... they would need in the interim. All Christians have a call to be God's saints and some have a further call to be apostles, teachers and the like, but it is God who supplies the spirit and strength to fulfill that call. Gospel: John 1:29-42 The gospel continues the "call" theme found in the first two lessons. Here we have a man with a potent sense of call, John the Baptist, who points to Jesus as being the Messiah. Through this act he fulfills his calling, which is to point to the One chosen by God to purify ...
... powerless to free ourselves. God sent his Anointed One to free us from the clutches of sin and Satan through the power of the cross. Some have already experienced this liberation through faith while others have not. One thing is certain: God continues to search for ways to find and free his captive children. Illustration: At the time of this writing, President Clinton is proposing that the welfare system be radically restructured so that recipients are not held in bondage. The proposal is to limit welfare ...
John 18:1-11, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Genesis 22:1-19, Hosea 6:1--7:16, Hebrews 10:1-18, Hebrews 4:14-5:10, John 19:17-27
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Russell F. Anderson
... and superficial. The people offer the right sacrifices but their hearts are not transformed. The Lord entreats: "For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God and not burnt offerings" (v. 6). Epistle: Hebrews 10:1-25 The need for continuous offerings for sin proved that they were ineffectual. Christ has offered up himself for the sins of the world, once for all. We can, therefore, approach God with a clear conscience and a pure heart. Believers need to be vigilant, to hold fast ...
... -risk mode of relating to persons. Joy moved to England with her son to be near Lewis. One day, she asked him for a favor. Would he marry her so that she could remain in the country? Lewis agreed to a secret marriage of convenience. They continued to live apart. Lewis hoped to live his life as before, untouched by human intimacy and commitment, but Joy becomes terminally ill with bone cancer. Lewis sees the shallowness of his soul and begins to look at Joy through different eyes. He proposes and they marry ...
Matthew 20:20-28, Matthew 20:17-19, John 9:35-41, John 9:13-34, Romans 8:1-17, Ephesians 4:17--5:21, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, John 9:1-12
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Russell F. Anderson
... his sight, he did not immediately see Jesus. In the account, we see a growth in his perception of the Lord. When the Pharisees asked who healed him, he responded, "The man they call Jesus ..." (v. 10). Note the impersonality of his designation. As they continue to interrogate him concerning the identity of the man who had healed him, he responded: "He is a prophet" (v. 17). Finally, he encountered Jesus himself. "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" "Who is he, sir?" Jesus replied that he is now looking at ...
John 11:1-16, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:1-17, John 11:17-37, John 11:38-44
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Russell F. Anderson
... his entire being. He hardly paused to eat or sleep as the melodies and harmonies flowed from his pen. Seventeen days and nights later he was finished. The Messiah lifted Handel out of his valley of dry bones and became an instant favorite, that has continued to ring out the Christian message of resurrection life down through the corridors of time. (Based on an article from Pulpit Resource; March 28, 1993.) Epistle: Romans 8:6-11 Sermon Title: Good News For The Brain Dead. Sermon Angle: There is no worse ...
Luke 2:1-20 · Titus 2:11-14 · Isaiah 9:2-7 · Ps 96
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Russell F. Anderson
... , the joy in the eyes of the children is sufficient reward. He doesn't even introduce himself; he is simply known as "The Toy Man." Eric has given far more than toys; toys have the connotation of that which is fun but not necessary. No, Eric has given and continues to give himself to those who are frightened by brokenness and disease. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? WORSHIP RESOURCES Psalm Of The Day: Psalm 96--"Sing to the Lord a new song..." (v. 1). Prayer Of The Day: Glory to you, O Lord. As we ...
Mt 26:14–27:66 · Phil 2:5-11 · Is 45:21-25; 50:4-9 · Ps 31
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Russell F. Anderson
... and the power of our last enemy, so that we can stare death in the face and claim our Lord's victory. WORSHIP RESOURCES Psalm Of The Day: Psalm 31:9-16 - The servant of God hears rumors of intrigue from those who plot to take his life but he continues to trust in the Lord. Psalm 22:1-21: - A plea for mercy from one who is mocked and scorned; "Save me from the mouth of the lion" (v. 22). Prayer Of The Day: Merciful Lord, our hearts are overwhelmed with thanksgiving for enduring the barbs of sinful and ...
