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Showing 376 to 400 of 4943 results

376. An Extremely Odd Couple

Luke 18:1-8

Sermon

J. Will Ormond

... woman. Somehow he has to get rid of her. She is like a burr under his saddle, a pebble in his shoe. His reason for granting her justice is: "This widow keeps bothering me, so I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming." It is for his own protection, his own peace of mind, his own comfort that he finally makes the decision which he should have made when the widow first appeared before him. Luke gives this parable an introduction which suggests why and to whom it was first ...

377. The Silence Broken, The Bride Restored

Isaiah 62:1-12

Sermon

Robert A. Hausman

... Zion's husband. Once again, Yahweh will rejoice over his bride. Once again, Zion will be Yahweh's treasure, "a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God" (v. 3). This faithfulness of the Lord to his people is continued in the image of the church as the bride of Christ. We read in Ephesians: ... Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, so as to present the church to himself ...

378. Gifts: Rejected And Exchanged, Accepted And Shared

1 Samuel 2:12-26

Sermon

Tony Everett

... , Hannah and Elkanah did indeed receive more gifts. "And the Lord visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel [also] grew in the presence of the Lord" (v. 21). The text later states, again, that "the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with all persons" (v. 26). On the other hand, the following three verses (vv. 22-25) describe how Eli's sons received the gift of relationship with the Lord. These children of the priest ...

379. A Double Dose

2 Kings 2:1-18

Sermon

Carlyle Fielding Stewart

... of church life. We need a double dose to sustain us, to quicken our resolve, to re-energize us when limbs palsy and bones are brittled and wearied. This requires a kind of catharsis, a cleansing of the soul, a revitalization of the Spirit so we might continue the tasks God sets before us. How many of us have petered out or fallen exhausted at critical times in our service to God? The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We pull ourselves out of bed to preach. We saunter to our meetings, with hearts ...

380. Proper 24

Jeremiah 30:1--31:40, 2 Timothy 3:10--4:8, Luke 18:1-8, Psalm 119:1-176

Bulletin Aid

William E. Keeney

... a new covenant written on the heart instead of on stone. Then they will all know God's law. If Israel then ceases to follow God's order, the offspring of Israel will be rejected. The Second Lesson. (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5) Timothy is admonished to continue to teach what he has learned and firmly believed. He is to use inspired scripture for instruction in the faith. He is to be persistent in the light of Jesus' appearance and God's kingdom. Even though people no longer want to hear sound doctrine, he should ...

381. Whispers From A Dream

Daniel 7:1-14, Daniel 7:15-28

Sermon

Thomas G. Rogers

... he removed the current high priest and offered the job to the highest bidder. To the dismay of the faithful Jews, the man who won the appointment to be high priest proceeded to sell the gold furnishings from the temple to pay for his purchased position. As Tishra continued to rock her child, she thought back on how she and Moshi had been appalled at the thought of what Antiochus had done and what he had allowed to be done. It was truly appalling, but it was only the beginning of what this evil king would do ...

382. The Pastor Who Created A Monster

Haggai 1:1-15, Haggai 2:1-9

Sermon

Thomas G. Rogers

... a faithful, present God. Our future does not depend on our successful doing and dreaming; our future depends on our faithful, present God." The pastor stopped and looked into the eyes of the people in front of him. He wondered if they understood what he was trying to say. He continued, "You see, it is not a matter of our selecting a goal and then saying, 'Oh, by the way, isn't it nice that God is with us in this.' No, it is a matter of our first realizing that God is with us -- period. That is the Christian ...

383. What Is God Doing In Our Bad Times?

Joel 2:18-27, Joel 2:28-32

Sermon

Thomas G. Rogers

... whole." God is sensitive to the total loss that the people have experienced. God knows that the ordeal has left psychological scars far deeper than only the direct effects of the famine. There is a God who thoroughly understands people's pain. The two women continued reading. God says, "I will pour my spirit on all flesh" (2:28). Karen explained that before this time God's spirit had only come to a select few -- special leaders and some prophets. Moses had said that he wished "that all the Lord's people ...

