... Israel and its armies (vv. 10, 25–26, 36, 45). Like David when he killed the Philistine, Jonathan fought on behalf of the Lord’s covenant community, defending the honor of the nation and its God against the defiance of the enemy. 21:22 they fell at ... their memory and to inspire later generations with their bravery and loyalty. But these records also have a theological dimension. The Lord chose David to be the “lamp of Israel” (21:17b). When the enemy taunts Israel (21:21) and threatens to destroy ...
... ’s enemy (28:16–19). From that time forward until 28:6, there is no record of Saul’s consulting the Lord; he never even had another audience with Samuel during the prophet’s lifetime (15:35). Neither did he receive divine revelation, ... he may think that the days when God answered prayer, if He ever did, are over. So the Israelites seem to have thought . . . that the Lord’s hand was shortened that it could not save, and that His ear had become heavy that it could no longer hear. . . . Many and many ...
... life was filled with conflict, yet he could lie down and sleep at night and awake to a life of trust “because the Lord sustains me” (3:5). Faith shapes practice. The effect is broader than his lying-down-and-rising-up routine, for it takes ... thousands (3:6). This absence of fear stems not from an unsophisticated view of a reckless world but from the knowledge and experience that the Lord is his shield and the one who lifts up his head (3:3). Teaching the Text One of the emphases of this commentary is that ...
... –16; 6:2–5). There, God acted on the basis of his covenant with Abraham and brought Israel to the land of promise. Now, Daniel begs God to do the same, based on his covenant through Moses (Deut. 4:25–31; 30:1–10).12 9:16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away. Daniel acknowledges that Israel’s punishment is consistent with God’s righteousness (9:7, 14). But here, he also implies that the exile’s appointed time is complete and that God should act righteously by showing mercy ...
... to contend for his own altar. Reflecting this challenge, Gideon is also called Jerub-Baal, meaning “Let Baal contend with him” (i.e., Gideon). As enemies from the east cross the Jordan and camp at the Valley of Jezreel, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Gideon, prompting him to summon the necessary troops in preparation for battle (6:33–35). Positive responses come from three northern tribes—Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali—as well as Gideon’s tribe, Manasseh. But at this point, instead of moving ...
... (as told by Luke) Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try ... said to the bystanders, ‘Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.’ (And they said to him, ‘Lord he has ten pounds!) ‘I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what ...
Romans 14:1--15:13, Luke 6:27-36, Luke 6:37-42, Luke 6:43-45
Sermon
Lori Wagner
... Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me,” said Jesus. Those burdened by mistreatment will feel the weight of sorrow for a while, but their hearts can be light, for they reside in the Lord! Faith is like a buoy that keeps us afloat even in a sea of sorrow. “They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.” (Eccles 5:20) But for those whose hearts are burdened deep inside with ...
... best: And if I write it down, people may know that he was two men, and that one was brave and gentle; and they may know, when they judge and condemn, that this one struggled with himself in darkness and alone, calling on his God and on the Lord Jesus Christ to have mercy on him. Therefore when the other Pieter van Vlaanderen did not entreat, this one entreated; and when the other did not repent, this one repented; and because there is no such magic, this one, the brave and gentle, was destroyed with him.6 ...
... good friend, Gerhon, but I just can't do it. GERHON: I walked all the way over here to invite you personally. NOAH: Look, Gerhon. The Lord God told me to do this, personally! GERHON: But you're 600 years old. NOAH: Don't remind me. GERHON: You could use a rest. A ... What is rain? NOAH: It's water that comes down. Don't ask from where. SHEM: Is it good? NOAH: It's a gift from the Lord. The Lord's gifts are always good. He says it will rain for forty days and ... SHEM: That's going to be a lot of water. NOAH: ...
