Synonyms: renounce, relinquish, dispense with, forswear, disclaim, disown, disavow, discard, wash one's hands of, give up, stop, cease, drop, forgo, desist from, have done with, abjure, abstain from, discontinue, break off, refrain from, set/lay aside, desert, leave, leave high and dry, turn one's back on, cast aside, break (up) with, vacate, quit, evacuate, withdraw from, surrender, cede, yield, indulge in, give way to, give oneself up to, yield to, lose oneself to/in, uninhibitedness, recklessness, lack of restraint, lack of inhibition, unruliness, wildness, impulsiveness, impetuosity, immoderation, wantonness
Antonyms: keep, claim, continue, stick by, self-control, power through, achieve, defend, bear, hope, acquire, quick visit, adopt, continue along, adhere, remain, pursue, support, take up, keep up, reuse, advocate, stay, persevere, cherish, keep going, carry on
Showing 776 to 800 of 1249 results
776. Colossians 1:15-28
Colossians 1:15-28
Sweet
Leonard Sweet
... ) does this state of grace itself continue. Remaining steadfast, or "keeping faith" in the midst of a faithless, pagan world, is the moral challenge that confronts not just the Colossians but all Christians. Unlike "philosophies" which may be adopted intellectually yet require no behavioral modifications, accepting Christ's gift of redemption requires a faithfulness that permeates all of life. Christian piety requires a public face. With a reminder of the reconciliation Christ offers all of creation behind ...
777. Hosea 11:1-11
Hosea 11:1-11
Sweet
Leonard Sweet
... human comparison to that of a domesticated animal. Accordingly Yahweh is presented as one who "eases the yoke on their jaws," giving them comfort while offering them food to eat. While this has been the most common translation, the NRSV has now adopted an alternative form, one that concludes that the words "on their jaws" was a later addition and thus omits them. Furthermore this translation interprets the Hebrew yal ("yoke") as yoll ("child"). The resulting verse not only makes sense by keeping the parent ...
778. Jeremiah 2:4-13
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Sweet
Leonard Sweet
... forgot the law, allowed rulers (literally "shepherds" of the people; see 6:3 and 23:4) to be oppressive and lapsed into Ba'alist ways (v.8). At this point in the poem, the tone and imagery change. Yahweh now says, "I accuse!" The rhetoric adopts the "lawsuit" pattern typical of the prophets of the seventh and eighth centuries. Israel's failure to keep covenant (marriage vows, if you will) places Israel in danger of "divorce," or at the very least, vulnerable to a just punishment. Yahweh now becomes militant ...
779. 1 Timothy 2:1-7
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Sweet
Leonard Sweet
... prayer, with "kings" and those in "high positions" just one example from that extensive list. Prayers for political leaders had long been a part of Jewish worship, and Paul wants to make sure that this is a heritage from Judaism's worship that is adopted by the new Christian church. Christians and Jews were both suspect in the larger pagan society because they refused to worship the emperor or to pray to him. However, Christians could and should pray for the emperor and all others in positions of authority ...
780. Luke 16:1-13
Luke 16:1-13
Sweet
Leonard Sweet
... of the Unjust Steward: Is Irony the Key?" Journal of Biblical Literature, 82 [1963]; Stanley E. Porter, "The Parable of the Unjust Steward: Irony Is the Key" in The Bible in Three Dimensions, ed. D. Cline, et al. [1990], 127-153). Whatever hermeneutical schema one adopts, the eschatological thread which ties together the parables of Luke 15 and 16 is difficult not to notice. The shepherd recovers the "sheep that was lost" and there is "joy in heaven" (15:6-7). The woman finds the lost coin and invites her ...
Sermon
King Duncan
... of our lives forever. (5) Can you get your mind around this understanding of baptism? It could be revolutionary. We live by a script. The script has failed us. The Gospel gives us a counter-script to live by. Baptism is a sign that we have adopted this new script for our lives. Baptism tells us who we are. We are Christ’s forever. We are baptized! 1. Vance Havner, Threescore and Ten (Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1973), pp. 71‑72. Cited in Robert J. Morgan, Preacher’s Sourcebook Creative ...
782. Philippians 3:4b-14
Philippians 3:4b-14
Sweet
Leonard Sweet
... is no indisputable evidence identifying these opponents. Still, some logical and probable extrapolations can be made. Paul's derogatory reference to these opponents in verse 2 as "dogs" strongly suggests they are Gentiles, not Jews. These Gentiles have apparently adopted the rite of circumcision, possibly as a semi-magical initiation ritual. Obviously this group understands neither Judaism nor Christianity a doubly irritating fact to Paul who is both Jew and Christian. In verses 4-6, Paul's description of ...
