Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 1451 to 1475 of 5000 results

Romans 5:1-11

Sermon

James R. Tozer

... of living in a fallen world amid rebellious people. But God can take any of our trials and tribulations and work with them to accomplish his perfect purpose for us. This faith inspires us to rejoice in our sufferings. There is a woman who illustrates magnificently how a person can become strengthened, steadfast, and stable through suffering. I hold the highest admiration for her and asked for permission to tell her story. She wrote me: I rejoice if my tragedies and triumphs can possibly help someone, but I ...

1452. The Bodily Glorification of God

John 1:29-34

Sermon

... a plethora of work-out books. Why, you can even buy records and videos that tell you how to turn flab into firmness and fat into muscle. To be sure, it is important to stay in shape, but much of this craze is just to glorify the body. Four symbols illustrate our obsession with glorifying the body. The first symbol is heard in the phrase "Dress to win!" Learn how to dress so you can be a winner. The worst thing you could ever do is to show up dressed in the wrong clothing. When the ties get narrow, don't ...

1453. The Primacy of Human Relationships

Matthew 5:33-37

Sermon

Joe Pennel

... of success and the top of the ladder. Today's Gospel lesson speaks about the bottom line in the teachings of Jesus. The bottom line, for Jesus, was the "tending to" and the maintenance of strong relationships among people. His teaching about swearing clearly illustrates the primacy of personal relationships. Jesus said that his followers should not swear falsely. Nor should they swear at all. They should not swear by something as high as heaven, as common-place as the earth, or as spectacular as the city of ...

1454. Beyond the Ordinary

Matthew 5:38-42

Sermon

Joe Pennel

... the capability of inflicting on others. Thus, we, as disciples of Christ, should resist evil and overcome it with good. Overcoming evil with good is more than mere nonresistance. It is responding to active enmity with active love. Jesus used three extreme examples to illustrate his point. Those who live by the higher ethic of over-abundant righteousness are to turn the other cheek, give away undergarments, go the second mile, and give to any who borrow. In my judgment, these are not laws to be obeyed. Here ...

1455. Getting Back To Work

Luke 17:1-10

Sermon

Brett Blair

... spend our lives expecting to be served. Hopefully we can keep ourselves in right relationship and choose the former because we are unworthy servants. God owes us nothing. And, we are only doing our duty. We owe God everything. Amen. 1. Kraft story by Brett Blair adapted from Michael Green, Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Baker, p. 331.

1456. A House for God

Matthew 7:24-29

Sermon

Gary W. Houston

... leaning, ready to collapse. They have foundations on sandy soil, not rock. When I read that passage about the two men I recall the old hymn entitled "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less." Here are the words of verses one and three that speak to illustrate Jesus’ teaching: My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. The chorus goes: On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ...

1457. Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-22, Psalm 72:1-20, Ephesians 3:1-13, Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Aid

THEOLOGICAL CLUE The Epiphany was originally a unitive festival, an observation of Jesus' birth, his baptism, and the first miracle he performed at Cana; Coelius Sedulius' fifth century hymn, "When Christ's Appearing Was Made Known," (Hymn 85, LBW) illustrates this three-fold nature of the Epiphany. Twelfth Night now concludes the Christmas season, the First Sunday after the Epiphany commemorates the Baptism of Our Lord, and the first miracle at Cana is assigned to the Second Sunday after the Epiphany only ...

1458. Palm · Passion Sunday

Isaiah 50:1-11, Psalm 31:1-24, Matthew 27:11-26, Matthew 27:32-44, Matthew 27:45-56, Matthew 21:1-11

Sermon Aid

... tend to create homiletical problems for the preacher. The homiletical problem of the first reading is, simply, that it seldom is preached by itself on the Sunday of the Passion or Palm Sunday. At best, this servant song might find a place, either as an illustration or a quotation, in Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday sermons - "The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I turned not backward. I gave my back to the smiters ... I hid not my face from shame and spitting.... therefore I have set ...

