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 1251 to 1275 of 1622 results

1251. Divorce

Mark 10:1-12

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... question of whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife (10:2) was a “test,” however; indeed, it was a trap, for Jewish law unambiguously permitted divorce (Deut. 24:1–3). The only question was on what grounds. Here opinions varied widely, from conservative rabbis like Shammai, who permitted divorce on the sole ground of adultery, to liberal rabbis like Hillel, who allowed divorce (at least in theory) for virtually any reason. In posing the question, the Pharisees desire both to maintain an ...

1252. Paul Transferred to Caesarea

Acts 23:23-35

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of the province of Judea (23:23–35). The 470 soldiers that are sent to protect Paul are about half of the cohort under this commander. The size of this force not only points to the significance of Paul the Roman citizen but also reflects the opinion of this commander that Paul has not committed any crime worthy of death, a point made explicit in the letter he writes (23:29). This declaration of innocence parallels a similar claim by Pontius Pilate concerning the crimes brought against Jesus (Luke 23:4, 14 ...

1253. Paul’s Proclamation of God’s Kingdom in Rome

Acts 28:17-31

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... him (28:17). His final word becomes the judgment against the Jews, who are found guilty before God. After Paul’s long journey to stand trial before the Roman emperor, what Luke emphasizes is not the final trial of Paul but the final trial of the Jews. The opinion of the Roman emperor is no longer important, but the status of the Jews before God again becomes the center of Luke’s attention. In verses 24–25, Luke again focuses on the disagreement among the Jews (cf. comments on 23:5–10). The note that ...

1254. God’s Faithfulness

Romans 3:1-8

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... judge and leads into libertinism. This is a direct attack on Paul’s theology, which, if it can be sustained, has two serious consequences. In the first part of this attack (3:5–6) the opponent summarizes the opinion of Paul with a seemingly blasphemous proposition. The statement “our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly” implies the apparently logical inference that if sinners by their unrighteousness provoke God to manifest his righteousness (God forgives sinners ...

1255. Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1-8

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... :8–10), and on the urgency of the present time in view of Christ’s return (13:11–14). 12:3–8 · Paul begins his discussion of life in the community of believers with an affirmation of his apostolic authority—what follows is not his personal opinion but the will of God. He urges believers to base their self-esteem not on secular values (such as social position, wealth, influence) but on the one faith God has given to every believer (12:3). The identity of Christians is not tied to one’s personal ...

1256. The Resurrection of the Dead

1 Corinthians 15:12-34

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... if the dead are not raised, then it is much more prudent to enjoy the pleasures of life for as long as possible (15:32; Isa. 22:13). As they reflect on their answers to these questions, the Corinthians are not to be “misled” by the opinions of those outside the church, for as even the pagan playwright Menander said, “Bad company corrupts good character” (15:33). Instead of a life lived in sin, which results from an excessive pursuit of the pleasures of the body, prompted perhaps by the notion that a ...

1257. Adoption: Removing the Barriers

Ephesians 2:11-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... ready to recognize ourselves as counterparts to the Jews of Paul’s day. Whenever we assume that our code of behavior, our heritage, our music, our habits (or lack of them), our attendance at one particular church rather than another, our work ethic, our political opinions, or any other distinction we may enjoy makes us more acceptable to God than other people are, we have taken upon ourselves the role, and the condemnation (Gal. 3:10), of the destroyers of God’s family, the family we are called to model ...

1258. Therefore Walk in Unity

Ephesians 4:1-16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... s standard, not their own (4:13). That standard is the fullness of Christ, humanity perfected (see Eph. 3:19). In short, the goal is that we do what Christ himself does. The corresponding immaturity is susceptible to the cunning and appeal of human opinions, especially regarding relations between God and humanity (4:14). Instead, by living the truth in love—even when it hurts, but always with compassion—we are called in all things to grow into the likeness and person of Christ, who is the unifying head ...

