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 1376 to 1400 of 4988 results

1376. Waiting in Life's Waiting Rooms

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... ” is like a “recess” at school fun for a bit, but class as usual resumes in a short amount of time. There is the waiting that keeps us flapping no matter what. There is the waiting that gives episodes of gliding that are a gift. But the greatest waiting we can embrace is the wait that allows us to soar. Almost nothing is more impressive than a soaring eagle. Seemingly without effort, these creatures wheel and swoop, linger, lounge, and float effortlessly. Soaring requires trusting in something beyond ...

1377. I'm Listening

1 Samuel 3:1--4:1

Sermon

King Duncan

... travels to the opponent. From beginning to end the focus must be singular. We might scare people if we gave them that much attention, but you get the point. Author Bruce Larson once put it like this: “One of the greatest gifts that God can give us in life is the gift of listening. Listening is the key to success and perhaps even survival in most relationships. There’s a whole field of business training, firms that teach the members of your company how to listen. They suggest that the art of listening ...

1378. Have You Checked Your Love Levels Recently?

Mark 9:2-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... my breath and now pant after you - you touched me, and I am set on fire to attain the peace that is yours.” Augustine had an awareness of how the beauty of God shines through us as a transfiguring vision. So what do we do with this gift from Jesus of radiant love? Humans love to measure. We measure everything. But the things we love the most we relegate and delegate into units. In fact, as the saying goes, “we treasure what we measure.” We even like spicy stuff so much we measure the horrible hotness ...

1379. Poem: In Memoriam

Eulogy

Alfred Lord Tennyson

... circuits of thine orbit round A higher height, a deeper deep. LXIV Dost thou look back on what hath been, As some divinely gifted man, Whose life in low estate began And on a simple village green; Who breaks his birth’s invidious bar, And grasps the ... mind, He reads the secret of the star, He seems so near and yet so far, He looks so cold: she thinks him kind. She keeps the gift of years before A wither’d violet is her bliss She knows not what his greatness is, For that, for all, she loves him more. For ...

1380. No Longer Strangers

Ephesians 2:11-22

Sermon

King Duncan

... a stranger--the demoniac, the Samaritan woman, the wretched woman with the issue of blood, or the leper. There were no strangers in Jesus’ world, and by his help there need be no strangers in our world. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could give that gift to the next generation? Have you ever noticed what happens when someone goes into a group of people that they’ve never met before? They feel so uncomfortable, and so alone, that it’s hard to reach out and communicate with them. Now wouldn’t it be ...

1381. The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

Acts 2:1-13

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... with the Spirit, for the very fact of being in the body of Christ demonstrates that he or she has. There is no other way of entering the church. And since water baptism outwardly marks that entrance, it also becomes the outward sign of the believer’s entry into the gift of the Spirit (see further the notes on v. 38). It may still remain, however, for the believer to become “full of the Spirit” (see disc. on 6:3), for we often “resist” the Spirit (cf. 5:3, 9; 7:51; Eph. 4:30; 1 Thess. 4:8; 5:19 ...

1382. The Apostles Heal Many

Acts 5:12-16

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... 2:22). It would appear from this, as from the earlier passage (see disc. on 2:43), that the gift of miracles was confined to the apostles. With the appointment of the Seven, however, it was soon extended at least to Stephen (6:8) and Philip (8:6, ... 5). How widespread this was, we do not know. But on the evidence available to us, it might be fair to say that the gift of miracles was generally vested in the leaders of the church, partly perhaps to accredit them in the eyes of outsiders as Christ’s ...

1383. The Choosing of the Seven

Acts 6:1-7

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... church members were designated for specific tasks (cf. 13:3). In the Old Testament it signified sometimes a blessing (cf. Gen. 48:14), sometimes a commissioning (cf. Num. 27:18, 23), and so was a fitting mark of the church’s recognition of God’s gifts in these men and of their dedication to the service of God and the church. Moreover, that it was the apostles who laid hands on them (but see notes) indicates that the Seven had apostolic authorization for what they would do: they would act, with regard ...

1384. Simon the Sorcerer

Acts 8:9-25

Understanding Series

David J. Williams

... Spirit’s activity than on his person; what may have been lacking in Samaria was the outward manifestation of that activity in the more evident gifts of the Spirit (cf. 10:46; 19:6). The reference in verse 18 to Simon’s seeing something when the Spirit was given may bear ... experience) of the Spirit (cf. 9:17f.; 10:44; 1 Cor. 12:13). Nor have we any reason to think that the gift of the Spirit was administered exclusively by the apostles—or anyone else, for that matter. In fact, a careful examination of ...

