Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 1401 to 1425 of 5000 results

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... Christ's body (see 3:13) and experience harmonious unity with their whole being "spirit and soul and body." This kind of organic holiness or sanctification is what will allow Christians to stand "blameless" when Christ returns. Relating the Texts Having looked at Mark's prologue and introduction of John the Baptist last week, the lectionary now offers us the chance to compare John's portrait of this prophet to the synoptics' version. John the Baptist was an inspiring enough figure for John the gospel writer ...

1402. Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:26-38

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

1403. Ephesians 1:3-14

Ephesians 1:3-14

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... through the power and glory of Jesus Christ. The author's idiosyncratic vocabulary refers to Jesus as "the Beloved" a title used by the gospel writers to record the Father's words to the Son at the miraculous moments of his baptism and transfiguration. Verses 7-10 mark the first of three sections that the author begins "in him," meaning of course "in Christ." These "in him" sections (vv.7, 11, 13) list the blessings we owe to God's work in Jesus Christ. It is "in him" that God's predestined plan for human ...

1404. A Demon Speaks Out in Church

Mark 1:21-28

Sermon

King Duncan

... show symptoms of emotional disorders. Surprise. Some of these deeply troubled people are in a church. In fact, some deeply troubled people are attracted to the church. This is one place they can act out their problems, as well as find help for their problems. Mark Belletini, pastor of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus, Ohio tells about a man in a church he once served who was deeply troubled. The man was a pillar of the church. Sat on committees. Sat on the board. Taught classes. A very ...

1405. Eight Days until Eternity

Mark 11:1-11

Sermon

King Duncan

... The father displayed his son’s body in the local church. However, he was not dressed in a fine suit. And the funeral director applied no make-up. The father displayed his son as he had found him in the jail. The son was naked, his body marked with scars from the electric shocks and cigarette burns and beatings. It did not lie in a coffin but on the blood‑soaked mattress from the jail. It was the strongest protest imaginable, for it put injustice on grotesque display. (2) See Christ hanging on the cross ...

1406. Where a Cross Should Be Worn

Matthew 6:1-4

Sermon

King Duncan

... . None. We don’t want anybody to think weakness or failure!” (4) Some people want us to be a Dale Carnegie meeting, not a church. A motivational rally, not a community of redemption and sacrifice. The most precious symbol of the church is the cross. Mark this down. Our faith was born in failure, rejection and despair. If you’ve ever failed at something, if you’ve ever been rejected by somebody, if you’ve ever despaired over the condition of the world, or of the condition of someone you love, or ...

1407. Breaking the Rules

Mark 1:40-45

Illustration

Charles Swindoll

... , he emphatically explained the conflict: "If it's still, fine. If it moves, sin!" You can show slides, but when they start movin', you're gettin' into sin. At first glance verse 41 seems cursory, "Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man." Why does mark mention this touch? Does he want to point out that Jesus took the risk of getting Leprosy? Does he want us to understand the depth of Christ's compassion that he would touch a leper? Is he simply trying to describe the moment? Unfortunately these are ...

1408. Lent 2

Mark 8:31--9:1, Romans 4:1-25, Genesis 17:1-27

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... situation calls for faith in the foolishness of God. Outline: Faith in the foolishness of God – a. Faith that God can do the impossible Lesson 1. b. Faith that God wills the death of his Son Gospel. c. Faith that by grace alone sinners are saved Lesson 2. Gospel: Mark 8:31-38 1. What to do with your self (8:34-38). Need: The thrust of today is to let the self go and do as it pleases. Authors and speakers urge upon us self-affirmation, self-realization and self-fulfillment. We hear little or nothing about ...

1409. Advent 1

Mark 13:32-37, Mark 13:1-31, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, Isaiah 63:7--64:12

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... a proper keeping of Advent will result in a spiritual Christmas. Outline: The time of Advent is – a. A time of longing for God to come Lesson 1. b. A time of waiting for Christ's return Lesson 2. c. A time of watching for Christ's coming Gospel. Gospel: Mark 13:24-37 1. Advent series on the gospels Theme: Christ Is Coming Again Advent 1 The second coming of Christ. Advent 2 Preparation for his coming. Advent 3 The identity of the coming One. Advent 4 How he is coming. 2. You'd better watch out! (13:33 ...

