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 1626 to 1650 of 2699 results

1626. Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... sense, that of a young, dependent child, gleefully applauding Yahweh's creative genius. All this recalls the presence of the "logos" in the prologue to John's gospel, 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:15-16. Wisdom and the Word had a creative presence at creation and thus justify an impressive claim upon our lives: "Whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death" (8:36 NIV).

1627. 1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14) 15-21a

1 Kings 21:1-10, (11-14) 15-21a

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... in which he had placed Naboth, nevertheless took the rejection personally. He went home "resentful and sullen" (v. 4a), the same language used to describe his attitude following the prophet's rebuke in the previous chapter (cf. 20:43). The NRSV gives the impression that he returned "resentful and sullen" because Naboth had said "I will not give you my ancestral inheritance" (v.4b). The Hebrew, however, offers another possibility. It is likely that as Ahab returned home, it is he who said, "I will not give ...

1628. 2 Kings 5:1-14

2 Kings 5:1-14

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... on the throne. When Naaman arrives at Elisha's house, however, he is angered by the unexpected form of the prophet's healing power and authority. Elisha does not bother to come out of his home to greet the great Naaman and be impressed by the immense wealth being laid at his doorstep. Instead, Elisha sends a servant out to intercept Naaman. Furthermore, the instructions relayed by this underling are simplistic to the point of insulting. Naaman expected some sort of Hollywood production. He anticipated a ...

1629. Luke 14:25-33

Luke 14:25-33

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... Lukan account), while authentic parables of Jesus, have been inserted out of context by the Lukan editor. Take verses 27-32 out of the pericope and the meaning is unaffected. Rereading this passage with the parables inserted, one has the distinct impression that the material has been added. If one takes this view, the interpretation of the parables is slightly altered. Whereas Jesus' sayings in verses 26-27 have a very harsh and discouraging effect, the parables are intended to encourage would-be followers ...

1630. Luke 17:5-10

Luke 17:5-10

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... probably a sycamore tree (the Greek is sykaminos), but, in any case, a sizable tree. Some sources indicate that such a tree was not to be planted within 25 cubits of a cistern, about 37 feet. Jesus' response to their imperative reveals that far from impressed with the faith they assume they already have he is loathe to congratulate them for their zeal to have more. He begins with the pointed observation that, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted ...

1631. Luke 17:11-19

Luke 17:11-19

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... praises to God such a miracle demanded, the Samaritan alone successfully couples his newfound faith with a healed body and spirit. Truly, he alone is completely cured. As a skillful storyteller, Luke uses masterful touches throughout this tale. In verse 15, the reader is impressed by the faith of the one returning leper and is moved by this man's prostration before Jesus as he praises God. Only after Luke has established the laudable character of this one leper does he drop the other shoe: "And he was a ...

1632. Matthew 3:1-12

Matthew 3:1-12

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... of boasting about your family tree, John preaches, look to the tips of your own branches. Do you see good fruit there? Is your life producing something useful? Does your life nourish others with its fruits? If not, John insists, no matter how deep and impressive the root system, no matter how lofty the lineage, a nonproducing tree can look forward to only one fate: being "cut down and thrown into the fire" (v.10). Finally, in verse 11, John begins to talk about the future - which is actually the whole ...

1633. Weakness into Strength

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Sermon

James McCormick

... we see the wisdom of it. In his struggling with his “thorn in the flesh”, Paul discovered some important things about himself. He came to the conclusion that if he had not had to confront his weakness, he might have become arrogant and overly impressed with his own strength and ability. He would not have been open to wisdom beyond himself, to strength beyond himself. All that he would have had was what he possessed within himself. And, compared with all the resources of God, which his faith opened up ...

1634. Matthew 3:13-17

Matthew 3:13-17

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... all the more startling. Matthew 3:1-11 carefully presents John the Baptist as a serious, prophetic figure, his life and work foretold by Isaiah, his mission carried out with zeal and authority. When Jesus, a scruffy traveler from Galilee, appears before the impressive John seeking baptism, the Baptizer is transformed from a commanding figure to a humble servant. Indeed John is so awed by Jesus' presence that at first he despairs of even carrying out Jesus' wish. Jesus' response in 3:15 dispels John's ...