783. Ephesians 6:10-20
Ephesians 6:10-20
Sweet
Leonard Sweet
... , leaving no part unprotected. Second, the soldier's belt was also a place to store other weapons, showing that the truth of God's love through Christ also provides Christians with a grounding for other convictions salvation, deliverance, adoption, inheritance. The "breastplate" of the soldier protects the most vital and vulnerable places, i.e., the throat, heart and lungs. God's righteousness functions similarly for Christians confronting evil. Without the unyielding righteousness of God, we, too, would ...
784. About Sex
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Sermon
King Duncan
... the radical counter-culture. Our faith was born in a world of moral decadence. And so Christians set themselves apart by embracing a higher standard. We are approaching a similar situation today a morally decadent society except that today many Christians are adopting the mores of the greater society. And I’m not talking simply about our teenagers. Young people will always struggle with the issue of sex. Hormones start bubbling and even the finest young people will struggle. That’s part of growing up ...
Sermon
Mike Ripski
... , and adults whom she loved with God’s love. I’ve come to appreciate that there are “Miss Mary’s” in this church family. When I heard Iva Brown speak on Confirmation Sunday, it occurred to me that Iva is among the mothers in this congregation who’ve adopted its children and loved them as their own. Recall the story of Solomon and the two mothers. One awoke to find her child had died during the night. She took the other woman’s child and claimed it as her own. They both went before King Solomon ...
786. The Big E
John 9:1-12
Sermon
Mike Ripski
... lived across from the parsonage of our first church. When we moved there our only “child” was a 3-lb. Yorky, whose name fit his self-perception: “Ferocious.” While there, God blessed us with Julie. Stan didn’t work. He was on disability. He adopted Ferocious and Julie. Both knew where to go to get their favorite cookies. Stan, to put it bluntly, was a racist. The neighborhood had begun to undergo racial transition. A black family had moved in behind him. Another down the street. Stan wasn’t at ...
787. The Greatest Healer
Mk 8:22-26
Illustration
King Duncan
Dr. Arthur Tuuri retired a few years back in Flint, Mich. He once helped a mother who, having given birth, died. He cared for the baby until it was adopted. From that he started The Flint Area Health Foundation, a help for needy children (still in operation today though under the name: Community Foundation of Greater Flint). For years he was head of the Mott Children's Health Center, which helps with medical and dental care. Dr. Tuuri said, "Many ...
788. Easter 3
Luke 24:36-49, 1 John 2:28--3:10, Acts 3:11-26
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... in the fact that God calls us his children. Behind God's considering us his children is the price paid on the cross to make us his children. In Christ God paid for our sins and thus we are acceptable to him. On the basis of the cross God has adopted us as his children. Why would God do this? Are we worthy of his sacrifice? It was a matter of pure, undeserved grace. 2. We are (vv. 1, 2). We Christians know that we are the children of God. If so, then why are we so feverishly occupied in these ...
789. Easter 4
1 John 3:11-24, Acts 4:1-22, John 10:1-21
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... adult Christians as "little children." Is this talking down to adults? Is it an insult to even add "little" to children? Jesus referred to his disciples as "these little ones." It is no insult because if God is our Father, we are his children. Since when? We were adopted as his children at baptism, and we live in Christ as branches of the vine. And we are "little," too. We are often little in faith, in love, and in our words. How little we are when compared with the fullness of the stature of Christ! 2. Not ...
790. Proper 21
James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-10, Esther 9:18-32, Mark 9:38-41, Mark 9:42-50
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... that the book of Esther, written about 460 B.C., was included in the Old Testament canon, for there is no mention of God, prayer, or worship. It is the story of how a wave of anti-Semitism was halted by a brave Jewish queen, Esther, and her adopted father, Mordecai. The outcome was the institution of the Feast of Purim. Epistle: James 5:13-20 In the concluding paragraph of the book of James, we deal with sickness, sin and prayer with oil. Praying with faith will heal the sick and forgive sin. If we pray ...
791. Proper 27
Hebrews 9:11-28, Ruth 3:1-18, Ruth 4:13-22, Mark 12:35-40, Mark 12:41-44
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... no pledge card, no every-member visit. b. It was cheerful the widow made no complaints. c. It was an expression of her faith and love of God. 3. Are you willing to sacrifice? (12:44). Need: Today authorities of state announce that the American people should adopt a simpler lifestyle. In the past few decades Americans have been the world's worst wasters. With six percent of the world's population, we are using over 30 percent of the world's resources. It is a call to sacrifice our high standard of living ...
