Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 751 to 775 of 5000 results

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

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Preben Vang

... must be disciplined for God’s honor and even for one’s own healing. News Story: This text provides an opportunity to talk about the kinds of breaches in trust that have plagued many churches and denominations. Sadly, there is ample fodder to illustrate the fact that excessive power and influence can tempt or corrupt leaders, even in the family of God. When this happens, it highlights the fact that people are trusting their leaders to uphold and exemplify God’s standards and laws more meticulously than ...

752. Unity and Community (Part 1)

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

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Preben Vang

... given without merit by the same Spirit. Their purpose is unification, not divisiveness—a divine enablement to build up the common unity (community) of believers. God grants every believer gifts to use for the good of others (12:7; cf. Matt. 25:14–30). Illustrating the Text The gifts of the Spirit are God’s power at work in us, unlocking our potential to serve others. Contrasting Concept: The Star Wars franchise has been one of the most popular families of films in the history of cinema. One prominent ...

753. Spiritual Gifts and Spiritual Growth

1 Corinthians 14:1-25

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Preben Vang

... gift; tongue speaking has become a hindrance. First Corinthians 14:1–19 divides rather naturally into three sections. Verses 1–5 describe the communal character of the gifts and their relation to the character of their recipients. Verses 6–12 illustrate the shortcomings of tongues. Verses 13–19 clarify the proper use of tongues. Interpretive Insights 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit. Although these two imperative statements function to make a logical connection ...

754. The Focus of Christian Worship

1 Corinthians 14:26-40, 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

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Preben Vang

... , and without anyone seeing, the king has slipped out the back door and gone home. (Consider having the worship team or choir help you to act this out as a drama or object lesson; one member could go rogue unexpectedly and you could build your illustration from there.) Prophecy is evaluated by the fruit it produces in the lives of its hearers. Popular Sayings: Perhaps you have heard the old saying “The proof is in the pudding.” That is actually a shortened and corrupted version of an older and longer ...

755. Collection and Travel Plans

1 Corinthians 16:5-18, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

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Preben Vang

... :12–13; 1 Thess. 2:2). Moreover, a Christian life without any kind of persecution may actually be suspect and lacking the very quality of Christlikeness (2 Tim. 3:12; cf. John 15:20). Christian hope generates boldness (2 Cor. 3:12). Illustrating the Text Giving and providing for others are integral to Christlikeness. Hymn: “Good King Wenceslas.” This old Christmas carol describes the virtue and charity of Saint Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia (ca. 907–ca. 929). It describes his generosity to a starving ...

756. The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation 1:1-3

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J. Scott Duvall

... enough. The message must be taken to heart and lived out. Perhaps surprisingly, Revelation has much to say about discipleship. The blessing is not for those who engage in eschatological speculation but for those who “follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rev. 14:4). Illustrating the Text Jesus lies at the center of God’s plan for human history. Contrasting Concept: If we don’t recognize the main character, a story will not make sense. Pick a popular movie or book and consider what might happen if the ...

757. Greeting, Doxology, and Confession

Revelation 1:4-8

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J. Scott Duvall

... . As God intervened through the first coming of Christ to offer salvation, so he will intervene through Christ’s second coming to consummate salvation. He will judge and destroy evil, resurrect his people, and transform creation so that he can live among his people forever. Illustrating the Text The God who is in control is also the God who is with us. Bible: Refer to the story of Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35–41). Partway through the journey, with Jesus asleep in the ...

758. John’s Introductory Vision The Risen and Glorified Christ

Revelation 1:9-20

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J. Scott Duvall

... he holds them in his right hand (1:16, 20; 2:1; 3:1). This truth offers an opportunity to communicate how we can experience God’s presence now in deeper ways (e.g., through the Holy Spirit, through Christian community, through his Word). Illustrating the Text Jesus is the divine Son of God. Pop Culture: Many Christians mistakenly believe people in our culture have a problem with Jesus. Actually, they don’t! That is, they have no problem with the “right” Jesus. For instance, people embrace the peace ...

759. Message to Thyatira

Revelation 2:18-29

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J. Scott Duvall

... with the false teaching but have not totally succumbed are warned to repent, or they too can expect to suffer intensely. Those who are struggling the most and considering repentance don’t need to be made to feel that it is too late. Illustrating the Text Sometimes “something to fall back on” can become an excuse for never taking a risk. Testimony: For over twenty years I (Scott) have advised college students on choosing a major and a career. Increasingly, parents want to make that decision for ...