1459. The Holy Trinity

Psalm 150:1-6, Psalm 33:1-22, Psalm 29:1-11, Matthew 28:16-20, John 3:1-21, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Genesis 1:1-2:3, Exodus 34:1-28

Sermon Aid

... chosen to be his own." THE READINGS Exodus 34:4b-6, 8-9 (R) This reading was chosen, not simply to tell the story of Moses cutting two tablets of stone - for a second time - and taking them, at the instructions of Yahweh, up Mt. Sinai, but to illustrate how the Old Testament parallels the New Testament in God's revelation of himself. Yahweh is the Lord, who revealed himself as Yahweh-Lord to Moses, and who creates in Moses' being a response of true worship and prayer in the presence of the Lord. The reading ...

1460. Proper 4

Deuteronomy 11:1-32, Genesis 12:1-8, Matthew 7:15-23, Matthew 7:24-29, Romans 3:21-31, Psalm 31:1-24, Psalm 33:1-22

Sermon Aid

... on the Second Sunday after Pentecost; it contains the material about the blessings that God's people will receive if they obey God's commandments, and the curses that will come to them if they disobey the commandments of the Lord God. These blessings and curses are illustrated at the conclusion of the Gospel for the Day (Matthew 7:21-29) in the parable of the houses built on rock or sand, which spells out the fate of those who hear and obey, or who disobey, Jesus' teachings. Genesis 12:1-9 (C) For the ...

1461. Proper 5 & Pentecost 3

Matthew 9:9-13, Romans 4:1-25, Hosea 6:1--7:16, Genesis 22:1-19, Psalm 13:1-6, Psalm 50:1-23, Hosea 5:1-15

Sermon Aid

... clue to the theme for worship and preaching on the Third Sunday after Pentecost. God's promise to bless all those who keep his commandments continues to be announced by the biblical elements assigned to the propers of this Sunday. The Gospel for the Day illustrates, as part of its theme, one example of complete and total adherence to the commands of Christ; when Jesus said, "Follow me," to Matthew, he meant it - so did Matthew, and he immediately obeyed the Lord. The Prayer of the Day This prayer, which was ...

1462. Proper 12 & Pentecost 10

1 Kings 3:1-15, Exodus 3:1-22, Romans 8:18-27, Romans 8:28-39, Matthew 13:44-46, Matthew 13:47-52

Sermon Aid

... a parable of this time, this age, which is quite a contrast from that of Jesus' parables, because their treasures are of this world, not of the kingdom of heaven. 1. Our most precious gift - the kingdom of heaven. Jesus not only believed that, but he illustrated it with parables, and died to validate his teachings about the worth of the kingdom. What value do you place upon the kingdom? 2. Our first priority in life - seeking the kingdom. God gives the kingdom through Jesus to those who honestly seek it and ...

1463. Proper 13 & Pentecost 11

Matthew 14:13-21, Nehemiah 9:1-37, Exodus 12:1-30, Romans 8:28-39, Isaiah 55:1-13

Sermon Aid

... ' Passover - and ours - from death to life. Jesus' death and resurrection are Passover for us. His blood, the blood of the lamb, the only begotten Son of God, defeated Satan and obtained our release from sin and death. Weave in contemporary stories and illustrations, as necessary. Romans 8:31-39 - "Questions and Answers of the Faith." 1. A question for the martyrs - "What shall we say to these things?" 2. A question for all believers - "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" 3. A question answered ...

1464. Proper 14 & Pentecost 12

1 Kings 19:9-18, Psalm 29:1-11, Psalm 106:1-48, Romans 9:1-29, Matthew 14:22-36, Exodus 13:17--14:31, Jonah 2:1-10, Psalm 85:1-13

Sermon Aid

... parallels to the story in Matthew 14 are striking, if not completely obvious and, sometimes, in contrast to the images created by the Jonah story. Exodus 14:19-31 (C) The three different first readings in the Roman/Lutheran, Episcopal, and Common lectionaries, illustrate the fact that there are many Old Testament stories that harmonize with the Gospels for the Day, while retaining their own integrity. This story, which tells the familiar tale of the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites and the drowning ...

