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 1426 to 1450 of 4456 results

1426. How to Rub People the Right Way

Acts 4:36-37

Sermon

James Merritt

Many years ago during the Colonial era of this country, wealthy ladies were proud of their wide-board oak floors. At least once a week servants would wet-rub and then dry-rub these floors to make them shiny. It was a very simple task involving running a wet mop along the grain of the wood and then a dry mop. But sometimes a careless worker would mop across the grain and it would produce streaks on the floor. When that happened the lady of the house would scold the servant for "rubbing the floor the wrong ...

1427. I Believe In God The Father Almighty

Genesis 1:1-2:3

Sermon

Bill Bouknight

The most radical words in the Apostles Creed are the first four- “I believe in God.” But you might respond, “Wait a minute, brother Bill. I thought that all cultures, past and present, have believed in some kind of god. So, what’s so radical about that?” Well, that’s true. But in those first four words of the Creed, we are saying much more than just that we believe God exists. We are declaring that he is the central truth around which our lives revolve. He is our Sovereign, our supreme commander. Notice ...

1428. Saints By Faith: Good to the Last Drop

Revelation 7:9-17

Sermon

John E. Harnish

The adventures in C. S. Lewis's The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe begin in a rambling old British manor house in an empty room with nothing but a wardrobe. Looking inside, Lucy saw several coats hanging up—mostly long fur coats. There was nothing Lucy liked so much as the smell and feel of fur. She immediately stepped into the wardrobe and got in among the coats and rubbed her face against them. Soon she found a second row of coats and took two or three steps in. "This must be an enormous wardrobe!" ...

1429. What Part of “You Shall Not” Don’t You Understand?

Exodus 20:1-17

Sermon

Ron Lavin

Ethical relativists have moved into our lives like a horde of invading barbarians threatening to conquer the land. Increasingly, people seem to be succumbing to the enemy. Many today say, "Nothing is absolute, not God, not the Bible, not the Ten Commandments." The only absolute for many people today seems to be the statement, "There are no absolutes." Guess again. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) are biblical correctives for a society that too easily has been overcome by the ethical relativists who ...

1430. Proper 10

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

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 David is situated in Jerusalem with his government and he defeated the Philistines. It is time for David to make his capital also the religious center of the nation. With his people he arranges to bring the ark of the covenant which is 10 miles away in Kirjath-jearim. On the way the oxen stumble. To prevent the ark from falling from the new cart, Uzzah steadies the ark and is killed by God. David becomes angry with Yahweh for killing Uzzah, and in fear of ...

1431. Proper 24

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

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Job 38:1-7 (34-41) The arguments of Job's four friends come to an end. Now the Lord joins the discussion and answers Job. Earlier Job called upon God to answer him. This pericope is part of the Lord's answer. Verses 1 through 7 deal with God's creation of the earth. God answers with a series of rhetorical questions. In these questions Job is confronted with the sovereignty and majesty of God. Epistle: Hebrews 5:1-10 Hebrews claims that Christ is superior to the Jewish high priest ...

1432. Proper 20

Psalm 1:1-6, Proverbs 31:10-31, Mark 9:30-37, James 3:13-18

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 1 First Lesson—The wise man describes the qualities and occupations of a capable wife. Proverbs 31:10-31 Second Lesson—James advocates heavenly wisdom as opposed to selfish human behavior. James 3:13–4:3, 7-8a Gospel—Jesus makes clear that worldly ambitions for prominence are less important in his domain than openness to children. Mark 9:30-37 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Turn your thoughts to God who ...

1433. Proper 5

Genesis 12:1-9, Psalm 33:1-12, Matthew 9:9-13, Matthew 9:18-26, Romans 4:13-25

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter--Psalms 33:1-12 First Lesson--Abram is called out to begin a faith journey that will make of him and Sarai his wife a great nation to bring blessing to all nations favorable to them and their descendants. Genesis 12:1-9 Second Lesson--Paul explains how Abraham is deserving of the title father of the faithful. Romans 4:13-25 Gospel--Jesus is not fussy, like the Pharisees, about the company he keeps but willingly brings God's grace to sinners. Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: ...

