... the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems ... we have been distracted, dismayed, disappointed, and disheartened, right now, at this time, he comes to reclaim our value and gives us the greatest gift -- the gift of himself. But in this season he is not the only one who comes. Have you ever heard, "Dress the Christmas cat" or ...
... the Prince of Peace is coming. We wait for delight in the eyes of someone we love as he or she opens that special gift. We wait in awe in the hope that one star's strong light lingers still and will lead us home to him who redeems ... we have been distracted, dismayed, disappointed, and disheartened, right now, at this time, he comes to reclaim our value and gives us the greatest gift -- the gift of himself. But in this season he is not the only one who comes. Have you ever heard, "Dress the Christmas cat" or ...
... ; it means living a different kind of life than the world would lead me into. But for those who take this journey with Jesus, it is a journey of discovery. We discover that happiness cannot be made or bought. We discover that peace is a gift. We discover that peace is a gift. We discover that life holds wonder and love and joy ... because the journey doesn't end at the cross. We don't like to stop here very long. But we must, for only by that cross, can we know forgiveness and restoration and renewal and ...
... Luke. While Mary is not barren, her child is a child of promise, just as Isaac and Samuel, because she is a virgin. The motif of barrenness is picked up in the prelude to the Lukan birth account, where Elizabeth is barren and receives the gift of the forerunner, John the Baptist. What is the message which comes through in these stories? They are marked first by human frailty, barrenness, and despair. As humans, we are not able to secure our future by our own powers. God gets involved, however, and promises ...
Matthew 2:1-12, Ephesians 3:1-13, Psalm 72:1-20, Isaiah 60:1-22
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more. May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles render him tribute, may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. May all kings fall down before him, all nations give him service. For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence ...
... ever-obedient Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. DECLARATION OF GOD'S FORGIVENESS Friends, hear the Good News. Your God rejoices over you as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride. Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. EXHORTATION You all have a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are varieties of service. Let us serve the same God. PRAYER OF THE DAY Divine Winemaker, the wine you give us at your table is more precious than the wine you made at Cana. We are pledged to do whatever ...
... strange culture, the unpredictable future, the threat of disease, of misfortune, of war, and of death. The powers of evil in the world are strong and we are anxious lest they overpower us and take us out of your hands. You have offered us the gifts of peace, the continuing instruction of the Holy Spirit but we have neglected such things as belong to our peace. Forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and ascended. Amen. Declaration of God's Forgiveness Hear the Good News! The Holy Spirit ...
... every age we are susceptible to envy. We never seem to outgrow our capacity to focus on what someone else has. We remain blind to the gifts and blessings that are ours. Let me suggest that there are three stages(5) in the cycle of envy. The first stage says that the ... lovely family, and I do like my job even though it is sometimes a pain in the neck. I'm content with my looks, my gifts; in fact I'm content with my whole life. It's a wonderful life! Stage three says, "Thank you, God, for allowing me to enjoy ...
... . When Teresa had left for school earlier in the day she was a carefree high-schooler who would have been pressed to find Kuwait on a map. Only hours before the mother attempted her joke, Teresa's Christmas spirit focused on what Christmas would bring her in the way of gifts. And then came the angel. Abraham and Sarah heard the angel, as did Moses and Daniel. An angel spoke to the women at the empty tomb, as well as to the apostles who were in prison, and to Paul in the midst of a storm at sea. But by far ...
... are on death's door, but that doesn't mean we want the house in our neighborhood converted into a shelter for AIDS patients. We sort of like the idea of Jesus letting children sit in his lap, but that is a long way from appreciating the gifts and presence of children and overlooking the messes created in their celebrations. When Jesus bypasses the church on his way to eat at the house of the most disgusting person in town we are a little miffed, but not nearly as miffed as when Jesus holds that character ...
1 Corinthians 1:18--2:5, Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 5:17-20, Isaiah 58:1-14, 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... mind of Christ" (v. 16b). In other words, God has given us a piece of his mind, not in anger but in love. The gift of the Holy Spirit transforms our minds. Only through the mind of Christ can we understand spiritual realities. Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20 ... that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (v. 16). The light that we are is a gift from God and not a result of our good works. Strictly speaking, what Jesus is pointing to are good fruits rather than good works. Good ...
John 4:1-26, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:27-38, John 4:39-42, Isaiah 42:18-25
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... drinks this water will thirst again but whoever drinks of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life" (vv. 12-13). Jesus is speaking of the gift of the Holy Spirit, which God would give to all those who were to believe in him. In the Hebrew language, wind and spirit are represented by the same word. There is also a close affinity between the concepts of water and spirit. The association with wind speaks ...
Mt 13:31-33, 44-52 · Rom 8:26-39 · 1 Ki 3:5-12 · Ps 105
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... searching for the perfect pearl. He kept on searching until he found it. These two ways of coming into possession of the treasure of the kingdom are really two sides of the same coin. The man who stumbled upon the hidden treasure exemplifies grace the kingdom is a gift. The merchant who was seeking the pearl of great price, portrays the reality of faith we must desire the kingdom of Christ above all else. On the one hand, God finds us and offers us the treasure of his grace. On the other hand, we must have ...
