Sermon and Worship Resources

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3576. The Biggest Reunion Picnic of Them All

Matthew 8:11

Children's Sermon

... .) In the Gospel today, Jesus told about the great reunion of the people of God at the end of life or the climax of history. He reminded his own people that faith made it possible for others who did not share the same ancestors to seek God's favor. Mark spoke of the same promise of Jesus that God would "... gather his elect from the four winds ..." What a family reunion that will be! It would be fun just to imagine everyone flying in on their own national airline. For me, it is even more fun to imagine some ...

3577. Building a Fire

2 Samuel 24:25

Children's Sermon

... they settled in the promised land, King David's son Solomon would build a beautiful temple where the people would gather for worship. We can worship God anywhere, but there are special places which may remind us to worship. Perhaps you have been at a camp where a rough cross marks the place as a place of prayer and hewn logs are lined up like pews for campers to sit together to sing and pray. Such places mean more to us if we have had a hand in their making, just as a church building means more to us if we ...

3578. Stone Soup

Romans 15:2, 5

Children's Sermon

... , Joshua and a few men were able to make enough noise so the walls of Jericho fell in. Jesus called a few disciples to be his followers. When he went to heaven, he prepared them to start the early church. Paul had friends like Silas and John Mark, a young person like yourself, to help him in his missionary journeys. Another example with which we are familiar is that of the Pilgrims and the story of the first Thanksgiving. Without the help of the Indians or native Americans, they would not know how to plant ...

3579. Advent 1

Matthew 24:36-51

Bulletin Aid

Theme: God's reliable unpredictability Exegetical note This passage comes toward the end of Matthew's version of the "Little Apocalypse" in Mark 13 and, like its source, emphasizes the unpredictability of the expected and desired parousia, and the consequent need for watchfulness and readiness. For Advent, the passage provides an excellent reminder that, despite the reliability of God's promises, God acts in God's own good time, and therefore predictions and ...

3580. Third Sunday in Advent

Matthew 11:1-19

Bulletin Aid

... ! Collect God of holiness, you have laid upon the hearts and minds of your people great expectations about the justice and peace your coming Christ will bring. Inspire us again with the miraculous deeds of Jesus: that, moved by the healing that marked his ministry, we too may become agents for the alleviation of pain and suffering in our battered and broken world. Amen Prayer of Confession God of wholeness, we confess that we have avoided responsibility by misusing and mistaking the stories of Jesus ...

3581. Baptism of our Lord

Acts 10:23b-48

Bulletin Aid

Theme: Jesus' baptism, God's epiphany Exegetical note Peter's kerygmatic reference to the baptism, like the accounts of Mark and John, treats that event as the inception of Jesus' ministry, for in it the Master receives the anointing of the Spirit that, in effect, makes him the Messiah-Christ (i.e., the "anointed One"). Notable throughout this passage is the fact that it is God who is the real ...

3582. Baptism of our Lord

Matthew 3:13-17

Bulletin Aid

Theme: An epiphany to the world Exegetical note Whereas Mark's earlier version of Jesus' baptism makes the theophany more subjective (with the voice from heaven addressing Jesus as a "Thou"), Matthew (with Luke) makes it more objective, with the divine declaration from above addressed to the bystanders. By making this personal event, in effect, public, Matthew may be declaring ...

3583. Lent 4

John 9:1-12

Bulletin Aid

... unrighteously and miserably we have lived as a result. Forgive us, we pray, restore to us our spiritual sight, and direct our vision thus renewed to the wonderful and inspiring image of your coming Kingdom, to the Christ who embodies it, and to the peace, hope, love, and justice that mark it as your new creation. In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen

3584. Lent 6

Mt 26:14--27:66 · Php 2:5-11 · Isa 50:4-9 · Ps 31

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

... world and a hell-bent humanity could come to know you and the presence and power of your coming Reign. In his holy name we pray. Amen Gospel: Matthew 26:14--27:66 Theme: The Godforsakenness of the cross Exegetical note Matthew follows his source Mark very closely here, especially in preserving the drama of Jesus' anguished quotation of Psalm 22 in v. 27:46 as his last word and the climax of the Passion account. Although some interpreters would argue that that Psalm, taken in its entirety, bespeaks faith ...