1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Joel 2:28-32, John 7:25-44, Acts 2:14-41, Acts 2:1-13, John 20:19-23
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Russell F. Anderson
... water. Aridity for the spirit is every bit as deadly as for the land. Jesus promises that those who come to him in faith will not only have their spiritual thirst quenched but that he will provide an artesian well of the Spirit that will continue to bubble up from within the believer. That promise was fulfilled at Pentecost. With the well within, all would be well therein. Gospel: John 20:19-23 Pervasive peace. The disciples were still paralyzed with fear, even though in the morning Mary Magdalene reported ...
Genesis 25:19-34, Isaiah 55:1-13, Romans 8:18-27, Romans 8:1-17, Matthew 13:1-23
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Russell F. Anderson
... that there is no "doom" for those in Christ. In verse 3, he indicates that through Christ God has "doomed death." Theologically speaking, sin and death are inextricably connected (Romans 6:23). In dooming sin, God also dooms death to eventual non-being. Sin and death continue to exert their deadly influence but their fate remains sealed. Epistle: Romans 8:9-17 Water and Spirit. Isaiah 55:1 invites us to come to the waters, while this text bids us to let the Spirit of God take possession of our lives. God's ...
Mt 13:31-33, 44-52 · Rom 8:26-39 · 1 Ki 3:5-12 · Ps 105
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Russell F. Anderson
... their present experience will be used by God for their ultimate good (vv. 38-39). Angelic and demonic powers, associated with the stars in New Testament time, were even powerless to alienate the believers from their Lord. Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Gospel continues with the parables of Jesus. Each of them points to a different aspect of the kingdom of God. The Mustard Seed points to the kingdom's small beginnings (vv. 31-32). The Leaven (v. 33) shows how the kingdom can transform the world. Verses 44 ...
... as the car proceeded to punch through the rear cement wall of the garage and into the back yard, where he was flung free of the vehicle. Unfortunately, he still wasn't out of harm's way. The accelerator pedal was still depressed and the car continued to careen wildly in the backyard, barely missing him as it shattered a fence. Mercifully, the car came to a sudden halt as it butted heads with a tree. Miraculously, Ed walked away with only a few bruises, while Marie was finally extricated from the driver ...
Mt 15:10-28 · Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 · Gen 45:1-15 · Is 56:1-7 · Ps 133
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Russell F. Anderson
... answered. Sometimes God seems mute to our pleas. We hear only an echo of our petition rather than an answer, it seems. When this happens, we ought not give up but keep on storming the gates of heaven. God responds to the entreaties of those who continue to seek his mercy. This is not to say that God will always give us what we ask but that he will help those who approach him with a persistent faith. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Overall Theme: The ever-expanding circle of God's love. The second portion ...
... : The Pharaoh wanted the Hebrew midwives to kill all baby boys as soon as they were born. They choose to obey God and their consciences rather than the authorities. God blessed the midwives and the Israelites increased despite the king's plot (1:20). God continues to bless those who exert themselves to extend life rather than destroy it. 2. Sermon Title: Children On Loan. Sermon Angle: Imagine going to your local rental store and renting a baby for two or three years and then having to return it. When a ...
Exodus 3:1-22, Jeremiah 15:15-21; 20:7-18, Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12:1-8
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Russell F. Anderson
... can judge them from a distance. Maybe he didn't respect any churchgoers because his value system was different from theirs. Yet it happens that persons such as this are scandalized by the lack of integrity they observe in Christians. I'm sure that Christ continues to be scandalized by the lack of faith, vision and integrity he observes among Christians. Get Lost. Jesus states the greatest of contradictions. "For those who would save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for my sake will find ...
Philippians 1:12-30, Jonah 4:1-11, Isaiah 55:1-13, Exodus 16:1-36, Matthew 20:1-16
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Russell F. Anderson
... his appreciation for their partnership in the gospel. His life hangs in the balance. He doesn't know if he is going to be executed or set free. He is torn between wanting to die and be with the Lord and wanting to live so that he might continue to minister to the churches. He concludes that discussion by asserting that he is confident that he will live and come to them again. In the meantime, they were to lead lives worthy of the gospel, united in faith and spirit. Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 This passage ...
