Acts 5:17-42, Revelation 1:4-8, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-31
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... lock foe nor friend out. 2. Peace (vv. 19, 21, 26). Three times Jesus greets his followers with "Shalom." It was more than a casual greeting such as "Hello." The men were in need of peace. They were troubled and worried about their future. Peace is a gift and not an attainment nor a product to be purchased. Peace is the result of a harmonious relationship in which both parties are one. 3. Breathe (v. 22). As God breathed into Adam and he became a living soul, Jesus breathes upon the Disciples. The Hebrew ...
Luke 3:21-38, Luke 3:1-20, Isaiah 43:1-13, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 8:9-25, Acts 10:23b-48
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... worshipers really know what is happening? It is difficult for us to realize, understand, and appreciate visible realities. Outward symbols are helpful in knowing what is happening at baptism. Outline: Look and know -- a. Water -- the seal of the covenant. b. Dove -- the gift of the Spirit. c. Voice -- the acceptance as a child of God. Lesson 1: Isaiah 43:1-7 1. You are no orphan! Isaiah 43:1. Need: Conditions in the world separate families. War, divorce, separation, and hunger leave many children without a ...
... . Isaiah and Peter are called to God's service in different ways. Yet there are similarities: a vision of divine greatness, a sense of sin and unworthiness, and a clear mandate to serve God. Lesson 2 continues the series from 1 Corinthians; the subject shifts from the gifts of the Spirit to the Gospel of the resurrection. As usual, the Psalm (Psalm 138) is related to Lesson 1 "Though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly." The prayer has in mind Isaiah's experience, "eyes to see and ears to hear." The hymn ...
... to do this when we come to the Lord's Supper. a. Then and now -- vv. 5, 9. 1. Few in number vs. a mighty, populous nation -- v. 5. 2. Bondage and affliction vs. promised land -- vv. 6-9. b. An appropriate response -- v. 10. 1. Confession -- v. 5. 2. Gifts -- v. 10. 3. Worship -- v. 10. 2. The cries of a people (26:6) -- "Then we cried to the Lord ..." Compare the Second Lesson: "Every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved ..." Consider the cries of today's people: a. Cry of hunger and ...
Philippians 3:12-4:1, Genesis 15:1-18, Luke 13:31-35, Jeremiah 26:1-24
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... man's, message of doom. Jeremiah could say, "Don't blame me, blame God." Jeremiah's message of doom resulted from his obedience to God v. 8. What is God saying today through the preacher that we oppose? Do we object to the teaching of a tithe as a minimal gift to God? Do we reject the idea of loving one's enemies? Do we resist the message that a plague will come upon us lest we repent? Do we resent this open and frank criticism of our wayward ways? Is the preacher just letting off steam or is he expressing ...
... cannot change for the better. 2. Sinless he cannot change for the worse. b. What does a changeless Christ mean to us? 1. Truth is changeless his teachings are applicable in every age. 2. Atonement his love for us shown on the cross is constant. 3. Promises always good: gift of the Spirit, his return to judge, his preparation of a place for us in heaven. WORSHIP RESOURCES Psalm Of The Day: Psalm 81:1, 10-16 "O that my people would listen to me." (v. 13a) Prayer Of The Day: "O God, we thank you for your Son ...
Philemon 1:8-25, Philemon 1:1-7, Jeremiah 18:1--19:15, Luke 14:25-35
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... apostle, Paul could order Philemon to forgive Onesimus and take him back. He could have kept Onesimus with him as a servant and disciple, but he would not do it without Philemon's consent. Paul did not want any favor given by "compulsion." When a favor or gift is given, it is not of any merit unless it is free and cheerfully given on one's own accord. 3. Brother (v. 16). To Paul Onesimus was his child, but to Philemon he was to be his brother. Note the radical change Christ makes in relationships. Onesimus ...
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Haggai 2:1-9, Luke 20:27-40
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... to heaven. He said, "Those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age ..." Because one is a human does not mean eternal life or heaven for every person. Only those accounted worthy to "attain" this privilege go to heaven. Christians attain this privilege not by character, gifts, or good works, but by faith in Christ who alone gives eternal life. 3. Living (v. 38). Jesus said that God is not God of the dead but of the "living." Life after death is a reality even though many do not believe there is life ...
... The gospel is a "given," a revelation from God. This is then God's eternal truth worthy of full acceptance. Outline: The gospel comes to us a. Not by research - a discovery of the truth b. Not by reason - a list of logical propositions c. But by revelation - a gift from above 2. Is There a Plan for Your Life? 1:15-16. Need: It is obvious that many lives are in confusion because they sense no purpose or plan for their lives. The old traditional position that God has a separate plan for each life has largely ...
Luke 9:57-62, Galatians 5:16-26, 2 Kings 2:1-18, Luke 9:51-56
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... Naomi. One is reminded of Jesus' asking Peter three times, "Do you love me?" There is a beautiful example of faithfulness and loyalty to another human being. 2. Ask (v. 9). Since Elisha would not leave Elijah, the latter asked Elisha what he could give him as a parting gift. Elisha is in the same position Solomon was when God asked him what he wanted. Elijah was not going to give him what he thought he needed. To ask is to indicate that you want it and will receive it. If we are given something we did not ...
