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Showing 4251 to 4275 of 4489 results

4251. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Paul spends considerable time in 1 Corinthians on the topic of food. Chapters 8-11 all look at the use and abuse of such a humble human necessity when it provides a symbolic means of dining with the divine. This week's epistle text lies midway through his discussion. In chapter 10 Paul begins by reaching back into Hebrew history to show how the fickle tendencies of the human spirit can undo the exquisite acts of love and deliverance God may perform. Paul spends the first four verses citing some of the most ...

4252. Luke 10:25-37

Luke 10:25-37

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

All of this quarter's Gospel readings are from Luke - a fact that makes focusing on any of the other weekly texts quite difficult, for Luke is one of history's most masterful storytellers. Thoroughly steeped in Jewish Scripture, Luke's descriptions are so vital, his characters so pungent, his scenes so artfully set, that our whole being is drawn into the flair and fascination of these stories. It is no surprise that Luke's Gospel is most commonly read at Christmas, or that our most beloved parables are ...

4253. Mark 9:2-9

Mark 9:2-9

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The "Transfiguration" event is recorded in the other two synoptic gospels (Luke 9:28-36 and Matthew 17:1-8) as well as in the epistle 2 Peter 1:16-18. But both the brevity and focus of Mark's gospel make the miracle of "Transfiguration" a crucial step in the text's revelation of Jesus' identity and mission. Mark's description of the Transfiguration offers a tantalizing glimpse into the true nature of the Messiah. Although the events about to unfold will powerfully testify to Jesus' divine identity, the ...

4254. 1 Peter 3:18-22

1 Peter 3:18-22

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The epistle text for this week has been examined, probed, dissected, allegorized and argued about by biblical scholars since the days of Augustine. Ironically, the main focus of this text is usually not the primary interest of scholarly inquiries. The epistle writer is making a case for Christians to endure suffering while remaining righteous. The writer naturally turns to Christ himself as the ultimate example of suffering for righteousness' sake. But as the writer continues to develop this theme, he ...

4255. Luke 24:36b-48

Luke 24:36b-48

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

On this third week of Easter, the gospel lesson narrates the third appearance of the resurrected Jesus. Having first appeared to the women at the tomb and then to two Emmaus road travelers, Jesus now at last appears to all his gathered disciples. It is in this final appearance that the central theme that has run throughout Luke's gospel is once again made explicit. This risen Christ, the Messiah, is the fulfillment of God's plan and promise. The first verse claims a unique pedigree shared by only a small ...

4256. Mark 7:24-37

Mark 7:24-37

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The two healing stories for today have one thing in common: They easily rub readers the wrong way. Each of the stories has some aspect about it that we find disturbing to our sense of correctness. Accustomed to reading the gospel and being impressed by the divine power healings reveal, the stories of the Syrophoenician woman and the Decapolis deaf-mute don't quite measure up. The first healing miracle (vv.24-30) of today finds Jesus outside his usual Galilean haunts as he journeys to the boundary regions ...

4257. Luke 5:1-11

Luke 5:1-11

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Luke's version of Simon Peter's call relates it to an experience of both the words and works of Jesus. This unique combination of events is found only in Luke's text. Of course, Luke knew of and was influenced by the exceedingly abrupt "call" passage Mark relates in 1:16-20. With little fanfare, no miracles and few words, Jesus extends an invitation to "fish for people" to Simon and his brother Andrew, as well as James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Luke is not one to miss an opportunity to create as ...

4258. Luke 6:17-26

Luke 6:17-26

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

4259. Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

After Matthew records a flurry of miraculous healings and resuscitations (chapters 8 and 9), Jesus' mission to Israel, God's "lost sheep," would appear to be well underway. But at the conclusion of chapter 9 and the beginning of chapter 10, Matthew's Gospel finds Jesus, rather than celebrating any of these recent miracles, lamenting over what yet needs to be done. It is Jesus' overwhelming compassion for these "harassed and helpless" shepherdless sheep (9:30) that motivates this next step in his ministry. ...

