. How could we forget? He started singing in church choirs when he was a boy and carried it through in every church he joined. He infected the ...
... word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Reader 1: Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying, Reader 2: "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'" Reader 1: Jesus replied, People: "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Reader 1: Again, the devil took Jesus to a ...
... we can doubt the spiritual realities no longer, and we know we are going to be restless until we rest in God. God grants that this may happen every time we come up into his courts ... I pass to the second fact our text underlines concerning the fellowship of Christian worship: it is a universal fellowship .... It is an incomparable thing, this universal fellowship. And every time you come to church, says this writer to the Hebrews, this is the fellowship you enter ... I pass to the third description he ...
... how right she had been. I looked angry because I was tense and nervous. Honest Delivery Much is said about "charisma," that extra touch a great communicator has. Charisma isn't the issue for pastors. Charistmatic speakers draw attention to themselves. Our concern is that the message be heard. For that to happen, good delivery is essential. Some think effective public speaking is a matter of bombast -- shouting, florid gestures and entertaining jokes. Nothing is further from the truth. You don't have to ...
... was thankful. The disciples were unaware of Jesus going out so early in the morning. He was desirous of peace and quiet, so went to a place that people seldom came to sit and think. When the disciples awoke and found him missing, they were concerned, and as others had also come to talk with him, everyone was searching for him. When they at last discovered where he was, they remarked, "Everyone is searching for you." Though not always consciously, all the world looks for Jesus, because there is great need ...
... vineyard and fig tree. The owner wanted the benefit of one who knew how to do what was needed, and he entrusted his crop to his supervision and care. When the time came to evaluate, the two of them talked it over, and the gardener prevailed concerning giving the tree another chance. Though the landlord was ready to pronounce immediate judgment, the vinedresser interceded, saying, "Let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if ...
... those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions." Strength lies not in being all-knowing, but in being a caring person, who is familiar with the strength that comes from being Christ-like, loving, and mutually concerned. We need to remember that God welcomes all persons into his kingdom regardless of their strengths or weaknesses. He expects us who are experienced Christians to supply the spiritual warmth that will satisfy their human longings, and add zest for life and ...
... ," and we find ourselves in agreement for there is no other religion like it. Its wonderful mystery is based on the life and love of Jesus Christ, who became the Savior and Lord of life. Jesus was the perfect revealer of the nature of God and his concern for mankind. He showed himself as a human being, and met as such, every demand of the Spirit. Without the dynamic of his life in all its aspects, such a redemptive faith could not have come into being. It is essential that we not only discover the divine ...
... is a larger design for living. Then we can stop making excuses and be one with God's purposes." That phrase triggered the title for this message. People sometimes have a limited view of life, which is often self-imposed. There are those who hesitate to be concerned about it because they prefer not to be responsible for what they might discover. There are those who feel it is easier to plod along like a work horse wearing a blind sided bridle, so as not to be distracted. Great living requires a larger view ...
... . We may even begin to consider what people will think and say of us when we have arrived at retirement, or finished our course of life. It is important that each and all of us, as we grow older, make sure that our inner nature is being renewed every day. Concern for things that endure is essential to our well-being. It is good for each of us to ask himself or herself, "If this were the last day of my life, would I know that all is well with my soul? Have I intentionally renewed my inner being so that ...
... we live, by the degree of joy we offer and receive, and by the giving of ourselves, that we might know the true meaning of the life abundant. When we begin to live primarily in the past, we are in danger of having a dim future. We can become so concerned with preserving what we've had, that we can't let go and gain what is needed now, which is a more vital relationship with the present. When we are afraid to change something in fear of losing everything we've been accustomed to, we stagnate, personally and ...
... his hands. Those men rushed back to Jerusalem to tell others, who were still reluctant to accept their story, until Jesus appeared in that room with them, even as they discussed what they were hearing. Jesus came back to life to do away with doubt concerning who he was. A week after Easter he came back to that same place, and Thomas, who still had reservations, was with them this time. Jesus invited Thomas, because he wanted tangible proof, to examine his wounds, and when he looked closely, Thomas exclaimed ...
... become apathetic, disgusted, or depressed. Some even have tantrums because they feel so frustrated. It is no small wonder that Abram was disquieted. Often when a man had no direct descendant, the chief servant became the overseer of his estate. He was concerned that Ishmael, his young child by the servant girl, Hagar, would in time, become a substitute for what he most preferred. Abram might have remained in his tent, feeling sorry for himself, and allowing depression to get him down. Instead he expressed ...
... , through which spiritual profits are channeled. It is the greatest business in the world, because mankind is constantly wanting religious service and better ways in which to serve. Futility and triviality are not a part of the Christian mission. There is genuine concern about the most pressing issues of society and humanity's needs. Progress is continual, and growth is a priority. If you want a partner who can make your life a real success, choose Christ. With him there are no regretful relationships, no ...
... people of his community to the memory of Joseph Scriven. It stands as a constant reminder that a man inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus can use even the simplest things in life -- like a sawhorse -- to bring honor and glory to God and to show concern for one's neighbors. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a sawhorse is being used, or you use firewood in your fireplace. When there is a sick or needy neighbor and there is something you and your children can do to help. When a ...
... and there is a large hole and the stranger may slip away, perhaps never to be seen again. Imagine what a large and effective net we would have if every member of our church were present every Sunday; especially if they came in the true Christian spirit of love and concern for others! For the net to be strong, each one of us must see that we are doing our part in the right spirit. So, let us begin to build our net right now. Let me give you a hug and when you get back to your pew, give someone ...
... need not be the best in whatever we do. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child fails in something or does not win the top prize. When a child blames someone else or something other than self for a failure. When a child is overly concerned about what others might think of him or her.
... melting quicker because of the heat of compression. If you press your thumb and finger together, as hard as you can, you should feel an increase in warmth there. This also is heat caused by compression. Love, that is expressed in the form of kindness, good will and concern, is like the weighted wire. Love is a force that can cut through the icy spirit or the hard of heart. Love will add the warmth that is needed in every life. Often, however, it takes a long time before we see the effects of true love. But ...
... glass of water when I am thirsty and you get it for me, you are just responding to the sounds I have made. But if you think I might be thirsty, and you offer me a glass of water before I ask for it, then you are showing love and concern. You are thinking for yourself. Now, I think I would like to show my love for you today. So, I think I will give you all a little gift. It is a gift that I have made myself, just for you. I hope you will enjoy these homemade cookies. Possible ...
... light. It is doing what it was created to do. Each one of you has a purpose in life. You are to live with God and with one another. You are to share your life with the world around you by doing good to others; by being kind and showing concern. In this way, you let your light shine. As soon as you stop living for others, as soon as you stop sharing what you can do and what you have with others, then you lose the purpose of life. As I said before, this candle is like a person's ...
Mark 16:1-20, John 20:10-18, John 20:1-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Acts 10:23b-48, Psalm 118:1-29
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... of a resurrection would dumbfound us also. There is something fearsome about death and grievous in the separation it brings between the living and the dead. We want to overcome our doubts about resurrection. Help us to receive the witness of the apostles concerning the new creation begun after the Sabbath was ended and another first day of your creation began, for the sake of him you raised from death, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. DECLARATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS Hear the Good News, brothers and sisters ...