Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: thirstiness, dryness, parched, craving, strong desire, longing, yearning, avidity, hunger, voracity, keenness, eagerness, lust, appetite, passion, love, crave, want, covet, desire, hunger for/after, lust for/after, hanker for/after, have one's heart set on

Antonyms: aversion, distaste, apathy, dislike, hatred, antipathy, disgust, disregard, abhorrence, acrimony, wet, animosity, animus, antagonism, bad feeling, bitterness, be averse to, detestation

Showing 1676 to 1700 of 2173 results

1676. Easter 4

Psalm 23:1-6, John 10:22-30, Acts 9:32-43, Revelation 7:9-17

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 23 First Lesson—A remarkable healing gives us the names of an early church member known for her good works and acts of charity. Acts 9:36-43 Second Lesson—John sees vision after vision of triumph and hope for those who have been persecuted and martyred for the faith. Revelation 7:9-17 Gospel—Jesus pictures himself as shepherding all who believe that he has been sent to do the work of God. John 10:22-30 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People ...

1677. Proper 4

1 Kings 18:16-46, Psalm 96:1-13, Luke 7:1-10, Galatians 1:1-12

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 96:1-13 First Lesson—Elijah and the prophets of Baal meet in a dramatic confrontation. 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29), 30-39 Second Lesson—Paul expresses dismay that the Galatians have so soon turned away from the freedom of the gospel he has preached to them. Galatians 1:1-12 Gospel—Jesus heals the slave of a foreign soldier on duty in Galilee. Luke 7:1-10 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Ascribe to the Lord the ...

1678. Proper 11

Psalm 52:1-9, Amos 8:1-12, Luke 10:38-42, Colossians 1:15-28

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 52 First Lesson—The prophet promises divine judgement against the injustices of the powerful against the poor. Amos 8:1-12 Second Lesson—Paul declares the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Creator’s plan for the cosmos. Colossians 1:15-28 Gospel—An incident in the life of Jesus emphasizes the need for spiritual priorities. Luke 10:38-42 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Hear the proclamation of Christ, ...

1679. Proper 24

Psalm 119:1-176, Jeremiah 31:27-34, Luke 18:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:10--4:8

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 119:97-104 First Lesson—After all the gloom the prophet offers the hopeful promise of a new covenant. Jeremiah 31:27-34 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul encourages Timothy to continue in his studies of the Holy Scripture and remain faithful to its teaching in the face of opposition. 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Gospel—Perseverance in prayer is urged by a story of a persistent widow seeking justice before an ungodly judge. Luke 18:1-8 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be ...

1680. Epiphany 7

Genesis 45:1-28, Psalm 37:1-40, Luke 6:27-38, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 First Lesson—Rather than blame his brothers for their ill treatment of him, Joseph shows how it is providential that he has come to a position of power that can save them from famine. Genesis 45:3-11, 15 Second Lesson—Paul’s explanations of resurrection are taken from nature and Scripture. 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 Gospel—Jesus describes the magnanimity of spirit that he expects in his disciples. Luke 6:27-38 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus ...

1681. Seventh Sunday of Easter

Revelation 22:7-21, Acts 16:16-40, Psalm 97:1-12, John 17:20-26

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 97 First Lesson—The experiences of Paul and Silas in Philippi make one of the most exciting stories of the early church. Acts 16:16-34 Second Lesson—The last word of the book of Revelation and the last word of the canon is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 Gospel—This great prayer of Jesus is for the unity of the whole community of his disciples. John 17:20-26 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And ...

1682. Palm Sunday

Psalm 31:1-24; 118:1-29, Isaiah 50:1-11, Luke 19:28-44; 22:14-23:56, Philippians 2:1-11

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 (As Palm Sunday) Psalter—Psalm 31:9-16 (As Passion Sunday) First Lesson—The suffering servant shares his experience of resignation and trust in God who will vindicate him at last. Isaiah 50:4-9a Second Lesson—Paul urges humility and cooperation with the divine purpose rather than stubbornness and prideful opposition. Philippians 2:5-11 Gospel—The Messiah who is humble and obedient to the divine plan is not diverted by either praise or opposition. Luke 19:28-40 Gospel— ...