4260. Romans 8:1-11

Romans 8:1-11

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

This week's epistle text covers significant topics - the status of the law, the essence of the incarnation, the baseness of humanity (but our aspiration for greater things), the presence of the Spirit, the miracle of the Resurrection, inklings of Trinitarian theology and the gift of everlasting life. In these few short verses Paul manages to pack some of the toughest, touchiest subjects in Christian theology. In Romans 7, Paul had focused on the negatives that infiltrate human life even when there is a ...

4261. Epiphany 6

2 Kings 5:1-27, 1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Mark 1:40-45

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: 2 Kings 5:1-14 Elisha was a prophet of Israel in the ninth century. He was known as a miracle worker among prophets. In the cleansing of Naaman, the Syrian general, Elisha is in the background that Yahweh might receive the glory. When Naaman humbles himself and obeys Elisha's directive to wash in the Jordan, he is healed. The passage brings to the forefront the superiority of Yahweh over the gods of Naaman and God's graciousness which is extended to Gentiles. Epistle: 1 ...

4262. Proper 14

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130:1-8, John 6:25, 41-51, Ephesians 4:25–5:2

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 130 First Lesson—King David mourns the murder of his rebellious son, Absalom. 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul mentions some daily specifics of morality that should reflect Christian faith. Ephesians 4:25–5:2 Gospel—The messianic claim of Jesus is expressed in the metaphor of heavenly manna. John 6:35, 41-51 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Await God’s presence and hope in God’s ...

4263. All Saints

Psalm 149:1-9, Daniel 7:1-3, 15-28, Luke 6:20-31, Ephesians 1:11-23

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 149 First Lesson—Despite visions of terror the prophet also had dreams of an eternal kingdom for the people of God. Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul celebrates our inheritance of glory with the royal Jesus. Ephesians 1:11-23 Gospel—Luke records the woes of Jesus declared against the rich as well as blessings for the poor. Luke 6:20-31 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Exult in glory, ...

4264. Lent 5

Psalm 126:1-6, Isaiah 43:14-28, John 12:1-11, Philippians 3:4b-14

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 126 First Lesson—The prophet cites past achievements of God on behalf of Israel as signs of hope for new things yet to come. Isaiah 43:16-21 Second Lesson—Paul as well as the prophet wants us to look ahead and reach ahead toward goals not yet reached. Philippians 3:4b-14 Gospel—The death of Jesus is imminent and his body is anointed with a costly perfume as a sign of love by Mary. John 12:1-8 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also ...

4265. Proper 7

1 Kings 19:1-8, Psalm 42:1-11; 43:1-5, Luke 8:26-39, Galatians 3:23-29

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalms 42 and 43 First Lesson—Elijah seeks to hear the voice of God in a variety of sounds in nature. 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7), 8-15a Second Lesson—Paul describes the role of law in bringing the baptized to the dignity of the children of God. Galatians 3:23-29 Gospel—The Creator and Healer also has the power to destroy his creation. Luke 8:26-39 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Come to God’s dwelling as to a beacon ...

4266. Proper 18

Psalm 139:1-24, Jeremiah 18:1-11, Luke 14:25-35, Philemon 1:1-21

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 First Lesson—The prophet declares the Creator’s privilege of breaking and remaking a flawed nation. Jeremiah 18:1-11 Second Lesson—Paul suggests that a slave may be freed by brotherhood. Philemon 1:1-21 Gospel—Jesus defines the absolute, bottom-line cost of discipleship. Luke 14:25-33 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Come and speak to our gracious Monarch, People: God listens to the prayers ...

4267. Proper 27

Psalm 98:1-9; 145:1-5, 17-21, Haggai 1:15b-2:9, Luke 20:27-40, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 98 [OR] Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 First Lesson—The prophet promised that the glories of the rebuilt temple will outshine the glories of the temple now in ruins. Haggai 1:15b-2:9 Second Lesson—The very antithesis of the Christ will come, warns the apostle Paul, before our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Gospel—Jesus answers the Sadducees’ question about the resurrection with a strong counter proposal. Luke 20:27-38 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus ...

