Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 376 to 400 of 900 results

376. I Started to be Grateful

Luke 17:11-19

Illustration

Brett Blair

Greg Anderson, in Living Life on Purpose, tells a story about a man whose wife had left him. He was completely depressed. He had lost faith in himself, in other people, in God--he found no joy in living. One rainy morning this man went to a small neighborhood restaurant for breakfast. Although several people were at the diner, no one was speaking to anyone else. Our miserable friend hunched over t...

377. If I Had Been There

Jn 20:1-18; Mk 15:21-32

Illustration

Brett Blair

I read this story the other day and it seemed to me to come up short. It's about the slow conversion and baptism of Clovis I, the King of France. A really significant event for the Western world. Listen to it: In 496 Remigius was Bishop of Reims. He became known as the "Apostle of the Franks." He was about to convert the king of France to Christianity. What was about to happen was significant. It...

378. If I Should Die Before I Wake

Lk 11:1-13; 12:22-34; Mt 6:5-15

Illustration

Brett Blair

You're are familiar with the childhood prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep, " but I was little surprised to learn that it is a shortened version of an Old English prayer, which goes like this: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, bless the bed that I lie on. Before I lay me down to sleep, I give my soul to Christ to keep. Four corners to my bed, four angels there aspread, two to foot, and two to head, ...

379. I'll Do Better Next Time

Luke 13:1-9

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

Exegetical Aim: To explain that God is patient with us when we don't live as we should. Props: Crayons, a blank sheet of paper, and a little bit of artistic talent (but not much). On your sheet of paper draw a jumbled picture of a house, tree, and landscape, but make all the colors appropriate to the object. Draw the horizon. Put the roof's flat side on the horizon. Then on the tip of the roof, pl...

380. Illustrations on the Trinity

John 16:12-15; Mt 28:19

Illustration

Brett Blair

The Fathers of the Church used examples to explain the Trinity. They said: Look at a tree if you want to try to understand God. There is the root, the trunk and the fruit. The root is like God the Father, invisible but you know it's there, the trunk is like God the son, sent forth by the Father, visible and tangible, the branches and fruit is like the Holy Spirit. We are connected to Christ throug...

381. I'm Afraid

Matthew 2:13-18, Matthew 2:19-23

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

Exegetical Aim: Fears are normal but we must also face our fears. Props: None Lesson: Good morning! Allow some discussion on the following questions: Have any of you ever been afraid? (response) What are you afraid of? (response) You know what I am afraid of? I am afraid of name something you are afraid of. What do you do when you are afraid? (response) What about at night when you go to sleep and...

382. I’m sorry

Genesis 5:1-32

Drama

Brett Blair

I’m sorry. f

383. I’m Standing on His Shoulders

Illustration

Brett Blair

By the main warehouses that are right down on the river there is a daily operation that occurs. To keep all the barges able to come in you have to constantly dredge the channel. And when the sand comes up out of the bottom of the river and is dumped on the side it makes wonderful places to play because it creates these huge sand hills and kids love to play on them. There's really nothing more fun ...

384. Imitating Goodness

1 Corinthians 4:16

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

Exegetical Aim: To teach that imitating what good people do is helpful. Props: None needed. Lesson: Good morning. Today I have a game for us to play. It's called the "Imitation Game." Would you like to play? (response) Okay, good! This is how you play. I will do something and then you imitate me. Ready? Here goes. At this point do any simple movements such as touching your face or raising your h...

385. Imperceptible Things Have Real Influence

Matthew 13:31-35

Illustration

Brett Blair

The Kingdom of God, said Jesus, is like a mustard seed that is planted in a field, but when it is grown it becomes a tree so large that birds nest in it. We live in a society that is enamored with bigness. We have gone beyond big churches to mega-churches. We are over whelmed with and bedazzled by huge social problems such as world hunger and children in crises. As a result, we sometimes overlook...