1683. Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Psalm 112:1-10, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Matthew 5:13-20, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter--Psalms 112:1-9 (10) First Lesson--Ritual fasting does not gain us the divine favor as brightly as benevolent social action. Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) Second Lesson--Paul specifies that the gospel of the cross is more persuasive than "wisdom" and oratory. 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) Gospel--The light of good deeds should point to the goodness of God. Matthew 5:13-20 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: O praise the ...

1684. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Psalm 15:1-5, Micah 6:1-8, Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter--Psalms 15:1-5 First Lesson--Micah comes to the heart of the matter in the conclusion of this reading. Micah 6:1-8 Second Lesson--Paul speaks of the paradoxical power of the gospel of the cross. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Gospel--Matthew gives us the values of Jesus in a series of blessings we call the Beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Depend upon God to grant your heart's desire. People: We ...

1685. Easter 4

Psalm 23:1-6, John 10:1-10, Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:13-25

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 23 First Lesson - Mutual sharing, as well as a common faith, is an essential factor in the growth of the infant church. Acts 2:42-47 Second Lesson - Peter advises Christians that they can have God's approval for patience like that of Jesus when suffering unjustly. 1 Peter 2:19-25 Gospel - The shepherding of Jesus Christ is sincere caring and not hypocritical religious professionalism. John 10:1-10 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: ...

1686. Proper 10

Matthew 13:1-23, Psalm 119:1-176, Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-17

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 119:105-112 First Lesson - The struggle of twins, Jacob and Esau, which began in the womb of Rebekah, is consumated in the overturning of the birthright in a moment of weakness. Genesis 25:19-34 Second Lesson - Beyond our freedom from sin and guilt, says Paul, is the empowerment to live in peace with God. Romans 8:1-11 Gospel - When Jesus begins teaching with parables, he gives the disciples an example of how to interpret them. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The ...

1687. Proper 15

Genesis 45:1-28, Psalm 133:1-3, Matthew 15:1-20, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 133:1-3 First Lesson - Joseph forgoes vengeance for forgiveness and largesse. Genesis 45:1-15 Second Lesson - Paul praises the wideness of God's mercy. Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Gospel - Jesus teaches that purity has more to do with the heart than with the hands, with the spirit than with the external. Matthew 15:10-28 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Mark my teaching, O my people, listen to the words I am ...

1688. Lent 3

Exodus 19:3-6, Psalm 95:1-11, John 4:5-42, Romans 5:1-11

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 95 First Lesson - Moses is counseled by God to assure the Israelites of his caring like the parenting eagle. Exodus 19:3-6 Second Lesson - Paul outlines the growth that follows suffering when Christians share their pain with Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1-11 Gospel - John relates at length the encounter of Jesus with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. John 4:5-42 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: By the power ...

1689. The Spin Zone

2 Samuel 11:1-27

Sermon

James Merritt

Question - What do King David, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton have in common? They all at one time entered "THE SPIN ZONE." What is "The Spin Zone"? The "Spin Zone" is when you enter into God's "No Sin Zone" out of a lust for power, sex, influence or money which causes you to sin which you then try to cover up. In the Garden of Eden God warned Adam and Eve about His "No Sin Zone" and they refused to listen, they entered into "The Spin Zone" and you know the rest of the story. Nixon had his Watergate, ...

1690. The Driver’s Seat

Proverbs 16:4

Sermon

James Merritt

I want to read one-half of one verse in the Bible from which we are going to base two months worth of messages. It is a verse that is packed with unbelievable implications for you, your life, your family, your future and particularly our church. "The Lord has made everything for His own purposes." (Proverbs 16:4, NLT) I believe everything means everything and I believe purpose means purpose. Behind everything and everyone that has been created on this earth there is a purpose - specifically God's purpose. ...

1691. A Sense of Place

2 Samuel 5:1-5, 6-10

Sermon

Stan Purdum

In one of his books, writer Scott Russell Sanders tells that whenever his father would come to new place, he would bend down, scoop up a pinch of dirt, sniff it, stir it around in his palm, squeeze it, and finally rake it across his tongue. When asked why he did this, he explained, "Just trying to figure out where I am."1 I have never used that particular method to locate myself, but being in ministry in a denomination where the bishop periodically sends pastors to new churches and communities, the dirt- ...

