Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 501 to 525 of 797 results

Leviticus 4:1--5:13

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... improper for the passenger to touch the motorcycle driver during a taxi ride. Not knowing this, and being quite nervous about riding a moto, I held the driver’s shoulders. The driver, who knew little English, did not try to correct me. But I learned later that I had committed a social blunder. In a similar way, we may unknowingly or unwittingly violate the norms of God. When we become aware of such offenses, we need to take corrective action. Cases Requiring Sin Offerings Big Idea: Acts of omission ...

502. Sexual Discharges

Leviticus 15:1-33

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... of famous people has gone awry. The rules of ceremonial uncleanness prohibited sex during times of a woman’s menstrual uncleanness. Ritually, men had to restrain from sex at this time to avoid uncleanness, which in turn helped Israelite men learn sexual self-control. Men do not have absolute ownership of their wives’ sexuality; there are times when they must refrain from touching their wives sexually. For those women who experience discomfort with sex during their periods, this would be a welcome ...

503. Blood: Right and Wrong Uses

Leviticus 17:1-16

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... -demons), and the proper use of blood. John Walton describes this chapter as “maintaining holiness from outside the camp” (see “Introduction to Leviticus”).1 Historical and Cultural Background In Leviticus 17:7 Israel is accused of worshiping male goats (see below). Israel learned idolatry in Egypt. I know of no specific goat-gods in Egypt, but many Egyptian gods had heads of animals. One of the Egyptian gods was the ram- or bull-headed god Khnum, the patron god of potters. Banebdjedet or Banedbdjed ...

504. Living by God’s Sexual Standards

Leviticus 18:1-30

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... . We must be prepared to speak the truth in love. Scenario: What if a doctor valued patients’ feelings more than their healing? The results could be deadly. Suppose the doctor has a patient who enjoys an active lifestyle—hiking, running, cross-country skiing. The doctor learns that the patient has a terrible cancer, one that will kill in a matter of months. The only cure is to amputate a limb. The doctor reasons, “But such an action would make it so hard for this person to enjoy the things he loves ...

505. A Lifestyle of Holiness and Love

Leviticus 19:1-37

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... . Rather than brood in anger about “a fellow Israelite” (lit., “a brother”), try instead to correct him (v. 17b). Hebrew yakah, “rebuke,” is used of fathers correcting sons or of the wise rebuking the wicked (Prov. 3:12; 9:7; 24:25). The wise learn from and appreciate a loving reproof (Prov. 9:8; 19:25; 28:23). 19:18 love your neighbor. See “Teaching the Text” below. 19:19 Do not mate . . . plant . . . wear. Symbolism rather than the well-being of livestock, soil, or clothing is behind ...

506. Holy Days and Festivals

Le 22:17–23:22

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... where God has brought them nationally, just as Israel remembered how God led them through the wilderness. Special holy occasions still help remind Christians that they have been redeemed and blessed by God and should rejoice before him in worship. Teaching the Text 1. Learn holiness. Each time Israel pauses from its normal activities for a Sabbath or a festival, it is reminded of God’s grace and that it is God’s special possession. Israel’s gifts and offerings to God throughout the year (vv. 37–38 ...

507. Racism and Envy

Numbers 12:1-16

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... with God. Miriam is a prophet, but only with Moses does God speak “face to face” rather than in visions, dreams, or riddles. We today are not immune from the kind of envy that can destroy families and ministries. Here we can learn from Miriam’s and Aaron’s bad example. Illustrating the Text Sometimes, we are shaped by the fallen values of this world rather than the truth of Scripture. Christian Organization: Racism has at times affected Christians. Up until 2000, the fundamentalist Christian ...

508. Condemned to Wilderness Wandering

Numbers 14:1-45

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... to live with the guilt of that choice. His sin has an irrevocable consequence. Sin has consequences, sometimes permanent consequences. For that reason, we should never allow God’s willingness to forgive to be a license for going ahead and sinning. We may be forgiven our sin, but, as Israel learned, some blessings from God may be permanently forfeited nevertheless.

