Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: touch, feel, sense of touch, tactile sense, tactility, contact, using one's hands, sensation, sense, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, notion, inkling, hunch, fancy, apprehension, presentiment, premonition, foreboding, love, care, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, warmness, emotion, sentiment, emotional state, compassion, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, understanding, concern, solicitude, solicitousness, tender-heartedness, brotherly love, sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, ego, pride, opinion, belief, view, impression, intuition, instinct, estimation, guess, theory, hypothesis, thought, way of thinking, point of view, atmosphere, ambience, aura, air, mood, climate, character, overtone, undertone, tenor, spirit, quality, flavour, colour, aptitude, knack, flair, bent, talent, gift, skill, art, trick, faculty, ability, propensity, inclination, sensitive, warm, warm-hearted, tender, tender-hearted, caring, soft-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, empathetic, responsive, receptive, intuitive, thoughtful

Antonyms: bad feeling, acrimony, animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, bitterness, detestation, disgust, dislike, disrelish, enmity, friction, grievances, grudges, hatred, hostility, loathing, malevolence, malice

Showing 926 to 950 of 3082 results

926. Unwrapping Presents ... and People

Sermon

James Bjorge

A profusion of gifts stacked neatly under a green tree is one of the visions of Christmas. To young and old alike the fancy wrappings keep the real gifts hidden from the eyes of the would-be-beholders. If only the gifts could jump forth from the wrappings they would be free for us to enjoy! However that burst of freedom must wait until the signal is given; whether it be on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day morning. Then they are unwrapped, unbound, set loose. And what a grand time it is when that which is ...

927. The Way Up Is the Way Down

Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon

Phil Thrailkill

Potato chips, cheese curls, and candy may be some of your favorites, but for twenty-four mule deer in the Grand Canyon National Park, these indulgences proved deadly. Park rangers were forced to shoot more than two dozen mule deer who became hooked on junk food left by visitors. It was death by Cheetos and suicide by Snicker bar! Why eat twigs or chew bark if a Twinkie is nearby? Once deer taste the sugar and salt of snack foods, they develop an addiction and will go to any lengths to eat only junk food. ...

928. Advent 1

Matthew 24:36-51, Romans 13:8-14, Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122:1-9

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS The Old Testament lesson and the psalm inaugurate the Advent season with a powerful symbol of salvation: Zion. Isaiah 2:1-5 provides a utopian vision of Zion as an end-time reality, while the pilgrimage hymn in Psalm 122 encourages us to claim this salvation in our present lives through worship. Taken together these Old Testament texts provide a strong commentary on Advent. They underscore how Advent points us to a future reality that reaches backwards and embraces us in worship, even ...

929. The Tower of Siloam

Luke 13:1-9

Sermon

Frank Ramirez

It was over forty years ago, in the middle of December 1963, when my aging father retired from the Navy. He was only 37 years old at the time, but to a nine-year-old that sounded pretty old! He and mom packed us into the car and we moved from Norfolk, Virginia, back to our native California, taking the old Highway 66, a two-lane highway that could really cause motion sickness at times! Dad made sure we stopped at important places from the sights of Washington DC to the austere majesty of mountainous ...

930. Judgment of Israel's Neighbors

Amos 1:1-2:5

Understanding Series

Elizabeth Achtemeier

The Superscription (1:1): 1:1 Amos is introduced to us by a number of editors, probably from Judah, who have, over a period of time, formulated the superscription as we now have it. Probably the original heading of the book read something like, “The words of Amos from Tekoa.” The NIV mistakenly connects the shepherds with Tekoa, but of Tekoa modifies Amos, and the reference to the shepherds simply states Amos’s occupation. The facts that the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel is synchronized with that of ...

931. The Warrior Messiah Conquers the Two Beasts and Their Followers

Revelation 19:1-21

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: Jesus, the Warrior Messiah, will return in power and glory to conquer his enemies. Understanding the Text In this passage, God’s final victory over evil continues to unfold (19:6–20:15). After the announcement of the Lamb’s wedding in 19:6–10, we read of Christ’s second coming in 19:11–21. He is portrayed throughout this passage as Warrior, Judge, and King, who returns in glory and power to defeat his enemies and establish his universal reign. The first part of this unit (19:11–16) emphasizes ...