Matthew 21:23-27, Matthew 21:28-32, Exodus 17:1-7, Ezekiel 18:1-32, Philippians 2:1-11
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Russell F. Anderson
... is Lord. He envisions humans, as well as spiritual powers, uniting in worship of Christ (vv. 10-11). Does he mean to suggest that all those opposed to Christ will repent and turn to him? Or, is it more likely that he is suggesting that even those who continue to oppose him will be forced to acknowledge his Lordship? A salvation that works. You've heard the saying, "Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you." That seems to be what Paul is saying in verses 11-12. Work out ...
... them some valuable advice. They are not to worry but to make their needs known to God in prayer. God will give them his peace. They are to focus not on the dangers of the present world but on whatever is pure, honorable and true. They are to continue in the gospel that they have heard and observed in Paul. What faith Paul had in the integrity of his faith and life! Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46 The parable of The Wicked Tenants. In this allegorical parable, a man plants a vineyard and equips it with watchtowers ...
Genesis 6:1-8:22, Deuteronomy 11:1-32, Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:1-17, Romans 3:21-31
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Russell F. Anderson
... it might direct all your doings This lesson raises an issue that is crucial to the state of religion in American culture. How can I connect my faith, my religion, with my everyday existence? The membership in mainline Protestant churches continues to hemorrhage because we have neglected this vital concern. Consequently, church members increasingly feel that the institutional expression of religion is irrelevant to where they live. George Gallup discovered in 1988 that the number of unchurched in America had ...
Galatians 3:26--4:7, Galatians 3:15-25, Colossians 3:1-17, Hebrews 2:5-18, Isaiah 61:1-11, Isaiah 63:7--64:12, Matthew 2:19-23, Matthew 2:13-18
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Russell F. Anderson
... 1: Isaiah 63:7-9 The prophet recalls the goodness of God when the nation was being born. He harkens back to the covenant God made with his people at Sinai and his guiding them through the wilderness. Though God punishes his people for their sins, he continues to love them, care for them, and guide them. God carries on his gracious work of salvation. Lesson 1: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 God placed parents in authority over their children and those who honor their parents will be blessed by God. Lesson 1: Isaiah ...
... Ida and Clyde had discovered. None of them could remember exactly what Jim had said to them in his counseling or in his sermons, but Clyde and Ida told Jim that he had really helped them by just being there and listening. Both thanked him for his continual presence through the toughest part of their married life, and for his guidance and help for the children. "That's why Sara wanted you to marry her," Ida said. "You stood by her when we had our troubles." As Jim was saying "goodnight" at his car, Clyde ...
... with Christ. It is quite another to stay on that walk with him. That was the problem which the Apostles experienced. They had begun their walk with God through Christ. When he told them that he was going away, they did not know how they could continue the Christian walk without him. What they didn't remember was that the living Christ would return in the form of the Holy Spirit. The apostles felt lost and stranded. Have you ever gotten lost on a trip? Have you ever been stranded? Both of these experiences ...
... manner, but at a much deeper level, we are void if we are detached from Christ. We are called to remain attached to him. Otherwise, what has been accomplished is lost. What has been accomplished is still valid, but we personally lose the benefits of it if we do not continue to dwell in Christ. We don't have to do anything to make it valid; we have to do something to make it valid for us. We have to stay attached or dwell in Christ. Dwelling is everything. As a grape vine is invalidated by trying to live on ...
... be recited beginning with the first day of the month of Nisan. But the Bible says: "You shall tell your son on that day," (the fifteenth day of Nisan, the first day of Passover). One might infer "on that day" means in the daytime. But the verse continues: "I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt," namely in the evening, when the Matzah and Bitter Herbs are actually placed before you. In the beginning (before the days of Abraham), our forefathers were idol worshipers. God ...
... a tower in my vineyardand I need to know how much it will cost. Joseph: How high? How wide? On a hillside? Tell meall you can about it. Then I can let you know a price. Commentator: Joseph and the customer go over thedetails as young Jesus continues to rub with his hands thewood he is working on. Joseph: Thank you. I'll be back in a minute. Jesus: Did you hear about the tower that collapsedlast week? It killed three workers. Stranger: That was God punishing them. Jesus: Really? Stranger: Why else? Only bad ...