Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 1651 to 1675 of 4884 results

John 1:1-18

Sermon

Alex Gondola

... he said it, Jesus went out and died for you and for me. Jesus taught forgiveness -- and died with words of forgiveness on his lips: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34, RSV). Word, person, and practice were perfectly united in Christ. We live in a world where talk is cheap. Some politicians carefully craft their speeches for maximum squirm-out-ability. Advertisers try to sell us "new and improved" versions of the same old thing. Contracts are tossed aside, promises not kept ...

1652. Pentecost: From Confusion To Communion In Christ

Sermon

Alex Gondola

... everything to work together, to be in harmony, to be a common unity, a community with God at the center. That was God's vision for what God made, represented by the Garden of Eden, a place where man, woman, and nature lived together in perfect cooperation and peace. But Satan, God's adversary, wants to destroy all unity, to send everything back to its original confusion and chaos. Sin was introduced into the Garden of Eden, the original unity of creation. The shattered world we have today is the result ...

1653. "Friend, Why Are You Here?"

1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Sermon

Alex Gondola

... The doctor explained that she had the same disease her brother had conquered several years back, and that what she needed was a blood transfusion from someone who had overcome the disease. The two shared the same rare blood type. The brother was the perfect donor. "Would you give your blood to save your sister?" the doctor asked. The little boy hesitated for a moment. His lip started to quiver. But after just the slightest hesitation, he smiled and said, "Yes." Soon the two children were being wheeled into ...

1654. "Friend, Why Are You Here?"

Sermon

Alex Gondola

1655. Entertaining Tips for Christians

Luke 14:1-14

Sermon

Alex Gondola

... Harry and Bess at the White House door, Levant turned to his wife and said, with resignation, "Now I suppose we have to have them over for dinner." Jesus isn't saying that it's wrong to want to entertain our family and friends. That's perfectly natural. And this passage is about more than just how to make out a guest list for dinner (The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes, ed., C. Fadiman, Little, Brown and Company, p. 352). No, Jesus is encouraging us to engage in what one writer calls "disinterested charity ...

1656. Prayers for the Sundays After Easter

Bulletin Aid

Rolland R. Reece

... the sun came streaking through the clouds. We never weary of looking at the plants and flowers of our lawns and gardens. When the harvest season approaches and we hold in our hands the green pepper with its satiny finish, the ear of corn with its perfectly formed rows of kernels, the potato still smelling of the warm earth, and the pumpkin so bright in color, then we know happiness. We possess all the evidence we need to take joy in your world. Then one day when the thunder reverberates across our fields ...

1657. Wedding: With Communion

Bulletin Aid

Derl G. Keefer

... as my symbol of never-ending steadfastness as I respect you for the rest of my life. Bride: (Groom), I give you this ring as my symbol of never-ending steadfastness as I respect you for the rest of my life. Special Music: "Perfect Union" (by John Andrew Schreiner and Matthew Ward, Contemporary Christian Wedding Songbook, a Hal Leonard Corporation, 1995) Communion Pastor: As a Christian couple, (Bride) and (Groom) would like to begin their marriage with communion to signify their love for God. This time will ...

1658. Wedding: Gift Of God (for a couple with a baby)

1 John 4:7-21

Bulletin Aid

Derl G. Keefer

... Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. No one has ever seen God, but it we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us. (Bride) and (Groom), remember all those years that you lived in the same neighborhood, but never dreamed you would be standing here like this, ready to promise yourselves to one another in marriage? Back then you were just the boy, the girl, who lived down the block ...

1659. Wedding: Eternal Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Bulletin Aid

Derl G. Keefer

... is not particularly natural to us. We all like to think that we are naturally patient, kind, unselfish, humble, and honest. But the truth is, there are times when we would just as soon close the book on Paul's words about love. Who can ever live up to them perfectly? Not one of us. We need to admit that, to ourselves and to one another. When you've blown it, don't go acting like you haven't. "Love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth." It is in the safety of your love for each ...

