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Antonyms: keep, claim, continue, stick by, self-control, power through, achieve, defend, bear, hope, acquire, quick visit, adopt, continue along, adhere, remain, pursue, support, take up, keep up, reuse, advocate, stay, persevere, cherish, keep going, carry on

Showing 301 to 325 of 579 results

301. Hebrews 12:18-29

Hebrews 12:18-29

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... when it shakes both heaven and earth. The author here uses the words of Haggai (2:6) as a template for this second and greater shakedown. When this occurs, it will be a once-and-for-all final event (v.27) that will test the faithfulness and perseverance of those who have claimed to be a part of the second covenant. Those weak in faith, frail in their commitment, even though they stand in the heavenly Jerusalem, will be shaken free and fall away. This once again underscores the writer's insistence that those ...

302. 2 Timothy 1:1-14

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... . This thanksgiving section foreshadows much of the content of the rest of Paul's letter - a literary device used also in 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 and Philippians 1:3-8. Paul's focus throughout this letter is on encouraging Timothy's loyalty, urging him to persevere in the gospel and to stand up to the testing that is to come. As usual, Paul uses his own life experiences and practices as model examples. He begins in verse 3 by referring to the Jewish tradition of praying at regular intervals "night and day ...

303. Acts 2:1-21

Acts 2:1-21

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... of truth. As he stands in the midst of this new creation, the Christian community, Peter and all the disciples are empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Miraculously, they pull together. Separately these twelve men were unable to persevere in prayer, much less face the "oil-press" (the meaning of Gethsemane) of even one anxious, frightening night - the night of Jesus' arrest. Together they now face years of confrontation and persecution with confidence and unswerving unity of purpose. Peter, previously ...

304. 1 Samuel 16:1-13

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... emphasizes God's "extraordinary power," the implication is that he is ordinary. Any power or presence Paul may project comes from God. Only as a result of this power does Paul find himself able to withstand afflictions, accept perplexing ambiguities, persevere through persecution, and stand again after being struck down. Paul is an ordinary man, extraordinarily empowered by the grace of God. The extreme commonness of Paul is also highlighted by his focus on his ordinary mortality. God uses the universality ...

305. Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Hebrews 11:29-12:2

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... this generation are remembered as a great "cloud of witnesses" (12:1). These gathered faithful assemble to observe each new generation as they undertake the challenge to remain faithful a lifelong effort this writer describes as a "race" to be "run with perseverance" (12:1). In preparation for this great event, the author counsels his readers to rid themselves of any extraneous "weights" that may encumber their progress. Most especially we are to lose whatever sin it is "that clings so closely." Not named ...

306. Ephesians 6:10-20

Ephesians 6:10-20

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... unusual demand in the midst of all this military imagery, but for this author it is yet another weapon in the Christian's arsenal. Verses 18b-20 outline how this state of constant prayer is to be attained we must "keep alert" and "persevere." Constant prayer was greatly emphasized in the early church community for it was only by remaining in a state of constant contact with God that Christians felt assured that God's protective presence remained near at hand, ready for the imminent eschaton. By persevering ...

307. James 1:17-27

James 1:17-27

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... actually gazing into the mirror. In other words out of sight, out of mind. The "doers" on the other hand need only to glance into the "perfect law, the law of liberty," in order to be changed for life. The vision they catch stays with them, they "persevere," and become "doers who act." This "perfect law" recalls James' mention of the "perfect gift" in verse 17. This perfect law James speaks of is the law as now perfected by Jesus' own ethical demands the "law" according to Jesus. This also makes the law now ...

308. Epiphany 3

Jonah 3:1-10, 1 Corinthians 7:1-40, Mark 1:1-8, Mark 1:9-13, Mark 1:14-20

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... what he has been doing, for the end of life on earth is near. Today's life is to be viewed in relation to eternity. When this is done, the present issues of earthly life become insignificant. Paul is not teaching withdrawal from the world but toleration and perseverance in what we are now doing. Gospel: Mark 1:14-20 Jesus has been ordained in his ministry at his baptism. He struggles with Satan in deciding upon the method of his ministry. With John the Baptist arrested, he feels the urge to begin his public ...

