Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 601 to 625 of 1679 results

601. From Russia With Love

Acts 3:1-10

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

I'm told that they used to tell a story in Russia that Adam and Eve were Russians and they came at that from very logical deduction. They were improperly clothed, they had only one apple between them and everybody was always telling them that they lived in a paradise. Today you can't tell that joke in Russia. No one, not even the most ardent, die hard, hanging on, Communist dreamer. No one would even begin to hint at the possibility that the people in Russia and in the Union of Independent States are ...

602. Guidance for a Time of Chaos

John 16:5-16

Sermon

King Duncan

Author Dennis Rainey tells about an exercise he leads each year with his sixth grade Sunday School class. He divides the class into three groups. These groups then compete in putting together a jigsaw puzzle. As these 12-year-olds scatter into three circles on the floor, he explains that there is only one rule in the competition: to put together the puzzle without talking. The contents of puzzle number one are deposited on the floor and Group One immediately goes to work. The group promptly sets up the box ...

603. This Is a Test

Genesis 22:1-14

Sermon

Mark Trotter

Our text for this Sunday is from the Book of Genesis, the story of Abraham's sacrifice of his son, Isaac. It is one of the most powerful, profound, and disturbing stories in all of the Bible, and all of literature, for that matter. It is the conclusion of the story of Abraham, and therefore it cannot be understood apart from the whole story of Abraham. The story of Abraham is the story of a promise. The promise was given to Abraham, and to Sarah, this childless couple, that they would be given a child, and ...

604. House of Jesus

John 14:5-14

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Description: The House of Dior and other well-known "Houses" have defining characteristics that are keys to their longevity. In this session, you'll identify characteristics of the House of Jesus and discover how to implement them into your ministry. As Robert Shaw was not the first to point out, in medieval times the church saved the arts; however, in postmodern times, the arts just might save the church. Introduction: The high fashion industry is organized according to houses. · House of Dior · House of ...

605. The Jesus RX and the Biology of Belief

John 20:24-31

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Every year or so another great cure-all springs from science, folk medicine, or common sense and becomes the hottest "new cure." [Bring some show and tells to pass out to your people-or just show them off. Maybe some people in your church collect old, 19th century remedies and containers they were sold in. Use them as symbols of what you're preaching about. Maybe even have a display set up.] How many of you sucked on and sucked down zinc lozenges a few winters ago when some anonymous "studies" suggested ...

606. Drop It!

John 6:25-59

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

In a recent David Letterman show, Letterman offered his live audience a videotape depicting what he called an incident that took place during a hunting expedition at President Bush's Texas ranch. The clip (actually one that has been around for a while) shows a big, burly hunter, outfitted in the latest camouflage gear, high-powered rifle in hand, being furiously attacked by a deer. The buck jumps on his hind legs and attacks the hunter, slashing and stomping with his strong front legs. The hunter keeps ...

607. Proper 10

Psalm 119:1-176, Romans 8:1-17, Matthew 13:1-23, Genesis 25:19-34

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS Genesis 25:19-34 is the story of the birth of Jacob and Esau. Psalm 119:105-112 praises divine instruction. Genesis 25:19-34 - "A Story Without Heroes" Setting. The Old Testament lesson for this Sunday begins a four week series of lessons from the stories of Jacob in Genesis 25:19-36:43. In the present form of Genesis, the cycle of stories about Jacob can be interpreted as continuing the divine promise of progeny that was introduced in Genesis 12:1-4a and that provided organization to ...

608. Proper 20

Exodus 16:1-36, Matthew 20:1-16, Philippians 1:12-30, Psalm 105:1-45

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS Exodus 16:2-15 is the account of how Israel was miraculously fed manna by God in the wilderness. Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 is a hymn that praises God who cares for Israel on the wilderness journey. Exodus 16:2-15 - "Grace Cannot Be Stored Up" Setting. We observe two background features when interpreting the miracle of manna in Exodus 16:2-15. First, it is important to see that the larger literary setting of this story is a journey. The motif of journeying with God links all of the wilderness ...

