Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: Levi, disciple, evangelist, tax collector, the 12, the twelve, apostle, sermon on the mount, jewish audience, beatitudes, lord's prayer, great commission, parables, olivet discourse, mount of olives, olivet, synoptic

Showing 526 to 550 of 5000 results

526. Call Upon The Lord

Mark 4:35-41

Illustration

Harold H. Lentz

Daniel Defoe in the well-known book Robinson Crusoe bases his story on the need to call upon God in time of trouble. Crusoe had long been isolated on a small island following a shipwreck. He had come to believe firmly that he was the only human being on the island. But one day as he went to the beach to get his boat he was startled to see the footprint of a man in the sand. Crusoe concluded that it was the footprint of a savage. In great fear he hurried back to his cabin. There, while lying on his bed, ...

527. Lord of Light and Life

1 Corinthians 15:21

Children's Sermon

Wesley T. Runk

Object: Two buckets of water. Good morning, boys and girls and a very happy Easter to all of you. What a day this is for all of us who believe that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. Just think, one day Jesus was dead and lying in a grave, and the next day he was alive again, walking and talking to people he knew and loved. It is a great day and one that we never forget. One of the things about Jesus coming back to life that is so great is that he came back to life as a man. He didn't come as a ghost or ...

528. Throw Your Worries to the Lord

Romans 8:28-39

Children's Sermon

Wesley T. Runk

Object: Some business forms with carbon paper separating each sheet. Good morning, boys and girls. It is time for us to think about some different things. Here we are in church on the first Sunday of a brand new month. Does anyone know what month this is? (Let them answer.) That's right, March, and what does March make you think about? (Let them answer.) I think about the wind and how hard it blows in the month of March. I also think about spring and how soon it will be with us. But today I am thinking ...

529. Gratitude and Praise Holy Is the Lord

Isaiah 66:1-24

Bulletin Aid

Call to Worship Leader: Father, you are boundless wisdom, steadfast love and perfect justice. Congregation: Come, gather the nations and tongues that we may see your glory. Leader: Jesus, you are God on earth, majesty in flesh, forgiveness for man. Congregation: Come, gather the nations and tongues that we may see your glory. Leader: Holy Spirit, you are perfect communication, harmony in action and unity in the church. Congregation: Come, gather the nations and tongues that we may see your glory. All: Holy ...

530. Baptism of our Lord

Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29:1-11

Bulletin Aid

Theme: A Servant with Spirit Exegetical Note The identity of the Suffering Servant named in this so-called "First Servant Song" (vv. 1-4) is vague, referring either to Israel or to an anticipated individual. That this divinely-chosen servant was to be low-key and "a bruised reed," however, gave even the primitive Church reason to identify Jesus with the Servant; and God's declaration in v. 1 about placing the Spirit upon him and about his bringing "justice to the nations" certainly influenced the Synoptic ...

531. Baptism of our Lord

Acts 10:23b-48

Bulletin Aid

Theme: Jesus' baptism, God's epiphany Exegetical note Peter's kerygmatic reference to the baptism, like the accounts of Mark and John, treats that event as the inception of Jesus' ministry, for in it the Master receives the anointing of the Spirit that, in effect, makes him the Messiah-Christ (i.e., the "anointed One"). Notable throughout this passage is the fact that it is God who is the real agent, both at the baptism and in the entirety of Jesus career. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 29) Leader: God ...

532. Baptism of our Lord

Matthew 3:13-17

Bulletin Aid

Theme: An epiphany to the world Exegetical note Whereas Mark's earlier version of Jesus' baptism makes the theophany more subjective (with the voice from heaven addressing Jesus as a "Thou"), Matthew (with Luke) makes it more objective, with the divine declaration from above addressed to the bystanders. By making this personal event, in effect, public, Matthew may be declaring that this baptism was an epiphany to the world. Call to Worship Leader: Give thanks to the God of the Prophets! People: GIVE PRAISE ...

533. The Resurrection of Our Lord

Mt 28:1-10 · Col 3:1-4 · Acts 10:34-43 · Ps 118

Bulletin Aid

First Lesson: Acts 10:34-43 Theme: Easter as God's "Yes" Exegetical note The heart of the kerygmatic recapitulation contained in Peter's speech to Gentiles here is his view of the resurrection (in v. 40) as God's validation of Jesus after the crucifixion. The latter was the "no" of humanity (designated with an indefinite "They") to Jesus' ministry, while Jesus was God's resounding, and ultimately prevailing "Yes." Call to Worship (based on Psalm 118) Leader: God is our strength and song! People: GOD HAS ...