1410. Epiphany 5

Isaiah 40:1-31, 1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Mark 1:29-34, Mark 1:35-39

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... . This is the messianic secret until, at the cross, the centurion confesses Jesus as Son of God. Several of the disciples want Jesus to return to Capernaum from his place of prayer to heal, but Jesus wants to move on to other areas of Galilee. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 1. Lifted (v. 31). Jesus ministered with a personal touch. He took Peter's mother-in-law, who was sick with a fever, by the hand and "lifted her up." He lifted her up to health. It was the lift of love and compassion for ...

1411. Epiphany 7

Isaiah 43:14-28, Mark 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 1:12--2:4

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... three lessons we learn anew that God is better to us than we deserve. Outline: Consider how good God is. a. God in Christ cures what ails us physical and spiritual Gospel. b. God restores our relationship to him Lesson 1. c. God's word is trustworthy Lesson 2. Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 1. Can you have faith for another? (2:1-5). Need: The common saying is, "As no one can die for you, no one can believe for you." This is true as far as it goes. There is also vicarious faith which brings blessings to those without ...

1412. Epiphany 8

Mark 2:18-22, 2 Corinthians 2:12--3:6, Psalm 103:1-22, Hosea 2:2-23

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... church-goer? He may need to re-enter the covenant and renew the relationship. Outline: God offers us a new deal – a. The promise of a new deal (covenant) Lesson 1. b. The arrival of the new deal Gospel. c. The nature of the new deal Lesson 2. Gospel: Mark 2:18-22 1. Why don't you fast? (2:18-20). Need: Among many Protestants, fasting is a lost practice. In this instance Jesus' disciples also did not fast. Jesus explains the reason: How can you fast at a wedding feast? Jesus, the bridegroom, is here and ...

1413. Proper 10

2 Samuel 6:1-23, Ephesians 1:1-14, Mark 6:14-29

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... dancing that he promised to give her anything she wanted. Not knowing what to ask, she consulted her mother who told her to ask for the head of John. Reluctantly Herod had John's head brought to him in the presence of his guests. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 6:14-29 1. Raised (v. 16). King Herod explained Jesus' power and popularity by saying that Jesus was John the Baptist, whom he beheaded, risen from he dead. By killing John, he thought he was rid of John forever. Now he sees John in Jesus and ...

1414. Proper 17

James 1:19-27, Song of Songs 2:1-17, Mark 7:1-23

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... eating. Jesus points to the heart as a source of good living. It is not a matter of dirty hands but a dirty heart. Vices come from a filthy heart and they make a person unclean. On the other hand, a good heart will produce good deeds. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 1. Defile (vv. 2, 5, 15, 23). Repeatedly the word is used. It indicates the importance of appearing clean before a holy God. "Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? He who has clean heads ..." It is the same as saying ...

1415. Proper 18

Proverbs 22:1-16, Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-13

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... itself in deeds of love. This harmonizes with Paul's teaching that faith works through love. Faith and works are inseparable. Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 When Jesus returns from his trip to Tyre, a man with deafness and a speech difficulty is brought to ... If we believe in the church, we will support it. If we believe in God, we will obey him in loving our neighbor. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 1. Do touch me! (7:32-33). Need: In this instance Jesus used touching to heal. He was asked to lay his hand ...

1416. Proper 19

Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-30, Mark 8:31--9:1

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... . Bits in horses mouths enable us to control them. Ships are guided by small rudders. Forest fires are started with a match. The rest of nature can be tamed but not the human tongue. With the tongue we bless and curse. The human tongue needs to be tamed. Gospel: Mark 8:27-38 We come to a crucial point in Jesus' ministry. Before Jesus goes on to Jerusalem to die, he must be certain that his disciples grasp who he is. He asks the disciples what people are saying about him, but then he asks them who they think ...

1417. Proper 21

James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-10, Esther 9:18-32, Mark 9:38-41, Mark 9:42-50

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... pray in our behalf. 3. Forgiven (v. 15). When we pray in faith, our sins are forgiven. It must be prayers of faith. Moreover, the one who prays must be righteous. That is because a righteous person is close to God. Sin blocks our relationship with God. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Gospel: Mark 9:38-50 1. Jesus needs all the help he can get! (9:38-41). Need: When a person feels he is in need of help, he often says, "I need all the help I can get." This applies to Jesus. Think of the magnitude of his task: win the ...