1259. Set Your Heart and Mind On Things Above

Colossians 3:1-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... ); Acts 2:34–35; and Hebrews 1:13 cite it directly. Allusions to the verse are numerous. The force of the verb “to set” that Paul uses in 3:2 carries the sense of forging a perspective, permanently reshaping a mindset, and fixing a sustained opinion. The Colossians have died in Christ (in baptism 2:12) to the nonsense promoted by the philosophy and now must go forward daily living out that new reality. In Christ, believers have confidence that they will enjoy glory with Christ (see Col. 4:4; see ...

1260. Rules for Christian Households

Colossians 3:18-4:1

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... mindful of the Lord’s own claims on his life. The master is enjoined to be just even as Christ will judge fairly. Finally, Paul is sending an entire letter to a slave owner, Philemon, in their midst, where he more fully expresses his opinions on Christians owning Christians. While there is no hint in Colossians that Paul expects Christian masters to free all their slaves or that Christians should denounce publicly the institution of slavery, Paul’s letter to Philemon makes clear that, in the long term ...

1261. Leadership

1 Timothy 3:1-16

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... a noble task” (3:1). At the same time, Paul urges the church to reevaluate the criteria by which they have been selecting their leaders. The qualification list opens and closes with traits that have an eye to outsiders’ opinions: “above reproach,” “a good reputation with outsiders” (3:2, 7). This alone indicates that leaders who lack character have damaged the reputation of the believing community. Because church leadership, like household management (3:4–5), involves authoritative oversight ...

1262. Widows, Elders, and Slaves

1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... who would readily recognize their own community values in the overseers list in 3:1–7. Paul mentions these wealthy individuals directly at 6:17–19. In addition, Paul expects some leaders will need to be paid for their service to the church (these, in the opinion of most interpreters, are in view in 6:8–10). Skill in administration is vital to the life of God’s household, and Paul’s placing this section next to the widows’ passage suggests that some of the difficulties in Ephesus were a result of ...

1263. Accept His Peace

John 4:1-26, Romans 5:1-11, Exodus 17:1-7

Sermon

King Duncan

... had a serious problem with her relationships, particularly with men. Maybe she had a poor relationship with her father. We don’t know her situation, of course, but we do know that in order to give love you must have experienced love. Chances are this woman had such a low opinion of herself that she could not relate to a man as an equal but only as an object which he might use and cast away at his pleasure. Now she was looked down on by her community because, in their eyes, she was living in sin. What a ...

1264. The Power of the Trust Factor

John 14:1-4, John 14:5-14

Sermon

Robert Leslie Holmes

... that he is the truth about God for all generations and that all knowledge begins and ends in him. That reality has not changed in 2,000 years. It will never change because truth as Jesus means it is objective truth. It is not truth that depends on public opinion polls. It is the same in darkness and light. It is true on every continent and on every planet. Objective truth is that which, when you stop believing it, does not go away. When Jesus becomes our "truth," we step up to a level of learning that will ...

1265. More Beyond

Acts 16:16-34

Sermon

Charley Reeb

... to highlight certain truths which appear in this magnificent passage of scripture. As you begin to understand these truths, you will be better equipped to live a victorious life. Let’s take a look. There Will Be Opposition Contrary to popular opinion and certain television preachers, Christians are not immune from pain and disappointment. The notion of a cotton-candy theology that promises all health and wealth and no turmoil or tribulation is melting away with every tragedy that befalls our world. The ...

1266. Dealing with Difficult People

1 Peter 3:8-18

Sermon

Charley Reeb

... Christ. If you don’t respond the right way you may miss the best opportunity to share the love of Christ. Your life is your message. How you respond to difficult people is your sermon! Remember, "The world is not changed by your example, not by your opinion.” Let me get down to how this works. In a few days you may be around the Thanksgiving table with difficult people. You may have to travel with a difficult person over the Christmas holidays. You may have to face a difficult person at work tomorrow ...

1267. Elephants in the Room: Sexploitation

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Sermon

Charley Reeb

... can become addictive and destroy intimacy in a marriage. If you are being unfaithful to your spouse, you will cease the affair and seek reconciliation with God and your spouse. Masturbation This is a tricky subject because there are various viewpoints and opinions on it. The Bible does not directly address the subject of masturbation. Jesus never mentioned it. Over the years the church has condemned masturbation which has led many people to view their bodies as dirty or shameful. This condemnation has also ...

