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Showing 4426 to 4450 of 5000 results

4426. Trinity

John 3:22-36, Matthew 28:16-20, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10, Exodus 34:1-28, Genesis 1:1-2:3

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Genesis 1:1-2:4a God the Father created the universe. In this first of two creation accounts, God, the first person of the Trinity, causes the entire universe to come into existence with humankind, made in God's image, as the crown of creation. How did he do it? By the power of his Word. How did he feel about his work? It was good. Old Testament: Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 God gives his people another chance. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 13:(5-10) 11-14 Paul concludes his ethical exhortations ...

4427. Proper 4

Genesis 6:1-8:22, Deuteronomy 11:1-32, Matthew 7:15-23, Matthew 7:24-29, Romans 3:21-31

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 We begin today a series of twelve readings from Genesis. It is a story of the Patriarchs from Noah to Joseph. The series lends itself to narrative and biographical sermons. The disadvantage is the length of the series. It may be difficult to maintain interest over twelve weeks. Old Testament: Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 Life or death depends on obedience to God's laws. Epistle: Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31) The righteousness of God is not received ...

4428. Proper 9

Gen 24:1-67, Zech 9:9-13, Rom 7:7-25; 8:1-17, Mt 11:1-19, 25-30

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 Isaac marries Rebecca. Abraham, being very old, was anxious to get Isaac a wife before he died, a wife from his own people. He sent a trusted servant to go back to his homeland to look for a wife. The servant succeeded in getting Rebecca, daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham's brother, Nahor. When Rebecca arrived, it was love at first sight. Epistle 1 – Zechariah 9:9-12 Jerusalem is promised that her king is coming to bring peace to the ...

4429. Proper 13

Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 8:28-39, Romans 9:1-29, Nehemiah 9:1-37, Isaiah 55:1-13, Genesis 32:22-32

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Lesson 1: Genesis 32:22-31 (C) Jacob wrestles with an angel. Jacob, with his family and herds, was on his way back to his parents' home. When he learned that Esau with 400 men were coming to him, Jacob was scared that Esau was coming to kill him. To appease Esau, he sent gifts in advance and then his servants, wives, and children. He remained at the end of the procession. Jacob spent the night in prayer as he wrestled with a man until he received a blessing. Lesson 1: Isaiah 55:1-3 (RC) God ...

4430. Proper 16

Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 11:33-36, Romans 12:1-8, Isaiah 51:1-16, Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 1:1-22

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Exodus 1:8-2:10 The birth of Moses. The story of the Patriarchs ended with Joseph's bringing the Hebrews to Egypt. In due time they multiplied until they became a threat to the Egyptians. The story of the Exodus begins with the birth of Moses who was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter. The next ten readings will take us from Moses' birth, to the release from Egypt, to the wilderness wanderings for forty years, to Moses' death. Old Testament: Isaiah 22:19-23 Worthy and unworthy leaders ...

4431. Proper 18

Exodus 12:1-30, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Ezekiel 33:1-20

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Exodus 12:1-14 The Passover feast is inaugurated. In preparation for leaving Egypt, Yahweh instituted the Passover. Each family was to roast a sheep or goat and eat unleavened bread. The blood of the animal was to be placed on the doorposts to keep the angel of death from entering their homes. This is to be an annual feast to remind the people of God's deliverance. Old Testament: Ezekiel 33:(1-6) 7-11 He who warns the wicked shall live. Epistle: Romans 13:8-14 Christians are to ...

4432. Lessons for Year A Proper 27

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 Joshua leads the people to renew the covenant. When Joshua took over the leadership, he called the people together before crossing the Jordan. At the end of his term, he again calls them together and calls upon them to get rid of pagan gods and serve Yahweh. The people swear they will serve only the Lord. Thereupon, the Mosaic covenant was renewed. Old Testament: Amos 5:18-24 Prepare for the day of the Lord by exceeding justice. Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:13- ...

4433. Proper 15

John 6:25-59, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Deuteronomy 8:1-20

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16 Moses reminds the Israelites of Yahweh's providence during the wilderness experience. Deuteronomy is the renewal of the Mosaic covenant during the reign of Josiah in the seventh century. The Sinai covenant is applied to a new age. The book consists of Moses' farewell address to people who are about to enter Canaan. They are warned of coming temptation, the possibility of forgetting their God, and are urged to remain faithful to the covenant. Today's ...