1465. Proper 21 & Pentecost 19

Ezekiel 18:1-32, Psalm 25:1-22, Psalm 99:1-9, Exodus 32:1-33:6, Philippians 2:1-11, Philippians 2:12-18, Matthew 21:28-32

Sermon Aid

... a new heart and a new spirit! Why are you so anxious to die, House of Israel? I take no pleasure in the death of anyone - it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks. Repent and live! (Jerusalem Bible) The parable of the father and the two sons beautifully illustrates this word of the prophet; it is one of the most appropriate first readings in the lectionaries, and it almost insists on inclusion in any sermon on the Gospel for the Day. Exodus 32:12-23 (C) This is the last in the series of first readings from ...

1466. Thanksgiving Day

Deuteronomy 8:1-20, Philippians 4:2-9, Philippians 4:10-20, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Luke 17:11-19

Sermon Aid

... when he was cleansed, highlights the theme of gratitude to God for all of the blessings that he has given to his own people. That the man who returned and prostrated himself before Jesus, praising him and giving him thanks, was a Samaritan, illustrates how God gives his blessings, including salvation, to all people; this man had no additional gift, evident in his spontaneous return to Jesus and his expression of thanks for the miracle that had occurred in his life - he reconized the source of his healing ...

1467. The One Who Made His Cross

Drama

... printed material only. Appendix II Lighting and Directing Cues (optional) Lighting can add an important dimension to this dramatic production. Yet the lighting may be very simple. One way to provide for the proper lighting is to construct two light poles. (See illustration #1 - in printed material only) These poles are made of regular pine boards six to ten inches wide. The bulbs are two 150-watt outdoor floodlights or spotlights. These are attached to a swivel base on each pole. The lights are controlled ...

1468. God's Timetable Not Ours

Luke 18:1-8

Illustration

Larry R. Kalajainen

I heard a story which illustrates how we often confuse God's timing with ours. A country newspaper had been running a series of articles on the value of church attendance. One day, a letter to the editor was received in the newspaper office. It read, "Print this if you dare. I have been trying an ...

1469. What Will He Find… When He Comes? - Shorter Version

Luke 18:1-8

Sermon

Theodore F. Schneider

... write an accurate account. Luke considered himself to belong to the "third generation" of Christians. Still Christ had not returned. No longer was anyone sure just when that time would come. Some began to doubt that it would come at all. I heard a story which illustrates how we often confuse God's timing with ours. A country newspaper had been running a series of articles on the value of church attendance. One day, a letter to the editor was received in the newspaper office. It read, "Print this if you dare ...

1470. Stop, Look, and Listen

Hebrews 10:20

Children's Sermon

... complaints about growing up is that you can't do what you want to all the time. But have you ever thought what the world might be like without rules? Everything would be confusing and messed up. I have before you three signs which you probably see every day. (Illustrate these signs as you explain them.) First, there is a stop sign. Imagine you are riding in your car with your father. Soon he sees this red sign from a distance. He then slows down and comes to a complete stop. He will look both ways to see if ...

1471. January 1

Lk 2:15-21 · Php 2:5-11 · Num 6:22-27 · Ps 67

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Numbers 6:22-27 Theme: The power of God's name Exegetical Note The famous tripartite blessing in this passage is presented as a liturgical way to put God's name on Israel, which to the ancient mind meant to bestow upon them the full force of God's very being, saving presence, and sustaining providence. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 67) Leader: May God's grace and blessing be upon us! People: MAY GOD'S FACE SHINE UPON US! Leader: May God's ways be known upon the earth! People: MAY GOD'S ...