1635. Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28

Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... that there is still a way that she might receive a portion of God's bread. The woman does not deny the children of Israel the primacy of the table. Yet, she asserts that there remains a place for her as well. Jesus is clearly struck by her retort, impressed and inspired by this Gentile woman's tenacity and vision. He is now able to see how the table of God set before Israel may be stretched to accommodate a far more inclusive group of diners. But note that it is not the woman's cleverness Jesus praises or ...

1636. Exodus 32:1-14

Exodus 32:1-14

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... them Yahweh's people, whom Yahweh brought out of Egypt. Furthermore, Moses expands the notion of what lies at stake, by reminding Yahweh that the Hebrews were not the only people involved in this exodus. Egypt is watching, and has thus far been mightily impressed by this previously unknown god, Yahweh. Would God now allow the Egyptians to have the last laugh? Finally, Moses recalls for Yahweh that there is more than one covenant on the line here. A covenant has already existed with these people since the ...

1637. Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... mouthpiece to the Israelites. With this in mind, it is easy to see what a tremendous influence Joshua's assertion in verse 15, "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," had on his listeners. And perhaps that is also why, despite the impressive confession of loyalty the Israelites make in verses 16-18, Joshua reveals he is still not convinced (v.19). The words sound too much like what an eager-to-please people might mouth to their respected leader. Even considering that verse 17b is probably a ...

1638. John 6:24-35

John 6:24-35

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... living bread" from all other human attempts to nourish body and soul. Not even the manna gathered in the wilderness can compare to the eternally nutritious power of the true bread of heaven. Chapter six begins with two of the most startling and impressive "signs" Jesus ever delivered: feeding five thousand hungry listeners with a mere five loaves of barley bread and two little fish, and an aquatic stroll toward a boat-load of astonished disciples sailing three or four miles out from shore. The supernatural ...

1639. Mark 12:28-34

Mark 12:28-34

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... of Pharisees and scribes. It is not entirely clear from the text whether the "them" this scribe hears arguing consists of Jesus and this group of religious authorities, or the group muttering among itself. Whatever the case, this scribe is immediately impressed with Jesus' answers. Consequently, unlike the baiting, belligerent questions posed by the others to test Jesus, this scribe's inquiry seems to arise from a sense of respect for Jesus' opinion and insight. "Which commandment is the first of all?" he ...

1640. John 1:43-51

John 1:43-51

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... down. Maybe it was simply small town rivalry. Maybe it was just the sheer ordinariness of a small-town pedigree. Whatever it was that prompted Nathanael’s disparaging remark, it is clear that, despite Philip’s enthusiasm, Nathanael is less than impressed. “Nazareth” was nothing to boast about in Nathanael’s opinion. There were no “90210” connotations that came to mind with the locale of Nazareth. Philip does not miss the evangelistic moment: He urges Nathanael to “Come and see” for himself ...

1641. What Does It Take To Make Up a "Call?"

John 1:43-51

Illustration

Thomas Long

... spice up an otherwise dull weekend, or discovered that the sanctuary could be entered on the arm of an attractive member of the opposite sex. "These ways seem to have at least one thing in common," states Muehl. "They are not nearly as dramatic and intellectually impressive as people feel a genuine religious experience ought to be."' One of the reasons which prompts Muehl to complain is his own experience of call. He was trained as an attorney and discovered, in the law school's moot court, that he was an ...

1642. The Most Stubborn Man in the Bible

Jonah 3:1-10

Sermon

King Duncan

... believed God.” They proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth all of them, from the greatest to the least. Even the king of Nineveh repented. He dressed in sackcloth and issued a decree of total surrender to the will of God. That’s impressive. Anytime you can get a politician to repent, you’ve accomplished something. Jonah’s revival was an astounding success. Every sinner had repented. Every heart was changed. You would think that a preacher would rejoice in such a great victory being given to him ...