534. The Epiphany of Our Lord

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Aid

Liturgical Color: White Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 Theme: The coming of the Magi - the universality of the Good News Pastoral Invitation to the Celebration Consider this: We consider the universality of the gospel for the whole world. At the beginning of worship, think about the people who don't have the Good News, and about those who, we believe, do not deserve to have the Good News. Recognizing our Humanness and Receiving New Life Try this: Begin by asking the congregation to write down the names of people ...

535. The Resurrection of Our Lord

Isaiah 25:1-12, John 20:1-9, John 20:10-18, Mark 16:1-20, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Isaiah 25:6-9 Theme: From a shroud springs salvation Exegetical Note This eschatological passage envisions a great, sumptuous, universal feast to be given by God (on a mountain) in conjunction with the divine destruction and "swallowing" of the "covering" or "veil" of death and the tears and reproach that death brings. Verse 9 conveys the joy of a people who have waited a long time for this salvation, and are ready to celebrate. Call to Worship Leader: Arise! Shine! Give God glory for the ...

536. OUR LORD DELIVERED UP

Sermon

E. Jerry Walker

He walked rapidly, his long robes flowing behind him to be whipped by the brisk, dry east wind. His two servants occasionally quick-stepped to keep pace, their sandals padding softly on the dust of the deserted streets. As they turned eastward from the upper city, the declining, full moon flung their shadows ahead like long moving fingers pointing toward the white limestone buildings of the temple compound. Nicodemus’ mind was thoughtless, yet filled with many thoughts. He had no plan, no course of action ...

537. OUR LORD TORMENTED

Sermon

E. Jerry Walker

Cold, bright moonlight, spilling over Jerusalem transformed the temple area into what might have been a setting out of Roman mythology. Standing on the parapet high atop the Antonia, the Roman Procurator, Pilate, let his gaze drift from the white temple buildings almost directly beneath him to the city beyond, but his mind was seeing the grandeur of Rome and his heart was filled with bitter nostalgia. He did not turn at the sound of steps behind him, nor did he speak when the centurion moved to his side. ...

538. OUR LORD SMITTEN

Sermon

E. Jerry Walker

Nearly all the morning hours had been exhausted in the trial which left the centurion with the task of crucifying three condemned men. The sun was pressing toward its meridian, and the desert wind from the east which had prevailed during the night was quiet. A tense, hot stillness hung over Jerusalem, harsh as the dust that fogged the air, raised by the feet of thousands of pilgrims entering and leaving the temple compound. It clung to the skin and caked the nostrils, and the centurion longed for the day ...

539. God’s Will? (A Drama about Using the Lord’s Name in Vain)

Drama

Dave Marsh

Director's Notes: Using God's name 'in vain' is more than merely using it followed by an expletive. As Christians, we can use it inappropriately when we convieniently use Him as an excuse to get out of an uncomfortable situation. Unfortunately, I can remember a few times, in my younger years, when I broke up with a girl because "God didn't want us to date" or "He wants me to be unattached for a while." Was this God's will? No - I just wanted out of the relationship. Cast: Jenny: A girl Mark: Jenny's ...

540. The Voice Of The Lord

Matthew 3:13-17

Children's Sermon

King Duncan

Object: None When your mom or dad call you in from play, why do you come? What if they tell you to stay away from something because it is dangerous (like putting your finger in a light socket!), do you believe them? Why? You believe them because you trust them. Now, I have another question. We trust our parents so we believe what they say. Can we trust Jesus? Why? Today's scripture tells us we can trust him. It is about the baptism of Jesus. Jesus' cousin John baptized Jesus. John had told the people that ...

541. 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

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Isaiah 9:2-7 A child is born whose name is wonderful and whose government is characterized by permanence, justice and righteousness. The people of Isaiah's day were in darkness. Assyria had just taken Zebulon and Naphtali to captivity in 734 B.C. Out of this darkness the people see a light of God's promise of a messianic king, a son of God. This produces great rejoicing. His royal names define his character: wisdom, courage, fatherly concern and peace. His government will be ...

