Showing 851 to 875 of 900 results
Sermon
Brett Blair
Some years ago a book was written by a noted American historian entitled “When The Cheering Stopped.” It was the story of President Woodrow Wilson and the events leading up to and following WWI. When that war was over Wilson was an international hero, There was a great spirit of optimism abroad, and people actually believed that the last war had been fought and the world had been made safe for dem...
Sermon
Brett Blair
Some years ago a book was written by a noted American historian entitled “When The Cheering Stopped.” It was the story of President Woodrow Wilson and the events leading up to and following WWI. When that war was over Wilson was an international hero, There was a great spirit of optimism abroad, and people actually believed that the last war had been fought and the world had been made safe for dem...
Sermon
Brett Blair
Once in every lifetime something happens on the world stage, which shapes the course of human events. That event occurred three year ago on the morning of Sept 11th. Consider for a moment what was set in motion by the terrorist attacks of that day: Our nations capital was attacked. Over 3000 people lost their lives (1). The Manhattan skyline was irrevocably changed. The financial trade center ...
854. When We Fail to Listen
John 10:1-21
Illustration
Brett Blair
A certain public school superintendent passed down a verbal set of instructions to his assistant concerning the appearance of Halley's Comet a few years back. The superintendent said: Next Thursday at 10:30 a.m., Halley's Comet will appear over this area. This is an event that occurs only once every 75 years. Call the school principals and have them assemble their teachers and classes on their at...
Sermon
Brett Blair
There seems to be little connection between the Greek's request and Jesus' response until you begin to speculate about why this leap in logic. Something appears to be missing. Why does Jesus seemingly ignore the Greeks request for an audience with him? Jesus knows that the Greeks "Seek Wisdom" and are only interested in debate and dialogue on theological philosophical issues of the day. Even if t...
856. Who Are You and What Have You Done?
Matthew 16:13-20
Illustration
Brett Blair
These doctors on their way to the golf course get into a car accident and they all die. They are now standing before the gates of heaven and St. Peter says to the first: "Why should I let you in?" He replies: "Look at my file! I am a research physician. I developed all kinds of procedures to prolong people's lives." St. Peter checks out the folder and says: "OK, you can come in." Then he asks the ...
Children's Sermon
Brett Blair
Exegetical Aim: To teach servitude to Christ and adherence to his message. Props: Items representing adult vocations--hammer, cowboy hat, stethoscope, stuffed animal, toy race car--and a bible. Lesson: Good morning! (response) I want to show you a few things this morning and I want to ask you two questions. First question is this: What do you want to be when you grow up? Hold up the hammer. Do y...
Sermon
Brett Blair
Jesus and his disciples ventured into the District of Caesarea Philippi, an area about 25 miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The region had tremendous religious implications. The place was littered with the temples of the Syrian gods. Here also was the elaborate marble temple that had been erected by Herod the Great, father of the then ruling Herod Antipas. Here also was the influence of the G...
859. Who Do You Say I Am? - Sermon Starter
Matthew 16:13-20
Illustration
Brett Blair
Jesus and his disciples ventured into the District of Caesarea Philippi, an area about 25 miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The region had tremendous religious implications. The place was littered with the temples of the Syrian gods. Here also was the elaborate marble temple that had been erected by Herod the Great, father of the then ruling Herod Antipas. Here also was the influence of the G...
860. Who is He?
Matthew 16:13-20
Children's Sermon
Brett Blair
Exegetical Aim: The identity of Jesus. Props: I do not use any props in the text but a letter with your name on it or other items that identify you may be used. Work them in at the appropriate time. Example: If you are a teacher by vocation bring something that identifies you as a teacher and tie it in to the story. Lesson: Good Morning! I have a question for you and I am not sure you are going to...
Children's Sermon
Brett Blair
Exegetical Aim: To give an understanding of John's prologue and his understanding of Jesus' nature. Props: Flash Cards: nine pieces of paper with the following words boldly written: WORD, GOD, LIFE, LIGHT, FLESH, GLORY, GRACE , TRUTH, ONE and ONLY. Distribute the words around the sanctuary for the children to find. You will need a good grasp of the sequence of the words and the basic development ...
Children's Sermon
Brett Blair
Exegetical Aim: The value of the soul is greater than the value of this world. Props: Questions and answers from which the children will guess. Suggestion: Wear a solid colored shirt and tie like Regis. Lesson: Good morning. (response) Let’s play a game. Ok? (response) Let’s play: Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (response) We have to choose a contestant first. Who ever can answer this question ge...
