Sermon and Worship Resources

This Week
Contact Us

Sermon Prep
Illustrations · Quotes · Humor
Commentary
Dictionary
Lectionary
Bible
Media
Children's Sermons
Children's Bulletins

Sermon Series
Bulletin & Sermon Aids
King Duncan
Authors A-Z
Dramas
Eulogies

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 1476 to 1500 of 2699 results

«
1
2
…
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
…
107
108
»

1476. The Battle Hymn

Matthew 17:1-9

Illustration

In 1861, a prominent Bostonian woman and her husband were visiting Washington, D.C. shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War. They witnessed an impressive military review one day and were on their way back to their hotel with some friends in a carriage when their way was blocked by several columns of soldiers. To pass the time, Julia Ward Howe and her friends began to sing popular army songs, including "John Brown's Body." ...

1477. Baptism of the Lord

Psalm 29:1-11, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:23b-48, Matthew 3:13-17

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

... of baptism should think carefully about the amount of water used in each event. If the people are sprinkled at the reaffirmation, then much more water should be used for the actual baptisms in order to have the signs clearly distinguished and not give the impression that the reaffirmation is some kind of re-baptism. Where immersions are not possible for baptisms, then a generous pouring should be employed. If at all possible, arrange the setting for the baptism so that the water can be seen and heard by as ...

Psalm 116:1-19, Acts 2:14-41, 1 Peter 1:13-2:3, Luke 24:13-35

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

... information about the context of this passage from Acts 2. For this week's lesson it is helpful to notice the setting of the events narrated here in terms of the mood of the crowd. The people in Jerusalem on Pentecost are portrayed as less than impressed with the band of early believers. Indeed, the public estimation of the disciples is low: they are taken for a bunch of drunks. Imagine the attitude of the crowd at Pentecost as Peter arose to speak—they would be skeptcal, scrutinizing, even ready to have ...

1479. Epiphany 3

Psalm 27:1-14, Isaiah 9:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, Matthew 4:12-17, Matthew 4:18-22

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

... a lesson about the Lordship of Jesus and the absolute demands of discipleship. It is impossible, even dangerous, to attempt historical and psychological explanations of this passage: for example, Jesus had met these men earlier and had made a deep impression on them. Such rationalizations explain the gospel right out of the text, and they are nothing more than speculations aimed at explaining the human, not the theological, dimensions of the story. From Matthew's telling of this story, Jesus calls disciples ...

Matthew 10:1-42, Matthew 9:35-38, Romans 5:1-11, Psalm 116:1-19, Genesis 18:1-15

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

... : Is there anything that is too difficult for God? The Hebrew could just as well read: Is there any miracle that God cannot perform? Third, Sarah, who has been secretly listening, now realizes that her unbelief has been unmasked, so she lies in v. 15, which doesn't impress God. The story ends in 21:1-7. Verses 1-5 provide a new setting. We learn that a child was indeed born and that he was named Isaac (laughter). The new setting creates the context for one last discourse, which of course must be from Sarah ...

1481. Proper 12

Genesis 29:15-30, Matthew 13:31-35, Matthew 13:44-46, Matthew 13:47-52, Romans 8:28-39, Psalm 105:1-45

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

... the individual parables or at the clusters of parables for internal clues about the intention of the text(s). One normally reads that the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast are comparisons of small, unpretentious, or inauspicious beginnings with the final large, impressive, or awesome results. Thus the parables are taken to contrast the coming of the Kingdom in the modest ministry of Jesus with the great final form that the Kingdom will take in God's good time. But the images in the text make this ...

1482. Proper 18

Psalm 149:1-9, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20, Exodus 12:1-30

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

... Egyptian or Israelite. Second, the linking of Passover with death in the story of the firstborn necessarily complicates our understanding of who God is and who the people of God are. First, our understanding of God. If the death of the firstborn gave the impression that God was dangerous only for certain groups of people and that the dangerousness of God was, in fact, in service to the people of God (like a secret weapon), the linking of Passover underscores in no uncertain terms that God is dangerous for ...