1660. God Knows!

2 Samuel 11:1-27

Sermon

Robert R. Kopp

... exemplified in Jesus. That's what it means to be known as completely Christian. I was playing in a tennis doubles tournament many years ago in Kansas City. At a crucial moment in a closely contested match, I hit an ace right down the middle. It was perfect -- right on the line with out-of-sight-out-of-reach pace. Immediately, the guy closest to the net yelled, "Out!" "Out?" I yelled back. But quickly, composing myself, conscious of congregants on adjacent courts and in the stands, I just bit my lip as my ...

1661. Take Some Lessons

2 Timothy 3:10--4:8

Sermon

Robert R. Kopp

... -breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV). Moreover, women and men of faith have always looked to Jesus as the perfect pattern for life because he is the enfleshed God. Or as Paul explained, "All the fullness of God was pleased to dwell in him" (see Colossians 1). Or as a Sunday school teacher once defined incarnation for me, "Jesus is God with skin on." That's ...

1662. Every Shot I Ever Hit

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Sermon

Robert R. Kopp

... stream, or his friend's breathing. Finally, his exasperated friend screamed, "What's taking so long? Just hit the dang ball, for cryin' out loud!" "But my wife is watching me from the clubhouse," the man explained, "and I want to make sure it's a perfect shot." His friend said, "Forget it! She's too far away! You'll never hit her from here!" Golfers are like relatives who insist we endure those slides of their recent trip to Cleveland. Golfers remember every shot and every situation and assume we care. Of ...

1663. The Half Pencil Doctor

1 John 3:11-24

Sermon

David O. Bales

... God those times and places where we need to stop being concerned about ourselves and begin the habit of saving others' lives ... Loving God, you have given us the example of your Son Jesus Christ, who loves us when we are not lovable to others, who loves us perfectly in word and speech and in truth and action. May the power of his resurrection lead us into his kind of life, as we join in his habit of saving others. In his name we pray. Amen. Discussion Questions Text: 1 John 3:18 1. What immediate responses ...

1664. A Living Witness

Acts 9:32-43

Sermon

Rodney Thomas Smothe

... people use the word miracles we become suspicious and doubt creeps in. Our text today not only addresses the subject of miracles, but suggests that many miracles take place in the ordinary events of our daily lives. Our text today would make a perfect made-for-television movie. There's a story line that involves the larger community; there is a hidden sub-plot of the ministry of the disciple named Tabitha; there is an additional but related drama involving her death; the mystery of her miraculous rescue ...

1665. Call Home

Isaiah 55:1-13

Sermon

Rodney Thomas Smothe

The book of Isaiah is a perfect foundation upon which the themes for Lent can spring forth. Repent, return, renew and rejoice appear to reflect the New Testament themes of the Lenten season, but wait: this is an Old Testament prophet calling the nation of Judah to return to God. As God's special messenger to Judah, ...

1666. The Insignificant Valentine

Drama

Karren Boehr

... 't seen some of these people in years! 2ND WOMAN: (Also excited) It almost seems like yesterday, doesn't it. The scary thing is I don't feel any older. Do I look any older? 1ST WOMAN: Of course not! You look great. I told you that dress would be perfect, and it is. For a woman with a husband, two kids and a dog, you look marvelous. 2ND WOMAN: Thanks a lot, though I know you're just saying that because you're still my best friend, after all these years. (GENTLEMAN enters and stands looking around) 1ST WOMAN ...

1667. That Heavenly Call

Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38

Drama

Karren Boehr

... go to Nazareth, in the land of Israel, to a virgin called Mary. I'm just trying to do my job. MARY: And I'm not interested in what it is you have to do. (Calms down) Okay, I'm Mary Sachar ... and I'm a virgin. You happy? ANGEL: Perfectly. Mary, I have come to tell you that you are going to be the bearer of God's Son. MARY: (Collapses behind desk in chair) This is absurd! You are obviously a very sick man. I can't believe I'm even talking to you! (Rummages through papers on her ...