1643. Where a Cross Should Be Worn

Matthew 6:1-4

Sermon

King Duncan

... he once had. Followers of Jesus didn’t do such things. But carrying the cross had a cost. His lost a promotion because of it. “Carrying the cross also changed his personal life. When Sam went out on a date, his identity as a follower of Jesus didn’t impress his girlfriend. In fact, it embarrassed her. ‘Can’t you just hide it for one minute?’ she asked. But, of course, he couldn’t. It’s who he was. It defined his identity, and hiding it, even for a moment, would be to deny who he was. “And ...

1644. He Stands Alone

Mark 1:29-39

Sermon

King Duncan

... Germany. Apparently during this time Elsa saved old letters and other scraps of paper for Albert to write on. Years later, Elsa engaged in a public relations tour of American research laboratories. On this tour American scientists, seeking to impress her, explained the latest scientific equipment and developments. Eventually she was ushered into a high‑chambered observatory and was shown another even larger scientific apparatus. When she asked, “What’s that one for?” the scientist in charge proudly ...

1645. The Call to Downward Mobility

Isaiah 49:1-7

Sermon

Mike Ripski

... is coming after me is greater than I am. I’m not worthy to tie his sandals.” When Jesus walks by, he says to his own disciples, “Here is the Lamb of God.” They leave him to follow Jesus. I continue to be impressed at how persons practice the “downward mobility” of Christian discipleship. They change diapers, empty bedpans, develop Children’s Worship, stay all night with the homeless, work with youth, tutor students, give away their money, work for justice, visit the sick, feed the hungry, take ...

1646. Who Is That Guy In The Beanie?

Mark 9:2-9

Illustration

... the story about the man named Fred Schmoltz. He had a wager with a friend that there was no one in the world who didn't know him. First, they went down to City Hall, and the Mayor ran over to greet him. Fred's friend was not too impressed, so they went to Charleston. When they walked into the capitol building, the State Police said, "Good morning, Mr. Schmoltz. Would you like to see the Governor?" And Fred and his friend were escorted in to where Fred and the Governor exchanged small talk. So Fred's friend ...

1647. Mark 15: 1-39 (40-47)

Mark 15:1-15

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

... . Among the tortures those condemned to crucifixion suffered was the horror of carrying their own “patibulum,” the cross-beam upon which the criminal would be nailed. That Jesus was already severely injured by all the previous beatings is suggested by the impressments of Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross beam for him. The soldiers did not want to lose their prisoner to death before he could be crucified. Again, the physical details Mark provides are scant: “and they crucified him” (v.24). But ...

1648. Proper 12

Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:16-24, John 6:1-15, 2 Samuel 11:1-27

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... ate the forbidden fruit because it was "a delight to the eyes." Sin is fomented by what we look at: X-rated movies, adult books, pornographic pictures and magazines. What we look at we become. Epistle: Ephesians 3:14-21 1. Bow (v. 14). Look at this impressive picture: a pastor on his knees praying for his people. Paul bows his knees as he begs God to bless his people. He does not merely suggest or even better ask for blessings but he begs, pleads and beseeches God to grant certain petitions. The posture of ...

1649. Proper 18

Proverbs 22:1-16, Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-13

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... put his finger in the man's ears and touched his tongue. Jesus looked to heaven in prayer for power to heal. He sighed a sigh of compassion or weariness? The miracle was performed privately and he asked for silence about it. But the people were so impressed that they could not remain silent. They gave Jesus an evaluation: "He has done all things well." THEOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS Gospel: Mark 7:24-37 1. Brought (v. 32). It is significant that many who were healed came not on their own but they were brought to ...

1650. I'm Not the Shepherd

John 10:1-21

Illustration

Keenan Kelsey

... of parishioners on a tour of the Holy Land. He had just read them the parable of the good shepherd and was explaining to them that, as they continued their tour, they would see shepherds on the hillsides just as in Jesus' day. He wanted to impress the group, so he told them what every good pastor tells his people about shepherds. He described how, in the Holy Land, shepherds always lead their sheep, always walking in front to face dangers, always protecting the sheep by going ahead of them. He barely got ...

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