Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: thirstiness, dryness, parched, craving, strong desire, longing, yearning, avidity, hunger, voracity, keenness, eagerness, lust, appetite, passion, love, crave, want, covet, desire, hunger for/after, lust for/after, hanker for/after, have one's heart set on

Antonyms: aversion, distaste, apathy, dislike, hatred, antipathy, disgust, disregard, abhorrence, acrimony, wet, animosity, animus, antagonism, bad feeling, bitterness, be averse to, detestation

Showing 626 to 650 of 2173 results

626. Pekah King of Israel

2 Kings 15:27-31

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

Israel’s Last Days: With the death of Jeroboam II, we have reached the “fourth generation” of the divine promise to Jehu (2 Kgs. 10:30). We expect a return to the unstable government, implied by 1 Kings 14:15 and illustrated in 1 Kings 14–16, that preceded the houses of Omri and Jehu. That is what we now find. Reigns change in quick succession, as Israel plunges speedily towards its doom. All deliverance has ceased, and judgment lies just around the corner. 15:8–12 Scarcely has Jeroboam’s son Zechariah sat ...

627. Jesus Heals a Paralytic

Luke 5:17-26

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

Healing Controversies: Both of the healing stories of Luke 5:12–26 have religious implications. The healing of the leper (vv. 12–16) involves the issue of religious purity and impurity (or “clean” vs. “unclean”). The healing of the paralyzed man (vv. 17–26) involves faith and the forgiveness of sins. This healing story is the first of a series of episodes where Jesus encounters religious criticism and opposition. In 6:1–5 Jesus is accused of working on the Sabbath when he and his disciples picked grain to ...

628. The Interpretation of the Dream

Daniel 7:15-28

Understanding Series

William Nelson

The Four Beastly Kingdoms and God’s Kingdom: Daniel 7 is centrally located in the book; it is also of central importance. It functions as a transitional unit, providing a hinge that connects the two halves of the work. Chapter 7 is tied to what precedes by its language: it is part of the Aramaic section, which runs from Daniel 2:4b through 7:28. It is also part of the chiastic structure of chapters 2–7 (see “Stage Three” under “Language Problem and Literary Development” in the Introduction), which have ...

629. The Nations Judged

Joel 3:1-16

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Achtemeier

God’s Case against the Foreign Nations (3:1-8): 3:1–3 The NIV has eliminated two important words in the translation of verse 1. In the Hebrew, the verse begins, “For behold,” which not only connects this passage with the preceding poem, but also emphasizes the content of verses 1–4. In 2:28–32, Joel has announced those signs that will precede the coming of the day of the Lord. He now tells what will happen at the time of the day itself. When the day comes, God will save Israel (v. 1) but will gather ...

630. The Validity of Jesus' Testimony

John 8:12-30

Understanding Series

J. Ramsey Michaels

8:12-29 Nicodemus disappears as abruptly as he appeared, and the stage is now set for Jesus to confront the Pharisees again (8:12), this time not through emissaries but directly. Yet his pronouncement I am the light of the world …, the sequel to 7:37–38, is not for them exclusively but for whoever follows me. It is universal in scope and probably, like 7:37–38, future in its orientation. The desire of Jesus’ brothers that he “show himself to the world” (7:4) is coming to realization but with the outcome ...

631. Worshipping Other Gods

Deuteronomy 13:1-18

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

Sources of the Temptation to Go after Other Gods: Continuing the concern for the purity of Israel’s worship, in line with the first commandment, Deuteronomy warns the people of the kinds of situation in which they might be tempted or pressured into deserting Yahweh for other gods. First, the danger of false religious leaders (vv. 1–5); second, the possible conflict of loyalties when close family members are involved (vv. 6–11); third, the pressure of an influential group of leaders in a community (vv. 12– ...

632. The Book of Law Found

2 Kings 22:1-20

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

Josiah: Judgment has been announced. It is now simply a matter of timing. At this juncture in Judean history, strangely enough, Judah finds herself with yet another righteous king—a second Moses to match her second David (Hezekiah). Josiah is a king long-awaited (1 Kgs. 13:2). He is the best of all kings, but he is a king come too late. 22:1–2 The verses that introduce Josiah alert us to the kind of king he is going to be. There is reference to David—as we would expect. More significantly, however, there ...