... nSHEM: What is rain?\nNOAH: It's water that comes down. Don't ask from where.\nSHEM: Is it good?\nNOAH: It's a gift from the Lord. The Lord's gifts are always \ngood. He says it will rain for forty days and ... \nSHEM: That's going to be a lot of water.\nNOAH: Yes, ... all of the earth.\n Wasn't anything left alive,\n But for the Ark and its passengers;\n They alone survived.\n So, when the good Lord says,\n "Won't you come to Me,\n And turn from your evil ways?"\n Don't turn your backs, but turn to Him,\n And ...
836. The Laughter Of Faith
Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis 18:1-15, Genesis 21:1-7
Illustration
Richard A. Jensen
... promise. "Can a child be born to a man who is 100 years old?" Abraham laughed to himself. "Can Sarah, who is 90 years old, bear a child?" Abraham's laughter, it turns out, is the laughter of unbelief. He doesn't believe that God can keep this promise. The Lord has to scold Abraham a bit for his unseemly laughter. "No," God says firmly, "your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac" (Genesis 17:19). The ...
... Title: A Priori. Sermon Angle: This sermon should be about priorities. To get our priorities straight we must first know that which is a priori, namely, God and the kingdom. God is that which comes before all not only in terms of time but importance. If the Lord and his kingdom is our highest goal, all other concerns will assume their proper place. "But strive first for the kingdom of God ... and all these other things will be given to you as well" (v. 5). Outline: In our world there is a crisis of values ...
Exodus 33:12-23, Isaiah 45:1-7, Matthew 22:15-22, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... s rule includes the power structures of this world, yet transcends these structures. COMMENTARY Old Testament: Exodus 33:12-23 The Lord is still stung by the golden calf episode and is threatening to withhold his presence. Moses pleads that God would go ... goes before us in suffering, death and resurrection. If we are to be successful, we must let God take the lead. God knows our name. The Lord tells Cyrus, "I call you by your name" (v. 4). God knows his own; he calls them by name. God shows us his favor by ...
Isaiah 49:8-26, Matthew 6:25-34, 1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Bulletin Aid
James Wilson
... God the rest of our days. Leader: For no earthly court can judge our service in God's kingdom. People: Nor can any earthly power affect our eternal destiny. Leader: Then let us lift our voices in praise to God the Almighty Creator. All: Blessed be the name of the Lord! Collect O God, we are so blessed that You have called us to be part of Your kingdom in Christ. Help us keep in focus that it is You we have been called to serve. In Christ we pray. Amen. Prayer Of Confession ...
... in a common or unholy manner. Some have suggested that it shows a lack of faith on Uzzah's part. He didn't think that the Lord could take care of his own ark. This makes sense but we will never know for sure the true nature of Uzzah's transgression. Epistle: ... and congregations are decapitated they don't honor Christ as their head. WORSHIP RESOURCES Psalm Of The Day: Psalm 24 "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it" (v. 1). Psalm 85; Psalm 122 Prayer Of The Day: O Rock of Ages, though the cause ...
... and the grass to newness of life. Will he not do the same for all who turn to him in hope? The Shepherd King. Disney tells the story of the Lion King and the Bible proclaims the truth of the Shepherd King (vv. 10-11). He is the Sovereign Lord who comes in demonstration of power (v. 10). Yet this mighty king is also the gentle and compassionate Shepherd who lovingly gathers his sheep in his arms (v. 11). Epistle: 2 Peter 3:8-15a Slaves of time (vv. 8-9). The believers whom Peter addresses were concerned that ...
Acts 4:32-37, 1 John 1:5--2:14, John 20:19-23, John 20:24-31
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... invaded their space, their faith was flatter than a pancake. When Christ showed himself, they were soon ready to stand up again through the power of renewed faith. Thomas refused to be buoyed by their faith after Christ's first appearance. Yet even for him, the risen Lord lifted him out of the sinkhole of doubt on to the rock of a solid faith. We all have life experiences that sweep the legs of our faith out from under us. Thank God! We can stand again through the power of his resurrection! Outline: 1. The ...