384. Boast In The Lord

1 Corinthians 1:18--2:5

Sermon

Richard Hasler

... that are." Why did God work out his plan in this manner? Was it not that no one could take pride in his or her own salvation? If there is any boasting to be done, Paul's exhortation is: "Boast in the Lord." Church history has been a continuing commentary on Paul's contention that Paul uses the "nobodies" of the world to bear witness to the Lord's kingdom, power and glory. John Bunyan was a nobody. Born in 1619 to a poor family near Bedford, England, his formal education was meager, consisting of only two ...

385. The Truth Will Make You Free

Sermon

Phyllis Faaborg Wolk

... . Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, God would always be ready to answer Chris' confirmation prayer. God would always be there to help and guide Chris as he sought to live out his life in response to God's love for him. Jesus said, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Don't ever forget that because of Jesus' death and resurrection, God will always help and guide you. God will always be there for you as you ...

386. The Truth Will Make You Free

Sermon

Phyllis Faaborg Wolk

387. The Shepherd And His Flock

John 10:1-21

Sermon Aid

William E. Keeney

... . The Second Lesson. (1 Peter 2:19-25) This passage is rich in the symbolism of the shepherd and the sheep. The example of Jesus who gave his life to save his sheep is the basic thought at the beginning of the lesson. It moves on to the continuing purpose of Jesus as the shepherd who saves the souls of those who follow him. Without following the shepherd, they are like sheep who go astray and fall victims to the dangers of the world. Gospel. (John 10:1-10) The reading contains the familiar parable of the ...

388. The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon Aid

William E. Keeney

... life is that you must use what you have or you lose it. The converse of the law is that those who use what they have gain more and more. 3. Salvation may be given in an experience of a moment. But to retain it, it must result in continuing growth. While Paul had a momentous experience on the Damascus Road, he had to spend a lengthy period in Arabia to work out the full meaning of the encounter with Christ. He also consulted with the Apostles in Jerusalem before he was ready to perform his great missionary ...

389. Welcoming Christ

Matthew 10:40-42

Sermon

Marc Kolden

... is not a voluntary organization gathered to do good or meet needs (important as these things may be); it is not a powerful institution whose product is religion. The church is a body of believers who welcome the apostles' teaching -- who trust it and live it and continue the mission. Nobody begins to be a Christian all by himself or herself though. At the very least, someone would have to help us learn to read before we could accept the message of the Bible. But in most cases we don't learn the gospel first ...

390. The Man Born Blind

John 9:1-12

Drama

Dallas A. Brauninger

... Jesus tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam. He does so and when he returns, he can see. Fourth Point Of Action Neighbors talk with the man: Neighbors and others who knew the man argue over whether this is the same person. They question him. He continually says he is the one and explains, step by step, how Jesus healed him. Fifth Point Of Action Pharisees' conversation with the man: When the man tells them he does not know where Jesus is now, they take him to the Pharisees. He repeats his story. Observing ...

391. Sermons

Sermon

John R. Bodo

... , pretending that God couldn't see him. And God obliged by calling, "Adam, where are you?" As if God didn't know. Hiding Games It is easy to smile at the foolishness of Adam. But even Christians, who claim to be reborn through Jesus Christ, the Second Adam, continue to play the same games! For the little bush was not the only thing behind which Adam was trying to hide from God. As soon as God yanked him out from behind the bush, Adam found another hiding-place. "The woman," he stammered, "the woman you gave ...

392. Affirming The Ash Heap

Job 2:1-10, Mark 8:31--9:1

Sermon

Wallace H. Kirby

... I cling to? Let's take a personal approach. Let's imagine a person who is a portrait of perfection. This person's whole life is a personification of perfection. And let's imagine this perfect person going through all kinds of trouble. If this person wants to continue living in the midst of all this trouble, then there may be some hope. But if that little spark of determination to stay alive is snuffed out, then the person feels like giving up on life before it gets more painful. But wait! We don't have to ...