4268. Second Sunday in Lent

Philippians 3:12-4:1, Genesis 15:1-18, Psalm 27:1-14, Luke 9:28-36, Luke 13:31-35

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 27 First Lesson—Strange signs accompany the promise of God to Abraham concerning the magnitude of his and Sarah’s posterity. Genesis 15:1-12, 17, 18 Second Lesson—Paul advocates the full appreciation of dual citizenship in earth and heaven and warns against the deadliness of gluttony. Philippians 3:17-4:1 Gospel—Jesus has friends even among the party which strongly criticizes him, through whom Jesus sends a satirical message to King Herod. Luke 13:31-35 [OR] Luke tells the story of ...

4269. Today's Man

Mark 6:30-34,53-56

Illustration

Richard Exley

Today's man is in constant danger of becoming enslaved by the very things that were suppose to make his life more convenient. Notebook computers, fax machines, pagers, and cellular phones threaten to take him hostage. No matter where he goes, his work goes with him. In truth, his time (his life) is not his own. Even if he could break free of the ever-encroaching demands of his career, his own responsibilities are enough to occupy his every waking moment, things like volunteer work at the church and civic ...

4270. Proper 28

Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123:1-4, Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 123:1-4 First Lesson - Deborah is a prophetess in Israel's tradition of male prophets. Judges 4:1-7 Second Lesson - Paul urges moral alertness in view of the uncertainty of the time of the reappearance of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Gospel - Jesus tells us that our responsibilities are in proportion to our opportunities. Matthew 25:14-30 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Make vows to our ...

4271. Eternity 101: The Final Exam

1 Corinthians 3:5-15

Sermon

James Merritt

Everyone who has ever gone to school, be it high school, college or graduate school knows that there are two words that can turn your stomach into a pretzel, make your mouth as dry as cotton, shoot your blood pressure through the roof and send your sweat glands into apoplexy. Those two words are the words – "final exam". I will never forget the final- final I ever took. It was my oral examination in front of my three supervisory professors in my doctorial program. I've never felt such pressure in my life, ...

4272. The Lord’s Supper

1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Sermon

James Merritt

What we are about to do today is observe an event that is 2000 years old, but that event is based upon another event that is 1000 years older than that. I take you back 3000 years to the land of Egypt to an event known to the Jewish nation as "Passover". The God appointed leader of the nation of Israel was a man named, Moses. God had instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh, who was the leader of the Egyptian nation and command him to allow the Hebrews (that is the Jewish people) to leave Egypt so they could ...

4273. Choose Life

Exodus 20:13

Sermon

James Merritt

If you ever travel to Florida on vacation you don't have to look very long until you will see license plates with the message "Choose Life." Several years ago, Marion County Commissioner, Randy Harris, was driving behind a vehicle with a specialty license plate, when he envisioned a Choose Life specialty license plate. It took a while for this to finally get through the legislature and for a republican governor to sign it into law. When it was approved, the license plate took off. Since November of 1999, ...

4274. Stewards of Power

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22

Sermon

Stan Purdum

Most days, the news carries stories that, in some way or other, involve the abuse of power. In recent years it has included financial abuses committed by top executives of major companies and abuse of Iraq detainees by U.S. prison guards, but there's almost always some sort of power abuse in the news. So here's a question for each of you: Do you think of yourself as a powerful person? Before you answer, let me be clear that I am not necessarily talking about having power on the scale of corporate CEOs or ...

4275. Keeping His Word

John 14:23-29

Sermon

Donald Charles Lacy

Keeping our word has a long and positive history in our nation. For generations, a man was known by whether or not he kept his word. His word was his bond. Deal after deal was made on that basis. The essentials of the business world found it always helpful and even necessary for commerce to run smoothly. Some of us can remember vividly how these agreements functioned. Woe be unto that man who did not keep his word! If it happened more than once or twice and there were no extenuating circumstances, he was ...

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