3585. Palm Sunday

Mt 21:1-11 · Isa 50:4-9 · Ps 118

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a Theme: From palms to Passion Exegetical Note The unpopularity of the prophet in this Third Servant Song of Second Isaiah, not to mention the anger and abuse that he has experienced, appears to differ markedly from Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. If the palm-wavers were sincere (rather than sarcastic, as some suggest), their adoration was short-lived: their cries of exaltation soon became calls for execution. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 118) Leader: This is the day ...

3586. The Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-13

Bulletin Aid

... , presents the gift of tongues as something different from what Paul would deal with later. Here, actual languages are uttered, which at the same time fulfill prophecy (specifically Joel's) and reverse the effects of the Babel event: language, which once marked human alienation, now becomes a Spirit-given vehicle that overcomes all human estrangement and unifies. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 104) Leader: Without the face of God, we would be dismayed! People: WITHOUT THE BREATH OF GOD, WE WOULD SURELY ...

3587. The Power of Faith

Matthew 14:22-36

Bulletin Aid

Exegetical note: Matthew's reworking of Mark's earlier story shows embellishment of detail and a special "spin" that makes it an allegory of the Church (i.e., boat) in his day, which was being "beaten" by the "stormy seas" of persecution. The story is both a testimony to the power of faith to permit believers to " ...

3588. Proper 15

Matthew 15:21-28

Bulletin Aid

Theme: Faith that overcomes obstacles Exegetical note Matthew's designation of the woman in this passage as a Canaanite (and thus a traditional enemy to the Jews) reveals his intention (in contrast to Mark's) to make this incident speak to the place of Gentiles with respect to the gospel in a most dramatic way. Despite Jesus' insistence (v. 24) that his mission is only to Jews, he is "won over" by her faith and works the miracle of exorcism on her daughter that ...

3589. Proper 16

Matthew 16:13-20

Bulletin Aid

... Church Exegetical note It should be surprising, if not sobering, to most congregations to find that in all of the Gospels, Jesus is quoted as using the word "church" only in Matthew, once here and twice in chapter 18. What we have, then, in Matthew's inflation of Mark's version of this incident is a retrospective testimony of the Church's recognition of Peter as its Rock, and of Jesus as God's "Son" as well as the Christ. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 95) Leader: Come, let us worship and bow down! People ...

3590. All Saints' Day

Matthew 5:1-12

Bulletin Aid

... Spirit, would increase us in holiness and lead us toward the perfect image of the Christ. Forgive us, we pray, and let us not be so contented and complacent. Stir our souls and stimulate our spirits, so that we shall be restless and dissatisfied until we exhibit all of the marks and gifts of sainthood described in your Word. In the inspiring name of Jesus we pray. Amen

3591. Epiphany 7

Matthew 5:27-30, Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 5:33-37, Matthew 5:38-42

Sermon Aid

... Speak this response three times. Then, all speak their part together and applaud.) Act of Recognizing our Humanness and Receiving New Life One pastor did this: He introduced the confession by defining Sin as alienation, disobedience, I-centeredness, my will be done, missing the mark and shooting at the wrong basket. To confess our Sin means "to cut it out." We shall examine those sins we intend to cut out. Invite the people to pray only the parts of the confessional prayer which they are willing to let God ...

3592. Passion Sunday

Matthew 26:14–27:66

Bulletin Aid

... thirty minutes. Here are the steps of meditation: 1. Place yourself in the presence of God. 2. Offer an invocation prayer. 3. Read the biblical passage until you know it well. Read it from several translations. For this Sunday, you may want to pick: Matthew 26:30-35, 69-75; Mark 14:27-31, 66-72; Luke 22:31-34, 55-62 and John 13:36-38; 18:25-27 4. Visualize the passage, or in worship, act it out. 5. Enter the picture yourself. Be Peter. 6. Pray on the basis of the meditation: Prayer of Confession Prayer of ...