792. Paul’s “We-With” Body-Building
2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 2 Timothy 4:9-18
Sermon
Leonard Sweet
... Christ grew stronger. Commitment, connection, compassion were the goals of Paul’s collection. In today’s text from 2 Corinthians Paul does not want to get to their pockets. He wants to get to their hearts. A third “we-with” body-builder was his adoption of the newest technology of the day. To fulfill his “we-with” body-building mission Paul took his message everywhere while he kept writing his letters to the churches. And his letters were circulated in the form of codices. Paul asked Timothy to ...
793. Proper 10
Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 24:1-10, 2 Samuel 6:1-23, Ephesians 1:1-14
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... all our artistic gifts to you rather than to any human authority, giving praise to you for all the beauty of creation by our own creativity, however modest in comparison to yours; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Parenting God, Adopter of children, Unifying Spirit, how can we evaluate the richness of your grace lavished on us in Jesus Christ? How can we estimate the treasure of wisdom and insight that you have graciously given us, disclosing the long-hidden purposes of your ...
794. Proper 20
Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 31:10-31, Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13-18
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... serve the common welfare, that bridge barriers, that overcome prejudices, that solve problems, that diminish disease and promote healing and health. Eternal God, we rejoice in your empire of excellence and live in the hope of ultimate perfection as you are nurturing your adopted children to be brothers and sisters of your perfect Son, Jesus Christ. We crave the completion of our spiritual maturity beyond death and seek to follow Jesus even now as we rejoice in the provision you have made in heaven for our ...
795. Proper 4
Genesis 6:11-22, Psalm 46:1-11, Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17, 3:22b-28 (29-31)
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... firmly founded on the rock of God's will and indestructible in the midst of the storms of life. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Heavenly Parent, God of our ancestors, we thank you for all our fathers and mothers in the faith, natural parents and adopting parents, foster parents, and others who have been significant in the shaping of our minds and feelings, our ideas and our values, our goals and our behavior. We are grateful for the learning experiences that have strengthened our faith, memories that draw us to ...
796. Proper 10
Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 119:1-176, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-17
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... , he gives the disciples an example of how to interpret them. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Pray as a little child. The Spirit who adopts us as children of God enables us to pray with confidence to our heavenly Parent. People: We will pray with all the ease and familiarity of small children to earthly parents. INVOCATION "Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, Look upon a little child; Pity my simplicity, Suffer ...
797. Proper 12
Genesis 28:10-22, Psalm 139:1-24, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43, Romans 8:12-25
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
READINGS Psalter - Psalms 139:1-12, 23-24 First Lesson - The dream of Jacob will be identified for thousands of years as Jacob's ladder. Genesis 28:10-19 Second Lesson - Paul defines our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit as that of adopted children. Romans 8:12-25 Gospel - Matthew continues his reporting of the parables Jesus told in preaching to and teaching the multitudes and also gives the follow-up explanation to the disciples. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 CALL TO WORSHIP Let us bless God from ...
798. Christmas 2
Psalm 147:1-20, Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:(1-9), 10-18, Ephesians 1:1-14
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... of Solomon 10:15-21 First Lesson - There is reason for joy in the regathering of the people of God after their dispersal. Jeremiah 31:7-14 [OR] Wisdom has a place of honor in the divine purpose. Sirach 24:1-12 Second Lesson - God's earthly family is adopted through Jesus Christ to enlarge the heavenly family. Ephesians 1:3-14 Gospel - We are a new humanity through Jesus Christ and our rebirth through receiving him. John 1:(1-9) 10-18 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all ...
799. Full Devotion
John 6:51-58
Illustration
Edwin D. Peterman
... of Rights in the form of a petition, put it on a clipboard, and then stopped people on the sidewalk and asked them to sign it. As you know, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution are the Bill of Rights, and they were adopted and put into effect in December of 1791. The reporters were surprised at people's reaction when asked to add their names to the so-called petition. Most people glanced at the document, shook their heads, and walked on by without signing. Several people became angry ...
Sermon
James Merritt
... the way we communicate. For many of us email has virtually replaced traditional letters and even telephone calls as the primary way we correspond with one another. Everyday billions of email messages are sent out around the world. Email has become the most rapidly adopted form of communication in the history of mankind. In less than two decades, email has gone from obscurity to mainstream everyday life. Now, in our fast pace world even the rapid response of email is not fast enough for many. It does have ...
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