309. Proper 24

Hebrews 4:14-5:10, Job 38:1--41:34, Mark 10:35-45

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... :1-9, 23, 35c "O Lord, how manifold are your works!" (v. 24); Psalm 91; Psalm 91:9-16 Prayer Of The Day: "Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations. Preserve the works of your mercy, that your church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your name." Hymn Of The Day: "God, Who Stretched The Spangled Heavens"

310. The Comforts of "Thy Rod and Thy Staff": Rulership or Relationship

John 10:1-21

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... church of Jesus Christ is increasingly exhibiting that second danger. There is a resurgent Calvinism that says if you aren’t TULIP bred and dead (where TULIP is an acronym for T=Total Depravity, U=Unconditional Election, L=Limited Atonement, I=Irresistible Grace, P=Perseverance of the Saints), you’ll never get into heaven. There is a resurgent Pentecostalism that says if you can’t speak in tongues, you really aren’t “saved” or a true disciple. There is a new Wesleyanism that says that if you don ...

311. Proper 9

2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48:1-14, Mark 6:1-6, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Eulogy

B. David Hostetter

... in illegal drugs, which endanger both the life of the user and society at large. Save us from greed that consumes more than our share of the earth’s resources, leaving on the deprived marks of weakness in body and limited intelligence. Give wisdom, patience, and perseverance to all who would aid in the healing of diseased and broken bodies and the recovery of mental health. Promote among us a helping spirit that we may share the good news of Christ in word and deed, that others may trust in Christ, be ...

312. Proper 13

2 Samuel 11:26–12:13a, Psalm 51:1-19, John 6:24-35, Ephesians 4:1-16

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... that stimulate our thinking. We revel in the new joys that we experience in the shared intimacy of others with similar commitments to the truth. We are grateful for your patience in teaching us, your understanding through incarnational experience, your perseverance in developing our relationships. All praise to you perfect Parent, loving Brother, family Spirit. Amen PRAYER OF DEDICATION Generous Giver, we would emulate your generosity, making possible the sharing of bread of life at the Lord’s table, and ...

313. Proper 14

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130:1-8, John 6:25, 41-51, Ephesians 4:25–5:2

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... of common achievements and as yet unreached goals. Save us from those so greedy as to exploit the grievous needs of the hungry of the world for their own wealth. Give to those working under difficult circumstances the endless patience and perseverance to serve the suffering in what appear to be hopeless circumstances. Hear our prayers for those who suffer from unidentified illness, and from illnesses that, though diagnosed, are beyond our present knowledge to cure. Give assurance to all whose days are ...

314. Proper 5

1 Samuel 8:1-22, Psalm 138:1-8, Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... springs, be with us in all the vicissitudes of life. Guide and direct the bursting energies of the young, the liveliness that can be full of fun, but also adventurousness and daring, not only in sports but in moral and spiritual crusades. Grant patience and perseverance to the those whose lives have mellowed and warmed to the needs of the helpless, those who have run aground. Bless those who have reached the fall and who are aware of declining strength and endurance, who still have gifts to give and goals ...

315. Proper 7

Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:1-58, Psalm 9:1-20, Psalm 133:1-3, 2 Corinthians 6:3-13

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... in word and deed, giving thanks for your generous provisions for all created things. Hear our prayers for all human fathers that they may share the attributes that you honor in your word, written and alive, the qualities of strength, and patience, and perseverance. Save them from bravado, from abuse of authority, and from dishonor. Bring joy to all living fathers today, comfort to fathers near to death, and encouragement to fathers tested to their limits. Teach the leaders of the nations also the difference ...

