Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 4176 to 4200 of 4942 results

4176. Advent 2

2 Peter 3:1-18, Isaiah 40:1-31, Mark 1:1-8

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: Christ as our Shepherd King. Isaiah 40 has the Lord coming to save and comfort his dispossessed people. He comes as a mighty king who will rule his people in justice. At the same time, he is a loving shepherd, caring for his wounded sheep. The Old Testament held up the ideal of the king of Israel as a shepherd. In so doing the emphasis shifts from the desires of the king to the needs of the people. The Gospel Lesson from Mark 1 has John the Baptist pointing to this ruler who was mightier than ...

4177. Advent 3

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Isaiah 61:1-11, John 1:19-28, John 1:1-18

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme For The Day: Joy and anticipation concerning what God was about to do. Isaiah promises the oil of gladness (Isaiah 61:3) as God brings the captives of Israel back to their homeland. In Thessalonians, Paul charges the church always to rejoice (v. 16). In the Gospel, John delineates his message as pointing to the One who was to follow him: the One who would be much greater than he. All of these messengers were filled with a sense of joyful expectancy. The third Sunday in Advent has in some traditions ...

4178. Christ The King

John 18:28-40, 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Daniel 7:1-14, Revelation 1:1-3, Revelation 1:4-8

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: At this end of the Church year we pay homage to Christ as our king through his cross. COMMENTARY Old Testament: 2 Samuel 23:1-7 These words are purported to be the last words of King David, though some scholars think that it comes from a much later era. The introduction identifies him as: "King David, the son of Jesse ...a man raised on high." Like Jesus, he had a lowly beginning and exalted end. The passage is actually a song that raises the point that God blesses the people ruled by a righteous ...

4179. Easter 6

John 15:18--16:4, Acts 10:23b-48, 1 John 5:1-12

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: God calls his own and chooses those who are to live as his dear friends, regardless of our human categories and distinctions. COMMENTARY Lesson 1: Acts 10:44-48 (C); Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 (RC) The pericope for the Revised Common Lectionary features the outcome of Peter's encounter with Cornelius, the Roman Centurion. As Peter was explaining the gospel, the Holy Spirit came down on all the believers, including, for the first time, Gentiles. Since God had favored the Gentiles with the Holy ...

4180. Proper 16

John 6:25-59, John 6:60-71, 1 Kings 8:22-61, Ephesians 6:10-20

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: The difficulty of discipleship and of keeping God's covenant. COMMENTARY Lesson 1: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 (C) After completing the temple, Solomon has the ark of the covenant brought into the temple, accompanied by a solemn assembly of the people. The holy presence of the Lord appears as a cloud of smoke in the inner sanctuary. Solomon prays to Yahweh that he might listen to the prayers of his people which are offered in the temple, and that he might also heed the prayers which ...

4181. Proper 21

Mark 9:38-41, Esther 7:1-10, Esther 9:18-32, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:42-50

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: Providing a preserving and redemptive effect on the world. COMMENTARY Old Testament: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 The book of Esther, written about 460 B.C., makes no mention of God, worship, or prayer. It doubtless was included in the canon because it is sort of an Easter story concerning the Jewish people. The wicked Haman had laid plans for the genocide of the Jewish people. Mordecai catches wind of the plot and intercedes with his adopted daughter, Queen Esther, who intercedes with King Ahasuerus ...

4182. Proper 25

Hebrews 7:11-28, Job 42:7-17, Job 42:1-6, Mark 10:46-52

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: God in Christ is ever available to hear and heed our cries for mercy. COMMENTARY Old Testament: Job 42:1-6, 10-17 The story of Job comes to completion as the sufferer comes to acknowledge his own finitude and God's power. Job does not receive a direct answer to his questions but receives something better, the very presence of God. "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you" (v. 6). This verse contrasts knowledge of God from tradition with a more direct relationship of God ...

4183. Proper 5

2 Corinthians 4:1-18, 1 Samuel 8:1-22, Mark 3:31-35, Mark 3:20-30

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: Facing the enemy. God and his servants can expect opposition. In the First Lesson Samuel and the Lord experience flack because the people want a king. In the Second Lesson Paul continues to be pummeled by all sorts of enemies and by the weakness of his body. In the Gospel Jesus discovers that his opponents are not only the scribes but his own family, who regard him as crazy. COMMENTARY Lesson 1: 1 Samuel 8:4-20 (11:14-15) (C) The people plead with Samuel to obtain a king for them so that they might ...

