Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: Levi, disciple, evangelist, tax collector, the 12, the twelve, apostle, sermon on the mount, jewish audience, beatitudes, lord's prayer, great commission, parables, olivet discourse, mount of olives, olivet, synoptic

Showing 1026 to 1050 of 1232 results

1026. Proper 7

Lk 9:18-24 · Gal 3:23-29 · 1 Ki 19:9-14 · Zech 12:7-10

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY 1 Kings 19:9-14 A discouraged Elijah hears God speak in a still, small voice. This pericope is a continuation of the story begun last Sunday. We left a scared and dejected Elijah in the wilderness where an angel brought him food to give him strength to go to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. When he arrives Yahweh asks him why he is there. Elijah explains that he has been jealous for the Lord, that God's people turned to idols, and that he is the only faithful one left in Israel. Yahweh told ...

1027. Up And Down The Mountain

Luke 9:28-36

Sermon

Donald Dotterer

Let us pray: Gracious and eternal Father, as we begin this Lenten journey, we seek to focus our hearts and minds upon understanding the ways in which you work to heal us of our afflictions. Lord grant us wisdom in these moments. May the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts be always acceptable in thy sight, O Lord our strength and our Redeemer. Amen. Sir Edmund Hillary is the explorer and humanitarian from New Zealand who was the first man to stand atop Mount Everest, the highest mountain on ...

1028. Behold the Blood of the Covenant

Exodus 24:1-18

Sermon

Larry Powell

Jesus of Nazareth had his own agenda. From the beginning, it had confounded even those closest to him. * We think of Joseph and Mary searching anxiously up and down the caravan line for their twelve-year-old son, only to discover that he had remained in Jerusalem to sit among the teachers at the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). * We think of Jesus standing as a young man in the synagogue at Nazareth reading from the book of Isaiah, concluding the reading with the astonishing claim, "Today, this scripture has been ...

1029. Beyond Our Sight, Within Our Hearing

Luke 9:28-36

Sermon

William G. Carter

I wonder what they were thinking as they started up the mountain. Peter, James, and John were tagging along. I’m sure Jesus was a few steps ahead. After all, he was the only one who knew where they were going. Those three disciples had put in a lot of miles. Every one of those miles was spent following wherever he went. It had been that way since the first day, when they got in step behind him on level ground. Jesus was walking around the lakeshore, snatching them one at a time. >From that day forward, ...

1030. Dealing with Our Doubts

Mark 9:14-32

Sermon

Donald B. Strobe

David Heller is a young Boston psychologist who, as part of a continuing research interest, collects letters children have written to God. “Dear God: Children’s Letters to God” (New York: Doubleday, 1987) is Heller’s second publication on this subject. In it he reports the following letter: “Dear God, I have doubts about you sometimes. Sometimes I really believe. Like when I was four and I hurt my arm and you healed it up fast. But my question is, if you could do this why don’t you stop all the bad in the ...

1031. Can These Bones Live Again?

Ezekiel 37:1-14

Sermon

King Duncan

I’ve asked [our children or a member of the choir a cappella] to give the opening to today’s sermon: Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones. Now hear the word of the Lord. Toe bone connected to the foot bone Foot bone connected to the leg bone Leg bone connected to the knee bone Knee bone connected to the thigh bone Thigh bone connected to the back bone The back bone connected to the neck bone The neck bone connected to the head bone Oh ...

1032. Woe to those Who Rely on Egypt

Isaiah 31:1-9

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Oh You People Who Rely on Egypt: In the introduction to chapters 28–30 we suggested that 31:1–32:20 is one unit. Chapter 31 is much shorter than the units on either side, chapter 32 has no opening “Oh” like the rest of chapters 28–33, and taken together chapters 31–32 better fit the pattern whereby chapters 28–30 give increasing prominence to reassuring promise on the other side of threat. 31:1–3 In powerful fashion these opening verses sum up the thrust of chapters 28–30 as Isaiah tries one more time to ...

1033. “Ascribe to the Lord the Glory Due His Name”

Psalm 29:1-11

Teach the Text

C. Hassell Bullock

Big Idea: God has many voices, sometimes proclaiming his majesty and power through nature, while his people acclaim the message in worship. Understanding the Text In this beautiful psalm of praise, the “voice of the Lord,” the central thrust of Psalm 29, heard in the frightful storm, announces in nature’s accent the lordship of Yahweh, ending in the peaceful lull of the storm. In Psalm 96 (v. 10a) the announcement of the Lord’s reign sends the heavens and the earth and all creation into passionate ...

