Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 826 to 850 of 3099 results

Luke 21:5-38

Sermon

Larry R. Kalajainen

... to stop working and sponge off the rest of the Christian community. He exhorts them to straighten up, get back to work, and follow his own example and teaching which was, "If you don't work, you don't eat." And his concluding remark on this subject is "Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in well-doing" (2 Thessalonians 3:13) -- in doing what is right. In our gospel lesson, we find Jesus saying something very similar to his followers. In Luke's community, there were apparently some who misinterpreted the ...

827. The Mechanics Of Prayer

Matthew 6:5-15, Luke 11:1-13

Sermon

John R. Brokhoff

Note: This isn't a sermon but it's a good primer if you are preaching on the subject. Our goal is to pray like Jesus. We want to improve the effectiveness of our prayers. That is our objective, but what are the means of reaching the goal? We have come to the time when we need to consider the nuts and bolts of Christlike prayer. What do we ...

828. What Law is Operating Here?

Illustration

John Killinger

Note: We do not advise using this illustration in a sermon. In fact, we strongly advise against it, but we thought it a great meditation for us clergy, considering subjects of Law and Grace. Here it it: In Mary Gordon's novel, Final Payments, a book addressing the repression of many young Catholics of the 50s and 60s, a young woman named Isabel Moore has just buried her father after several years of illness, during which she was confined to ...

829. You Can Be Beautiful

Hosea 14:1-9

Sermon

Michael B. Brown

... . To be sure one of the most beautiful people in our world today is a man from the West Coast named Leo Buscaglia. He is best known as "the prophet of love" due to his many books, lecture tours and television appearances on the subject. From a physical standpoint, some would debate my thesis that Buscaglia is beautiful. He is neither statuesque nor classically handsome. His hair is rarely neatly coiffed. He has a bushy little goatee. Though all that may not sound exactly like Tom Cruise, I am convinced ...

830. The Christmas Sign

Isaiah 7:1-25

Sermon

Paul E. Robinson

... all know of the need of a sign, don't we? It's funny how we are built. Inside, I mean. We can have proofs and explanations and insistent documentation, but that's not what we really need deep inside, is it? We want a sign. The most subtle, fragile, subjective hint of all, a sign, is what we need to assure us of our place in a person's life, or to assure us that it'll be okay, or to assure us that God is there. Just a sign. Like looking off to the side of the cluster of ...

831. Epiphany 2

1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Isaiah 62:1-12, John 2:1-11

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters of Luke: Jesus begins his ministry in Nazareth, the call of Peter, and the sermon on the plain. 2. Lesson 2. Seven lections are from 1 Corinthians, chapters 12, 13, and 15. Here we have an opportunity for a series of sermons dealing with subjects still alive today. i. Corinthians 12:1-11 Gifts of the Spirit ii. 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Unity in Diversity iii. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Love is the greatest iv. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 What is the Gospel? v. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 The ...

832. Epiphany 3

Lk 4:14-21 · 1 Cor 12:12-31a · Isa 61:1-6 · Neh 8:1-10 · Ps 19

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... people and explained it. Today this is one purpose of the sermon it gives an understanding of the Lessons preceding the sermon. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a 1. Body (v. 12). In this pericope the word "body" is used 17 times. It is the primary subject of the passage. In one sense, it is a metaphor. The church is like a human body with various members. Another meaning is that literally the church is the body of Christ. The church is the contemporary incarnation of Christ. The Christian is the church, at ...

833. Epiphany 4

Lk 4:21-30 · 1 Cor 13:1-13 · Jer 1:4-10 · Ps 71

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... wanted? (4:21-29). Need: It needs to be remembered that we are preaching to the laity and not to the clergy. For the most part the people choose the kind of preacher they want. A popular preacher avoids speaking about sin and dealing with controversial subjects. One who tells it like it is, exposes sin, and calls for repentance is seldom in favor with people. At first Jesus was popular but when he told the truth, he became extremely unpopular even to the point of extreme anger. People need to decide whether ...

834. Epiphany 5

1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-13, Luke 5:1-11

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... to discipleship. Isaiah and Peter are called to God's service in different ways. Yet there are similarities: a vision of divine greatness, a sense of sin and unworthiness, and a clear mandate to serve God. Lesson 2 continues the series from 1 Corinthians; the subject shifts from the gifts of the Spirit to the Gospel of the resurrection. As usual, the Psalm (Psalm 138) is related to Lesson 1 "Though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly." The prayer has in mind Isaiah's experience, "eyes to see and ears ...