4184. The Good, The Bad, And The Justified

Luke 18:9-14

Sermon

Larry R. Kalajainen

The famous actor Gregory Peck was once standing in line with a friend, waiting for a table in a crowded Los Angeles restaurant. They had been waiting for some time, the diners seemed to be taking their time eating and new tables weren't opening up very fast. They weren't even that close to the front of the line. Peck's friend became impatient, and he said to Gregory Peck, "Why don't you tell the maitre d' who you are?" Gregory Peck responded with great wisdom. "No," he said, "if you have to tell them who ...

4185. Forgiven!

John 12:1-11

Sermon

Lee Griess

On a recent religious talk show the hostess was interviewing a young woman who had just recently come to know Christ and had been received into the church. Until her recent conversion, she had lived on the wrong side of the tracks, lived in the fast lane, and teetered on the brink of destruction. So overwhelming was the sense of forgiveness that this young woman practically gushed with joy as she spoke. "I can't express," she said, "the sense of gratitude that I feel that God has changed my life." The talk ...

4186. Worship to Welcome the Prince of Peace

Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-20

Bulletin Aid

David M. Oliver

Introduction to this Service Many people struggle with having too much to do at Christmastime. The consequence is that we live harried lives in a season intended for us to welcome the Prince of Peace. People are invited to come to this worship bringing with them an attitude of openness and expectancy so as to experience God in new ways this Christmas. This service is intended to assist persons to let go of their frantic busyness and intentionally relax in the presence of God. As they relax, a "thin" place ...

4187. Gabriel: I Was There

Luke 1:5-25

Drama

Dr. Raymond Bailey

Theme: Salvation history is not a series of whimsical happenings. What happens is by design. The Biblical witness suggests not only a loving God, but cosmic evil forces in combat with the Almighty. The archangel Gabriel shares all this from the perspective of an "eyewitness." Setting for the Sermon Monologue [I have used this monologue on two occasions. The first time, I used it in slightly different form for Easter. The second time, I wrote it for Christmas. With slight modification, it could be used for ...

4188. A Quiet Man · Andrew

John 1:35-42

Sermon

Gordon Pratt Baker

Andrew was a quiet man. Perhaps growing up with his boisterous brother, Peter, helped to make him so. But one thing is sure. All Peter's attention-getting bluster notwithstanding, he could not match Andrew's talent for winning friends. It was a quality Andrew no doubt developed as a junior partner in his father Jonas' fishery where, side by side with men as hard-working as himself, he had frequently shared the frustration of empty nets (Luke 5:5) or the tedium of mending broken ones, (Matthew 4:21) in the ...

4189. Life As An Investment

Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon

Donald Dotterer

Let us pray: Gracious and eternal Father, we come before you this day seeking to make the most of the gifts which you have given us in life. Lord, as we now hear your word, may we learn how it is that we may serve you with all that we are. Lord, in these moments, grant us wisdom, understanding and peace. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. During the 1992 presidential campaign, one of the slogans which we heard frequently was ''invest and grow.'' The meaning of this phrase of course is that the government will ...

4190. Counting The Cost - Sacrifice

Luke 14:25-35

Sermon

Donald Dotterer

Let us pray: O God of love and glory, on this day we come to you asking that your Spirit might be with us as we consider the important decisions in life that we all must make. Lord, in these moments, may we feel your presence among us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. The major issue of the 1992 presidential campaign was the state of the American economy. Bill Clinton, George Bush and Ross Perot all offered different solutions to the problems of stalled economic growth and unemployment. It was the American ...

4191. Your Journey Of Life - A Wedding Ceremony

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sermon

Mark P. Zacher

For An Older Couple, Both Widowed Ecclesiastes 4:9-121 Corinthians 13; John 15:9-12 Family and friends of the bride and groom and especially you -- __________ and __________ -- on this your wedding day: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. The journey of life for both of you has taken some rather unexpected turns and detours. The path and the road has perhaps not gone exactly the way that you planned a number of years ago. But, because of the rough ...

