Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 4076 to 4100 of 4943 results

4076. The Persecuted

John 15:18-27

Sermon

John A. Terry

... God's will, and way through eternity, and the final promise that God's kingdom will come. One night after the porch of his home was bombed, Martin Luther King wrote, "To our most bitter opponents we say ... 'Do to us what you will, and we shall continue to love you ... throw us in jail, and we shall still love you. Bomb our homes and threaten our children, and we shall still love you. Send your hooded perpetrators of violence into our communities at the midnight hour and beat us and leave us half dead, and ...

4077. Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1-10

Drama

Jerry Eckert

... emperors or governors would blame Christians for all the world's problems. Things would get rough. People would disappear and not be seen again. Or their bodies would appear at a particular stone pile outside of town. They didn't touch my dad, because he continued to collect taxes. The revolutionaries apparently decided to let him alone because he was fair, even after they had killed his workers. I was about 35, and living in Antioch, when I heard that my parents had disappeared. I don't know what happened ...

4078. Paul, The Great Missionary

Philippians 1:1-11

Drama

Jerry Eckert

... According to recent studies by scholars, it appears that the apostle Paul was put in prison during his ministry in Ephesus. It was during the winter of 54-55 A.D., about a quarter century after the death of Jesus of Nazareth. While in prison, he continued to maintain contact with friends in the churches he helped start. He wrote a number of letters to places all over the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, and up into Turkey, a seaport area, across the Aegean Sea, southeast of Philippi, which is in Greece ...

4079. The Temptation of Christ

Mark 1:9-13

Sermon Aid

Richard A. Jensen

... heal and exorcize demons (1:32-34). And to make certain that the reader does not lose sight of the fact that it is just such activity that occupies Jesus during this phase of his ministry, Mark dots the pages of 1:14--8:26 with additional summary-passages: Jesus continues to preach (1:38-39), to call disciples (2:14; 3:13-19), to teach (2:13; 6:6b, 30-34; cf. 4:1- 2; 10:1), and to heal and to exorcize demons (1:39; 3:7-12; 6:53- 56).1 The structure of Mark is such that ...

4080. Peter's Confession, Christ's Prediction

Mark 8:27-30

Sermon Aid

Richard A. Jensen

... Jesus. "Get behind me, Satan!" What a powerful rebuke this is! Peter has clearly not understood what it means to be Messiah. Peter dreams of glory. When it's time to go the mountain of Transfiguration with Jesus, Peter basks in the glory and pleads that it might continue. Peter says to Jesus: " 'Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' He did not know what to say, for they were terrified" (Mark 9:5-6). Terrified. Afraid. Once again ...

4081. Feeding the 5000

Mark 6:30-44

Sermon Aid

Richard A. Jensen

... hearts are hardened. After the feeding story in Mark 8 we hear the Pharisees asking for a sign. Somehow they missed the point! We all miss the point at times! And again Jesus gets in the boat with the disciples. He grills them about the numbers. Their hearts continue to be hardened. The sermon can conclude with speculation about our response to the bread stories. Today it's our turn to be fed at the Shepherd's table. How shall we leave this table? Will our hearts be good soil or rocky ground? Flesh out this ...

4082. Outsiders and Insiders: A Gospel Surprise

Mark 9:38-41

Sermon Aid

Richard A. Jensen

... three episodes that focus in different ways on the proper treatment of weak or disenfranchised people: the alien exorciser (9:38-41), the "little ones" (9:42-50), and the divorced wife (10:2-12). The element of the inclusio itself dramatizes the disciples' continuing waywardness.2 There is another possible way of setting today's text in its broader narrative context. The man casting out demons(10:38) is clearly an outsider. The first word we heard in Mark's Gospel about outsiders is in the Parable of ...

4083. Parables of Growing Seeds

Mark 4:30-34, Mark 4:26-29

Sermon Aid

Richard A. Jensen

... the earth. And yet there is hope! Seed that is sown will spring forth and blossom even a hundredfold! A host of contemporary questions come to mind: In the light of Jesus' bringing the kingdom near ... Why is there still war and rumors of war? Why do humans continue to do great harm to the environment? Why is hate lodged so deep in human hearts? Why do human relationships constantly fall apart? Why do I suffer? Add your own items to this list. We are tempted to reject Jesus in light of these and many other ...

