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Showing 426 to 450 of 747 results

426. Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... behaviors preached here are intended to be "useful for building up" and to "give grace" (v.29) to members of the church. To be "kind," "tenderhearted" and "forgiving" is the goal set for the Ephesian Christians. There is only one reason that the writer advocates such strict adherence to bodybuilding behavior. The church exists only because Christ has loved us, forgiven us and given himself up as a sacrifice for us. This is the reason all Christians are unified in Christ and why all believers must strive to ...

427. John 16:12-15

John 16:12-15

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... , Jesus offers words of warning: He predicts the world's hatred of his disciples because of their closeness to him and chosenness. But this closeness and chosenness also make possible a special gift Jesus' disciples will enjoy the coming of the "Advocate" (v.26). It is with the Holy Spirit's power that Jesus' world-battered followers will be transformed from victims into victors against the powers and principalities of the world. Despite the combative nature of the environment Jesus' disciples must inhabit ...

428. Colossians 1:15-28

Colossians 1:15-28

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... " (v.13) alone is the "firstborn," that "all things have been created through him and for him," and that "he himself is before all things" (vv.15-17). Such a claim flies directly in the face of the false teachers in Colossae who apparently advocated various astrological and cosmological doctrines. As remarkable as the claims are for the complete primacy of this cosmic Christ, the hymn makes an even more astounding assertion: that this supreme deity is found at the head of the church itself. Paul's familiar ...

429. Genesis 32:22-31

Genesis 32:22-31

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... of the word. Drawing on the other images of oaths taken by "put your hand under my thigh" (Genesis 24:2; 47:29), as well as on some possible grammatical indications, these scholars conclude that this fateful punch was delivered to Jacob's genitals. Advocates of this view see all sorts of procreative imagery in this blow, finding Jacob's future as the father of Israel dependent upon his submission to Yahweh and the divine plan. Still, this interpretation paints a pretty tawdry picture of God, a deity reduced ...

430. Romans 14:1-12

Romans 14:1-12

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

At the end of Romans 13, Paul had warned against giving in to "fleshly desires." This might have led some believers to assume the apostle was advocating an ascetic norm for life. But Paul's words in chapter 14 quickly dispel that conclusion, for here he makes clear that matters of food and drink and rigorously maintained schedules of discipline are actually matters of adiaphora - that is, "things indifferent" to the status of one's salvation. Instead, ...

431. Matthew 22:15-22

Matthew 22:15-22

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... support of the Roman state and would reject any religious figure that suggested otherwise. The Herodians are along for this ride to represent the interests of the civil authorities. Herodians supported the continued rule by those who descended from Herod and thus advocated maintaining the powerful presence of Roman rule in the country. If Jesus failed to support taxing the citizenry to prop up the Roman state, these Herodians would find a way to deal with him. In verse 16 these two antithetical groups come ...

432. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... cautions them not to "quench it" with an improper attitude. Instead of discounting all prophetic utterances out of hand, Paul urges the Thessalonians to seriously consider all prophesying. But if Paul is counseling for open minds, he is not advocating gullibility or blind acceptance. Biblical tradition reminds us that there have always been prophets of Ba'al as well as prophets of God. Therefore, Paul cautions the Thessalonians to "test everything" before accepting it as truth. This epistle lesson concludes ...

433. Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:26-38

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

434. James 1:17-27

James 1:17-27

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... law are the ones who go on to be the "doers who act." In the final two verses, James once again returns to his focus on the acerbic, abusive tongue as the greatest detractor to true religion, religion that is "pure and undefiled." As an advocate of the "doer," James offers curbing the tongue as a positive, definitive action Christians can "do" in order to bring their faith alive. The plea for compassion to "orphans and widows" is a similar command making those who are traditionally the weakest and most ...

435. Here I Stand

Mark 1: 21-28

Illustration

Maurice A. Fetty

When Martin Luther began publishing abroad his new teaching, the time came for him to take a stand and he took it. The gentle and scholarly Erasmus advocated many of the same ideas as Luther, but he had not the courage to take his stand so boldly. Scholars sometimes quip, somewhat inaccurately, that Luther hatched the egg Erasmus laid. Nevertheless, when Luther was called before all the ecclesiastical and political power of medieval Europe to answer for his ...

436. God Be With You All

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Sermon

Mike Ripski

... of images: Bread of Life, the Vine, Light in the darkness, the Good Shepherd, Living Water, the Word made flesh, the Way, Truth, and Life. C. Holy Spirit Similarly, we call the Holy Spirit by many names because no one name is adequate: Counselor, Advocate, Helper, Comforter, Breath of Life, Wind, Dove, Fire, Inspirer, Revealer. D. Mystery, Awe, and Humility The very name of God resists our control. It puts us in our rightful place. The result is humility. Not a haughty spirit, a prideful spirit, an arrogant ...

437. Jesus Radical Prescription

Matthew 5:21-26

Sermon

Mike Ripski

... denied always leaks out. It leaks out in sarcasm. In snide remarks. In what is said and how one says it. In giving another the silent treatment or cold shoulder. In withdrawing. In becoming aggressive. We know how “looks can kill.” There are those who advocate, getting it out – not holding it in. And so, the angry person spews hot coals on everyone and feels better, while everyone else is left burned. We either turn our anger over to God or turn ourselves over to our anger. The late Catholic priest ...

438. No Celebration without Confession

John 2:12-25

Illustration

Brett Blair

... order of worship. They gave the following reasons: Confessions imply that we are bad people. Our children will get a negative image of themselves. Guilt is damaging; we need to think positively. Worship should always be uplifting and make us feel good. This sounds like the philosophy advocated by that book some years ago "I'm OK you're OK." Tell me then. If I'm OK and you're OK then what are we doing here? The refusal to acknowledge that we are sinful people is damaging the church today, and it is damage ...