1483. Proper 20

Exodus 16:1-36, Matthew 20:1-16, Philippians 1:12-30, Psalm 105:1-45

Sermon Aid

Marion L. Soards, Thomas B. Dozeman, Kendall McCabe

... s point is easily missed given the translations of the last phrases of v. 27. For example, NRSV reads, "I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel"; one gets the impression that Paul's confidence was in the performance of the Philippians. But that would be an odd turn given the essentially theological or christological cast of Paul's thinking in the previous verses and, moreover, in general. In fact, the Greek literally says, "I hear ...

1484. What Is Eternal Life?

John 3:1-21

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... are heading east or west. Living in the time zone of “now” is different. It is the opposite of parsing and piecing time into days or hours or minutes. When your “life flashes before your eyes” and you experience a lifetime of memories, feelings, impressions, emotions--all in a focused flash of clarity--it is a “gestalt” moment, a moment that embraces and embodies the wholeness of life, not tiny counted out fragments of existence. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that ...

1485. Getting a Handle on Our Faith

John 11:1-16

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... s faces and not our own. A Lighter Moment: I love puns. Sorry, I just do. I just discovered the finalists for the “10 Best Puns of 2004.” Here is my favorite of the 10: Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him ...(Are you ready ....this is so bad, it's good) ..... .. A super calloused fragile mystic hexed by ...

1486. The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Hosanna!

Matthew 21:1-11

Illustration

David A. Shirey

... across the meadow. Or, the beginning of The Sound of Music with Julie Andrews doing a pirouette with her arms outstretched, the mountains in the background, then the music swells and the hills are alive with sound of music… Some scenes make a lasting impression on us. Palm Sunday has that power. The donkey, the Lord, the crowds waving those palm branches, a sea of thin green flags fluttering in the wind--and then that memorable chorus: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna ...

1487. The Lost and Found Coin

Luke 15:8-10

Sermon

James W. Moore

... near him, you be careful.’” She got directions on where to find him and boldly she went. She told Seville who she was and what she wanted to do and how, in the spirit of Jesus Christ, she just wanted to help people find a better life. Seville was impressed with her and fascinated by her courage and her faith and her servant spirit… so he put out an order in the Badlands that everyone was to treat her, The Reverend, with respect and no one was to mess with her. So, she began her ministry there and over ...

1488. Matthew 28:1-10

Matthew 28:1-10

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... does not move with the undulating earth. Rather, this angel “rolled back the stone,” then jauntily proceeds to perch on top of it. For this heavenly being, boulder-bowling is no big effort. Yet the angel himself is impressive. Matthew describes his presence as “like lightening” — an unfamiliar comparison. Perhaps “striking” might equally communicate Matthew’s intent. Recalling the transfiguration scene, the angel’s clothing is exceptionally white — white “as snow.” And snow was not a ...

1489. The Lost and Found Coin

Luke 15:8-10

Sermon

James W. Moore

... go near him, you be careful.'" She got directions on where to find him and boldly she went. She told Seville who she was and what she wanted to do and how, in the spirit of Jesus Christ, she just wanted to help people find a better life. Seville was impressed with her and fascinated by her courage and her faith and her servant spirit… so he put out an order in the Badlands that everyone was to treat her, The Reverend, with respect and no one was to mess with her. So, she began her ministry there and over ...

1490. When Do You Feel God's Pleasure?

Matthew 3:13-17

Sermon

James W. Moore

... had a large pair of glasses. One day, after a service, he tapped me on the shoulder and mentioned that he noticed that I was new and offered to show me around. He gave me a tour and we talked a few minutes, then parted company. That made a lasting impression! I was just a high school kid who came in to “listen to Dr. Moore talk,” and he showed me a great deal of caring and genuine warmth. Over the next year and a half, I realized that so many people at the church showed the same qualities… I mentioned ...

1491. Rise Above It

John 21:15-19

Sermon

James W. Moore

... on her way. As the young man turned to go back to work, the manager stopped him and said: “Son, I know what happened here. You got yourself into a jam. But, you worked out of it beautifully. You rose to the occasion. I like that! That impresses me. By the way, where are you from?” The young man answered: “Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You’ve probably never heard of it. It’s famous for its great hockey teams and boring women.” “That’s interesting,” said the manager. “My wife is from Lancaster ...