633. David Saves Keilah

1 Samuel 23:1-6

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

Saul Seeks Out David: 23:1–6 David’s exile did not mean that he had lost his vision for Israel’s security or his concern for the well-being of his fellow Israelites. The news of particular problems at Keilah stimulated his desire to continue fighting on behalf of God’s people. The Philistines were not taking tribute from the Israelite farmers but were looting the threshing floors. They were waiting until the Israelites had done all the hard work and then depriving them of their livelihood for the next year ...

634. From the Darkness of the Grave

Psalm 88:1-18

Understanding Series

Craig C. Broyles

From the Darkness of the Grave 88:1–18 Premature death is the subject of this prayer psalm of the individual. Like other psalms of sickness (Pss. 38; 41), it complains of social alienation (vv. 8, 18). As a psalm of the individual, the primary tradition on which it is based is that Yahweh should answer with deliverance when called upon, as summarized in the opening address, the God who saves me. Though the distress is extreme and prolonged—all day long the terrors of death surround me (vv. 16–17)—it has ...

635. Saul Pursues David

1 Samuel 23:7-29

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

636. Daniel's Prayer

Daniel 9:1-19

Teach the Text

Ronald W. Pierce

Jeremiah’s “Seventy Years” (9:1-6): Big Idea: Yahweh faithfully fulfills his prophetic word and keeps his covenant with his people, whether for blessing or for judgment. Understanding the Text Daniel 9 is woven into the book’s overall literary structure in several ways. First, it advances the chronology of chapters 8–12. Second, it forms the middle of Daniel’s final concentric Hebrew section, which is framed by the parallel units of chapter 8 and chapters 10–12. Third, it covers the same long-range time ...

637. Israel’s Ill-Placed Confidence

Amos 5:18-27

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Achtemeier

If you need help signing up or have questions call us. You'll get us, not a call center: 813-808-1681. Sermon Tools Bible Illustrations Current Events Overview and Insights · God Demands Justice, Not Mere Coldhearted Ritual (5:1–6:14) The theme of justice and righteousness runs throughout Amos, but is presented with particular focus in Amos 5. This chapter accuses Israel of numerous social injustices: trampling on the poor and extorting grain (their food) from them; paying bribes to judges in order to ...

638. Saul and the Witch of Endor

1 Samuel 28:1-25

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

Saul and the Witch of Endor: 28:1–2 Achish’s confidence was so strong that when a large-scale battle between the Philistines and the Israelites was being planned he took it for granted that David would join his own forces. His slightly tentative you must understand is perhaps an apology that David’s forces will not be able to undertake an independent initiative in this battle. David’s deliberately ambiguous reply reflects his knowledge that in this kind of battle Achish would discover his true colors. ...

639. David’s Charge to Solomon

1 Kings 2:1-12

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

David’s Charge to Solomon: Chapter 1 anticipated David’s death. Chapter 2 will describe it. First, however, David has a few things to say to Solomon about his conduct as king (2:1–4). Then there are certain “loose ends” to be tied up (2:5–9). Only after he has seen to the good of the kingdom in this way will he be able to die in peace (2:10–11). 2:1–4 Like God’s words to Joshua upon his “succession” to the leadership of Israel after Moses’ death (Josh. 1:6–9), David’s parting words to Solomon open with an ...

640. Job's Second Test

Job 2:1-10

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

Return to the Presence of Yahweh: 2:1–3 With only a few variations—and only one of real significance—these verses exactly repeat 1:6–8. Repetition and variation are part of the literary toolbox of ancient narrators and storytellers and may owe much to the oral tradition of telling and retelling these stories over the centuries. The similarity of language carries the hearer into the second conversation between the Satan and God and leads us to ponder what is to come. Will the Satan acknowledge the integrity ...

641. Punishments for Sin

Leviticus 20:1-27

Understanding Series

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.

Penalties for Offenses: Chapter 20 constitutes a serious set of instructions about the death penalty, which Moses receives and passes on to the people. This is significant for the community since its members will become the executioners. Much of the legal material in the Holiness Code is “apodictic,” or universal law given on the basis of divine authority. This chapter employs a more casuistic form, case law related to various circumstances. It is comparable to Exodus 21:12–17, and the verb translated must ...