835. Epiphany 6

Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... other person could heal as he did. Just a touch of his garment brought healing. In other words, Jesus had numbers, and today we should not be content unless our churches are crowded to hear Jesus proclaimed and to be healed by Jesus. 2. Blessed (vv. 20-22). The subject of these verses is "blessed are you" which are known as Beatitudes. To be blessed is to be happy in terms of joy, peace, and contentment. A blessed person is one who has received God's favor. 3. Woe (vv. 24-26) As there were four "blessed are ...

836. Lent 1

Lk 4:1-13 · Rom 10:8-13 · Deut 26:1-11 · Ps 91

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... . Lesson 1 - A confession of God's goodness to his people. Lesson 2 - A confession of Jesus as the risen Lord. Each year the Gospel for Lent 1 deals with Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. However, this year the theme of the day goes beyond the subject of temptation to an overall theme of confession as a response to God. Jesus responds to the temptations by giving truths from the Scriptures. In Lesson 1 the Jews are admonished to respond by saying a "creed" concerning Yahweh's goodness in the Exodus. Paul ...

837. The Lenten Season

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... in different approaches. a. Ideal situation. With courage and determination, he schedules a full program of services on Sundays and midweek. He uses the lectionary on Sunday mornings, doctrinal themes on Sunday evenings, provided they are held and Lenten subjects at the midweek Lenten services. b. Lenten services on Sunday evenings. If it is utterly impossible to hold midweek Lenten services or, if held, impossible to get an acceptable attendance, the Lenten services might be held on Sunday evenings ...

838. Christmas Eve

Lk 2:1-20 · Tit 2:11-14 · Isa 9:2-7 · Ps 96

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... comes is a ruler, a king. Christ was born a king, a descendant of King David. For an ordered society we need a government of law, order, and justice. Without it, we have chaos. The problem is getting the right government which will be a blessing to the subjects. Christ comes as a governor whose kingdom is eternal and executes justice for all. 3. Name (v. 6). A name identifies as well as explains the nature of one with the name. Jesus was given his name by the angel, and his name described his mission: "He ...

839. Passion Sunday

Isaiah 50:1-11, Luke 22:14--23:56, Philippians 2:1-11

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... lesson, though only half of the entire lesson, is too long to be treated as a text for one sermon. The preacher will choose a portion which answers a need of the congregation. The choice will be made in the light of previous Sunday morning sermons, mid-week subjects, and projected Holy Week services. 1. 23:1-5 Are you the king of the Jews? (A possible link with Palm Sunday) 2. 23:6-12 Pilate and Herod become friends. Theme: the estranged and hostile can be reconciled by the Reconciler. 3. 23:13-16 Pilate's ...

840. Proper 13

Colossians 3:1-17, Hosea 11:1-11, Luke 12:13-21

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... loves Israel when a child, brought him out of slavery in Egypt, and cared for him in the wilderness. He took his child in his arms, taught him to walk, and nurtured him. In spite of this, the son was stubborn and rebellious. In consequence, the grown child is subject to discipline by returning to captivity by Assyria. But the heart of God cries out for his son and cannot give him up to slavery. Because he is God and not man, Yahweh continues to love him and promises to bring him back to his home. This never ...

841. Proper 15

Luke 12:54-59, Hebrews 12:1-13, Luke 12:49-53, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:1-40

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... others' faith and in the light of their faith, we are exhorted to run the race of faith. The analogy of an athletic contest is used. In our generation of sports craze, it is an appropriate analogy to interest our people in running the race of faith. This subject of faith may be harmonized with the theme of the day -- the fire of faith needs to burn endlessly in us. Outline: To win the race of faith -- a. Be in the right place: stadium of witnesses -- "Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses." Fans are ...

842. Proper 17

Hebrews 13:1-25, Jeremiah 2:1-3:5, Luke 14:1-14

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... humility does a. In relation to you vv. 7-11. 1. Humility is not putting yourself down to the point of worthlessness nor the denial of value or ability. Humility is an honest knowledge of yourself, an acceptance of your true self: a sinner, servant, subject of the King. 2. Humility is knowing the source of your worth. A Christian recognizes that his strength, talents, and virtues come from God. He takes no credit for his virtue or accomplishments but gives God the glory and praise. This saves him from pride ...