... ; for we who knew and loved N. can only cry forth on this day the feeling deep down in our hearts: "Thank you, God, for giving us N. as long as you did!" Thank you for N.'s life. Thank you for N.'s love. Thank you for N.'s gifts. Thank you for N.'s ____________. We thank you, God, for giving us N., for as long as you did. That story reminds me of a passage from Habakkuk, which I think is the ultimate Thanksgiving Week scripture reading. The prophet writes: Though the fig tree does not blossom, and ...
... . Continue your patience with us until we are mature in your love and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. DECLARATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS Hear the Good News! We are not only baptized with water, but with the Holy Spirit. God has given us the same gift that he gave the apostles when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Friends, believe the Good News! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. EXHORTATION Jesus has given us a new commandment: "Love one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that ...
... to ourselves and others when Jesus calls us to bear an easy yoke and carry a light burden, for his sake. Amen. DECLARATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS Hear the Good News! Jesus says: Set your troubled heart at rest, and banish your fears. Peace is my gift to you. Friends, believe the Good News! In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. EXHORTATION Heed the word that God speaks through the Living Word, Jesus. Heed the word the Spirit teaches, calling to your mind the teaching of Jesus. In this way show your love for ...
... victories you have won and have yet to win until the day of his re-appearing. Accomplish the purposes of your love established before the creation, uniting us as one, as you are one, the Transcendent, The Incarnate, The Universal. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Your gift of life is priceless, living One. We cannot repay nor match your generosity, but we can testify to your goodness through the church and personally, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. PSALM 97 The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the ...
CALL TO WORSHIP You are the body of Christ, member for member. Strive after the better gifts...I will show you a still more excellent way. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Living Designer, you have created the church to be one body with many members working together under the control of the head, Jesus Christ. Forgive us if we have acted toward anyone as if they did not matter, ...
... our failings, for kindness in our weak moments, for praise when we have done our best, for forgiveness without counting the times, for those who go with us when the going gets rough, for those who trust us again after we have abused their trust. For all gifts of love, we thank you, and especially that your love for us is stronger than death. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Loving God, we respond to you with such love as we have. Without our heart's love, our most generous offering, and even martyrdom, would not ...
... practice, not merely respecting our enemies, but actually loving them and praying for them as Jesus did. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Life Giver, life Sharer, life Sustainer, many of us have experienced the nearness of death and give thanks for your restorative gifts of healing and health. Especially when life is uncertain, we rejoice in your constant love and in the tender affection of our closest family and friends. When we have been wronged, we are happy again when justice has been brought about. Most ...
... of the Spirit. We are varied in our strengths but you are the source of all goodness that we may manifest. All praise to, Planter of gardens, Builder of the Church, Nourisher of souls. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION We would worship you, O God, with our best gifts of words and music, with our most intense attention and serious intentions, with our thoughtful contributions and our careful service, in Jesus' name. Amen. PSALM 92:1-4, 12-15 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O ...
... Israel, worshipped you in the presentation of the first part of the harvest, so may we your people of Christ's church, worship you in the presentation of our offerings, remembering also the ministers, and those of the poor in this and every land who look to us for the gifts that we share, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PSALM 91:1-2, 9-16 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust ...
... life and suffering of Jesus and rejoice in the glory that now is his and which one day he will share with all who are willing to share his suffering; through the same Jesus Christ your Son and our Intercessor. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION In themselves our gifts are lifeless, living God, but they are a portion of our livelihood. Accept these offerings of obedient service in honor of your name and for the benefit of our neighbors in the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PSALM 27 The LORD is my light ...
... to caring for your creation with all the wisdom you will give us in experience. We praise your wisdom, power, and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Receive the offerings we bring, O God, and sanctify them to the holy purpose of proffering your spiritual gifts to all who desire them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PSALM 63:1-80 God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have ...
Luke 10:25-37, Psalm 82:1-8, Amos 7:10-17, Colossians 1:1-14
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... . We rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus as first-born from the dead. He is the head of the church whom we revere in worship and in daily service. We glorify you, O Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler of a fractious world. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION Use our gifts, gracious God, to bind up the wounded, to anoint the unnoticed with blessing, and to provide the sacraments for the church through Jesus our Savior. Amen. PSALM 82:1-8 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he ...
... world, the media which bring us good news as well as bad and sad. We celebrate your presence wherever and with whomever we are in the communion of the Holy Spirit and all saints through Jesus Christ. Amen. Prayer of Dedication Let these offerings and all our gifts for strangers be made in the awareness that you are here as well as in the place of need, the hospital, the prison, the lonely room, that our giving may be more fully appropriate, given reverently and in love. Amen. Psalm 52 (a psalm of judgement ...
Luke 11:1-13, Colossians 2:6-23, Psalm 85:1-13, Hosea 1:1-2:1
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... in the faith you were taught and let your hearts overflow with thankfulness. PRAYER OF THE DAY Divine Giver, you give us what is good for us. You have given us Christ and the Holy Spirit. We want to be more responsive to those gifts, with prayerful concern for others. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Infinite God, God embodied in Christ, God embodied in the church, we worship you with deep reverence. We are mystified by your invisibility and by your infinity. We believe without really understanding that your ...
... of sharing our plenty with others. You are patient and kind to prepare us to live together in peace in the heavenly city; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer of Dedication Loving God, increase in us the kindliness that is blessed in the experience of sharing. Use our gifts to start the young on the right road so that even in old age they will not leave it. Use us also to call to your way those who have not yet found it or have wandered from it; through one who is the way, the truth and the ...