1034. His Command to Go Into the Land

Deuteronomy 1:1-8

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

Moses’s First Sermon: “Look What God Has Done” (1:1–4:43) 1:1–5 · In what will be the style of the prophets of Israel, the book begins with, “These are the words Moses spoke” (1:1; cf. Jer. 1:1; Hos. 1:1). Moses is to “proclaim . . . all that the Lord had commanded,” and to “expound [make clear] this law,” thus Deuteronomy is “preached law,” the torah of God explained with divine authority and clarity, showing its sufficiency for those times and ours (1:3, 5). Most of the place names cannot be identified, ...

1035. Trinity Sunday

Mt 28:16-20 · Jn 3:16-18 · Gen 1:1--2:4a · Ex 34:4-9 · 2 Cor 13:11-13 · Ps 8

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

THIS WEEK'S TEXT Revised Common: Genesis 1:1--2:4a · 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 · Matthew 28:16-20 Roman Catholic: Exodus 34:4-6, 8-9 · 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 · John 3:16-18 Episcopal: Genesis 1:1--2:3 · 2 Corinthians 13:(5-10) · Matthew 28:16-20 Lutheran: Genesis 1:1--2:3 or 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 · Matthew 28:16-20 · Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 COMMENTARY Lesson 1: Genesis 1:1--2:4a This is the first of two creation accounts found in Genesis. God creates through the power of his word. This account suggests ...

1036. Easter 7

John 17:6-19, Acts 1:12-26, 1 John 5:1-12

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: The church organizes for mission and Christ prays that the ways of the world will not subvert that mission but that the Father would keep them in his grace. COMMENTARY Epistle: Acts 1:15-26 The post-resurrection church begins very small, some 120 souls. Once again, Peter takes the lead in filling the slot left by the bloody death of Judas. They selected two men who met the criteria: (1) They had witnessed the resurrected Jesus and they were in the company of Jesus' disciples since the baptism of ...

1037. Proper 14

Genesis 37:12-36, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Jonah 2:1-10, Matthew 14:22-36, Romans 9:1-5; 10:5-15

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: How to overcome a contrary wind. The disciples faced a fiercely opposing wind on the Sea of Galilee. So too did Elijah, after his victory on Mount Carmel. Queen Jezebel was after his life. In both instances, they felt overwhelmed. Then, God came to still the storm. COMMENTARY Old Testament: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 Joseph, who was given a long robe with sleeves as a sign of his father's favor, was deeply resented by his brothers. One day, Jacob sent Joseph out in the field to find his brothers and they ...

1038. Lessons for Lent 3

John 2:12-25

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme For The Day: A call to spiritual renewal and cleansing. Since God has come to us as holy redeeming love, our response is to be cleansed of our sins and live holy lives. The Ten Commandments (First Lesson) are guidelines for such lives. Jesus' cleansing of the temple (Gospel) constitutes a call to moral and spiritual renewal, beginning with God's house and God's people. COMMENTARY Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-17 The decalogue, the Ten Commandments, is presented as Israel's response to God's act of ...

1039. Proper 16

Hebrews 12:14-29, Jeremiah 1:1-19, Luke 13:10-17

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Lesson 1: Jeremiah 1:4-10 The call of Jeremiah. Jeremiah's ministry covered 40 years, 626 to 586 B.C. He served at a time of international turmoil and the dissolution of his country, Judah, in 586 B.C. Assyria fell to the Babylonians and in due time the surrounding countries including Judah were conquered. Jeremiah received his call five years before the reforms of King Josiah of Judah in 621 B.C. Because of his critical preaching he was the most hated man by most of the people in Judah. The ...

1040. On The Night He Was Betrayed

Mark 14:12-26

Sermon

Erskine White

And when it was evening, He came with the twelve. (Mark 14:12-16) We are gathered here in the evening, after the sun is down, so perhaps we can use the darkness around us to better imagine the events which took place on this sacred night so long ago. The story actually begins earlier in the day, when Jesus sends two disciples into Jerusalem to make preparations for the Passover meal. You may remember a sermon from a few weeks ago ("The Boy Who Ran Away") in which I mentioned that Jesus has to use an " ...

1041. On His Way

Matthew 21:1-11

Sermon

Larry Powell

See in your mind’s eye a city that has doubled in population almost overnight. The city is Jerusalem and faithful Jews have converged upon the holy city from great distances to celebrate the Passover. They have come from every country district and all the lands of the Diaspora. The Jewish historian, Josephus, recorded that as many as 1,000,000 pilgrims came annually to the feast. Families were reunited, friends renewed acquaintances, spirits were high, and from the Temple priests down to the simplest ...