642. The Birth of Samuel

1 Samuel 1:1-20

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

1 & 2 Samuel - One Book: Biblical commentaries by their nature tend to concentrate on the meaning and significance of individual sections. However, it is important that we also see what are essentially close-up or limited-range pictures in their wider context. In order to understand and appreciate the details of the individual stories we need to know something of the nature and structure of the book as a whole as well as its place in the canon of Scripture. There is no doubt that 1 and 2 Samuel should be ...

643. Hannah Dedicates Samuel

1 Samuel 1:21-28

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

644. Moses Blesses the Tribe

Deuteronomy 33:1-29

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

The Last Mountain: The Blessing and Death of Moses · The speeches have been made, the sermon has been preached, the song has been sung. All that remains is for Moses to bid farewell and leave the stage, which he does in typical fashion (typical of him, and typical in another sense of his great successor), by climbing a mountain. Just before the final ascent, however, comes his parting blessing on the tribes of Israel. There is something beautiful in the fact that after all the dark chapters of curses, ...

645. Saul Takes His Life

1 Samuel 31:1-13

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

Saul Falls on His Sword: 31:1–3 The scene moves from David’s successful reclamation of captives and property in the south to the major battle taking place in the north. There was no parallel success for the main Israelite army. Perhaps as a result of Saul’s lack of conviction (ch. 28) lessening their confidence, the Israelite army was unable to repel the Philistine attack. Most fled and many were killed. Saul’s family was targeted, following the maxim that an army without leaders is easier to defeat and ...

646. The Season Of The Holy Spirit

Mark 11:1-11

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

Theme: Jesus Before Pilate. "Are You the King of the Jews?" The question for us is this: "Is Jesus our King?" THE COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE Pastoral and Congregational Invitation (Pastor and Ministers) Welcome to Christ the King Sunday. According to one author (unknown to me), and according to the prophets of Israel, God was not meant to be worshiped. We are related to God, not through adoration and praise, but through our painful involvement with the divine will. The religion that we often dream up ...

647. The Healing of a Boy With an Evil Spirit

Mark 9:14-32

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

9:14–29 Perhaps the first thing to ask about this story is why it is placed here in Mark’s narrative. The answer to this question lies in the observation made earlier that virtually the whole of 8:27–10:52 is concerned with the two themes of the coming suffering of Jesus and the nature of discipleship. This is why the disciples are so prominent in the story; they are arguing with scribes in 9:14–15, are pictured as unable to cope with the demon-possessed boy in 9:18, and are instructed as to the cause of ...

648. Prepare: An Advent Play

Matthew 24:36-51

Drama

Arley K. Fadness

Theme: Prepare for Christmas in the proper way. Advent is for repentance and change. Characters: Santa Claus (dressed in traditional Santa suit with beard and hat) John The Baptist (dressed in rough burlap material and sandals) Tone: Humorous, serious, provoking Setting/Props: Large Santa bag Wrapped presents Toys for Santa’s bag List The setting can be anywhere Approximate time: 7-8 minutes (John the Baptist enters singing “Prepare Ye” from Godspell or a favorite Advent hymn verse.) John: (shouts) People ...

649. The Calling of Levi

Luke 5:27-32

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

Jesus’ Fellowship with Tax Collectors: The unifying theme that runs throughout the story of Levi’s call (vv. 27–31) and the discussion about eating and fasting (vv. 32–39) concerns fellowship and lifestyle. In the minds of the Pharisees, Jesus’ chief critics thus far in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus has chosen to have fellowship with the wrong kind of people. Since they were the party of “separatists” (see note on 5:17 above) who believed that redemption would come about by separating themselves from every impurity ...

650. Israel's Misery

Micah 7:1-7

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Achtemeier

Jerusalem Mourns Its Sin: Chapters 6 and 7 in Micah form a dialogue between God and the people, and specifically between God and Jerusalem. In the court case of 6:1–8, we saw an exasperated and impatient Israel indicted by God. In support of that indictment, the sins of Jerusalem were specified by the Lord, in 6:9–16. Now, in 7:1–7, a repentant Jerusalem recognizes its sinfulness, mourns the anarchic state of its society, and turns to its one source of hope, its Lord. Some commentators maintain that the ...

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