1668. The Heralding Of Advent

Drama

Karren Boehr

... own taper from taper in center candle, raises one hand and proclaims) "And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience ... And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body ... And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" ... carrying his light forth that all the world ...

1669. Life

John 20:19-23

Drama

Robert F. Crowley

... later. FIRST: He knelt by the body and gazed into the darkness of the clear, cool night. SECOND: (PRAYING) Lord God, King of the universe, You who set the stars in their place, and breathed life into man, I honor You. I glorify You. You gave us the perfect life of Your son, Jesus. Hail to You, Jesus, Messiah, Son of the Most High God. Blessed be Your holy name. It was Your promise and Your will that provided our Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Praise be to You, Holy Spirit of God. It was Your power that ...

1670. The Lord, The Holy Spirit

Acts 2:14-41, Acts 2:1-13

Drama

Robert F. Crowley

... sacred words, I began to weep. It seemed as if my heart was all liquid. After trying in vain to suppress my tears, I put up my instrument and stopped singing. There was no fire and no light in the room; nevertheless it appeared to me as if it were perfectly light. It seemed as if I met the Lord Jesus Christ face to face. He stood before me and I fell down at His feet and poured out my soul to Him. I wept aloud like a child, and made such confessions as I could with my choked utterance. It ...

1671. Many Are Called

Matthew 22:1-14

Drama

Robert F. Crowley

... it. SHEILA: All right. Let's try it. RON: I'll call the newspaper and see if they'll send a reporter and a photographer to take some shots of the kids having fun. SHEILA: And I'll call Mr. Buttons and have him meet us there. RON: That's perfect, Honey. SHEILA: Those snobby parents who are always fighting to get their pictures in the paper. They'll be so envious. They'll be pulling their hair. RON: They'll be weeping. MADGE: And gnashing their teeth! SHEILA: Gnashing their teeth? MADGE AND SHEILA: Yeah!

1672. Yes, It Becomes Unclean

Haggai 2:11-17

Sermon

Frank Ramirez

... . In some cultures, eating with the left hand is unthinkable! We don't care. We're more likely to argue over the method we use to wash our dishes. One way gets them clean. Another appalls us, even though the dishes are perfectly sanitized. Originally, being unclean was not considered a moral flaw. There was the recognition that after working with sick people, or burying the dead, or performing other functions, a little time was needed for purification before returning to the community. There was nothing ...

1673. God's Promise Fulfilled

Isaiah 42:1-9

Bulletin Aid

James Wilson

Call To Worship Leader: Let us gather together all who would serve the living God. People: For God has called the nations and sent us a redeemer. Leader: Christ walked among us and was found perfect in the eyes of God. People: In Christ God's Holy word was made full and hope is returned to all. Leader: Then let us carry the good news to all the nations for all to hear! All: Blessed be the name of the Lord! Collect O God, in Your ...

1674. The Crucifixion

Isaiah 50:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11

Bulletin Aid

James Wilson

... : God has taken our tools of hate and rejection Leader: And made them into divine tools of blessing and redemption. All: Blessed be the name of the Lord! Collect O God, in the total obedience of Jesus we have seen the wonderful blessings You can bring through one perfect life. Lord, take our lives and use us in Your holy way to bless others. In Christ we pray. Amen. Prayer Of Confession Lord, through the Cross You would call us to be ready to take up our crosses for You. But so often, Lord, we have too ...

1675. The Season Of The Holy Spirit

Mark 13:1-31

Bulletin Aid

Wayne H. Keller

... the light of the minds who know you, the life of the spirits who love you, and the strength of the wills who serve you, help us to know you that we may truly love you; so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom, when our life goes well, and when it doesn't, through Jesus the Christ, our Lord. ACTS OF CONFESSION Call to Confession Have you ever given your energy to guessing games, even with God? (Thirty seconds of silence.) What did you hope to gain from those games? (Thirty ...

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