4084. A Lack of Faith

Mark 6:1-6

Sermon Aid

Richard A. Jensen

... path or seed sown on rocky ground? Jesus left Nazareth and went on a preaching tour. On tour he called to himself the twelve and sent them out in mission. Are the twelve sent out because they are men of great faith? Hardly. And their hardness of heart will continue to grow! What kind of role models are the twelve anyway? But, in spite of their seeming lack of understanding and fear (Mark 4:40-41), the twelve are sent on a mission to do what Jesus does in his mission. When they return from their sojourn they ...

4085. Epiphany Day

Matthew 2:1-12

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... lesson. He or she comes forward, stands facing the worshipers, and recites the text from memory. When the young person reaches verse 6, he or she could unroll a scroll and read the prophecy of Micah from the scroll. Then, at verse 7, the young person continues reciting the text from memory. Responses to the Word Make this a Sunday when people are encouraged to give special gifts to the Lord. Announce this well ahead of the day, so people can consider what they will give. Invite the people to lay their gifts ...

4086. Holy Thursday / Maundy Thursday

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... ourselves. Ldr: And when Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet, a part of each one of us joined him in that rejection. Cng: We have all resisted the new hierarchy of Jesus, where those who are greatest become loving servants to all.(Continue in silent prayer.) Ldr: Even though Jesus' disciples betrayed him, had no heart for serving others, and resisted his example, Jesus' glory shines because he still loved them and gave his life for them. And now, children, just as Jesus washed the first disciples, he ...

4087. Fifth Sunday of Lent

John 12:20-36

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... to disagree with you, but it seems to me that anyone who gives his life to save someone else's is a pretty heroic person. Terry: Dying was no big deal to Ken. He had done it so many times before. (She reflects for a moment, and then continues.) The first time was probably the hardest. Those landlords were terribly cruel to us. It nearly destroyed Ken to see how much those people had hurt me, but God picked us up and put us both back together again. (Don enters from behind Terry while she is talking.) And ...

4088. Our Souls Will Never Be Hungry Again

John 6:25-59

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... to Pilgrims Given When Jesus Died to Save Us Reading the Scripture Use the refrain from the hymn "You Satisfy the Hungry Heart" as a response to the gospel lesson. Have someone read verses 24-27. Then have the worshipers sing the refrain. The reader continues with verses 28-32, and the worshipers sing the refrain again. The reader concludes with verses 33-35, and the worshipers sing the refrain one more time. Ask someone who knows how to lead chanting to lead the choir in chanting this lesson. Have someone ...

4089. AUGUST 14-20

John 6:25-59

Sermon Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... chapter of John. Jesus' last supper has to be included, of course. Also include his communion with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), and the communion at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14). The book of Acts tells us how the church continued to experience Christ as they broke bread together (Acts 2:37-47, 20:7-12, and 27:33-38). There may also be some very memorable communions in the more recent history of the congregation that might be included in such a medley. The gospels tell us of many ...

4090. Spirit and Life

John 6:25-59, John 6:60-71

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... The teaching of Jesus is difficult. Many hear it and turn away from following.But you are still here, because you believe Jesus is the Holy One of God, who has the words of eternal life.And because you believe, the life Christ offers is in you.May you continue in faithfulness, and be raised up on the last day. Amen. HYMNS AND CHORUSES Around You, O Lord Jesus Become to Us the Living Bread Break Thou the Bread of Life Bread of Heaven on Thee We Feed Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Here, O My Lord, I ...

4091. Who Do You Say I Am?

Mark 8:27-30

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... of what I believe, and I am not ashamed that Jesus Christ is my Savior. Blessing Leader: Can you follow someone whom important people reject? A lot of people do not want anything to do with Jesus, and some of them will make your life very difficult if you continue to follow the one we call Christ. People: Jesus, we willingly take up this cross. Leader: If you follow Christ, you will lose you life. People: We give our lives for the one who gave his life for us. Leader: And Jesus will lift up your life, and ...

