Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 1426 to 1450 of 4933 results

1426. Seeing the Good News

Luke 3:1-20

Sermon

John P. Jewell

"All flesh shall see the salvation of God." What amazing words. The deepest sense of these words is that peace, harmony, health and healing will break out all over the world! "All flesh shall see.." means that every single human being on earth will see this come to pass. Sounds impossible doesn't it? This promise from the prophet Isaiah, brought to us in the gospel of Luke courtesy of John the Baptist brings to mind the words of Jesus to his disciples, "For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things ...

1427. Suffering Servant Song

Isaiah 52:13--53:12

Sermon

Elizabeth Achtemeier

This is the fourth and final Servant Song in Second Isaiah, and because of its content, it has been called the Suffering Servant Song. As with the Servant Song that we dealt with on Passion Sunday, it was originally a prophecy considering an idealized Israel. Second Isaiah set before the exiles in Babylonia the task of giving their life for the sake of the world. Israel was despised and rejected in exile, cursed by all who saw her plight. But there would come a time when God would deliver her from ...

1428. Short Attention Span

Exodus 32:1-33:6, Psalm 106:1-48

Bulletin Aid

Frank Ramirez

Call To Worship Turn away from the golden idols of this world. Turn back to the man of sorrow and reason. Collect Bless us as your people today and every day, when we stray and when we return, At our best and at our worst. We turn to you for mercy, pardon, and peace. Amen. Prayer Of Confession Lord, both we and our ancestors have sinned; we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly. We made a calf at Horeb and worshiped a cast image. We exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass. ...

1429. At War with Myself

Romans 7:15-25a

Sermon

William G. Carter

In a certain church, a woman was leading the congregation in the prayer of confession. She called the people to confess, reminding them of the sin within their hearts, and then all joined in reading the prayer of confession. She paused for the silent confession, and she kept pausing for a good long while. So long, in fact, that the people began to rustle as they waited for the next part of the service. It was awkward, and more than a few worshipers thought she had lost her place or mislaid the piece of ...

1430. A Peculiar People

1 Peter 2:1-10

Sermon

John E. Harnish

Last week we looked at one image of the church, that of a circle of grace—God seeking, claiming and sustaining us. Today, another image, taken from St. Peter's letter to the early Christians of what is now Turkey, Asia Minor—a "peculiar people." A dictionary definition of "peculiar" says: "Out of the ordinary, strange, odd, unusual." You might say "just plain weird." I preached a sermon by that title in Ann Arbor in the fall. Little did I know that we had visitors from Birmingham, and I suppose I will ...

1431. 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 ...

1432. New Covenant, New Testament

Jeremiah 31:27-34

Sermon

John Wayne Clarke

Our reading today from the prophet Jeremiah is one in which the Hebrew people, not knowing what else to do in terms of addressing their predicament, decide to blame it all on God. They believed their problems to be the result of their sins and the sins of their fathers. Of course, one person's sin does indeed affect other people, but all people are still held personally accountable for the sin in their own lives (Deuteronomy 24:16; Ezekiel 18:2). This theme would later be taken up in the New Testament as ...

1433. A Reminder Where Our Hearts Belong

John 1:1-18

Illustration

Wm. McCord

Since Thanksgiving, the shopping malls have been telling us that "It's the most wonderful time of the year." And it is - for them. For many others, however, it is a mixed bag. Christmas isn't what it was when I was a child and never will be again. I'm an adult; it's different; it just is. In this economically difficult time, many have lost jobs or seen their investments and securities dwindle unsure of what the future holds. Perhaps we have not been able to do what we might have liked to have done for ...

1434. The Believer's Freedom

1 Corinthians 10:23--11:1

Understanding Series

Marion L. Soards

Once again Paul broaches the subject of merely eating idol meat, but now he seems concerned with the eating of such previously sacrificed foods outside the confines of the pagan temple. The section is challenging to translators and interpreters because Paul writes in a vigorous style that takes abrupt rhetorical turns that can be and often are lost in the reading of the text. Identifying Paul’s line of thought is crucial to comprehending this otherwise confusing passage. Paul gives a helpful hint when he ...