316. Second Sunday of Advent

Mark 1:1-8, Psalm 85:1-13, Isaiah 40:1-31, 2 Peter 3:1-18

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... in which healing can take place. We may be fatalistic and feel powerless to change unjust institutions that provoke and promote war. Forgive our reluctance to look for the new day and to work for justice and peace with patience, repentance, and perseverance, whatever the disappointments and delays. Baptize us with the Holy Spirit according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the good news! God has forgiven your guilt People: and put away all our sins ...

317. Proper 18

Psalm 139:1-24, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Luke 14:25-35, Philemon 1:1-21

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... with Jesus when there is a crowd. We are not always ready to part company with family and friends when our call is to costly discipleship. We may begin bravely and lose our nerve, forgetting that you can give us courage in the face of challenge and perseverance in the time of fatigue. Forgive us if we have turned back from your Son, not for the disgrace we bring on ourselves, but for the shame we bring to his name. We have no claim but his gracious intercession for us. Amen. Declaration of Pardon Pastor ...

318. Proper 19

Psalm 14:1-7, Jeremiah 4:5-31, Luke 15:1-10, 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... and firmness, that in both counsel and action they may bring forth justice before all people high or low. Merciful God, hear our entreaties for all who at this time are sick and sorrowful. Grant them your saving health, giving them such patience and perseverance that they may work through their afflictions to godly peace and strength. Heavenly Father, Divine Brother, Holy Spirit, we bless you for the communion of all your saints. We remember with thanksgiving those most dear to us who for years, many or few ...

319. Christmas 2

Psalm 147:1-20, Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:1-18, Ephesians 1:1-14

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, the great company of the redeemed in heaven, especially those who departed this life in the past year. Let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of your throne ...

320. Easter 6

Psalm 67:1-7, John 5:1-9, John 14:23-29, Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... grace freely given. God of grace and glory, we are grateful for the countless multitude of the dead who died in the Lord, and especially our own dear ones whom you have taken from the conflicts of this life to the peace of the world unseen. Preserve us as we persevere in the faith so that at the last we may share the glory of your immediate Presence. We hallow your name, one God, fatherly, brotherly, motherly. Amen.

321. “Bad Form” and Bad Jesus

Ephesians 2:11-22

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... and bodily health. 10.Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration. I sign this pledge, having seriously considered what I do and with the determination and will to persevere. Name____________________ Address__________________ Phone___________________ Nearest Relative___________ Address__________________ Besides demonstrations, I could also help the movement by: (Circle the proper items): Run errands, Drive my car, Fix food for volunteers, Clerical work, Make phone calls ...

322. Bad Form and Bad Jesus

Ephesians 2:11-22

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

323. Proper 12

Genesis 28:10-22, Psalm 139:1-24, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43, Romans 8:12-25

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... labor until the evening. After a lifetime of work also you give us retirement and then final rest from our labors. We thank you for all those who once worked beside us but now have entered into the rest that you have prepared for the people of God. Grant us perseverance that we may complete the work you have for us to do here, and then receive us into heavenly service and rest, to the praise of your name, God most holy, God most loving, God most wise. Amen

324. Epiphany 2

Psalm 40:1-17, Isaiah 49:1-7, John 1:29-42, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... God, you are served not only by your perfect Son, but worshiped by multitudes who have followed him to your exalted presence. Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, may we also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with perseverance the race that is set before us to win at last the crown of ever-lasting life. At your throne we will also worship you, to whom, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, be ascribed all glory and love. Amen

325. Ephesians 6:10-20

Ephesians 6:10-20

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... on our part. This shift reminds the reader that this is a spiritual battle, not a physical confrontation. Maintaining a defensive posture and the directive to “stand firm” are now coupled with the counsel to “keep alert” and “always persevere” in prayer (v.18). As time grows short and the forces of evil grow more belligerent, an increased state of watchfulness and increasing prayerfulness is required. The final request is for intentional prayer for the Pauline mission. Imprisonment itself ...

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