609. High and Lifted Up

Isaiah 6:1-8

Sermon

James Merritt

Several years ago Life Magazine devoted an issue to God. On the front cover was one big question: "When You Think of God What Do You See?" I began to imagine if that magazine came out today, how we, here in America, might answer that question. I believe there are some people who see a God who looks like Santa Claus, and really doesn't care whether we are naughty or nice; a God who winks at sin and giggles at iniquity; a God who is "too loving to let anyone go to hell;" a God who accepts everyone just the ...

610. The Battle of New Orleans

2 Timothy 3:1-4:8

Sermon

James Merritt

Being President of the SBC for one year has been both one of the greatest blessings, and one of the greatest burdens of my life. On the one hand, it has reminded me of just how blessed I am to be a Southern Baptist. Southern Baptists are not a perfect people, but they are a precious people. I don't believe there is a group of Bible believers anywhere in the world that love Jesus more than Southern Baptists. I sometimes feel like a lady who lived up in the mountains of North Carolina. She was a Baptist ...

611. Power in the Pulpit

Philippians 3:1-11

Sermon

James Merritt

When I was asked to speak on the topic "Power of the Pulpit" I could not help but think about a term that originated with Theodore Roosevelt when he was President of the United States. He referred to the White House as a "Bully Pulpit," meaning a terrific platform from which one could persuasively advocate the truth. In a real sense I believe that every church pulpit should be a "Bully Pulpit." I am reminded of the story of a little boy who was talking to his mom, and he said, "Mother, may I be a preacher ...

612. An All-Night Wrestling Match

Genesis 32:22-32

Sermon

Bill Bouknight

One of my heroes in the faith is Chuck Colson. I have just finished reading his latest book, “A Life Redeemed.” Colson was President Nixon’s attorney and special assistant. He was a notorious leader of “dirty tricks” during the Watergate scandals of the early 1970’s. He was rumored to have said that he would walk over his grandmother if it helped President Nixon. He went to jail for his crimes. But today at the age of 75, he is one of the most prominent evangelical leaders in America. Colson is a prime ...

613. Living By Faith In A Time of War

Judges 6:1-40

Sermon

Bill Bouknight

Our nation is at war. We have been at war since we were attacked almost five years ago, on September 11, 2001. This war against terrorism is hotter than the Cold War and will probably last for a generation. Many Americans are not directly affected by the war. Many go about their business as usual, fussing about crime and gasoline prices, anticipating summer vacations and who will win the NBA Championship. However, if you have a loved one in Afghanistan or Iraq, you think about the war all the time. Almost ...

614. The Lord's Song in a Foreign Land

Psalm 137:1-9

Sermon

John E. Harnish

The year was 587 B.C. The nation of Israel was overthrown, the city of Jerusalem was leveled, and the people of Israel were taken into bondage in Babylonia. The survivors of the brutality and the death march found themselves in captivity in a foreign land, cut off from the holy city and their heritage, their hope and roots, and, most important of all, from the temple, the center of their faith. No longer able to offer their worship around the Ark of the Covenant, unable to offer sacrifices on the altar, ...

615. James 3:13-18

James 3:13-18

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Although this text from James has often been viewed as a later insertion into the text, it ties together easily and logically the author's emphasis on teachers (3:1ff) and his material on disputes (4:1ff). James is anxious to emphasize the crucial role of those with special gifts of teaching and leading in determining the prevailing beliefs and behaviors of communities. Those in prominent positions shoulder a great responsibility. Whether the community will savor the sweetness of spiritual harmony, ...

616. James 3:13-18

James 3:13-18

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

617. I’ve Lost the Cutting Edge

2 Kings 6:1-7

Sermon

James Merritt

Do you ever feel as if you've lost the cutting edge; you're not hitting on all eight cylinders; you're swimming in mud and running in tar; you just can't get it together? I want to share with you some stories that are absolutely true. They actually happened, and I believe you will agree with me that these are people who had lost the cutting edge: An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, where the kidnapper proceeded ...