1042. Say What?

Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Sometimes, especially when in the Presence of the holy, we honor God best by saying nothing. Recently KGO talk radio in San Francisco conducted a call-in poll. Ronn Owens invited listeners to express their opinion. Thirty-five percent said yes, 33 percent said no and 32 percent were undecided. One listener, aghast at the large number of undecideds, protested, "It's this sort of apathy that's ruining America." The only problem with all these responses was that the radio station had never posed any question ...

1043. Mistaken Identity

Matthew 16:13-20

Sermon

Wayne Brouwer

Appearances can be deceiving. John Wayne, for instance, acted the part of a genuine cowboy in dozens of motion pictures and fired make-believe rifles and revolvers hundreds of times. Even his last starring role in The Shootist had him portray an aging western gunslinger. Yet, here is what Wayne had to say about his skills with a firearm: "I couldn't hit a wall with a six-gun, but I can twirl one. It looks good!" Appearances can be deceiving. Still, we often trust what we see more than what we read or hear ...

1044. The New Heaven and New Earth

Revelation 21:1-27

Teach the Text

J. Scott Duvall

Big Idea: God will live with his people in the new creation. Understanding the Text The final vision of Revelation (21:1–22:5) highlights the primary goal and theme of the entire book and all of Scripture: God’s presence among his people in the new creation. From the time sin and death intruded upon God’s good creation, God purposed to defeat his enemies and live among his people in a new garden city. This final vision of Revelation represents the fulfillment of the promises to those who overcome (Rev. 2–3 ...

1045. The Sign of the Dove

Matthew 3:1-17 · John 1:1-34 · Mark 1:1-8 · Luke 3:1-38

Sermon

Lori Wagner

Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. (Ezekiel 1) And I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory. (Ezekiel 43) Prop: a live dove (if you are daring) or a garment; *liturgical dance (in white garments) [You may want to begin the sermon with a silent liturgical dance….or one that has an ...

1046. The Samaritan

Luke 10:25-37

Sermon

Lori Wagner

This morning, I want you to imagine with me for a moment. Close your eyes if you will. Sit back. I’m going to take you to another place. But first a warning: during a big chunk of this sermon, you will have your eyes closed. You can tell your friends that you went to church this Sunday and the preacher told you to shut your eyes and keep them shut for a long time. Where else can you go to church and be encouraged to shut your eyes? Are you ready? Let’s take a trip in time. [pause] You’re driving home from ...

1047. Ascension

Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:36-49, Luke 24:50-53, Matthew 28:16-20

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

Theme: The risen, ascended and exalted Christ. Both Acts 1:1-11 and Luke 24:44-53 relate the story of the Ascension, according to Luke. The account from Ephesians 1 exalts Christ as having all things put under his authority. COMMENTARY Epistle: Acts 1:1-11 In introducing his book, Luke notes to Theophilus that he is taking up where he left off with his gospel. The gospel ends with the witness to the resurrected Christ and Acts begins by bringing to a close this 40-day string of appearances. The disciples ...

1048. Epiphany 6

Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1:1-6, Jeremiah 16:1--17:18, 1 Corinthians 15:12-34

Sermon Aid

George Bass

THEOLOGICAL CLUE The numbering of the Sundays of Epiphany warns the liturgically-initiated that the climax of the season of manifestation and ministry is approaching, and that with it comes the beginning of Lent. Christmas and the Epiphany of our Lord have diminished in the thought and worship of the churches by this point in Epiphany. Theological clues continue to surface in the name - Epiphany - of the season that the Episcopal and Lutheran churches use for these Sundays. "Ordinary Time 6" and "Proper 6 ...

1049. Pentecost

Jn 14:8-17, 25-27; 20:19-23 · Acts 2:1-21 · 1 Cor 3-7, 12-13 · Gen 11:1-9

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Genesis 11:1-9 By the confusion of language, Yahweh stops the building of Babel and scatters the people. In fear of being scattered, men built a city and tower. They would make a name for themselves by building a tower which would reach the sky. To prevent this Yahweh confused their language so that they would not understand each other and the building project had to cease. As a result men were scattered over the earth. Pentecost is a language affair. The evil spirit causes confusion and ...

1050. Palm · Passion Sunday

Isaiah 50:1-11, Psalm 31:1-24, Matthew 27:11-26, Matthew 27:32-44, Matthew 27:45-56, Matthew 21:1-11

Sermon Aid

THEOLOGICAL CLUE By shortening Passiontide from two weeks to one and shifting Passion Sunday from the Fifth to the Sixth Sunday in Lent, several significant liturgical changes have been made. First, the Sixth Sunday in Lent can no longer be Palm Sunday, as it could when the period of passion stretched over two weeks and Palm Sunday was in the middle of it; Palm Sunday has to be a part, really the beginning, of the liturgy of Passion Sunday. Second, there is an attempt to return to the earlier practice of ...

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