... the dusty feet of his disciples. And he who was the very light of heaven died in darkness at noon-day. Our Sovereign Lord Becomes A Sacrifice A Sunday school teacher reported that once she was discussing with her class of three- and four-year-olds how Jesus ... . He is King of the Jews, but also King of the gentiles, and soon to be King of the whole world ... King of kings Lord of lords, forever and forever - only they don't know it yet! Somehow that thorn-crowned brow brings his suffering home to us in a very ...
John 7:45--8:11, Psalm 126:1-6, Isaiah 43:14-28, Philippians 3:1-11, Luke 20:9-19, John 12:1-11
Sermon Aid
George Bass
... Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, which is also the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.) Psalm 28:1-3, 7-11 (L) - This prayer of a person who is in trouble could be put into the mouth of Jesus Christ, if one is inclined toward emphasizing the Passion of Our Lord at this time in Lent, or it could be the cry of penitents, who know their predicament and realize that God is the only one who can help them. The last five verses highlight the kind of joy that is in the human heart as Easter approaches once again ...
... OUR DAILY BREAD. FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SINAGAINST US. SAVE US FROM THE TIME OF TRIAL AND DELIVER US FROM EVIL; FOR THE KINGDOM, THEPOWER, AND THE GLORY ARE YOURS, NOW AND FOREVER. AMEN. WORSHIPERS RECEIVE THE ELEMENTS OF COMMUNION PrayerGracious Lord, we give thanks for you have nourished us at your table, assured us of your love, and strengthened us to walk in faith. Go with us as we go our separate ways, filled with your Spirit, for you have revealed yourself to us in the breaking ...
... no more clearly seen than in these final days of his earthly ministry. The passion of Holy Week paints the picture of Jesus as a suffering servant. He came to serve and he continues to serve you and me in special ways. I Jesus comes as "the work of the Lord's hands" to serve our needs This is Maundy Thursday, the day on which we recognize and celebrate that Jesus, as part of his service to us, instituted the special meal of his own body and blood, the meal which was prepared with you and me in mind. By the ...
... as he is asked again, Peter again curses Him. But as he curses Him a third time, Peter sees something and hears something, that is to haunt him in the depths of his heart. For just as he stops, the rooster crows three times. And as he does so, Our Lord passes by, chained by the soldiers. And as Our Savior looks at him, Peter is blinded by his tears, the hot, choking rush, where Peter is crushed. And as legend will later have it, Peter has grooves that were worn in his cheeks where Peter has cried so often ...
Isaiah 11:1-16, Psalm 72:1-20, Romans 14:1--15:13, Matthew 3:1-12
Sermon Aid
... John "gets off the hook" with the Pharisees and Sadducees, to some degree, by proclaiming the advent of the "mightier one," the Messiah, who has the very power of God at his disposal to bring judgment upon - and salvation for - the entire human race. "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." A sermon on the First Lesson, Isaiah 11:1-10 - "God's Spirit-Anointed Savior" 1. God's promise: to send a kingly one who shall bring all people to God. 2. His character will be formed by the Spirit of the ...
Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146:1-10, James 5:7-12, Matthew 11:1-19
Sermon Aid
... with the coming of the Messiah, is almost like a eulogy, as though Jesus knew that John would soon die, and wanted to set the record straight about John for all time. John was the one he said he was, the one who came to prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight. The theology spelled out in this Gospel is realized eschatology, in that it has to do with the First Coming, the appearance in the flesh, the incarnation, of Jesus as the Messiah of God. The crux of the matter for us is whether or not ...
Isaiah 44:6-23, Psalm 103:1-22, Psalm 86:1-17, Exodus 3:1-22, Romans 8:18-27, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
Sermon Aid
... , may have the strength to live according to your will...."). The second prayer sharpens the focus of the first prayer to a point with its "Turn us to listen to your teaching and lead us to choose the one thing which will not be taken from us, Jesus Christ our Lord." It might simply have been added to the first prayer as a concluding petition. It would seem fitting and proper to offer both prayers, in order, in the Sunday liturgy. The Psalm of the Day - Psalm 86:11-17 (L); 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16a (R); 86, or ...