4434. The One Thing God Can Not Do

2 Timothy 1:1-2:13

Sermon

King Duncan

I don’t know about you, but one of the constants in my life is time spent with God. I depend on time spent in prayer. I lean heavily on the belief that God loves me and that God responds to my concerns. However, suppose when I went to God, I got God’s voice mail instead? Suppose I got an automated voice saying: “Thank you for calling My Father’s House. Please select one of the following four options: Press 1 for a request. Press 2 to give thanks. Press 3 to complain. For all other inquiries, press 4.” So I ...

4435. Road Rage

Matthew 3:1-12

Sermon

Susan R. Andrews

When our children were small, a nice church lady named Chris made them a child-friendly creche. All the actors in this stable drama are soft and squishy and durable - perfect to touch and rearrange - or toss across the living room in a fit of toddler frenzy. The Joseph character has always been my favorite because he looks a little wild - red yarn spiking out from his head, giving him an odd look of energy. In fact, I have renamed this character John the Baptist and in my mind substituted one of the ...

4436. Demonstrating the Divine

John 1:10-18

Sermon

Susan R. Andrews

For almost fifty years I have lived comfortably within the church. And for almost fifty years I have loved the church. I still remember sitting in the pew, a small child of three or four - dwarfed by big shoulders embracing me on every side. I loved the music - the grand soaring chords of the organ. I loved the windows and the colors, the flowers and soft cushions. I loved the warm, full voice of the preacher and I loved the hushed silence - a silence that made me feel like I was part of something special ...

4437. God's Delight

Matthew 3:13-17

Sermon

Susan R. Andrews

Once upon a time a student approached his teacher and announced that he was ready to assume the office of ministry. "And what are your qualifications?" the teacher asked. "I have mastered the art of physical discipline," the student replied. "I am able to sleep on the ground, to eat nothing but raw grains, and I can carry huge loads on my back." The teacher took the young man by the arm and led him toward a field. "Do you see the mule? He too sleeps on the ground, eats nothing but grains, and can bear ...

4438. Visions and Voices

Matthew 17:1-9

Sermon

Susan R. Andrews

I don't know about you, but I envy Moses and Peter and James and John. I envy Joseph and Mary and Abraham and Sarah and Paul and Jacob - all the biblical folk who see visions and dream dreams and are swept into the palpable presence of God. And I particularly envy the many parishioners I have known over the years who have shared their holy experiences with me. Jeanne Grimm's blinding moment of light when a dazzling Jesus stood by her death bed. A widow's glimpse of her beloved after his death, once again ...

4439. Building Our Foundation on God

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Sermon

Richard Gribble

"I'd sell my soul to play for the Washington Senators." Joe Hardy, the protagonist in the popular Broadway musical, Damn Yankees, says these words in a fit of frustration. Joe is what we call today an average middle-aged couch potato. He sits in front of his television and watches baseball and most of the time his beloved team, the Senators, are defeated by "those damn New York Yankees." Joe always wanted to play ball but things just did not work out that way. Marriage, children, and work occupied the life ...

4440. Through the Lens of God

John 4:5-42

Sermon

Richard Gribble

One day a man told a story which touched the hearts of all. He began, "I was a timid, frail, lost, and lonely six-year-old child when I first arrived at the farm in Georgia. I would have remained that way had it not been for an extraordinary woman. She lived on the farm in a small two-room cabin where her parents resided when they were slaves. To any outsider she simply appeared as any other African-American on the farm, but to those who knew her, she had a spiritual force whose influence was felt ...

4441. Jesus Cures Our Spiritual Blindness

John 9:1-41

Sermon

Richard Gribble

Anne Mansfield Sullivan was a miracle worker who overcame obstacles in seeking to assist others. Partially blind from birth, she managed to overcome this handicap and graduated from the prestigious Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. The miracle of Anne Sullivan's life, however, had very little to do with her own handicap, but it had everything to do with the multiple handicaps of a young girl. The miracle began to be manifest on March 2, 1887, when twenty-year-old Anne Mansfield Sullivan met six-year- ...