843. Proper 25

Luke 18:9-14, Joel 2:18-27, Joel 2:28-32, 2 Timothy 3:10--4:8, 2 Timothy 4:9-18

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... and the future lies ahead. This was Paul's experience enunciated in the text. It is important to know where you are at present. What kind of a past did you have? What have you done with your life? Do you have a future? We are dealing with vital subjects which will determine our eternal destiny. Outline: See yourself at the crossroads of life a. Your present "I am already on the point of being sacrificed." (v. 6). b. Your past Can you say verse 7? c. Your future Can you claim a future reward? (v. 8). 2. When ...

844. Proper 8

Luke 9:57-62, Galatians 5:16-26, 2 Kings 2:1-18, Luke 9:51-56

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... v. 1). Christ has set us free for freedom, not for another type of slavery. It is a freedom of law and responsibility. If not, our freedom can become licensed "as an opportunity for the flesh." (v. 13) Because of Christ, a Christian is the freest of all persons, subject to none except Christ. Yet, at the same time, a Christian is a servant (slave) to all others because of love. We are free to be servants to all people because we have the spirit of love in our hearts. Thus, love is the fulfilling of the Law ...

845. Transfiguration

2 Corinthians 3:7-18, Exodus 34:29-35, Luke 9:28-36

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... and miracles. Here is the pinnacle of the mountaintop experience in which the glory of God is seen in his face. The Transfiguration is a bridge between Jesus' public ministry and his mission to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. His departure (exodus) is the subject of the discussion with Elijah and Moses. Before setting out on his redemptive mission, Jesus is assured of the approval of the law and Prophets as well as of God's confirmation of who he was and his mission. With this assurance Jesus goes to ...

846. Face To Face

John 14:1-4

Eulogy

Barbara G. Schmitz

... were so slow to understand. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus went up to a mountain with four of his disciples to pray. Luke tells us that, as he was praying, two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared and talked with him. The subject of their discourse was Jesus' forthcoming death, his departure, his exodus from this world. But Jesus did not shrink from what lay ahead of him. He did not succumb to the fear of his mortality. Scripture tells us instead that Jesus was transfigured, literally, metamorphosized ...

847. Come, O Blessed Of My Father

John 5:16-30

Eulogy

Barbara G. Schmitz

Anthem: Christ Is Risen This past Sunday in church we celebrated what is known as Christ the King Sunday. Picture it: Christ the King, subjecting all powers and enemies under his feet, reigning as king in heaven following his resurrection, and awaiting his return to earth and the ushering in of eternity. In some churches, it is celebrated as "Eternity" Sunday. One of the readings appointed for Christ the King Sunday, or Eternity Sunday, is ...

848. Lent 2

Luke 13:31-35, Psalm 27:1-14

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. DECLARATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS Hear the Good News! Christ will transfigure these bodies belonging to our humble state, and give them a form like that of his own resplendent body by the very power which enables him to make all things subject to himself. Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. EXHORTATION Live as citizens of heaven. Stand firm in the faith. Look to Jesus who will bring us joy and a crown beyond the cross. PRAYER OF THE DAY God of order and ...

849. Proper 20

Luke 16:1-15, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 79:1-13, Jeremiah 8:4--9:26

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... . Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Exhortation Be trustworthy in little things, so that God will trust you with greater things, both in this life and in the life to come. Prayer of the Day Liberating God, free us from subjection to property, so that we may not be bound to money for the sake of power or privilege but use what we have for your purposes, the enrichment of the human spirit, others and ours; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer of Thanksgiving Glorious ...

850. Proper 8

Luke 9:51-56, Psalm 77:1-20

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

... the deeds of the Eternal One; Remember the God who works wonders; Meditate on all God's work, And muse on the redemption of God's people. God's way is holy. Who is so great as our God? Prayer of Confession Merciful Sovereign, we are not fit subjects of your rule. You have shown us the ways of love and forgiveness but we sometimes turn back to ways of pride and hatred. We are more ready to denounce your enemies than to declare the good news. We delay obedience to your call with excuses of personal privilege ...

Showing results