618. A Word to Prodigals

Luke 15:11-32

Sermon

King Duncan

Retired seminary professor Fred B. Craddock was preaching on the parable of the prodigal son. After the service a man said, “I really didn’t care much for that, frankly.” Craddock asked, “Why?” The man said. “Well, I guess it’s not your sermon, I just don’t like that story.” Craddock asked, “What is it you don’t like about it?” He said. “It’s not morally responsible.” Craddock asked, “What do you mean by that?” “Forgiving that boy,” said the man. Craddock asked, “Well, what would you have done?” The man ...

619. Are We There Yet?

James 5:7-10

Sermon

John N. Brittain

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" It's not just children of a certain age who ask that question, although they certainly do. I've been on a number of trips in the past few years with delayed flights, missed connections, and lost luggage, where I've been the one asking the question. Leading up to Christmas (or a birthday or wedding or trip to Disney World) the question becomes one of time rather than distance: "Is it here yet?" On such occasions, we give advice that sounds very much like that in James 5 ...

620. Matthew 14:22-36

Matthew 14:22-36

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

After a big satisfying meal, what everybody really wants is a rock-n-rolling all night sea voyage — right? Okay, maybe not. But we’ve all been at meals when the atmosphere suddenly becomes uncomfortable, when the best-sounding dessert is a quick exit. This week’s gospel text begins with such a “get-out-of-town-fast” moment. What is unusual about this town-skipping agility, however, is not that it comes about as an attempt to escape a failure, a disappointment, or a disaster. Ironically the ‘skip-the- ...

621. Parenting — Not For The Faint Of Heart

Hosea 11:1-11

Sermon

Chrysanne Timm

Parenting is not, I repeat, not for the faint of heart. For many of us, it was easy enough to bring our sons and daughters into this world and to hold their tiny forms in our arms. We had no idea what was coming. The 4 a.m. feedings, the nights spent vainly trying to comfort a wailing child, watching as they took their first steps, the joys of toilet training, the "terrible twos" ... those moments are but distant memories now. In the blink of an eye, our sons are teenagers, and as I am working on this ...

622. Your Home Page

Hebrews 13:1-25

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

What used to be true for boats is now equally true for cell phones. The best day of your life? The day you bought your boat. The second best day of your life? The day you sold your boat. That kind of love/hate relationship is even fiercer when it comes to our most beloved, most bemoaned tech toy — the “smart phone.” Every time you “upgrade” from a version “3" to “4” to “5” . . . it seems that only minutes later there is a version “6.” Almost as soon as you can get out your credit card, you are the proud ...

623. A Faith that Leaves a Legacy

2 Timothy 3:10--4:8

Sermon

King Duncan

What would you like to have as your epitaph some day? Have you ever given that any thought? What will people say about you after you’re gone? It’s always interesting to me to read some of the humorous inscriptions that have appeared on tombstones in days gone past. For example, here is one that should have been edited: Here lies Col. Brown . . . Shot in battle by an enemy soldier. “Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant.” A tombstone in Girard, Pennsylvania carries an epitaph that probably would be the ...

624. Getting to a Teachable Moment

Mark 15:1-15

Sermon

Craig MacCreary

I spent part of a recent Sunday talking with a public school teacher who was quickly coming to the end of her rope. Talented, dedicated, one of the good people, she found herself with the class from hell and her life coming apart at the seams. We were well beyond being a non-anxious, fully individuated, differentiated presence. In short, we were at critical mess rather than critical mass. I have taught enough confirmation classes and have had experiences in the classroom in other forums to identify with ...

625. Cain and Abel

Genesis 4:1-26

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

Cain Slays Abel and Lamech Boasts: The first siblings are unable to live in harmony. Hatred propels Cain to murder his own brother. The tragic, brute power of sin also finds expression in Lamech’s boasting song, in which he brazenly gloats over a wanton killing while pronouncing threats against others. These incidents illustrate how Adam and Eve’s disobedience unleashed sin as a destructive power in society and brought death into the world. This chapter has four parts: the births of Cain and Abel (vv. 1–2a ...

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