1472. Palm Sunday

Mt 21:1-11 · Isa 50:4-9 · Ps 118

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Isaiah 50:4-9a Theme: From palms to Passion Exegetical Note The unpopularity of the prophet in this Third Servant Song of Second Isaiah, not to mention the anger and abuse that he has experienced, appears to differ markedly from Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. If the palm-wavers were sincere (rather than sarcastic, as some suggest), their adoration was short-lived: their cries of exaltation soon became calls for execution. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 118) Leader: This is the day ...

1473. Proper 12

Romans 8:1-17

Bulletin Aid

Theme: A sighing Spirit for dumbfounded saints Exegetical note The picture of the Spirit presented in the first two verses here is a powerful one, best illustrated by the defense-advocate in the courtroom, who speaks on behalf of a helpless client. The latter here are saints who are dumbfounded by their weakness (i.e., sin), and who therefore require the kind of profound intercession before God that only God's Spirit itself can provide, and that ...

1474. Proper 21

Mt 21:23-32 · Php 1:1-3 · Ex 17:1-7

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7 Theme: The apparent absence of God Exegetical Note At first it appears that the thirsty (and by now weary) Israelites are expressing merely a pressing physical need and resulting discontent with their leader, but that Moses inflates their complaint to include God. Verse 7, however, suggests that the people's complaint had indeed included God. Their question stemmed from the apparent absence of God in a time of crisis. Call to Worship (based on Psalm 95) Leader: Come, let us sing ...

1475. Proper 22

Mt 21:33-46 · Php 3:4b-14 · Ex 20:1-20

Bulletin Aid

First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Theme: Other gods Exegetical Note The commandments of the so-called "First Table," i.e., those dealing directly with God (vv. 2-4) actually reflect, not monotheism, but henotheism, i.e., the allegiance to one god without denying the existence of others, in this case the nature gods of the agricultural peoples with whom the Israelites came into contact. Far from reflecting a dated problem, however, the injunctions remind modern people of the many god-like concerns ...

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Antonyms: deficient, imperfect

Showing 1451 to 1475 of 5000 results

1451. Strength to Overcome Suffering

Romans 5:1-11

Sermon

James R. Tozer

1452. The Bodily Glorification of God

John 1:29-34

Sermon

1453. The Primacy of Human Relationships

Matthew 5:33-37

Sermon

Joe Pennel

1454. Beyond the Ordinary

Matthew 5:38-42

Sermon

Joe Pennel

1455. Getting Back To Work

Luke 17:1-10

Sermon

Brett Blair

1456. A House for God

Matthew 7:24-29

Sermon

Gary W. Houston

1457. Epiphany

Isaiah 60:1-22, Psalm 72:1-20, Ephesians 3:1-13, Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon Aid

1458. Palm · Passion Sunday

Isaiah 50:1-11, Psalm 31:1-24, Matthew 27:11-26, Matthew 27:32-44, Matthew 27:45-56, Matthew 21:1-11

Sermon Aid

1459. The Holy Trinity

Psalm 150:1-6, Psalm 33:1-22, Psalm 29:1-11, Matthew 28:16-20, John 3:1-21, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, Deuteronomy 4:32-40, Genesis 1:1-2:3, Exodus 34:1-28

Sermon Aid

1460. Proper 4

Deuteronomy 11:1-32, Genesis 12:1-8, Matthew 7:15-23, Matthew 7:24-29, Romans 3:21-31, Psalm 31:1-24, Psalm 33:1-22

Sermon Aid

1461. Proper 5 & Pentecost 3

Matthew 9:9-13, Romans 4:1-25, Hosea 6:1--7:16, Genesis 22:1-19, Psalm 13:1-6, Psalm 50:1-23, Hosea 5:1-15

Sermon Aid

1462. Proper 12 & Pentecost 10

1 Kings 3:1-15, Exodus 3:1-22, Romans 8:18-27, Romans 8:28-39, Matthew 13:44-46, Matthew 13:47-52

Sermon Aid

1463. Proper 13 & Pentecost 11

Matthew 14:13-21, Nehemiah 9:1-37, Exodus 12:1-30, Romans 8:28-39, Isaiah 55:1-13