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 51 to 75 of 4968 results

51. Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Luke 24:36-49

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... a reference to the hands would include the wrists as well. If observation of Jesus’s body is not enough, then they should touch him as well, for no spirit has flesh and bones. Last, Jesus proves the reality of his resurrection by eating fish before his disciples, for no spirit could do that. It is important to realize that Jesus’s body was not simply resuscitated. A resuscitated body is simply a return of the old body to physical life, but such a body must die again (cf. the resurrection of Lazarus in ...

52. Ambitious Disciples

Mk 9:33-37

Illustration

King Duncan

... be impressed by the accomplishments, for example, of George Washington Carver? Carver was born to an African slave mother. He never knew his father. But he wanted to make a difference in the world, and he did! Carver became one the greatest scientists in American history. The disciples were human beings. They wanted their names to be in lights just as you and I want to stand out from our peers. There is nothing wrong with that as long it does not cause us to mistreat others or betray our values. My guess is ...

53. The Cost of Being a Disciple

Luke 14:25-35

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... that no one can take precedence over Jesus. One must renounce “even their own life” and be willing to follow Jesus in the way of death (14:26–27). Those who are not willing to follow Jesus in such a radical way cannot be his disciples. Two illustrations are given to show the need for counting the cost before embarking on the road to discipleship. Someone building a tower (14:28–30) would surely calculate the cost of the project before starting. A half-finished building would be the object of ...

54. The World Hates the Disciples

John 15:18--16:4

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... recur with marked frequency in the book of Acts. In his letters, Paul describes persecution as virtually a constituent part of the Christian experience (1 Cor. 4:11–13; 1 Thess. 2:13–16; 2 Tim. 3:10–13). This treatment was expected because the disciples of Christ had inherited the hostilities shown to their master. Jesus predicted these conflicts in his final teachings (Matt. 10:17–25; 24:9–14; Mark 13:9–13), and here in the Farewell Discourse the subject is addressed in full (15:18–16:33 ...

55. The Calling of the First Disciples

Mark 1:14-20

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

... 19). The effect of this episode is to give the readers followers of Jesus with whom to identify themselves. The readers are thereby drawn into the story, and the Christian reader especially is to follow the calling and duties, the trials and failures, of the disciples with a view to drawing lessons for living. Additional Notes 1:14 John was put in prison: Mark does not explain John’s imprisonment and he does not tell the outcome here. In 6:14–29 he gives a rather full account of these matters. Galilee ...

56. The Calling of the First Disciples

Mark 1:14-20

Sermon Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... brother, sister?" with Harvey Cox's approach to repentance. Perhaps you have had someone use the former approach. I have; and it seemed as though the fellows were simply interested in collecting another scalp for Jesus. Jesus, in this passage, indeed is inviting the disciples to take responsibility for their own lives, so they can make a difference in God's world. Stewardship Challenge The stewardship of change: Thomas Gordon, in his book, P.E.T., says that "it is idiotic to assume that anyone can be alive ...

57. Lifesavers - Barking Pigs and Determined Disciples

Matthew 14:22-36

Children's Sermon

King Duncan

... them. He/she looks at that person and toddles to them. There is a story in the Bible kind of like this, except it is about a grown man. Jesus sent his disciples out on the boat to cross to the other side of the sea. Jesus went up into the mountain to pray. When he finished praying, he went to the disciples. He just walked out across the water! The disciples saw him coming and thought it was a ghost. Jesus said, "Don't be afraid. It is just me." Peter said, "Jesus, if it is really you, command me to walk ...

58. Would You Still Be His Disciple If You Lost Your All?

Luke 14:25-33

Illustration

Jerry Ruff

... that means dad, mom, siblings, kids, work, vacations, playtime, money, homes, friends. This is where the Living Bible translation fits in. Jesus is saying to us as His followers, "Sit down, count your blessings and then renounce them all for me." Would you still be His disciple if you lost your job? If you lost your savings? If you lost your health? If you lost your home? If you lost your wife and kids? Job said, "Though [God] slay me, yet will I trust Him." Horatio Spafford lost all his earthly possessions ...