1692. What Happens When You're Not Prepared for What Happens

Luke 8:26-39

Sermon

David R. Cartwright

How do you handle what happens when you're not prepared for what happens? Well, sometimes not all that well. I would like to call your attention to a movie, Cheaper By The Dozen, starring Steve Martin. There are numerous scenes in this movie that illustrate how one father tries to take care of things while his wife is away. This movie is about a father who has just gotten his dream job of coaching football at his college alma mater. But this job change calls for him, his wife, their twelve children — yes, ...

1693. Building the Temple of God

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

Sermon

John Wayne Clarke

Haggai is what has been labeled as the first of the restoration prophets, and he has no recorded history. We are told in verse 13 of chapter 1 that he was "... the messenger of the Lord." As is the case with all of the prophets, those listed as major and minor, the message, not the messenger, is of prime importance. God, not God's prophet, dominates the message. Apart from this book, Haggai is mentioned only in the book of Ezra. His name is usually associated with that of his better known and younger ...

1694. Fruitcakes, Fruit-Baskets and New Year’s Babies

Ephesians 1:1-14

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

How many of you received a fruitcake for Christmas? How many of you actually ATE any fruitcake this Christmas? [Try and have a fruitcake to lift up and maybe even pass out chunks, especially to the kids.] I am one of a small minority, I know. I actually like fruitcake. Come on, it’s moist; it’s sweet; it’s nutty; it’s got a rich bouquet; it’s texture is unparalleled. That said . . . . There is no more maligned food than the good old fruitcake. What was once the queen of holiday feasts in the Old World has ...

1695. A Priesthood of Believers

Galatians 6:1-10

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

If I asked you this morning to name the most significant doctrines of Protestant Christianity, the two that would come to your mind immediately and would probably be named most frequently are: Justification by Grace through Faith, and the Priesthood of All Believers. This year we are celebrating the 500th birthday of Martin Luther, the fellow started the conflagration of religious revival and reformation that swept throughout the world and there has hardly been a time since that reformation started when ...

1696. When God Seems Far Off

Psalm 10:1-18

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

“Why do you stand afar off, O Lord? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Have you ever felt that way? You wanted to say that to the Lord? There have been times in my life when God seemed far off, beyond the reach of communication. I have awakened at 3 o’clock in the morning, morning after morning after morning, and anguished in spirit until day break, but my praying was more frustrating than fruitful. My passionate pleas seemed to bounce off the ceiling and ricochet around the walls. It never ...

1697. The Shepherd Lord

Psalm 23:1-6

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

Henry Ward Beecher called this 23rd Psalm “the nightingale of the Psalms.” This beloved poem – one of the most familiar passages in Scripture had filled the whole world with melodrama and has been “a very present help for time of trouble.” You know I have never preached a sermon on this Psalm and I’ve been preaching for more than 30 years. I’ve quoted it at funerals and weddings. I’ve shared it as comfort with sick folk. I don’t know how many times I have laid my hands on the forehead of a dying person - ...

1698. Fish or Cut Bait

Mark 1:14-20

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

You may have heard the story about the fisherman who had a fantastic reputation for his ability to catch fish. Everyday he would go out in his boat and bring back an incredibly large number of fish, and his reputation spread far and wide. One day a stranger came to the camp and wanted to go fishing with him. The fisherman said, “Come back to tomorrow morning at 4:30, and we’ll go. The stranger was back the next morning, and two men got into the boat. The stranger was puzzled at what he saw. All the ...

1699. William Barclay on the Rich Fool

Luke 12:13-21

Illustration

William Barclay

The problem with the Rich Fool is he never saw beyond himself. There is no parable like this one which is so full of the words, I, me, my and mine. From verse 16 to 19, four verses, so much is revealed in the frequency of the personal pronouns. Listen to how many times they are used: I, I, my, I, I, I, my, my, I, my. A schoolboy was once asked what parts of speech my and mine are. He answered, "Aggressive pronouns." The rich fool was aggressively self-centered. It was said of a self-centered young lady, " ...

1700. The Word Hate

Luke 14:25-35

Illustration

Brett Blair

"If anyone comes after me and does not hate... "Hate" is not primarily a feeling word in the Aramaic language, the language Jesus spoke. It is primarily a priority word. It means to abandon, to leave aside, to reject, or to love less than the other (comparative). A good example is that Jacob was loved and Esau was rejected, or "hated." Another good example is the story of Jacob: "and he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. And when ...

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