1434. Proper 10

Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 119:1-176, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-17

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 119:105-112 First Lesson - The struggle of twins, Jacob and Esau, which began in the womb of Rebekah, is consumated in the overturning of the birthright in a moment of weakness. Genesis 25:19-34 Second Lesson - Beyond our freedom from sin and guilt, says Paul, is the empowerment to live in peace with God. Romans 8:1-11 Gospel - When Jesus begins teaching with parables, he gives the disciples an example of how to interpret them. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The ...

1435. Proper 16

Exodus 1:8--2:10, Psalm 124:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20, Romans 12:1-8

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 124:1-8 First Lesson - The baby Moses is spared the genocide planned by Pharaoh. Exodus 1:8-2:10 Second Lesson - Paul calls the Romans to a more distinctive personal worship. Romans 12:1-8 Gospel - Simon Peter rises to prominence in his confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ. Matthew 16:13-20 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: The judgements of God are unsearchable, but search them out. People: We will ...

1436. Proper 19

Exodus 14:19-31, Exodus 15:1-21, Matthew 18:21-35, Romans 14:1-12

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Old Testament - Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 First Lesson - The Israelites get safely through the sea but the water returns to cover the pursuing Egyptian army. Exodus 14:19-31 Second Lesson - Paul admonishes the Romans to forego judgment of one another since in the end God will judge us all. Romans 14:1-12 Gospel - Jesus makes it clear that we are not to expect forgiveness from God if we can not forgive one another. Matthew 18:21-35 CALL TO WORSHIP Pastor: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you ...

1437. Proper 21

Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-72, Matthew 21:23-32, Philippians 2:1-11

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 78:1-4, 12-16 First Lesson - A miracle is required for God to provide water in the wilderness for the thirsty Israelites. Exodus 17:1-7 Second Lesson - Paul gives the Philippians the prime example of genuine humility that all of us require. Philippians 2:1-13 Gospel - Jesus uses some provocative language and a parable in replying to the chief priests and elders of the people. Matthew 21:23-32 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And ...

1438. Dead Man Walking

John 11:38-44, John 11:17-37, John 11:1-16

Sermon

James Merritt

In 1927, an S-4 Navy submarine was accidentally rammed by a Coast Guard Cutter, sending it immediately to the bottom of the bay. The entire crew was trapped. Every effort was made to rescue them, but every effort failed. Near the end of the four day attempt, to bring these men to the surface, a diver placed his helmeted ear to the side of the vessel and heard a man tapping Morse Code from inside. This was the last question that he heard. "Is...there...any...hope?"[[1]] If there is any day of the year and ...

1439. Batman: Driven By Guilt or Grace?

Romans 5:1-11; 8:1-2

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

Sometimes on our journey of faith, we let other things get between us and God. Sometimes it's not things so much as it is ideas and attitudes. Sometimes its just our emotions. The point is, we let other stuff get between us and God. Usually it's just our own selfish pride. But whatever it is, it blocks us from receiving the full extent of God's Grace. It's like going to a banquet in our honor, being told that all our favorite dishes have been prepared just the way we like them and then choosing to eat ...

1440. Batman: Driven By Guilt or Grace?

Romans 5:1-11; 8:1-2; Luke 18:9-16

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

Romans 5:1-11 (NRSV) [1] Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. [3] And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, [4] and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, [5] and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts ...

1441. Cross Eyed: Triumph

John 20:1-18

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

Mark was three years old when his pet lizard died. Since it was her grandson's first brush with death, Grandma suggested that Mark and an older boy in the family hold a "funeral" for the lizard. Grandma explained what a funeral was: a ceremony where you say a prayer, sing a song, and bury your loved one. Grandma even provided a shoe box and a burial place in the backyard. The boys thought it was a great idea, so they all proceeded to the backyard. Taking the lead, the older boy said a prayer. Then he ...