932. Eliphaz

Job 4:1-5:27

Teach the Text

Daniel J. Estes

How Eliphaz Explains Job’s Adversity Big Idea: Eliphaz explains Job’s adversity as a standard case of God’s retribution for sin. Understanding the Text Job’s three friends, who arrived on the scene in 2:11–13, wait until after Job’s opening lament in chapter 3 before they speak. From chapter 4 through chapter 27, the friends and Job speak alternately, as they all try to explain Job’s adversity. Eliphaz is the lead speaker in each of the three cycles of speeches, and his words introduce the key points that ...

933. “Have Mercy on Me, Lord, for I Am Faint”

Psalm 6:1-10

Teach the Text

C. Hassell Bullock

Big Idea: Either an illness or the psalmist’s enemies, or both, have driven him to pray for God’s mercy, out of which a robust faith bursts forth. Understanding the Text Generally Psalm 6 is considered an individual lament, and it is the first of the penitential psalms of the ancient Christian church (6; 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143). While the element of penitence seems elusive, this psalm certainly is a prayer for divine mercy one place removed from confession of sin. The suppliant laments either (1) the ...

934. “Some Trust in Chariots . . . , but We Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God”

Psalm 20:1-9

Teach the Text

C. Hassell Bullock

Big Idea: While reliance on our own resources is a mark of achievement, it can also become an obstacle to trusting in the Lord. Understanding the Text Psalm 20 is a royal psalm because it concerns the king (“anointed,” 20:6; “the king,” 20:9)[1] and his success in battle. Indeed, the psalm is concerned with the king’s obedience to the law of God (Deut. 17:16). Craigie calls the psalm a royal liturgy for use in the sanctuary,[2] and Goldingay considers it a dialogue between the people and the king,[3] ...

935. “You Laugh at Them, Lord; You Scoff at All Those Nations”

Psalm 59:1-17

Teach the Text

C. Hassell Bullock

Big Idea: Although the enemies of our personal world—sickness, slander, uncertainty, and so on—may roam as scavengers of the night, in faithful trust we will sing God’s morning song of love. Understanding the Text In terms of traditional categories, this psalm is an individual lament, for the suppliant’s character has been maligned by his enemies, to which he attests his innocence and confesses his faith in the loving God. Judging from the titles of Psalms 56–60, we see literary threads that connect these ...

936. Jesus Heals a Paralytic

Mark 2:1-12

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

2:1–12 Up to this point Mark has introduced us to Jesus and given us samples of his ministry, showing us the effect of his teaching (1:21–22, 27) and his powerful works of exorcism (1:23–28, 34) and healing (1:29–34, 40–45). In chapter 2 we have further glimpses of Jesus’ ministry of miracles and teaching, but we should really think of Mark 2:1–3:6 as a single unit of the narrative, for each of the incidents described here involves some controversy between Jesus and various critics. The incidents in Mark 1 ...

937. David Counts the Fighting Men

2 Samuel 24:1-17

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

The Census and Its Aftermath: This is not an easy passage for a number of reasons. The equivalent passage in 1 Chronicles 21 has a number of differences, not the least being the inspiration of David’s action, presented as the Lord in 2 Samuel and as Satan in 1 Chronicles. In the context of 2 Samuel, in particular the appendix, this passage has a parallel in 21:1–14, where Saul’s sin brought tragedy to the nation. The writers may intend to make it clear that the actions of any ruler, not just the disgraced ...

938. Bildad

Job 8:1-22

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

Does God Pervert Justice?: 8:1–2 The second friend, Bildad, begins without the slightest indication of compassion for Job’s suffering. He immediately condemns Job’s speech, calling it a blustering wind. His goal from the first is to defend the traditional wisdom understanding of retribution. Unlike Eliphaz before him, Bildad seems willing to acknowledge Job’s essential righteousness and encourages patience in waiting for God’s ultimate vindication. 8:3 Bildad’s counterattack proper begins with parallel ...

939. David Builds an Altar

2 Samuel 24:18-25

Understanding Series

Mary J. Evans

940. Be Holy

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Understanding Series

Norman Hillyer

The Believers’ Response in Conduct 1:13 Do the readers now appreciate the magnificence of God’s far-reaching salvation plan in which they have been caught up? Then their response has to be a wholehearted commitment to their new life in Christ. They are to prepare their minds for action, that is, they must put away any distractions which would hinder their growth in grace and their being available to carry forward God’s work of salvation in whatever way he may indicate. The Greek is literally “gird up the ...

941. Why The Resurrection Makes Sense

1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Sermon

Mark Ellingsen

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. (vv.19-20) Christ is risen! But is it true? Where’s the proof? The world and life-experience say there is no proof. In fact, if the great existentialist philosopher of the twentieth century Albert Camus is right, there is nothing in our world that isn’t arbitrary. Camus contends ultimately all there is to life is chaotic ...