59. The Calling of the First Disciples

Mark 1:14-20

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... in Jesus, and into which people enter by repentance and faith. Repentance (the Greek word means to change one’s thinking) and faith (the Greek connotes trust) are active responses to the kingdom of God as proclaimed by Jesus. The call of the first four disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—occurs on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee (1:16–20). The sea is a picturesque lake seven miles wide and thirteen miles long that is surrounded by hills and that lies seven hundred feet below sea level ...

60. The Calling of the First Disciples

Luke 5:1-11

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... on Peter) is placed later in Luke (5:1–11) than in Mark (cf. Mark 1:16–20). In contrast to Mark’s account, Luke helps explain why the disciples follow Jesus, for they have already seen his miracles (Luke 4:38–39) and heard his word. “Gennesaret” (5:1) is an alternative name for Galilee. Peter’s query ... Drawing an analogy from Simon’s occupation, Jesus says that “from now on you will fish for people” (5:10). The story closes with the disciples leaving everything and following Jesus (5:11).

61. The Disciples Rejoin Jesus

John 4:27-38

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... :28). In the light of Jesus’s offer, is it now obsolete? Her positive report in Shechem (“Could this be the Messiah?”) leads many to make their own inquiries at the well. (Note the parallel on evangelism and discipleship in 1:35–51 with Andrew and Philip.) Not even the disciples are exempt from misunderstanding Jesus. Jesus sent them out for food (4:8), yet now when Jesus is encouraged to eat he says that he has food enough (4:32). The ...

62. Jesus Appears to His Disciples

John 20:19-23

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... :20). Twice he speaks of “peace” (20:19, 21), fulfilling that which he promised in his farewell: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (14:27; 16:33). Seeing the Lord was also a part of this promise (16:16; thus for Mary, 20:18; the disciples, 20:20, 25; and Thomas, 20:25, 29), as was rejoicing (16:20; 20:20). In other words, Jesus is recalling his words from the upper room, and this must necessarily include the coming of the Spirit (20:19–29). That this is a definitive gift of the Spirit ...

63. The Calling of the First Disciples

Matthew 4:18-22

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... Philippi, 16:18) and Andrew were originally from the town of Bethsaida on the north side of the lake where the Jordan River enters (John 1:44). At this time, however, it appears that they were living in Capernaum (cf. Mark 1:29). Peter became a leader among the disciples and, along with James and John, formed an inner circle (cf. Mark 5:37; Matt. 17:1; 26:37). Jesus calls them from catching fish to a new kind of “fishing—Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (v. 19). The call is not unlike ...

64. The Disciples’ Dumb Dream

Mark 9:33-37

Sermon

Richard F. Bansemer

... who don’t have any children there. They do it because it’s one more job that has to be done. Children Certainly we ought not waste our good talents on children! We are greater than that, good enough to be an advisor to the boss, or a disciple of the master. And the Master asked them that embarrassing question. It grew very quiet when he asked, "What were you talking about?" You can almost feel the flush in their faces. Jesus had been talking with them about his coming death. He even told them about the ...

65. Barking Pigs and Determined Disciples

Matthew 14:22-36

Sermon

King Duncan

... ." (1) I think Jesus would like Norman and his talking pig. Norman was a little fellow who wouldn't let other people set boundaries around his imagination. He was going to be what he was going to be--no matter how foolish he might seem to others. Jesus' disciple Simon Peter was somewhat like that. It's only natural that when Simon Peter saw Jesus walking out to them on the water, he would jump overboard and try to walk out and meet Jesus. This was consistent with Simon Peter's character. He was enthusiastic ...

66. The Disciples Were Not Superheroes

Mark 8:27-38

Illustration

David A. Van Dyke

... they were not scholars or very sophisticated even in that ancient culture. And the Bible is actually told in a way that exposes them in all their human weakness, with all their faults glaring. Scholars are quick to point out that the flaws in the disciples merely serve as a stark contrast to Jesus and therefore help us see him in the proper light. In fact, some claim that Peter exemplifies this in that he's always impetuous, usually misguided and often speaking when he should be listening. And yet curiously ...