1442. Drink Deep

Mark 1:4-11

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

I just read about a certain preacher, a recent seminary graduate, who was appointed to his very first congregation. He and his wife went to visit his family one Saturday afternoon for lunch. This preacher's mother sensed that her daughter-in-law was all that happy, but not wanting to be one of those nosey, meddlesome mothers-in-law, she pretended not to notice. She figured it was just a lover's spat. But as her son and daughter-in-law left, everything was cleared up because she overheard her daughter-in- ...

1443. Follow Your Calling (Series: An Invitation to Christian Discipleship)

Luke 2:41-52

Sermon

J. Howard Olds

Back in the 1980’s, popular author Stephen Covey said the key to managing life is distinguishing between the urgent and the important. Urgent matters clamor for our attention. Important matters shape our lives. Before cell phones and Blackberries became a part of our anatomy, Covey warned that a phone call most likely will feel urgent, but it may not be very important. On the other hand, a call from God is both urgent and important. Two critically important questions every person must ask and keep on ...

1444. God’s Weather Report

Matthew 5:38-48

Sermon

Charles L. Aaron

In the 1985 movie, Witness, Harrison Ford plays a tough Philadelphia detective who uncovers corruption within his department. To protect himself and a young boy who has witnessed a murder, Ford's character, John Book, hides out among the Pennsylvania Amish, the community from which the little boy comes. In one scene of the movie, Book and several of the Amish go into town for a day of shopping. While they are in town, the buggies driven by the Amish are involved in a traffic jam with a car. The occupants ...

1445. Rolling Thunder or Voice of God?

John 12:20-33

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

John 12:20-33 [20] Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. [21] They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." [22] Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. [23] Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. [24] Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit ...

1446. Your God Shall Be My God

Ruth 1:1-18

Sermon

Robert A. Hausman

Like the short story that gave structure to the book of Job, so the book of Ruth is considered to be a finely honed literary piece, often called a novella. It is meant to exhibit exemplary behavior. Just as Job proved faithful through good fortune and ill, so the characters in the book of Ruth are equally laudatory. The story starts with an Israelite family in the time of the judges. (This historical setting becomes the reason that Ruth was put right after the book of Judges in the Septuagint.) This family ...

1447. The Blood of The Lamb and The Voice of The Shepherd

Revelation 7:9-17

Sermon

Steven E. Albertin

Who is Jesus? How are we to understand him? In the novel, The Brothers K, David James Duncan tells the story of the Chance family, a family of four boys, two girls, an agnostic father, and a mother of passionate fundamentalist faith. They all have very different ideas about who Jesus is. One of the boys, Kincaid, describes how each family member tries to make sense of Jesus and religion: It's strange the way everybody has their own pet notion about Jesus, and nobody's pet notion seems to agree with anybody ...

1448. Unity and Hope

Romans 14:1--15:13

Sermon

Timothy J. Smith

As we make our way through Advent inching closer to Christmas, our days are consumed with many tasks. Our “to do” list grows each day. At times we are often out of breath and wondering if we will complete everything on our list before Christmas Day. We gather on this Second Sunday in Advent to spiritually prepare for what God has done and continues to do in our lives and in our world. We have been too busy with all our activities and tasks so that we are in danger of missing out on the miracle of Christmas ...

1449. Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:19-31

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

As always, there are two types of people in the world. There are those who like surprises, and there are those who hate surprises. Those who don’t like surprises believe they have their lives all figured out and under their control. They are confident in what they expect, and where they are going. Those who love surprises look at life differently. They expect the unexpected. They live with purpose, but not necessarily with a plan. Jesus loves surprises. The parables Jesus tells, especially in Luke’s gospel ...

1450. Paul Opposes Peter

Galatians 2:11-21

Understanding Series

L. Ann Jervis

2:11 Paul continues to present his relationship with the Jerusalem Christians to the Galatians. In the next verses he recounts an incident with Peter that occurred at Antioch. It is almost certain that the Galatians had already heard of this incident, for before describing it Paul declares the sides in the case (Paul opposed Peter to his face) and pronounces the verdict (Peter was in the wrong). But it seems that the Galatians have understood this incident from a different perspective—one in which Peter, ...

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