439. Easter 2

Acts 4:32-37, 1 John 1:5--2:14, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-31

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... heard and touched the human Jesus. His purpose in writing is to have us enter into fellowship with God and with fellow-Christians. Sin, however, ruins this fellowship which can be restored when we confess our sin and accept forgiveness through our advocate, Jesus. Gospel: John 20:19-31 On Easter night, Jesus comes to his frightened and disheartened disciples. One is absent, Thomas. Jesus discloses himself as the crucified one, comforts them with his presence, commissions them to go into the world, and gives ...

440. Pentecost

Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 104:1-35, Acts 2:1-13, Acts 2:14-41, John 15:18--16:4, John 16:5-16

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... glorifies Jesus, convinces the world of sin, righteousness and judgment and guides into truth. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 1. Counselor (15:26; 16:7). As the Spirit of truth, the Spirit is our counselor. The word is sometimes translated as advocate, comforter and helper. All of these words are facets of the meaning of a counselor. As a counselor the Holy Spirit comes to our aid, defends us, fights our battles for us, says a good word for us and pleads our case as a defense lawyer ...

441. Proper 16

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

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... we want to "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Outline: You are free to leave Christ. a. Advantages of leaving 1. No concern for sin. 2. No church responsibilities. 3. No need to practice Christian principles. b. Disadvantages of leaving 1. No one to be your advocate before God the judge. 2. No one to pay the price of your sin. 3. No one to assure you of life eternal. 2. Faith to be faithful (6:64, 69). Need: It is estimated that in recent years approximately one million Protestants leave the church annually ...

442. The Nativity Of Our Lord

Isaiah 9:1-7, Titus 2:1-15, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-20

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... of sin. 2. You Shall Know Him by His Name (9:6). Need: A name identifies the character of a person. In biblical thought you are a name. The son born on Christmas is no ordinary person as shown by the names he is given. a. Counselor guide, helper, advocate. b. God the transcendent, totally other One. c. Father the warm, tender, caring, imminent God. d. Prince of Peace the creator of our peace with God. Epistle: Titus 2:11-14 1. Love Came Down at Christmas (2:11). Need: Christmas is a festival of love, God's ...

443. Proper 12

2 Samuel 11:1-27, Psalm 14:1-7, John 6:1-21, Ephesians 3:14-21

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... of the sins of others and loud in our demands for their punishment. We are apologetic in the admission of our own sins and plaintive in our cries for mercy. Forgive our double standard, and grant us pardon for our offenses through Jesus our advocate. Amen Declaration of Pardon Pastor: Friends, hear the good news! God has laid on the crucified Christ the consequences of our sins, People: so that we will not die. Pastor: Friends, believe the good news! People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Exhortation ...

444. Proper 20

Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 31:10-31, Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13-18

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 1 First Lesson—The wise man describes the qualities and occupations of a capable wife. Proverbs 31:10-31 Second Lesson—James advocates heavenly wisdom as opposed to selfish human behavior. James 3:13–4:3, 7-8a Gospel—Jesus makes clear that worldly ambitions for prominence are less important in his domain than openness to children. Mark 9:30-37 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be ...

445. Lent 5

Psalm 51:1-19, Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... , O God, as you have offered to be our God. Through your church, lift up your Son, Jesus, as a continuing high priest interceding for all sinners, to the glory of your name. Amen PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION Creator and Judge of the world, Advocate and Savior of the world, Conscience and Remaker of the world, hear our prayers for the world that stands under judgment for the fracture of covenants of law and grace that you have made with human society. Drive out the evil one who draws together ...

446. Second Sunday of Advent

Mark 1:1-8, Psalm 85:1-13, Isaiah 40:1-31, 2 Peter 3:1-18

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 First Lesson—The prophet advocates smoothing the way for the coming of God like a just and caring Shepherd. Isaiah 40:1-11 Second Lesson—Peter reaffirms the declaration of Jesus that the time of the second coming is a surprise but that the upheaval will bring justice and peace. 2 Peter 3:8-15a ...

447. Seventh Sunday of Easter

1 John 5:1-12, Acts 1:12-26, Psalm 1:1-6, John 17:6-19

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... our God with shouts of joy, and praise our Monarch and Prince with psalms and fanfares. INVOCATION God most high, Christ at your right hand, your Spirit within us inspires our praise with psalms and musical offerings of acclamation. Hear our petitions also as our advocate Jesus Christ presents them to you in his name. Amen PRAYER OF CONFESSION God invisible in majesty, God incognito in the world, name-sharing God, how could we know you more fully than as you have revealed yourself in the One who came into ...

448. Pentecost

John 14:8-17 (25-27), Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:1-17

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... . Call to our minds all that Jesus has told us and strengthen us to follow faithfully and to speak clearly of your love for all in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Universal Mind, universal Linguist, universal Advocate, we are thankful that you reveal yourself in many thoughts and ideas, in many languages and varieties of music, in many ministries of teaching, worship, hearing, and helping. We rejoice in the work of translators that have made the OldTestament and New ...

449. Proper 14

Psalm 50:1-23, Isaiah 1:1-31, Luke 12:32-40, Hebrews 11:1-40

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... so that we may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. We have this hope, sure and steadfast, that enters the inner shrine of heaven where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become our high priest forever. To our Advocate and Savior, our Creator and Judge, to the Spirit sanctifying us in the church, be ascribed honor and glory now and forever. Amen.

450. 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 ...

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