1268. Pop Verses: Lamentations 3:22-23

Lamentations 3:22-23

Sermon

Charley Reeb

... we forget. God loves us and cares for us and wants what is best for us. God wants to help us but God is not going to barge into our lives. That’s not the kind of God we have. Have you ever experienced someone who tried to push their opinions on you? Ever had some insufferable person try to force their agenda on you? It is not very fun is it? I have to confess to you that one of my pet peeves, one of the things that annoys me the most, are people who try to control me or ...

1269. Jesus and John the Baptist

Matthew 11:1-19

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... are leaving, Jesus turns to the crowds and asks, What were you expecting to see when you went out into the desert? A reed swayed by the wind? Of course not. John was no weak and vacillating person blown about by every contrary wind of opinion. This inference could have been drawn by some because of Jesus’ warning concerning stumbling (v. 6). A second question follows: What then did you go out to see? A man dressed “in silks and satins”? (Williams). No: people who dress like that belong in the ...

1270. John the Baptist Beheaded

Matthew 14:1-12

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... Herod’s reluctance to carry out the execution is pictured by Matthew as well (v. 9). There is no question that both Herod and Herodias wanted to be rid of the prophet, although Herod is the one who is a bit reluctant. Green’s opinion that Mark’s version (adapted by Matthew) “rests on popular tradition, not to say bazaar gossip” and is therefore “no more reliable in its details than such sources generally are” (p. 139) is unnecessarily harsh. 14:1–5 Matthew correctly identifies Herod as the ...

1271. The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 18:1-9

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... the greatest who has the least idea that he is great” (p. 260). The reference to children in verses 2–4 triggers an additional thought on the subject. Whoever welcomes a child like this in my name (“because of me”) welcomes me. Contrary to current opinion about children (Jeremias notes that they were classed along with the deaf, dumb, and weak-minded: New Testament Theology, vol. 1, p. 227, n. 2), Jesus held them to be of infinite value. Since Jesus had taken his place with them, it follows that to ...

1272. Why Are Christians So Judgmental?

Matthew 6:2, 5, 16, Matthew 23:1-39

Sermon

Charley Reeb

... know with all of their hearts the source of it.” So what is today’s message? It is pretty simple. It is a quote that I love. I don’t who said it or wrote it, but it will preach: “The world is changed by our example; not by our opinion.” Adam Hamilton talks about meeting a member of his staff at a bar and grill for a night meeting. Hamilton had a sweat church on with the name of his church on the front. After a few minutes a bar maid came to their table and asked if she could ...

1273. Rat Poison

Matthew 18:15-20

Sermon

Kristin Borsgard Wee

... . He wants to keep it — and us — from being fractured by our anger, from being poisoned. I finally screwed up my courage and went to talk to that teacher. I really didn't like her. Her skirts were too short, her make-up too thick, and she was bossy and opinionated. But I stated my case with as much kindness as I could muster. As we talked, I began to see things I hadn't seen before. She told me she had suffered a series of miscarriages and might not be able to have a child. Her husband lost his job ...

1274. Paying What's Due

Matthew 22:15-22

Sermon

David G. Rogne

... It is a temptation we must resist. It is equally dangerous to turn governmental decisions over to the religious authorities. Jim Jones took his religious followers to Guyana to set up a new society with himself in charge. With no one to offer a contrary opinion, the leader became unbalanced and led his people to mass suicide. The church is no better at ruling the state than the state is at dictating morality. Therefore, the decision as to what we render to Caesar and what we render to God is never something ...

1275. Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit

Mark 1:21-28

Understanding Series

Larry W. Hurtado

... interest of teaching the proper interpretation and application of the many commandments of religious law attributed to Moses. Mark’s point here is that Jesus’ teaching was not seen as simply another example of the learned activity of placing of his opinion alongside that of other teachers on religious matters. Rather, the people are pictured as sensing in Jesus’ manner an authority beyond any they were accustomed to seeing exhibited in these other teachers. The response of the people in verse 22 and ...

Showing results