509. Portions for the Priests and the Levites

Numbers 18:8-32

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... . But the priests have the best inheritance of all: God himself. In compensation for not receiving a portion in the promised land, priests have as their special inheritance Yahweh, who in turn supports them through commanding the tithes and offerings. The priests thus must learn to depend on God rather than the land.1 In a sense, what was true of the Levites is true of Christians. Ultimately, we have no permanent inheritance in this world but rather are like foreigners and strangers here (Heb. 11:13). Our ...

510. The Red Heifer

Numbers 19:1-22

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... and requires God’s cleansing. A warrior culture of conquest seems incompatible with the symbolism of God being associated with life, not death. Christians are not to be warmongers. Illustrating the Text We are called to cultivate life, not death. Nature: We learn from the time we are in elementary school that plants love light. The phenomenon of a plant actually growing toward the light is called “phototropism.” It is caused when, in response to light, growth-inducing molecules within the stem of a ...

511. Victory and Serpents

Num 21:1-9

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... pulled thick Damascene ankle-boots, red, with blue tassels and horse-shoe heels, over their horny feet when they went late abroad. A strange thing was the snakes’ habit, at night, of lying beside us, probably for warmth, under or on the blanket. When we learned this our rising was infinite care, and the first up would search round his fellows with a stick till he could pronounce them unencumbered. Our party of fifty men killed perhaps twenty snakes daily; at last they got so on our nerves that the boldest ...

512. Through Moab into the Transjordan

Num 21:10-35

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... had been consistently drubbed by the Russians, year after year. However, each of those losses taught the Americans something new. The American coach, Herb Brooks, carefully trained his players to work harder, pursue a more physical game, and build stamina to last until the final buzzer. From previous defeats, they learned the key to victory.

513. Joshua Appointed as Moses’s Successor

Numbers 27:12-23

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... take up the ministry roles to which God has called them, so that they, like Joshua, can lead their people in and out (Num. 27:21). Illustrating the Text Godly leaders practice what they preach. Science: From the earliest age, we are creatures who learn by imitating. A 2013 study by researchers from the University of Washington and Temple University discovered that babies’ brains are organized for imitation. When an adult touches an object with his or her hand, the part of the child’s brain connected to ...

514. The Sacrifices of the Sacred Calendar

Num 28:1–29:40

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... form Israel spiritually. Holy days in the Christian calendar can do the same for us. Teaching the Text 1. We can use the regular cycles of life for spiritual purposes. Although the festivals of this chapter are specifically for Israel and not the church, we can learn from them how to use today’s cycles of life for spiritual enrichment. The daily burnt offerings (Num. 28:1–8) entreat God for favor and represent the worshiper’s total dedication to God (see comments at Lev. 1:1–17). We also can appeal ...

515. War against Midian

Num 31:1-54

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... treachery. Midian’s acts are of such a heinous nature that they justify the elimination of these five clans altogether. Thus, the boys are killed, and the villages are burned. Never again will these clans attack Israel. They, along with Balaam (Num. 31:8), learn the truth of God’s words spoken long ago (Gen. 12:3), echoed by Balaam himself, “Cursed is everyone who curses you” (Num. 24:9 NRSV). And yet there is also mercy. Unlike war against the Canaanites, in which everyone is to be killed (Deut ...

516. Selfishness of the Transjordan Tribes Corrected

Numbers 32:1-42

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... pick himself up, set his mind aright again, and resume his practice of God’s presence as if he had never fallen from it. Just as Gad and Reuben committed to enter the land “before the Lord” aware of God’s presence and will, and Brother Lawrence learned to practice God’s presence in even the most trivial duties of life, so we would do well to cultivate a sense of God’s presence in everything that we do. That spiritual discipline can help us to suppress sin and to live more faithfully before God ...

517. Reviewing the Past

Numbers 33:1-56

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... the good friends we have made throughout our lives. But it is especially true of our best friend of all, Yahweh, who has seen us through life’s journey. It is important to evaluate our present in light of the future. Agriculture: One of the first lessons learned for driving a tractor is where to put your eyes. If one’s focus is too limited and narrow, the rows will be crooked. It is important to pick a spot in the distance and consistently check back again and again to be sure that one is headed ...