1385. Thanksgiving and Prayer

Ephesians 1:15-23

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... know him better (lit., “in the knowledge of him [God]”). From the Greek, there is no way of knowing that the Holy Spirit is meant by “spirit” (pneuma). Normally, when “the Spirit” is intended, it is preceded by the article the. Without the article some manifestation or gift of the Spirit must be intended, such as the spirit of holiness (Rom. 1:4), gentleness (1 Cor. 4:21; Gal. 6:1), truth (John 14:17), or faith (2 Cor. 4:13; e.g., Westcott, p. 24). This accounts for the RSV reading of “spirit ...

1386. A Prayer for the Ephesians

Ephesians 3:14-21

Understanding Series

Arthur G. Patzia

... world, the emphasis is upon love rather than knowledge. He would not condone a Gnostic system that elevates knowledge as the highest gift. The real test of one’s spiritual maturity is whether or not one is rooted and grounded in love; love, not ... small inner circle. Knowledge of God’s mystery is given to individuals in and for the community of believers in the same way that all spiritual gifts are given for the welfare of the entire body (4:11–16; 1 Cor. 12:4–13; 14:12, 26). This is a timely message ...

1387. Making One's Calling and Election Sure

2 Peter 1:1-11

Understanding Series

Norman Hillyer

... in Christ (John 10:10; 2 Cor. 12:9). The divine provision of everything we need for living a godly life is initially the free gift of God’s unmerited grace. But we have to cooperate with God by taking it up from there and “make every effort” (v. 5). Bengel ... them from the obligations of the moral law. Such an attitude betrays a willful intention to go on sinning. But the gift of the divine nature is offered by Jesus Christ to enable the believer to counter the fascination of evil desires which ...

1388. The Ten Commandments

Exodus 20:1-21

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... the Sabbath rest command when he declared that it was “made for man” (Mark 2:23–3:5; Matt. 12:1–13; Luke 6:1–10; see also John 9). The Lord healed on the Sabbath, giving rest and respite from disease, rather than following a strict observance of the gift as a law. The preacher in Hebrews 4:1–11 further broadened the hope of rest in God. 20:12 The fifth commandment is, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (see also Deut. 5 ...

1389. Consecration of the Priests

Exodus 29:1-46

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... remaining parts were taken outside the camp, thereby removing any trace of Aaron’s or his son’s sins. The second animal in Aaron’s consecration was one of the rams, presented in worship and adoration. They burned all of this burnt offering (a gift offering, ʿolah v. 18). Often the phrase a pleasing aroma (e.g., vv. 18, 25, 41) accompanied the description of these offerings. No one ate any part of it. A burnt offering was a voluntary sign of the worshipers’ love, adoration, devotion, commitment, and ...

1390. Bazalel and Oholiab

Exodus 31:12-18

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... to the Holy One. Holiness is not something to achieve, but to receive. One can prepare to meet and receive the Lord but one cannot presume to possess “holiness.” Leviticus is quite clear that “holiness,” being set apart by the Lord’s redeeming work, is a gift from God. The words “I am the LORD, who makes you holy” occur often in Leviticus (Lev. 20:8; 21:8, 15, 23; 22:9, 16, 32). Sabbath rest was so important for the relationship between the LORD and the Israelites that two threats of death for ...

1391. The Israelites Confess their Sins

Nehemiah 9:1-37

Understanding Series

Leslie C. Allen

... of the promise of the land made to Abraham. The prayer finds further divine goodness in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, the gift of the good Torah, and provision in the wilderness on the way to the promised land. God’s positive response to Israel’ ... order to give prominence to the Torah, a major topic in the prayer. 9:14 Your holy Sabbath: Since this is mentioned separately from the gift of the Torah, the distinct episode of Exod. 16:23–30 is in view (M. Gilbert, “La place de la Loi dans la prière ...

1392. Shining as Stars

Philippians 2:12-18

Understanding Series

F. F. Bruce

... , or even the will, to do it; the Spirit supplies both (Rom. 8:3, 4; 2 Cor. 3:4–6). When the Spirit takes the initiative in imparting to believers the desire and the power to do the will of God, then that desire and power become theirs by his gift, and they do his will “from your heart” (Eph. 6:6). Additional Notes 2:12 The apostle, like the shālîaḥ among the Jews, was a duly accredited messenger; so long as he kept within the terms of his commission, he exercised the authority of the person who ...