1492. When Extravagance Is Beautiful, and When It Is Not

John 12:1-8

Sermon

James W. Moore

... have fed!” Now, let me hurry to point out that Judas had no intention of doing that at all. It wasn’t even his oil. But, it sounded good and he expected Jesus to praise him for his wisdom and prudence. But, to his surprise, Jesus was not impressed with his harshness toward Mary who was, after all, one of their hosts and one of Jesus’ closest friends and who in his opinion had just done a gracious, kind, loving beautiful thing for him. Now, the point of the story is simply this: Sometimes it’s just ...

1493. There's an Elephant in the Room and Her Name Is Katrina

Exodus 14:10-15

Sermon

James W. Moore

... in communication with God… and he did go forward and he did do the best that he knew to do… and he did trust God to bring it out right. Some years ago, I was visiting one Sunday evening in an African-American church and I was so moved and impressed by the prayer of the minister. He was an older man… and he had evidently just recently gone through some kind of trouble. Although it was many years ago, I can still remember his prayer as if I heard it yesterday. Dear Lord, we thank you for being with us ...

1494. The Three Approaches to Life

Luke 10:25-37

Sermon

James W. Moore

... is doing that. The Russian people are rushing to McDonald’s for a “Bolshoi Mac.” Now, it’s interesting to me that many of the Russian people who have dined under the golden arches in Moscow say that it’s not the Western food that impresses them so much… but it’s the way the employees cater to them. “May I help you?” “What can I do for you?” “What would you like?” “May I serve you?” “Please enjoy your meal!” “Have a nice afternoon.” “You deserve a break today”… all ...

1495. A Church with Nothing to Offer

John 20:19-23

Illustration

Thomas Long

Check out the church ads on the religion page of the Saturday edition of most big city newspapers and you find some impressive sounding places of worship. There, with sleek graphics and Madison Avenue phrases, a few select churches boast of their assets -- their choirs, their friendliness, their powerful preaching, their singles ministries, their ample parking, their family life centers, their sensitive child care, and their compassionate spirit. Some churches, it seems, have ...

1496. The Most Important Job in the World

2 Timothy 1:5

Illustration

James W. Moore

... and give herself and all that she has to the "Bringing Up" of their two children, Bart and Lisa. On those rare occasions when Peggy did travel with Tony, she found herself engaged in conversations with some of the most accomplished, impressive, influential, sophisticated people in the world. After one such trip, Peggy told Tony that sometimes as she visits with these powerful people… she finds herself feeling intimidated and sometimes even questioning her own self-worth. Tony said to her: "Well, honey ...

1497. Be of One Mind

2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Sermon

King Duncan

... possible. He strolled along the seashore and came across three fishermen mending their nets. In pidgin English they explained to him that centuries before they had been Christianized by missionaries. “We, Christians!” they said, proudly pointing to themselves. The bishop was impressed. Did they know the Lord’s Prayer? He asked. They sadly confessed they had never heard of it. The bishop was shocked. How could these men claim to be Christians when they did not know something as elementary as the Lord ...

1498. Paying Attention to Your Mission

Matthew 28:16-20

Illustration

Phil Roughton

... . Niebuhr would say they became more fixated on their preservation and self-interest than their mission. And so for a time there, to people watching from the outside, it looked like IBM was spending more time, money, and energy building huge, impressive corporate office buildings, filled with gifted managers and executives, than improving and selling what had been state-of-the-art, cutting edge products. And in that gap, little upstart companies like Apple and then later Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Compaq and ...

1499. Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26

Matthew 9:9-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... in v.18. The NRSV supplies “of the synagogue,” but the man could be a leader of any notable body. What is definitive is this man’s respect for Jesus’ authority: he assumes the proper prostrate posture of respect by kneeling. Even more impressive is this man’s astonishing faith in Jesus’ healing powers. Unlike Luke and Mark, the Matthean gospel makes it clear from the beginning of this exchange that the girl “has just died.” Nevertheless her father seeks Jesus out, kneels before him, and ...

1500. A Super Callused Fragile Mystic

Mark 1:1-8

Illustration

Paul Tucker

Most of us are familiar with Mahatma Gandhi (the great spiritual leader of India). As you know, he walked barefoot most of the time, which, I am told, produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. You realize what this made him? A super callused fragile mystic plagued with halitosis. Sorry. I just had to use that joke. I guess ...

Showing results

«
1
2
…
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
…
107
108
»