760. Message to Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6

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J. Scott Duvall

... Though young, Josiah led Israel through a time of reform, return, and revival. His restoration of true worship culminates in the discovery of the Book of the Law. As it is read, King Josiah laments Israel’s hard-hearted forgetfulness. This story illustrates what happens when, over time, God’s people abandon his Word. We find security and comfort through Jesus’s acceptance and acknowledgment. Prop: Prepare a plate of chocolate-chip cookies. Using the plate of cookies, talk about the “good ol’ days ...

761. The Four Horsemen

Revelation 6:1-17

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J. Scott Duvall

... ; 1 Pet. 2:23). While we pray for our enemies and our persecutors, primarily for their repentance leading to forgiveness (e.g., Matt. 5:44), we also long for and pray for the overthrow of evil (e.g., Matt. 6:10; 7:21–23). Illustrating the Text Christians have always faced persecution—from the beginning to today! Quote: “Revelation,” by Mark W. Wilson. The martyrdom described in Revelation is being repeated around the world today at an alarming rate. In fact, the 100 million martyrs who have died for ...

762. The First Four Trumpet Judgments

Revelation 8:6--9:21, Revelation 8:1-5

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J. Scott Duvall

... gone before, and each passing moment brings us closer to that day. Using a paper fuse and blank tube, construct a faux stick of dynamite (be sure the fuse is long enough for you to finish speaking). Light the fuse at the beginning of the illustration. As the fuse burns down to the very end, throw the stick into the air to heighten the tension of the listeners. Our prayers matter. Scenario: For a moment, imagine you have received an invitation for a private audience with a wealthy, generous individual—Bill ...

763. John Called to Prophesy Again

Revelation 10:1-11

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J. Scott Duvall

... rightly to suffering, we find that it draws us closer to the Lord, refines our character, equips us for more effective service now, and prepares us for eternal life in the new heaven and new earth. The theological irony of a bittersweet scroll illustrates this truth. The sweetness of the fulfillment of God’s purposes for this world is tempered by the bitterness of suffering in the interim. Yet the suffering of the faithful witnesses is also their triumph. Following the Lamb means that apparent defeat at ...

764. The Beast from the Sea (Antichrist)

Revelation 13:1b-10

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J. Scott Duvall

... his death on the cross (5:5–6). We stand for truth through our prophetic witness to Jesus and our faithful endurance along the path he has pioneered (Heb. 12:1–3). The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). Illustrating the Text Satan often works through secular power structures and their leaders. Science: Cancer is a terrible disease, claiming an estimated 580,000 lives in the United States in 2013. Unlike many other illnesses, which can arise when some outside virus or bacteria invades ...

765. The Lamb and the 144,000

Revelation 14:1-5

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J. Scott Duvall

... such worship can touch our souls, renew our minds, and provide what we need to continue the journey. We celebrate in weakness and frailty now, but we do so in anticipation of a future worship experience that will far exceed our greatest expectations. Illustrating the Text When truly practiced, it is impossible to be “too heavenly minded.” Quote: Heaven, by Randy Alcorn. Commenting on the lack of developed teaching on heaven in the church today, Alcorn laments: Many Christians who’ve gone to church all ...

766. The Garden City as Paradise Transformed

Revelation 22:1-5

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J. Scott Duvall

... truth: comparing eternal life to bland existence is a bit like comparing ketchup to salsa—which is much more vibrant and dynamic. You might want to have some chips and salsa on a table and crunch on a few as you use this illustration. In the new creation, we will experience the presence of healing and absence of any curse. Philosophy: In the last century, it has become fashionable for Christian theologians to lament the intrusion of “Greek philosophy” into Christian thought. In particular, we point ...

767. The Priestly Portions of Sacrifices

Lev 6:8–7:38

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... A relief from Karnak in Egypt showing a man lifting up a food offering bears the inscription, “Come, O King, elevate offerings before the face (of the god) . . . Amen-Ra’, Lord of the Thrones of the Two Lands [Egypt].” This relief may illustrate how the “wave” or “elevation” offering (v. 30) was presented.1 Interpretive Insights 6:8–13 These are the regulations for the burnt offering. These regulations are specific to the evening burnt offering (see Exod. 29:38–39) that is kept going ...