1418. Proper 23

Job 23:1--24:25, Hebrews 4:1-13, Hebrews 4:14-5:10, Mark 10:17-31

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... with "boldness." We come with boldness, not with fear nor hesitancy. Our boldness is based on the fact that Christ loved us enough to die for us. In love there is no fear. Though he is in heaven, we can receive mercy from him for our sins. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Gospel: Mark 10:17-31 1. How to get real life (10:17-22). Need: Many identify with the man of the text who could not wait to get real life. He ran to Jesus, kneeling he begged Jesus to give him life. He wanted "eternal life." He had life in the ...

1419. Proper 24

Hebrews 4:14-5:10, Job 38:1--41:34, Mark 10:35-45

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... to hand out these honors. Their ambitious request offended the other disciples whom Jesus called together to explain that greatness comes only through service. He is the example for this because he came to serve and to die for the salvation of the world. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 10:35-45 1. Whatever (v. 35). "Will you do me a favor?" we ask a friend. The reply usually is, "What is the favor?" Before we agree, we want to know what is going to be asked of us. James and John asked the same thing ...

1420. Proper 25

Job 42:1-6, Job 42:7-17, Mark 10:46-52, Hebrews 7:11-28

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... the answer was "sight." Jesus attributed the healing to the beggar's faith evidenced in his persistent cries for help and in his faith in Jesus to help him. Though Jesus told him to go his way, he followed Jesus as he went toward Jerusalem. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 10:46-52 1. Blind (v. 46). Bartimaeus was blind and therefore was forced to beg. We do not know whether he was born blind or whether he was blinded by an accident or a disease. He was the kind of a blind man who had spiritual sight ...

1421. Proper 27

Hebrews 9:11-28, Ruth 3:1-18, Ruth 4:13-22, Mark 12:35-40, Mark 12:41-44

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... person's death, so Christ will return for the judgment of the world and to receive those who are waiting for him. Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 Verses 38-40 serve as an introduction to our pericope. Jesus warns the disciples against the scribes, for in their ... to come. There is no new revelation to be made. In Christ God made his last effort to reconcile the world. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 1. A woman who held nothing back (12:41-44). Need: The heroine of the gospel is an unnamed widow. She ...

1422. Proper 5

Mark 3:20-30, 1 Samuel 8:1-22, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18, Mark 3:31-35

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... who gives him power and authority to cast out demons. Those who do God's will have a spirit akin to his. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 3:20-35 1. Family (v. 21). God sets the solitary in families. In this passage we see that Jesus had two families. The ... in the eternal mansions. The soul is never apart from the body which is necessary for identity and communication. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Gospel: Mark 3:20-35 1. What is the unpardonable sin? (3:28-30). Need: For several years while I was a pastor in ...

1423. Proper 6

2 Corinthians 5:11--6:2, Mark 4:30-34, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Mark 4:26-29, 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... also be raised to new life in him. By dying and rising with Christ we are new creatures, a new creation, a new person because we no longer live to self but live in Christ. In either case, whether we live or die, we have life in Christ. Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 These two parables of the kingdom of God bring to a close Jesus' discourse on parables. They give insight into the mystery of the kingdom hidden to outsiders but revealed to the disciples. The first parable of the seed growing points to the growth of the ...

1424. Proper 7

2 Corinthians 6:3-13, 1 Samuel 17:1-58, Mark 4:35-41

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... with awe, they ask, "Who then is this?" The disciples failed to grasp the nature of Jesus and his work. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 1. Just (v. 36). The disciples took Jesus into their boat "just as he was." What could that mean? Does ... relationship for every tomorrow. Christians may keep non-Christians from accepting God's grace by their manner of living. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 1. Stilling the storm in your life (4:35-41). Need: What life does not have an occasional ...

1425. Proper 9

2 Samuel 5:1-5, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Mark 6:1-6, Mark 6:7-13, 2 Samuel 5:6-16

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... or were scandalized by him. Jesus reacted by saying that a prophet was without honor among his own people. He was unable to do mighty works because of the people's unbelief. So Jesus left with his disciples to teach in other towns. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 6:1-13 1. His own (v. 1). There is a touch of irony and tragedy in the words, "his own country." It might have been "his country." "Own" intensifies the closeness of the relationship his very own country, Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, worked ...

Showing results