386. In All Things Be Thankful

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sermon

Brett Blair

Back during the dark days of 1929, a group of ministers in the Northeast, all graduates of the Boston School of Theology, gathered to discuss how they should conduct their Thanksgiving Sunday services. Things were about as bad as they could get, with no sign of relief. The bread lines were depressingly long, the stock market had plummeted, and the term Great Depression seemed an apt description fo...

387. In All Things Be Thankful - Sermon Starter

Ephesians 5:20

Illustration

Brett Blair

388. In His Steps

1 Peter 2:21

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

Exegetical Aim: We have been called to follow in the steps of Jesus. Props: Several footprints cut out from construction paper, a sign with the words “Name Calling,” a sign with the word “Meanness,” and a sign with the word “Suffering.” Before the church service, tape the footprints in a trail on the floor of the sanctuary so that they wind around the sanctuary, behind the back seats, and eventua...

389. In the World but Not of It

John 17:6-19

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

Exegetical Aim: Christians are to live righteously despite living in a sinful and dangerous world. Key Verse: 16 Props: Sealed envelopes each with one of the following messages in them--don't write down the scriptures: 1. If someone hits you then hit them back. Matthew 5:39 2. Be nice to those who are mean. Matthew 5:44 3. When you grow up it's important to make a lot of money. Matthew 6:33 4. If ...

390. Increasing Our Standard of Giving

Luke 16:1-15

Sermon

Brett Blair

Before John Wesley became the founder of the Methodist Church he was a teacher at Oxford University back in the 1700’s. When he began his career he was paid 30 pounds per year - in those days a lot of money. His living expenses were 28 pounds - so he gave 2 pounds away. The next year his income doubled - but he still managed to live on 28 pounds - so he gave away 32 pounds. The third year he earne...

391. Increasing Our Standard of Giving - Sermon Starter

Luke 16:1-15

Illustration

Brett Blair

Before John Wesley became the founder of the Methodist Church he was a teacher at Oxford University back in the 1700's. When he began his career he was paid 30 pounds per year - in those days a lot of money. His living expenses were 28 pounds - so he gave 2 pounds away. The next year his income doubled - but he still managed to live on 28 pounds - so he gave away 32 pounds. The third year he earn...

392. Is It Well With Your Family? - Sermon Starter

2 Kings 4:8-37

Illustration

Brett Blair

(After reading 2 Kings 4:8-26) I am going to read a quote to you first and then tell you who said it: A small child waits with impatience the arrival home of a parent. She wishes to relate some sandbox experience. She is excited to share the thrill that she has known that day. The time comes; the parent arrives. Beaten down by the stresses of the workplace the parent often replies: “Not now, honey...

393. Is It Well with Your Family? - Sermon Starter

Rom 16

Illustration

Brett Blair

I must candidly confess that when I was in seminary the 16th chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans didn't do much for me. It struck me as being boring nothing more than a long presentation of people's names, most of whom I could not pronounce; I usually skimmed over that part so I could get to what I considered to be the real Gospel. Over the years I have greatly changed my attitude about this pa...

394. Is It Well With Your Family? (Mother's Day)

2 Kings 4:8-26

Sermon

Brett Blair

[Read up to verse 26b and end with "Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with your child?"] I am going to read a quote to you first and then tell you who said it: A small child waits, with impatience, the arrival home of a parent. She wishes to relate some sandbox experience. She is excited to share the thrill that she has known that day. The time comes; the parent arrives...

395. Is Jesus Safe?

Luke 12:35-53

Illustration

Brett Blair

C. S. Lewis wrote one of the most endearing Christian books titled The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe. It was adapted into a movie by Disney. If you have half an imagination you need to read it. You will never forget the story. In the book Jesus is represented by a Lion by the name of Aslan. The four children who are finally introduced to Aslan by Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are not quite sure they want to ...

396. Is There No Balm in Gilead?

Jeremiah 8:4--9:26

Sermon

Brett Blair

Let me say upfront that the two men I am about to discuss with you, are, in my opinion, good Christian men who do a lot of valuable work for the Church and God's kingdom in this world. It just so happens they are both in the middle of a controversy because of a position they took with regard to our nation's tragedy. I am talking about Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. On Thursday the 13th, two days...