Romans 8:28-39, Isaiah 55:1-13, Genesis 32:22-32, Matthew 14:13-21
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... in the lives of others. Offer it to Jesus. Jesus asked that the five loaves and two fish be brought to him. If we offer up to Jesus all that we have, whether it be much or little, Christ blesses it and multiplies its effect. God's generous gifts of grace. Everyone ate until they were full and still there were 12 baskets of bread left over. God doesn't merely supply a maintenance diet but feeds us until we are full. There is nothing stingy about God's grace. PREACHING POSSIBILITIES Old Testament: Genesis 32 ...
Philippians 1:12-30, Jonah 4:1-11, Isaiah 55:1-13, Exodus 16:1-36, Matthew 20:1-16
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... : Receiving What Doesn't Belong To You. Sermon Angle: Consult the Theological Reflections On The Lessons Outline: 1. Those hired at the beginning got what belonged to them (the wage) 2. Those hired toward the end of the shift got what didn't belong to them (a gift of grace) 3. We too have received a salvation and reward we have not earned Sermon Title: No Seniority Perks In Heaven. Sermon Angle: Those hired last were paid first at the end of the day and they were paid the same as those who labored through ...
Mt 10:16-39 · Rom 5:12 – 6:11 · Jer 20:7-13 · Gen 21:8-21 · Ps 86
Sermon Aid
Russell F. Anderson
... to God (take off your mask) - do what God directs you to do - thank God for blessings (Jeremiah sometimes forgot this one) Lesson 2: Romans 5:12 - 6:11 Sermon Title: God's Gift Of Grace. Sermon Angle: God offers the world the gift of his grace, forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ. We have but to accept the gift, open it up and share it with others. Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39 Sermon Title: Fear, Love And Worship. Sermon Angle: The proper end for every believer is to worship God. Worship involves ...
... fiddlers on the roof" who are about to fall at any moment, as the play by that name says. As we look back on our lives, we realize how important the constant goodness and mercy of God are. Faith is what keeps us from falling and faith is a gift of God -- a response to God's goodness and mercy toward us. Dwelling "in the house of the Lord" originally meant going to the sanctuary to worship. Its larger meaning is caught in the promise of Jesus: "He who believes has eternal life." God cares. We care because he ...
... it at school or work so they try to become big in the church? Rabbi: The Church should always have room for strugglers, but the elders say the Spirit gives many gifts, not just tongues, gifts of teaching, music, healing, organizing. And all of these are backed up by God's love. Daughter: Should I give up speaking in tongues? Rabbi: No, just because a few abuse the gift doesn't mean it should be given up. So far, I haven't heard anything from you that you have become an abuser. Daughter: I don't think I am ...
... or not heeded God's calling, it is never too late for us to return to God. Faith in God is a gift from God in the same way that wisdom is. Wisdom is a gift from God and not something we can obtain by our own efforts. The wise teacher taught, "Because they hated knowledge and ... the Lord ... they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices." Therefore when we reject the gift, we are rejecting the giver. The beginning of wisdom is fear or reverence for the Lord God. What we learn from ...
... that, to any of you who are on the fringe like that, content with lunch, not interpreting the sign, not comprehending the gift or recognizing the Giver, Jesus is speaking today. "You are missing the boat," Jesus is saying. Jesus hoped that people would ... one piece: "I am the bread of life. Believe in me whom God has sent." Oh, that each one of us would realize how wonderful a gift Jesus gives to us! We have tasted the miracle of the Bread of Life. For years we have feasted out of the leftovers gathered in the ...
... After The Epiphany) Lord, nothing in our experience will help us comprehend what happened on that mountaintop with Jesus. We have no point of reference. It must have been exciting and terrifying at one and the same time! Clearly, the moment was a special gift which would remain wrapped until after the resurrection. All of Jerusalem was waiting on tiptoes for Jesus to make his next move. The journey into town would be inspirational, but the city would prove to be a disappointment. The cross loomed on the ...
... I gave with that attitude would still be tied to me. My unhappiness would keep me from letting go of the gift. "I might also give something to another person out of a sense of pride. For example, if I was walking along and found Tommy here had fallen into a ditch, ... I would help him out, and helping him would be a gift to him. If I did that just because I love Tommy as a fellow human being, that would be generosity. But if I did it only ...
... it at school or work so they try to become big in the church? Rabbi: The Church should always have room for strugglers, but the elders say the Spirit gives many gifts, not just tongues, gifts of teaching, music, healing, organizing. And all of these are backed up by God's love. Daughter: Should I give up speaking in tongues? Rabbi: No, just because a few abuse the gift doesn't mean it should be given up. So far, I haven't heard anything from you that you have become an abuser. Daughter: I don't think I am ...
... The law is always going to be contradictory. Sooner or later, the more laws, the more loopholes for doing what you want, either to be selfish or to harm others. At best, it is a tool, a guide, and I will grant, in some circumstances, a real gift. But Benjamin has made it god. Barnabas: No, Paul, he says it is from God. Paul: Answer me this question: What does he say loses us our salvation? Barnabas: Try that with different words. Paul: What does he say separates us from the love of God? Barnabas: Violating ...
... Lord our God. Cng: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Ldr: Lord, it is good to take time to thank you for the gift of life. In the beginning, you and the one John calls "the Word" called all life into being. Our lives have their origin in that act ... us, so let these elements of bread and wine become the body and blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we receive these holy gifts, let us also receive your Holy Spirit through them. Let your "Word" become part of our flesh. Then use us to testify to the ...