518. The Daughters of Zelophehad (Part 2)

Numbers 36:1-13

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... where family farms have been worked for many generations. There, a sentimental attachment to the land occurs that is extremely strong. Keeping the farm in the family is important. John Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri, learned this while dealing with Georgia farmers in the farming crisis of the 1980s. Many farmers at that time were in economic distress because they had borrowed too much money at the extremely high interest rates of that era. Many were facing ...

519. The Road to the Throne Is Covered with Blood

2 Sam 1:1–5:5

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... : “Enlil chose Shulgi in (his) pure heart, he entrusted the people to him. The lead-rope and the staff he hung on his arm—he is (henceforth) the shepherd of all the lands” (COS, 1:553). Interpretive Insights 2:1 David inquired of the Lord. David has learned through experience that he must consult the Lord for direction (1 Sam. 23:1–4; 30:8).2 2:6 I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. David’s message to Jabesh Gilead is important for several reasons. Saul is dead ...

520. Fighting Wars and Keeping a Promise: David Establishes an Ideal of Kingship

2 Sam 8:1–10:19

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... Philippians 3:1–11, in which Paul testifies about forsaking his human credentials in order to know and proclaim the surpassing power of the gospel. Bible: Reference the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:38–47, pointing out that David had learned this lesson as a young man, choosing to set aside the armor Saul gave him for protection and stand before Goliath armed only with a shepherd’s sling and the protection of his God. Application: Challenge listeners to consider if God might be calling ...

521. “Your Sin Will Find You Out”: The Lord Confronts His Sinful Servant

2 Samuel 12:1-31

Teach the Text

Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... of the Ten Commandments. The Lord is not about to let him go unpunished. The Lord’s disciplinary judgment is appropriate and fair, mirroring David’s sin in several respects. David’s sons will perpetuate his crimes of sex and violence. As the patriarch Jacob learned many years before David, what goes around comes around in God’s moral supervision of his world: those who sow discord will eventually reap it (Prov. 22:8; Hosea 10:13; Gal. 6:7–8). 2. The Lord is willing to extend his forgiveness and ...

522. A Prodigal Son Comes Home in Body, but Not in Spirit

2 Sam 14:1–15:12

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... as more interesting and gifted than they really are. “We have prepared you for a world that does not exist,” says Neusner. “Outside, quitters are not heroes.” They will be “ill-advised” if they continue to do that in the outside world. There they had “best not defend errors but learn from them.”

523. “O Absalom, My Son, My Son!”

2 Sam 18:1–19:8

Teach the Text

Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... to haunt him. When Joab murdered Abner, David rebuked Joab but did not punish him for his crime (3:22–39). Now the unpunished murderer Joab has taken the life of another unpunished murderer, one who is near and dear to David’s heart. David learns the hard way that it is dangerous to let hardened, unrepentant murderers go unpunished. It was also Joab who with calculating and cold-blooded efficiency carried out David’s orders to have Uriah killed. He did so because he was committed to doing what was ...

524. David’s Mighty Men

2 Samuel 21:15-22

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... put it, “needed to be lobbied and manipulated” to meet their desired goals. Then those involved realized they were not working to “bring these kids and their families into our understanding of a loving community.” In the learning process the church expanded its relationships with community organizations who shared their concern. “Soon,” he writes, “‘Project Opportunity’ was launched,” and fifty relationships were “made around the same model, with other churches coming on board to work ...

525. Ruling in the Fear of the Lord

2 Samuel 23:1-7

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr.

... respect for his moral authority and produces obedience (Deut. 6:2; 10:12). This description of the ideal king echoes the Deuteronomic regulations of kingship, which dictate that Israel’s king is to study the law of the Lord “so that he may learn to revere [or, “fear”] the Lord his God” (Deut. 17:19). 23:4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise. The synonyms “light” (’or) and “brightness” (nogah) may signify divine deliverance and renewed blessing (Isa. 9:2 [9:1 MT]) associated ...

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