67. True Disciples

Luke 12:49-53

Illustration

Edward F. Markquart

... study. The years have passed, and the paper on which this quotation was written has become old, brown and brittle. I borrowed this quotation from Dietrich Bonhoeffer years ago. Bonhoeffer says in his book, The Cost of Discipleship, "True disciples are always few in number. Do not put your hopes in large numbers for true disciples will always be few." Every once in a while as a pastor, when I get caught up by sin and want to see large crowds on Sunday morning which imply (to the eyes of the world and worldly ...

68. Many Disciples Desert Jesus

John 6:60-71

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

But if the descent of Christ gives difficulty to the crowds (6:41–42), this deeper teaching causes the disciples to stumble (6:60). They too murmur (6:61). Jesus breaks the impasse by showing that literal flesh is not the key ... :44–47. Penetrating the mysteries of God is also a divine gift (6:64–65). The deeper realities offend, and here some disciples draw back and abandon Christ (6:66). But Peter knows that the greatest virtue is to continue embracing Jesus no matter where he might lead (6:68–70).

69. The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy

John 16:17-33

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... 12:16). John 16:25–28 parallels 16:12–15 inasmuch as it implies a gift of previously unknown insight into God. Hence access to the Father is direct (16:26–27) because Jesus and the Father will be united with us (14:9, 23; 17:21). Proof that the disciples are not yet equipped—and need to be—can be seen in verses 29–33. They think they understand clearly (16:25, 29) and have full belief. But this cannot be theirs until the Spirit is on them. In fact, they will flee when the crisis of the cross is ...

70. True Disciples

Illustration

Dale Cope

We had looked at some characteristics of false disciples. They sought for man’s way, the easy way, what appealed to them. They wanted what made them feel good. It was all about them. It was short lived until the going got tough. Jesus didn’t seek attenders, he sought those who believed with commitment to Him. When we ...

71. A Disciple After God’s Own Heart

Genesis 22:1-19

Sermon

Lori Wagner

To know God’s heart – that is the goal of every disciple. To bear the heart of God in word and deed, that is the goal of every eager, mature, and serious follower of Jesus. It seems like it should be easy sometimes, doesn’t it, to be a Christian? We generally think ... of Jesus, and ask ourselves what that means for our own lives, can we truly walk the road of discipleship year after year. May God bless you in your travels. May you stay safe, even as you venture forth a disciple after God’s own heart.

72. Jesus And The Disciples

Sermon

Jerry Eckert

Comment: I have always wondered how Jesus gathered his Disciples. The way the biblical stories go, it seems like he knew most of them one way or another. So I hypothesized that they may have known each other as children. How, since they were from a number of different towns not that close together, could they have had contact? Having ...

73. Jesus And The Disciples

Mark 10:17-31

Sermon

Jerry Eckert

74. The Call of the Disciples - James, A Fisher of Men

Matthew 4:23-25, Matthew 4:18-22, Matthew 4:12-17

Drama

Thomas Blowers

A Dramatic Monologue My name is James and I was one of the twelve selected by Jesus to follow him. I still remember the first time I saw him. I looked down the shore of the lake down to where Simon and Andrew were fishing and I saw a stranger approach. Usually Dad, my younger brother, and I were first to reach the shore of the lake to begin a day of fishing, but for some reason that morning Simon and Andrew had a head start. So while we were still mending our nets, they were already off shore casting for ...

75. Jesus Calls Disciples

Luke 5:1-11

Bulletin Aid

H. Burnham Kirkland

Call To Worship Leader: Come, let us worship God the Creator and Ruler of all the earth. People: We long for the day when the rulers of the nations will sing God's praises and acknowledge him as their King. Leader: The Lord is counting on his followers to spread the message of peace, and work for the coming of his kingdom. People: We gather this morning to hear God's call with hearts ready to respond. All: Praise be to God! Collect Lord, we come away from our busy weekday lives to give you thanks and ...

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