4442. Will You Give Christ Your Supper?

Matthew 14:13-21

Sermon

Stephen M. Crotts

The world scene today is as frightening and desperate, as needy and inexplicable as I've ever seen it. There is a bewildering global economy that's sucking jobs overseas and lengthening unemployment lines. India and Pakistan are on the brink of war and armed with nuclear warheads. There is a threat of terrorism in every subway, stadium, and cockpit. A younger generation is adorned with spiked hair and grunge clothing; they are pierced, painted, and ready to party. Add that to Korea's intransigence, Africa' ...

4443. The Incomparable Christ

Matthew 16:13-20

Sermon

Stephen M. Crotts

While sightseeing in Boston last fall, I entered the narthex of a church building. Much to my surprise I discovered a gallery of marble busts, images of some of history's great leaders. Socrates and Aristotle were there. So was Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, Shakespeare, Confucius, Moses, Mohammed, and Christ. I personally found the display troubling, mainly because Jesus was just one of the crowd. And that just isn't historically or theologically accurate! For you see, Christ is so unique ...

4444. Do You Get It?

Matthew 16:21-28

Sermon

Stephen M. Crotts

"Is that really necessary?" It's a question that we may ask when something unpleasant or disturbing has been said or done. If someone brings up a topic like capital punishment or abortion at the dinner table, you might ask rhetorically, "Is that really necessary?" In that situation it probably isn't, but there are times when such issues do have to be discussed. We can't always insist on keeping things light and comfortable. When somebody does refuse to face some of the tough realities of the world, we ...

4445. As Long As It Is Day!

Matthew 18:21-35

Sermon

Stephen M. Crotts

French author Victor Hugo has a short story titled, "93." In the midst of this tale a ship at sea is caught in a terrific storm. Buffeted by the waves, the boat rocks to and fro, when suddenly the crew hears an awesome crashing sound below deck. They know what it is. A cannon they are carrying has broken loose and is smashing into the ship's sides with every list of the ship. Two brave sailors, at the risk of their lives, manage to go below and fasten it again, for they know that the heavy cannon on the ...

4446. A Guide to Christmas

Matthew 21:23-32

Sermon

Stephen M. Crotts

If you talk about the blind and guides you are talking about seeing-eye dogs. If you discuss Alpine mountains and climbing, you must think of a Swiss guide. If you are ignorant and in college, your guide is a professor. So it is with foreign lands and tour guides, taxes and tax consultants. But what of Christmas? I think many of us feel that Christmas is so easy to find that we don't need a guide. Yet, let me remind you that there were few that found their way to the first nativity. In fact, most missed it ...

4447. God, The Venture Capitalist?

Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon

Stephen M. Crotts

Epistemology is the study of knowledge. How does one know anything? How can I know what is true? One means of knowledge is reason. Two plus two equals four is an equation of reasonability. The Bible says, "The wisdom from above is ... open to reason" (James 3:17). The discipline of apologetics is the use of reason to defend the faith. Experience is a second means of knowledge. I know fire burns because I touched it! The blind man Jesus healed was being harassed by the Pharisees over Christ restoring his ...

4448. Christmasize Your Life

Isaiah 11:1-16

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

(This first section is meant for you to personalize for your own context. Find local parallels to the following images, and provide pictures - if possible - of local landmarks for your people to see in a new way.) Washington State is evergreen country. In some parts of the world like the Pacific Northwest, deciduous trees are but random presences in nature. That's why this stretch of interstate was so striking. Driving along the freeway on a grey November afternoon, we passed an unnaturally large expanse ...

4449. The Man in the Tree

Luke 19:1-10

Sermon

King Duncan

There is something odd about the sight of a grown man up in a tree. The Reuters news service carried a story sometime back about a Polish man who climbed a tree to avoid a taxi fare which totaled just a few dollars. Pursued by the irate taxi driver, the passenger climbed a tall tree, jumped from branch to branch and hurled bananas from a shopping bag at a crowd which soon gathered at the scene. More than a dozen firefighters were called in and spread out an air-bag under the tree as a police psychologist ...

4450. A Cubed Community

Matthew 18:15-20

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

One of actor/comedian/educator Bill Cosby's greatest old comedy routines is "Noah." Cosby replays the conversation between God and Noah as the Divine tells the clueless human about his watery plans and the need for an ark. True to Genesis 6:15-16, God tells Noah to build this boat with specific instructions: "the length of the ark three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits." Noah listens to all God's instructions with a stunned grin frozen on his face. Then finally sums up ...

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