542. Praising Our Lord and Spreading the News

Illustration

Harold H. Lentz

J. S. Bach became known worldwide for his remarkable musical talent, but he never ceased to credit his Creator as the one who was responsible for his ability. The pages of his musical compositions could well have been used to satisfy a personal pride as his name appeared on them. But he was determined to give glory to God for his accomplishments. So he always concluded his original compositions with the three letters INS. They stood for the Latin words meaning "In the name of Christ." At other times Bach ...

543. The Baptism of the Lord

Luke 3:21-38

Sermon

Gary L. Carver

This text invites us to listen as John the Baptist tells the people that there is one who is coming to give a greater baptism than he will ever give. Baptism, from the outset in the gospels, becomes very important and moves very quickly to the baptism of Jesus. This seems to set the importance of baptism initially, and the significance is fortified in Acts. However, as important as baptism is, we do not find any instruction for how we are to behave at a baptism, possibly every baptismal occasion tends to ...

544. Give Your Delimma To The Lord

John 2:1-11

Illustration

Keith Smith

Dr. Charles Stanley, a prominent minister of a large church in Atlanta, tells the story of a time when their church needed two million dollars to relocate to a larger facility. The only problem was they didn't have the money. One day, the board members told Dr. Stanley to get a loan from the bank because the deal sounded good. However, Dr. Stanley told the group that they needed divine direction, so they all packed their gear and took off for a state park for the weekend for a time of prayer. All weekend ...

545. Baptism of Our Lord

Psalm 29:1-11, Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:1-20, Acts 8:14-17

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

Call To Worship Leader: Happy New Year! With new determination we listen for the voice of God and we desire to respond happily. People: We also listen with new care for the promises of scriptures, which might make our lives prosperous and easier. Leader: We are here together, then, to pay attention to the ways men and women have honored the holy. People: And to hear again about the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Leader: Today we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. People: We long for an experience ...

546. Examining Ourselves with the Lord's Prayer

Illustration

Staff

I cannot say “our” if I live only for myself. I cannot say “Father” if I do not endeavor each day to act like his child. I cannot say “who art in heaven” if I am laying up no treasure there. I cannot say “hallowed be thy name” if I am not striving for holiness. I cannot say “thy Kingdom come” if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful event. I cannot say “thy will be done” if I am disobedient to his Word. I cannot say “on earth as it is in heaven” if I’ll not serve him here and now. I ...

547. Remember, O Lord, What Has Happened to Us

Lamentations 5:1-22

One Volume

Tremper Longman III

A Final Lament and Appeal: Lamentation ends with a prayer asking God to remember the suffering of God’s city, Jerusalem, and his people. The prayer is one of the community as indicated by the consistent use of the first person plural pronoun. After the invocation in verse 1, the prayer continues with a long description of the suffering of a once proud and glorious place (vv. 2–18). It ends with a series of “why” questions (vv. 19–22), similar to the laments of the psalms (see Pss. 10:1, 13; 22: 1; 42:5, ...

548. Lord, What a Bounteous God!

John 6:1-15

Children's Sermon

King Duncan

Object: A grain of sand or a blade of grass Good morning, boys and girls. I didn't have to go very far this morning to bring the object for today's lesson. Just outside the front door. What do I have in my hand? That's right. A simple blade of grass. Suppose I were to ask you to count the blades of grass on the lawn of our church, would you look forward to doing that? How about if I asked you to count every blade in town? How about if I offered to take you to the beach? Suppose I made one condition--you ...

549. The Lord's Anger Against Israel

Isaiah 9:8--10:4

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Yahweh’s Unsated Anger with Israel: After 6:1–9:7 comes to an end, 9:8–10:4 pairs with the preceding section, chapter 5. The section as a whole takes further the earlier talk of Yahweh’s raised hand (5:25–30). The six woes (5:8–24) also come to a conclusion in 10:1–4. The fact that speaks of disaster for northern Israel might suggest that it is the background for the disaster for northern Israel presupposed by 9:1, but this material also confronts Isaiah’s own audience in Judah with the prospect of their ...

550. The Lord's Devastation of the Earth

Isaiah 24:1-23

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Devastation and Renewal for the Whole Land: The word massa’ no longer introduces the prophecies, but not until chapter 28 do we return to the direct, confrontational challenges to the people of God that dominate chapters 1–12. Chapters 24–27 thus stand out from the material on either side. The canvas broadens yet further than it had in chapters 13–23, but the tone of these chapters continues. The prophecy depicts further disaster and devastation, but makes fewer references to specific peoples. The effect ...

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