1393. The Second Journey to Egypt

Genesis 43:1-34

Understanding Series

John E. Hartley

... to grant them mercy before the man so that he would let their other brother, Simeon, and Benjamin come back to Canaan. Having consented to his sons’ going to Egypt and having prayed, Israel braced himself to accept whatever happened. 43:15–16 With the gifts, the money, and Benjamin, the brothers hurried down to Egypt. On arrival they presented themselves to Joseph. When he saw Benjamin with them, he gave orders to have these men brought to his house . . . to eat with him at noon. 43:17–23 The brothers ...

1394. The Command to Leave Horeb

Deuteronomy 1:1-8

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

... 8, however, expresses Israel’s theology of land in a nutshell. It was the land that the Lord swore he would give . . . and did. Possession of the land would thus be in itself a monumental, tangible proof of the faithfulness of Yahweh to his promise. The land-gift tradition was a central factor in Israel’s sense of dependence on Yahweh. They could never consider themselves an autochthonous people (“sons of the soil”), for they would have been no people and would have had no land apart from the divine ...

1395. Naaman Healed of Leprosy

2 Kings 5:1-27

Understanding Series

Iain W. Provan

... the beginning of the story, as we are told that—whatever Naaman himself may think—his success in life comes to him as the LORD’s gift (v. 1). If Aram has been given victory, it is only because the LORD has ordained it so (cf. the commentary on 2 Kgs. 3). The ... :9–12 Like so many other characters in Kings, Naaman seems to think that prophets are very much in control of their prophetic gift, able to say and do as they choose, and having a responsibility to please their superiors (e.g., 1 Kgs. 22:13). He ...

1396. The Revolutionary Values of the Kingdom of God

Luke 18:31-34, Luke 18:18-30, Luke 18:15-17

Teach the Text

R.T. France

... , 30), not as a remuneration earned by faithful service (for the exclusion of that idea, see 17:10), but as God’s gracious gift to those who enroll under his kingship. But it is not just “pie in the sky when you die”; there is compensation, and ... who are lowly, humble, and totally dependent on God. God wants all that we are and have. Spiritual Autobiography: The Gift of Peace, by Cardinal Bernardin. As he was dying, Bernardin (1928–96), cardinal of the Chicago diocese, reevaluated his relationship ...

1397. The Gospel of God in Christ through Paul

Romans 1:1-17

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... ” modify: “the just/righteous by faith shall live” or “the righteous shall live by faith”? The former seems to be correct, since Romans 1:18–4:25 highlights faith as the means to justification, and Romans 5–8 seems to emphasize eternal life as the gift of justification. Third, are Habakkuk and Paul at odds with each other? That is, does Habakkuk 2:4 affirm that obeying the law is the way to stay in covenant with God? There does seem to be tension between Habakkuk and Paul here. For Habakkuk ...

1398. The Story of Israel Now and Later

Romans 2:1-16

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... professors; their knowledge and kindness put me to shame even as a Christian. But one day I realized that these individuals, though not religious, were nevertheless created in the image of God and endowed with common grace. I could therefore appreciate their gifts as a service to humankind, even as God intended. Second, an ominous topic of discussion or preaching inspired by 2:12–16 would be entitled “All or Nothing! God’s Law and Judgment Day.” The foreboding message here is that anyone who ...

1399. The Story of Abraham versus the Story of Israel

Romans 4:1-25

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... in Romans 4 is that faith as the means of salvation is not new with his message of justification; it was already so with Abraham and with the prophets’ longing for a new covenant. Second, related to the previous remark, faith is not a work; faith is the gift of God to humans so that they can respond to the gospel call (compare Rom. 4:17b–25 with Eph. 2:8–9). Third, and related to the previous two points, the word “call” (kale?) in 4:17b is thought by Calvinists to involve the “effectual call ...

1400. Blood: Right and Wrong Uses

Leviticus 17:1-16

Teach the Text

Joe M. Sprinkle

... 53–57; Rom. 3:25; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14; 10:19; 1 Pet. 1:2; 1 John 1:7; Rev. 1:5; 5:9). The blood of Jesus Christ, like the blood of sacrificial animals in the Old Testament, is the divinely appointed gift that satisfies God and allows us to be forgiven. Illustrating the Text Christianity makes exclusive claims that will not be popular in our pluralistic culture. History: Chemist Ascanio Sobrero synthesized nitroglycerin in 1864 and immediately destroyed his notes, for he realized how unstable the explosive ...

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