4092. Taking Christ's Side

Mark 9:38-41

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... using your name, because they do not follow us.Remind us again of Jesus' words, "Whoever is not against us is for us. "Like scribes and Pharisees, we have drawn a circle to keep others out; but Jesus drew a larger circle and brought others in.(Continue in silent prayer.)Brothers and sisters, there are those who would exclude us from the fellowship of Christians; but Jesus called us by name, sacrificed his life for our forgiveness, and sent us to proclaim the same good news to others. You are claimed, you ...

4093. Son of David, Open Our Eyes

Mark 10:46-52

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... of the signs you provide. We often cannot see people's needs, nor recognize justice. We fall behind because we cannot see ahead. Our eyes cross with our constant infighting. Congregation: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Let us see again.(Continue to pray silently.) Leader: Take heart, brothers and sisters. Stand up on your feet. (The worshipers should stand.) Jesus is calling you. Your prayers are heard, and your faith has made you well. Open your eyes. Open your minds. Open your hearts. And your ...

4094. Loving God with Our Whole Being

Mark 12:28-34

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... have neglected your inspirations. Forgive what we have been; help us to amend what we are; and in your Spirit direct what we shall be; that you may come into the full glory of your creation, in us and in all the people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.(Continue to pray silently.)Hear the good news. "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in ...

4095. MAY 29-JUNE 4

Mark 2:1-12

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... . We rob you of our worship, and cheat our families and friends. We prove ourselves to be sinful and rebellious children.God who wants the best for your children, forgive our rebellion and take away our sin. Give us good hearts that produce faithful lives.(Continue in silent prayer.)The God who wants the best for all of us does not operate from a list of rules and regulations. If God did that, there would be no hope for anyone.Instead, God operates from a love-filled heart. Every decision, every judgment ...

4096. Christmas 2

Matthew 25:31-46

Bulletin Aid

RobertT D. Ingram

... into dialogue with this text by singing individual verses of the chorus "Alleluia." Have a person begin reading the gospel lesson, and then pause after reading verse 47. At this point the congregation sings the first verse of "Alleluia." Then the reader continues until verse 49 is read. Again the reader pauses and the congregation sings the second verse of "Alleluia" (He's my Savior). The reader then finishes reading the gospel lesson, and the congregation sings the final verse of "Alleluia" (I will praise ...

4097. A Solitary Witness

Mark 6:14-29

Sermon

Leonard H. Budd

... . He replied that he did not wish to be guilty of any injustice, he could not take even the slightest part in it. They left the prison and Berlin with the assurance that he was happy to have come so far without weakening, and that he was confident he could continue so to the end. The court's sentence was fulfilled. Franz Jagerstatter was beheaded. He was not yet 37 years old. The date was August 9, 1944. Just before his death, he wrote, "I am convinced that it is best that I speak the truth even if it costs ...

4098. How Can We Restore the Christian Home?

Mark 10:1-12

Sermon

Donald Macleod

... is, God is. And the home where such a reality is cherished will be a fruitful soil for the growth of mutual love, honesty, and respect. The Christian home, however, is not an end in itself. There is a creativity in Christian love. If it is genuine, there is a continuity that goes on and on. When our children go out into the world to make their own homes, what will they most remember? If they have seen goodness in their parents' home, they will not be likely to doubt or scorn it in their own. If they have ...

4099. What Does Jesus Expect of Us?

Mark 8:27-38

Sermon

Donald Macleod

... ? 1. Jesus expects us to see Christianity in the light of his person. For many people today religion is no more than what they can get out of it. There is a religion of self-centeredness published from many Christian pulpits in these days, and blandished continually by televangelists over the tube. Its sales talk is: expand confidence in your own self and capture fame and fortune as your reward and prize. Even those who claim to be most "orthodox" err in making the fruits of religion something for one's own ...

4100. Mission Ready!

Mark 6:7-13

Sermon

Charles R. Leary

... inspires, informs, and moves onward with hope. That is the way Jesus taught the Twelve to work at it. The Western Cowboy gave similar advice to his men, “Move on slowly!” And the gentle and persuasive boss said to his tired men who were tempted to quit, “Just continue on ...” That is the way life is. You and I are blessed with being inheritors of life and faith. A good athlete or bowling league member would say, “You and I carry the ball, baby!” It’s up to us to put the Jesus kind of vitality ...

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