Sermon
Brett Blair
They say “politics and religion don't mix.” I say this campaign can't shut up talking about religion. They say “separation of church and state.” I say politicians sure been preaching a lot of sermons lately. Some of them preachin’ political sermons in the churches, right up there where the preacher ought to be. You might be able to separate the state from the church but you sure can’t separate the...
864. Who You Gonna’ Vote For? - Sermon Starter
Luke 19:1-10
Illustration
Brett Blair
They say "politics and religion don't mix," but politicians can't stop talking about religion. They say "separation of church and state." I say politicians have sure been preaching a lot of sermons lately. Some of them preachin' political sermons in the churches, right up there where the preacher ought to be. You might be able to separate the state from the church but you sure can't separate the p...
Children's Sermon
Brett Blair
Exegetical Aim: Leadership and Authority mean service and humility. Props: A towel (or shoe brush), and quarters enough to give to every child and one penny. Lesson: Good Morning! (response) I have a question for you this morning. Are you ready? (response) With enthusiasm to draw the kids in: Who among you is the greatest? (response) Single out one of the children who responded. You are? (response...
866. Whose Boy Are You?
2 Tim 1:5; Eph 6:1-4; 2 Ki 4:8-37
Illustration
Brett Blair
One of the great preachers of our time is Dr. Fred Craddock. Craddock tells a story about vacationing with his wife one summer in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One night they found a quiet little restaurant, where they looked forward to a private meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. Cradd...
867. Why 153 Fish?
John 21:1-14
Illustration
Brett Blair
It is so easy to get caught up in trivial interpretations of scripture and miss the point. Take a look at John 21:11: "Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn." Now, why in heaven's name was there 153 fish? Have you ever wondered about that? No? Well others have. Cyril of Alexandria in the 5th century said that t...
868. Why Did The Cheering Stop? - Sermon Starter
Matthew 21:1-11
Illustration
Brett Blair
Some years ago a book was written by a noted American historian entitled “When The Cheering Stopped.” It was the story of President Woodrow Wilson and the events leading up to and following WWI. When that war was over Wilson was an international hero, There was a great spirit of optimism abroad, and people actually believed that the last war had been fought and the world had been made safe for dem...
Sermon
Brett Blair
It was Sunday, the first day of the week, the day after the Jewish Sabbath. At early dawn we are told that some women came to the grave of Jesus, taking with them spices to anoint the body in the tomb. Mary Magdalene was there that morning. Tradition tells us more about her than the written record does. Historically she has been portrayed as a common harlot who had her life radically changed by th...
Sermon
Brett Blair
You probably do not remember the name Nikolai Ivanovich Bukharin. During his day he was as powerful a man as there was on earth. A Russian Communist leader he took part in the Bolshevik Revolution 1917, was editor of the Soviet newspaper Pravda (which by the way means truth), and was a full member of the Politburo. His works on economics and political science are still read today. There is a story...
Sermon
Brett Blair
You probably do not remember the name Nikolai Ivanovich Bukharin. During his day he was as powerful a man as there was on earth. A Russian Communist leader he took part in the Bolshevik Revolution 1917, was editor of the Soviet newspaper Pravda (which by the way means truth), and was a full member of the Politburo. His works on economics and political science are still read today. There is a story...
Sermon
Brett Blair
You might remember comedian Yakov Smirnoff. When he first came to the United States from Russia he was not prepared for the incredible variety of instant products available in American grocery stores. He says, "On my first shopping trip, I saw powdered milk you just add water, and you get milk. Then I saw powdered orange juice you just add water, and you get orange juice. And then I saw baby powde...
873. Why Must We Carry a Cross? - Sermon Starter
Mark 8:27-38
Illustration
Brett Blair
Can people change instantly at salvation? Some traditions call it repentance and renewal. Some call it Sanctification of the believer. Whatever you call it most traditions expect some quick fix to sin. According to this belief, when someone gives his or her life to Christ, there is an immediate, substantive, in-depth, miraculous change in habits, attitudes, and character. We go to church as if we ...
Children's Sermon
Brett Blair
Exegetical Aim: Miracles do not make a Messiah; the Messiah made miracles. Props: A bottle of unopened grape juice and two clear glasses the same size. One glass should be filled slightly more than half way with liquid bleach which you will pretend is water. You will want a tray or a small firm table on which to put everything. Place the two glasses side by side. Lesson: Good morning! (response) H...
875. Wine Stewards
Luke 16:1-15
Illustration
Brett Blair
During World War II there was wine steward who was responsible for caring for the finest collection of wine in all of Europe in the wine cellars at the Chateau of Monaco. At that time in history, the chateau was well known for its vintage, rare wines. But the Nazis had overrun the city and now lived and dined in the chateau, expecting and wanting to drink the world's finest vintage wines. The win...
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