1435. Woes and Judgments

Isaiah 5:8-30

Understanding Series

John Goldingay

Judgment Missed and Demonstrated: In length and theme chapter 5 pairs with chapter 1 and closes a bracket around 2:2–4:6. Chapter 5 comprises a mock love song; a series of woes that will be completed in 10:1–4; and a warning about Yahweh’s outstretched hand that will continue in chapter 9. In contrast to 1:1–2:1 and 2:2–4:6, no positive note is struck at the beginning or the end. Chapters 1–5 come to a close as bleak as their opening. Rebellion and darkness ultimately bracket them.In length and theme ...

1436. Expressions of True Gratitude

Matthew 21:1-11

Illustration

Herchel H. Sheets

Bishop Hanns Lilje writes with compassion of the men who were his guards while he was a prisoner of the Nazis during World War II. He tells of one pitiable old man whose job it was, among other things, to fasten his fetters before he went to sleep at night. One evening after he finished this task, the prisoner found himself unable to resist saying to him in a very polite and courteous voice, "Thank you very much." The old man stood still and stared at him for a moment, and then went on out of the cell. In ...

1437. As a Parent I Would...

Illustration

John Drescher

We often regret the things we should have done, or done more of, with out children. So, if you want to improve the overall health of your children makes these "I would" admonitions part of your life: I would love my wife/husband more. In the closeness of family life it is easy to take each other for granted and let a dullness creep in that can dampen even the deepest love. So, I would love the mother/father of my children more and be freer in letting them see that love. I would develop feelings of ...

1438. I Shall Not Pass

Illustration

Staff

And it came to pass, Early in the morning toward the last day of the semester There arose a great multitude smiting the books and wailing, And there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth For the day of judgment was at hand. And they were sore afraid for they had left undone Those things which they ought to have done. And they had done those things which they ought not to have done And there was no help for it. And there were many abiding in the dorm Who had kept watch over their books by night, But it ...

1439. God, The Recycler

2 Corinthians 5:17

Children's Sermon

Teresa L. Major

Object: A large garbage bag with trash in it. (Empty soft drink cans, empty pizza boxes, old newspaper, etc.) Lesson: Even when we make "garbage" of our lives, God can make that "garbage" into something beautiful and special. I have brought some trash to share with you this morning. What's the matter? You don't want to share my trash? Don't worry, it's clean. Here, you hold this can. (Begin distributing some of the items.) You hold this pizza box, and could you help me with this newspaper? All of these ...

1440. Boast In The Lord

1 Corinthians 1:18--2:5

Sermon

Richard Hasler

A young man went for a walk to meditate. He soon found himself in a field of ripe pumpkins. Also in the field happened to be a great acorn tree. The young man observed the tiny acorns hanging down from gigantic branches of the tree. Then he glanced at the enormous pumpkins on the tiny vines. He meditated for a while, and then said to himself, "God made a mistake. He should have put the tiny acorns on tiny vines and the great pumpkins on the great branches." Pondering God's apparent mistake the young man ...

1441. Do You Want To Be More Spiritual?

Romans 8:1-17

Illustration

Clement E. Lewis

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul advised, "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus." To the Romans he wrote, "To set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." In order to be more spiritual, the mind needs to be fixed on abiding by the rules of spirituality. Our attitude toward God and Jesus Christ in spiritual matters, and in secular conduct has much to do with how we qualify spiritually. Our devotional, intentionally creative and conscientious participation help to enrich our spiritual ...

1442. God's Stepladder

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Children's Sermon

Wesley T. Runk

Object: A stepladder. Good morning, boys and girls. Today we are going to talk about making each other feel better. How many of you like to feel good? (Let them answer.) Does it make you feel better when someone else tells you that you have done a good job or that you play a game well? (Let them answer.) People always want to tell us when we do bad or act bad, but not very many people tell us when we do something good. St. Paul told his Christian friends that they should tell each other how wonderful they ...