397. It Is Not What You Give

Luke 2:1-20

Illustration

Brett Blair

One of my favorite Christmas stories is O'Henry's short story The Gift of The Magi. You are all familiar with it. It is a story about a desperately poor young couple living in New York around the turn of the century. Neither had money sufficient to buy a gift for the other so they each secretly went out and sold something of worth. He sold his prized pocket watch to get a barrette for her long hai...

398. It isn't Fair

Matthew 20:1-16

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

Exegetical Aim: To illustrate the fact that life may not always seem fair, but we should not let that make us bitter towards others, but happy for others who do well. Props: Some kind of candy to give the children that they can eat in the sanctuary and that will keep them occupied; e.g., m&m’s. Children will be called down according to hair color or gender. You will have to decide which works best...

399. It Isn't Fair!

Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon

Brett Blair

One day a rich young ruler came enthusiastically running up to Jesus and asked: “What must I do to be saved?” Jesus answered: Keep the law. “This I have done from my youth up,” came the reply. Yet one thing do you lack said Jesus. Go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor. Then come follow me. We are told that the young man walked away sorrowfully, for he had great wealth. Concluded th...

400. It Isn't Fair! - Sermon Starter

Matthew 20:1-16

Illustration

Brett Blair

One day a rich young ruler came enthusiastically running up to Jesus and asked: "What must I do to be saved?" Jesus answered: Keep the law. "This I have done from my youth up," came the reply. Yet one thing do you lack said Jesus. Go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor. Then come follow me. We are told that the young man walked away sorrowfully, for he had great wealth. Concluded th...

Showing results

Showing 376 to 400 of 900 results

376. I Started to be Grateful

Luke 17:11-19

Illustration

Brett Blair

377. If I Had Been There

Jn 20:1-18; Mk 15:21-32

Illustration

Brett Blair

378. If I Should Die Before I Wake

Lk 11:1-13; 12:22-34; Mt 6:5-15

Illustration

Brett Blair

379. I'll Do Better Next Time

Luke 13:1-9

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

380. Illustrations on the Trinity

John 16:12-15; Mt 28:19

Illustration

Brett Blair

381. I'm Afraid

Matthew 2:13-18, Matthew 2:19-23

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

382. I’m sorry

Genesis 5:1-32

Drama

Brett Blair

I’m sorry. f

383. I’m Standing on His Shoulders

Illustration

Brett Blair

384. Imitating Goodness

1 Corinthians 4:16

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

385. Imperceptible Things Have Real Influence

Matthew 13:31-35

Illustration

Brett Blair

386. In All Things Be Thankful

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sermon

Brett Blair

387. In All Things Be Thankful - Sermon Starter

Ephesians 5:20

Illustration

Brett Blair

388. In His Steps

1 Peter 2:21

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

389. In the World but Not of It

John 17:6-19

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

390. Increasing Our Standard of Giving

Luke 16:1-15

Sermon

Brett Blair

391. Increasing Our Standard of Giving - Sermon Starter

Luke 16:1-15

Illustration

Brett Blair

392. Is It Well With Your Family? - Sermon Starter

2 Kings 4:8-37

Illustration

Brett Blair

393. Is It Well with Your Family? - Sermon Starter

Rom 16

Illustration

Brett Blair

394. Is It Well With Your Family? (Mother's Day)

2 Kings 4:8-26

Sermon

Brett Blair

395. Is Jesus Safe?

Luke 12:35-53

Illustration

Brett Blair

396. Is There No Balm in Gilead?

Jeremiah 8:4--9:26

Sermon

Brett Blair

397. It Is Not What You Give

Luke 2:1-20

Illustration

Brett Blair

398. It isn't Fair

Matthew 20:1-16

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

399. It Isn't Fair!

Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon

Brett Blair

400. It Isn't Fair! - Sermon Starter

Matthew 20:1-16

Illustration

Brett Blair

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