3593. Easter 5

John 14:1-4

Sermon Aid

... Congregation Suggestion: It's one thing to state, "Lord, show us the Father, and then we'll believe." It's quite another thing to practice Jesus' statement, "If you've seen me, you've seen the Father." (John 14:8-9) I invite you this week, to look for the marks of Christ in this world - and then, write them down, and put them in the offering plate next week. Plannning for Your Congregation I. Other Scriptures Psalm 31:1-8 Psalm 33:1-11, 18-19 Acts 7:55-60 Acts 17:1-15 Acts 6:1-7 1 Peter ...

3594. Reformation Sunday

John 8:31-41

Sermon Aid

... our Humanness and Receiving New Life Consider this: Begin by asking, "What do you have to confess?" Often, people confess "the bad things they do," rather than to recognize their alienation, I-centeredness, brokenness. Make certain that they see their lives as "missing the mark"; and "shooting at the wrong basket." You may want to review Luther's struggle to please God by pleasing the church. Give plenty of time to digest the essence of sin as a radical reorientation away from God, others, and our best self ...

3595. A Glory Revealed in the Cross

John 8:12-30

Sermon

... cheerful personality are the ultimate proofs of God’s love. Well, okay. Who would want to argue with that? Surely God blesses his people and provides for their needs. But must we assume that the failure of provision and blessing (as they use the word) mark the withdrawal of God’s love? God forbid! In times of trouble, the Theology of Glory "doesn’t make it." It holds no comfort for a family facing bankruptcy. It brings no solace in the face of devastating illness. There is no harm in business success ...

3596. A Glory Revealed in Truth and Faithfulness

John 19:28-37

Sermon

... have done as much to me as they were able to do, and I have suffered as much as was necessary for the salvation of men and as was prophesied and proclaimed in Scripture through the prophets. Therefore everything is fulfilled and finished." We are to mark this well: Christ’s suffering is the fulfilling of Scripture and the completing of the redemption of the human race. It is finished.... God’s Son has given and sacrificed his body and life as a payment for sin. Sin is wiped out.... death is overcome ...

3597. "On The Way To The Cross"

Luke 19:28-44

Sermon

... But Jesus? What did Jesus say on Palm Sunday? Amid all the hullabaloo and hosannas, we often forget that Jesus spoke. "And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying: ‘Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace’ (Mark 19:41-41)." What happens on Palm Sunday if we listen to Jesus for a change, instead of the crowds; Jesus, instead of the disciples? It is not an empty question. We are celebrating our Lord entering Jerusalem. Without pushing the image too far, I think it ...

3598. The Most Beautiful Sacrifice

Mark 14:1-11

Drama

... area of the stage. A woman appears, wearing shawl or head covering, carrying an opaque flask or vase and a towel. Throughout the drama, she should be busy, or talk as she works. Perhaps other props might include table and water basin, food and utensils. Text: Mark 14:1-16 Cast: A woman from Bethany A man in the congregation who will sit among the people in a place where he can stand and be heard. Time: Her testimony is timeless, although the events she describes occurred before Jesus’ death. WOMAN: It is ...

3599. Bloody Hands, Troubled Soul

Mark 14:12-26

Drama

... out of the darkness, using a side door close to where the people are sitting, and begin his opening remarks from there. Throughout the rest of the drama he may roam freely throughout the chancel. Judas should be darkly, but not shabbily, dressed. Text: Mark 14:(10-11), 17-50 Cast: Judas Iscariot, a man, probably in his 30s. Time: Sometime after the betrayal. Judas is speaking posthumously. (Judas enters in the shadows, by a side door) JUDAS: I overheard someone here in prayer, just a moment ago. Someone ...

3600. Steadfast and Faithful

Genesis 9:1-17

Sermon

... good earth which God has given us. God has committed himself to the natural order. Our part of the bargain is to covenant to work for God’s creation, not against it, to work with the Creator, in order to bring creation unto perfection. Baptism marks this aspect of the Covenant. It commits us to environmental awareness and responsibility. If through Baptism we enter God’s Covenant, it is in the Eucharist that this Covenant is renewed. As a priestly community we offer, at the Lord’s Table, simple gifts ...

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