393. Truth And Its Consequences

Acts 5:17-42

Sermon

Rodney Thomas Smothe

... you thought was killed by hanging him on a tree, now sits exalted on the right hand of God as the Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of our sins. Not only are we witnesses to these things but he has given us power to continue to heal the sick, give sight to the blind and announce the acceptable year of the Lord. What a powerful proclamation of the truth! You cannot bury truth; it will always find its way to the light. The consequences for failing to abide in truth are death and ...

394. The Promise Of Belief

Genesis 15:1-18

Sermon

Rodney Thomas Smothe

... I tell you the truth, any one who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12). This covenantal nature of God through faith that begins with Abraham continues today with the covenantal nature of God through Christ, you and me. We're invited during the Lenten season to remember the promises of God, the covenantal nature of God, and our response as we act on what we believe. The promise of belief begins with trusting ...

395. That Heavenly Call

Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38

Drama

Karren Boehr

... the Messiah. He even knew my name. I thought he was one of those unbalanced souls wandering the streets, that somehow got through office security ... and I sent him away. (Stands before JOSEPH) But I couldn't get him out of my mind. His message continued to ring throughout my very being until I could think of nothing else. What if he was right? Suddenly my job, my reputation seemed like filthy rags, so tarnished and unimportant. Within me grew a knowing that he spoke the truth. Something happened inside of ...

396. Jesus Prays for His Disciples

John 17:6-19

Sermon Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... , we need to support and encourage each other. People: Because of Jesus' prayer, we offer this support and encouragement as we celebrate the life of faith together. So be it! Hymn of Praise "People, Clap Your Hands" Prayer of Praise Keep on reminding the people that Christ continues to pray for us. Ask if any of them would be willing to offer a praise word or sentence. Some of them may say to themselves, "But I can't pray." This often means, "I won't pray." Offer this idea, suggested by former Sister Corita ...

397. When Life Seems Out Of Control

2 Samuel 18:1-18

Sermon

Timothy J. Smith

... from her church came to her home and advised her to give up her constant grieving. "Give your sorrow to the Lord," she pleaded, "and he will give back one hundred-fold what you have lost." The woman prayed with Marie before leaving. She promised that she would continue praying and that she would be back to see her again. Supported by this promise, Marie got up and began to look for ways to prevent the kind of tragedy that had happened to her son. Marie began working in a halfway house for young addicts. The ...

398. A Homecoming To Remember

1 Kings 8:22-61

Sermon

Timothy J. Smith

... with his sermon, Diane felt God's presence in a way she had never experienced or even thought possible. It was as though the pastor knew what was on her mind and spoke directly to her that morning. Diane tried desperately to regain her composure as the service continued. At the end of the service she put her head in her arms and began crying. "Lord," she prayed," I am not worthy that you should come under my roof; but speak the word only." God spoke to Diane a word of welcome home. Centuries before, Solomon ...

399. Easter 6

Jn 14:15-31; Acts 15:22-29, 16:6-15; Rev 21:22--22:5

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... lives v. 22. Since God and the Lamb are present, the people will have no night, for the radiance of God's glory will be a continual light v. 23. The inhabitants of the heavenly city will be God's people from all nations v. 27. Best of all, the city will always ... 23-24. b. A city of saints v. 27. c. A city of life v. 22:2. WORSHIP RESOURCES Psalm Of The Day: Psalm 67 "May God continue to bless us." (v. 7a) Prayer Of The Day: "O God, from whom all good things do come: Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit ...

400. Christmas 1

Hebrews 2:5-18, Colossians 3:1-17, 1 Samuel 2:12-26, Luke 2:41-52

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... is still on!" Jeremiah describes what will happen when God redeems and gathers his people from captivity and restores them to their homes. Christians see the fulfillment in Christmas. God's salvation has come in Christ. This event is so great and meaningful that Christians continually celebrate the event of Christmas. Because of Christ: a. We are gathered into his people, the church v. 10. b. We are redeemed from our enemies, sin and death v. 11. c. We are radiant with joy v. 12. Epistle: Colossians 3:12-17 ...

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