942. “In Your Heart You Devise Injustice”

Psalm 58:1-11

Teach the Text

C. Hassell Bullock

Big Idea: As one thinks in one’s heart, so one does, and that explains many of the tragedies of history. Understanding the Text Psalm 58 is usually identified as a community lament, although Gerstenberger is probably more accurate when he says it is “neither complaint nor thanksgiving nor hymn” but closer to the prophetic invective against the ruling classes.1 Except for the historical note in the title of Psalm 57, the terms of the title of Psalm 58 are the same. Further, the two psalms share the metaphor ...

943. Proper 17

Psalm 81:1-16, Hebrews 13:1-25, Jeremiah 2:1-3:5, Luke 14:1-14

Sermon Aid

William E. Keeney

Honor Or Humility Emily Post was a well-known expert on etiquette. She would tell you the proper table manners to observe. Her advice helped a person to be gracious in polite society. She told you not to put your elbows on the table -- and so did your mother probably -- and not to talk with your mouth full. She also told you which knife, fork, or spoon to use. Jesus also had some words about table etiquette. They had less to do with how to behave in polite society. They had to do with the proper ...

944. What’s a Sunday For?

Sermon

Charles R. Leary

The text is one you memorized in kindergarten. It’s one of the Ten Commandments. However, what we just heard from the lips of Jesus is his own unique interpretation: “Keep holy the Sabbath day ... The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” That text refers to the day you and I observe as Sunday. And so, I am asking, “What’s A Sunday For?” It is of great interest to me how many Christians think the Sabbath Commandment is about work, while others think it is about rest. What is of even greater ...

945. What "They" Say

Luke 9:18-27

Sermon

Larry Powell

"They" say that the next President of the United States is going to be a woman. "They" say that the next winter will be one of the coldest on record. "They" say that two heads are better than one. "They" say that if a rooster crows late in the day, rain is on the way. Surely you have heard of "They." It is almost certain that at one time or another you have referred to "They" when relating some bit of information in the course of a conversation. "They" say! "They" are always saying something. And it is not ...

946. Epiphany 4

Psalm 71:1-24, 1 Corinthians 14:1-25, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Jeremiah 1:1-19, Luke 4:14-30

Sermon Aid

George Bass

THEOLOGICAL CLUE The birth story, with the visit of the magi, and the baptism of our Lord, at the beginning of the season, and the Transfiguration story, at the conclusion of Epiphany in many lectionaries, combine to enclose the other Sundays of Epiphany in a period of time when the manifestation/ministry of Jesus are celebrated in worship and preaching. Each Sunday, some aspect of Jesus' Epiphany in his teaching and/or his miraculous works/signs is put before the people of God to confirm the faith of ...

947. A Sword and a Sacrament

Isaiah 50:1-11

Sermon

Carl Hoefler

It is Passion Sunday. It is Palm Sunday. Which is it? According to our church calendar, it is both. At first, it may sound that these two Sundays just do not belong together. Passion Sunday has to do with the cries of the crucified one hanging on a rough and splintery cross. Palm Sunday has to do with joyous "Alleluias" and palm branches raised in a salute to a king and to his victory. Suffering and salutes seem out of harmony with each other. Are we to cry out in terror; or, are we to shout out for joy? ...

948. Why Aspire to Sainthood?

Daniel 7:1-14

Sermon

Today on the church calendar is designated All Saints’ Sunday. It is a time for remembering persons who through the generations have been so outstanding in faith and ministry that their lives have been a special blessing to all who have known them. As someone has said, they have adorned the Gospel of Jesus Christ, though it might be better to say they received the Gospel so fully that it adorned and glorified them. Who are the saints? How many can you name? Saint Peter? Saint Stephen? Saints Matthew, Mark ...

949. Not Blind but Seeing

John 9:1-12

Sermon

Dean Lueking

A memorable line from Robert Burns offers a good beginning in hearing the word of Christ to us today: "O what power the Giftie gie’ us that we see ourselves as others see us ..." The ninth chapter of John’s Gospel is about seeing, not only as others see us but seeing as God sees us. It is one of the most dramatic chapters in the New Testament, as the Savior calls out to us not to be blind, but seeing. Trying To See What Can’t Be Seen It all begins with a question to Jesus from the disciples as they saw a ...

950. Chapter II

Exodus 20:1-21

Sermon

Frank H. Seilhamer

"I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; You will have no other gods before me. You will not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you will not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but ...

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