1443. WALKING IN GOD’S WAY

1 Peter 2:21b

Children's Sermon

Theme: Follow in his steps. Object: Some big shoes - high heels as well as men’s shoes - size 12, 13, or 14 if possible. Good morning, boys and girls. How are you on this fine spring Sunday morning? I love springtime and especially Sunday in the springtime. It means coming to church and singing praise to God and thanking him for the wonderful things he has done for us. It is also a time when we learn what he wants us to do. When I was a little boy I used to do something that I know you have done. When my ...

1444. Mustard or Mash Potatoes?

Galatians 5:16-26

Children's Sermon

Object: salt, vinegar, and mustard. Good morning, boys and girls. Have you ever tried to hit a ball with a tree branch or walk barefooted on a very hot sidewalk or hot sand? If you have, you know that some things just don't go together. You need shoes to walk across something that is hot and you need a bat to hit a ball. Those things are made to go together and the others are not. I brought along some other things that you know a lot about that I think will help you understand one of God's teachings this ...

1445. The Big Difference

Mark 7:31-37

Children's Sermon

Object: Some paper and crayons and a beautiful picture. If you have an artist in the congregation here is the opportunity to use him. You must both work on the announced theme. Good morning to you, boys and girls. How many of you like to color or draw? Almost all of you. Well, I do, too, and I thought this morning I would like to draw something for you. How about a horse or a tree? Why not both? Well, let's see. [If you use an artist, here is the place to introduce him and announce that both of you will be ...

1446. Christian Values True Love

1 John 3:11-24

Bulletin Aid

Call to Worship Leader: This message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another. Don’t be like Cain who murdered his brother because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Congregation: In our weakness, we tend to hate those who are strong. Father, remind us that you will carry us to better deeds and we need not envy those who are farther along. Leader: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for our ...

1447. Waiting

Isaiah 63:7--64:12

Sermon

Thomas D. Peterson

We modern people hate to wait. In our busy-busy, get-ahead, world waiting is a waste of time. After all, he who hesitates is lost. We must be "firstest with the mostest"; and, if the situation is not ready for us to be firstest, then we manipulate things to make it ready. Yet, before we go farther with these attitudes we all share, let us stop to consider that there are many good reasons for waiting. Let’s look and see. We wait for paint to dry. When we do not wait, the second coat bleeds through and we ...

1448. Do Not Receive God's Grace in Vain

2 Corinthians 6:3-13

Bulletin Aid

James Wilson

Call To Worship Leader: Let all who have known God's mercy and grace gather now for worship! People: We were once lost and without hope, but in Christ we have been redeemed. Leader: Our salvation is the work of the Christ, lest anyone should try to boast. People: And we are free from the bondage we once knew under the Law. Leader: But freedom comes with the lifelong responsibility to live for Christ. All: Blessed be the name of the Lord! Collect O God, You have called all who would follow You to be ...

1449. Belonging To The Right Family

1 Peter 2:4-12

Sermon

King Duncan

No one deserves a special day all to herself more than today's Mom. A cartoon showed a psychologist talking to his patient: "Let's see," he said, "You spend 50 percent of your energy on your job, 50 percent on your husband and 50 percent on your children. I think I see your problem." Some of you can identify with that. I like the story about the fouryearold and the sixyearold who presented their Mom with a house plant. They had used their own money and she was thrilled. The older of them said with a sad ...

1450. Pentecost

Psalm 104:1-35, Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 15:26-27; 16:4-15, Acts 2:1-21

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 104:24-34, 35b First Lesson—The Spirit of God bridges language barriers to begin the creation of one church for Jesus Christ. Acts 2:1-21 [OR] The visual parable that Ezekiel experiences is a sign of the resurrection of the people of God. Ezekiel 37:1-14 Second Lesson—Paul places the new life of the people of God in the context of cosmic reconstruction. Romans 8:22-27 [OR] Acts 2:1-21 Gospel—Jesus prepares the disciples for further teaching by the Spirit and ongoing guidance in the ...

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