768. The Horrific End of Nadab and Abihu

Leviticus 10:1-20

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... the priest as God’s representative when he eats of it. Compare the “scapegoat” on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:21). Symbolically the holy priest’s eating the sin offering symbolizes holiness swallowing up impurity.7 This role of priests in bearing impurity illustrates the work of Christ. Christ is described in Hebrews as our great high priest (Heb. 8:1–4). As the priest in the Old Testament absorbed and dissipated the impurities from the sin offering in his own holy person through partaking of it ...

769. Diagnosing “Leprosy”

Lev 13:1-59

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... a person from God’s sanctuary and God’s people during this life. But sin threatens to separate persons from God and his people in this life and the next. Leprosy was a serious thing that required drastic actions. So is sin. Illustrating the Text The health risks addressed in the Levitical law are recognized by modern science. Science: According to the Centers for Disease Control, molds represent a significant health risk to people: Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors ...

770. Punishments for Sin

Leviticus 20:1-27

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... the crime. 2. There are also exceptions to the penalties. Are the laws here like modern case laws without exceptions unless exceptions are specified? On the contrary, biblical civil laws, like ancient Near Eastern laws (compare Hammurabi’s Code), provide illustrations of justice rather than a law code. Raymond Westbrook writes of Mesopotamian laws, “[The court] looked to the code, not for an exact, mechanical precedent, but for the principle that the code indirectly laid down through its examples.”9It ...

771. Impurity, Repentance, and Jealousy

Num 5:1-31

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... our sin against God. We must therefore go on to acknowledge our sin by appealing to God for restoration (symbolized by the guilt offering). Although Christians under the new covenant no longer offer animal sacrifices, the law about the guilt offering does illustrate a practical pattern of repentance that can be followed today. See more at Leviticus 5:14–6:7. 3. Irrational jealousy must be addressed. Numbers 5:15–31 censures adultery. Infidelity is not always detected. It can be hidden from a spouse ...

772. The Nazirite Vow

Numbers 6:1-21

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... who commit themselves to a deeper, more dedicated discipleship may end up failing. When that happens, we, like the Nazirite, should repent, confess to the Lord our sin or impurity, and rededicate ourselves to being more faithful in the future. Illustrating the Text Christians throughout the ages have taken vows like the Nazirites. History: Analogous to the Israelite Nazirites are monks and nuns.6Entrance to religious orders is available to both genders, just as both men and women could become Nazirites ...

773. The Aaronic Blessing

Numbers 6:22-27

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... blessings is protection. God is the good shepherd who keeps us as his sheep (Pss. 23:1; 100:3). As our shepherd, God keeps us safe (Ps. 12:7). Psalm 121 uses the root rendered “keep” (also rendered “watch” [shamar]) in a way that illustrates God’s protection: God is our constantly alert “keeper” who always “watches over” us (vv. 3–4). He “keeps” his people from accidents and other harm (v. 7) and “watches over” (or “keeps”) them as they leave and return to his sanctuary (v. 8 ...

774. Israel Celebrates the Passover

Numbers 9:1-14

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... offer the Passover while unclean requires intercession to avoid divine punishment (2 Chron. 30:17–19). dead body. See Numbers 19. One might become ceremonially unclean by, for example, having to bury a relative who had died. Corpse contamination is only an illustrative example of what could make one ineligible to eat the Passover, as the rabbis rightly surmised (Mishnah Pesahim 9:4). Other forms of uncleanness would no doubt also make one ineligible. 9:8 find out what the Lord commands. When confronted ...

775. Following God’s Leading

Num 9:15–10:10

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Joe M. Sprinkle

... trumpets of the sanctuary continued to be used in calling Jewish people to worship in the temple. Josephus (Ant. 3.12.6) indicates that in his day these trumpets were a bit shorter than a cubit (18 inches). What a silver trumpet might have looked like is illustrated by a silver trumpet (with its wood insert) and a bronze trumpet discovered in Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt in 1922. These trumpets date to mid-fourteenth-century BC Egypt, within a century or so of the time of Moses. The silver one is 58.2 cm ...

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