4192. "The Scandal Of Disloyalty"

Psalm 62:1-12, Mark 14:66-72

Sermon

R. Sheldon MacKenzie

This is the last scene in which Peter is involved. As often happens throughout the gospel of Mark Peter is the representative disciple. He represents the other 10, maybe the whole 12.Until this time the other disciples were as much to blame as he was in their betrayals of Jesus. He had taken an oath, voluntarily, to stay with Jesus until death, if necessary. The others had said the same thing. The betrayal, when it came in the orchard, involved all of the disciples."They all forsook him and fled."As the ...

4193. Lent 1

Luke 4:16-30 · Psalm 103:1-13

Bulletin Aid

Jack Brownlee

ORDER OF SERVICE Opening Words L: Let us worship our Creator, the God of Love. P: God continually preserves and sustains us. L: We have been forgiven with complete understanding. P: Through Jesus Christ we have received the full love of God. Hymn "How Firm A Foundation" Prayer Of Confession (Unison) Forgive my sin and cover my transgression, O Lord. I acknowledge my sin and pray unto thee in a time when thou may be found. Thou art my hiding place, O God. I seek preservation in thy word. Encompass me with ...

4194. Lent 4

Luke 13:18-22 · Joel 2:12-19

Bulletin Aid

Jack Brownlee

ORDER OF SERVICE Opening Words L: Let us worship our Creator, the God of Love. P: God continually preserves and sustains us. L: We have been loved with an everlasting love. P: Through Jesus Christ we have been given complete knowledge of God's glory. Hymn "Are Ye Able" Prayer Of Confession (Unison) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness. According unto thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. I acknowledge my ...

4195. Words As Images

Sermon

Michael Rogness

... we are addressing a generation accustomed to acting primarily on visual stimuli ... In our modern age the preacher must therefore translate the biblical message into one that awakens all the senses, into words that cause a congregation also to see and feel and smell and taste. Otherwise the people listening may never hear the words in which the gospel is framed.15 -- Elizabeth Achtemeier The printed word communicates by a line of thought. Television communicates by images. Clearly we must use language ...

4196. Structure And Clarity

Sermon

Michael Rogness

I understand the stories the pastor told and thought they were interesting, but I couldn't see how the sermon fit together. -- A 15-year-old's comment during the writing of this book Many sermons with good material fall flat simply because the audience doesn't follow the flow of the message. With today's audience listening superficially with a short attention span, there are some basic principles one can use so that the sermon will be (a) heard, (b) understood and (c) remembered. Our View And Their View ...

4197. May I Take Your Order

John 6:1-15

Children's Sermon

Brett Blair

Exegetical Aim: Jesus as miracle worker. Props: Small flip notebooks or order pads along with pencils or crayons. There should be enough for all the children. Lesson: Good Morning! (response) Hand out the Pencils and Pads. I want you to look out at the congregation. Look at all the people out there. How many do you think there are? (response) That’s a lot! Look at them. Turn to a couple of the children. You see that look on their faces? We’ve got a problem. I think they’re all getting hungry. We have to ...

4198. The Best Surprises

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Aid

Clement E. Lewis

Instrumental Meditation A Hymn: "Sometimes A Little Surprises" (Let the hymn be played through as meditation music, after which the lyrics may be either sung or read.) Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12 and 4:9-11 (NRSV) When they had heard the king, they set out; and there ahead of them went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house they knelt down and paid him homage ...

4199. For Goodness Sake

Mark 10:17-31

Sermon Aid

Clement E. Lewis

Instrumental Meditation Something Worth Thinking About: There is so much good in the worst of us, And so much bad in the best of us, That it ill behooves any of us To find fault with the rest of us. -- Anonymous Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good .... Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. -- Romans 12:9, 21 The heart of a good man is the sanctuary of God. -- Madame Anne Germaine de Stael Hymn: "I Would Be True" Scripture: Mark 10:17-22 (NRSV) As he was setting out on a ...

4200. The Virtue Of Self-Management

Proverbs 3:1-35

Sermon Aid

Clement E. Lewis

Words Of Preparation from Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while he may be found,call upon him while he is near,let the wicked forsake his way,and the unrighteous their thoughts;let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them,And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. A Prayer Of Preparation (May be offered in unison) Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we ...

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