Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 151 to 175 of 1138 results

Job 19:1-29

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... hostility and pursuit. In other words, the friends are making themselves vulnerable to the kind of divine punishment Job has already received. Others would take khemah as a reference to divinewrath (as presumably NIV), and see that divine wrath brings punishment. The variety of possibilities makes little difference to the general sense of the verse: that the friends are in danger of experiencing punishment for their failure to deal rightly with Job. We see the results of this failure at the end of the book ...

152. Zophar's Second Speech to Job

Job 20:1-29

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

... in the jussive verbal form, expressing the will of the narrator rather than simple description of future consequence. The speaker’s desire is that the wicked, “May . . . not see the streams . . . of honey and cream.” Both honey and cream occur together in a variety of contexts, often as simple, rustic foods used to sustain life in a crisis. Here and in 29:6, however, “honey and cream” indicate abundance and excess, the results of the wicked’s toil and trading. Because of his churning belly, the ...

153. The Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:24–30 At this point in the sequence Matthew inserts the parable of the weeds (Mark has here the parable of the seed growing ...

154. The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

Matthew 13:31-35

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:31–32 Jesus illustrates the remarkable growth of the kingdom of heaven by comparing it to a mustard seed, which in time grows ...

155. The Parable Of the Weeds Explained

Matthew 13:36-43

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... parables. In the LXX the Greek parabolē almost always translates the Hebrew māšāl, which denotes a wide variety of picturesque forms of expression, including the proverb, metaphor, allegory, illustrative story, fable, riddle, simile, and parable proper. ... on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:36 ...

156. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

Matthew 13:44-46

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... modern commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:44 The next two parables (vv. 44–46) occur only in Matthew. Both stress the same basic point that the kingdom of heaven ...

157. The Parable of the Net

Matthew 13:47-52

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... modern commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:47–50 The kingdom of heaven is now compared to the dragnet that gathers in a large catch of fish of various sorts. The ...

158. A Prophet Without Honor

Matthew 13:53-58

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:53–58 The fourth major section of Matthew’s Gospel begins at this point. It comprises a narrative that runs through the end ...

159. The Parable of the Sower

Luke 8:1-15

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

... is to shift the reader’s attention away from the farmer who went out to sow to the seed that is sown (= word of God; see v. 11), a shift that may be observed in the general thrust of the whole Lucan section. The seed has fallen on a variety of soils with varying results. But the good soil (= those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word) will retain it, and by persevering produce a crop (v. 15). Luke’s version does not seem concerned with why there are different responses to the proclaimed Word ...

160. Faith and Deeds

James 2:14-26, James 2:1-13

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

... ? Was it not because he acted in righteousness and dependability through faith?” but Jews referred to him far more frequently this way, e.g., Isa. 51:2; 4 Macc. 16:20; Matt. 3:9; John 8:39; m. Aboth 5:2). The tests of Abraham are referred to in a variety of late Jewish literature, e.g., Aboth de. R. Nathan 32; m. Aboth 5:3; Jubilees 17:17; 19:8; Pirke R. Eliezer 26–31, as is his great charity: Testament of Abraham, recension A, 1.17; Targum Ps.-Jonathan on Gen. 21:33; Aboth de R. Nathan 7. Translation ...

161. Faith in the Son of God

1 John 5:1-12, 1 John 4:7-21

Understanding Series

Thomas F. Johnson

... for one’s brothers and sisters a criterion for distinguishing between his own faithful community and the misbelieving secessionists (2:9, 11; 3:10, 15, 17; 4:8, 20). But how does one know whether one is authentically loving the children of God (3:1–2, 10)? A variety of answers from within the epistle is possible: when we “lay down our lives for our brothers” (3:16), by having pity on our brother when he is in need (3:17), when we love “with actions and in truth” (3:18), and when we love like God ...

162. The Plague of Darkness

Exodus 10:1-20

Understanding Series

James K. Bruckner

... travel easily, including men and women without children. They probably thought that this would appease Moses. Just exactly who would go is ambiguous, not just for our translation, but likely because it was the main issue at stake in the negotiation. Therefore the variety in the vocabulary may be intentional. The officials were not yet as blind as the pharaoh. They said, “Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?” Nowhere is the effect of the hardening of the heart more succinctly expressed than in ...

163. The Ten Commandments

Deuteronomy 5:1-33

Understanding Series

Christopher J. H. Wright

... , from its beginnings in the womb to its waning in old age or terminal illness. The application of the sixth commandment as a first principle to the difficult ethical issues involved, for example, in genetic engineering, abortion, and the many varieties of euthanasia, is certainly hermeneutically and theologically correct. The OT’s protection of human life has explicit theological roots in the declaration that God created human beings in the image of God. This identification is the climax of the creation ...

164. Spiritually Prepared

Mark 1:4-11

Sermon

King Duncan

... happening, he was told that the banker was being baptized so that the people of the town would trust him and so do business with him. (3) Well, that’s not the best reason to undergo this sacred rite. People are baptized and join the church for a variety of reasons. Some regard baptism as a form of spiritual insurance in order to escape the fires of hell. I hope it works for them. But that’s not the best reason either. The best reason for being baptized is to welcome Christ into your life and to commit ...

165. Look At Your Fixations!

Deuteronomy 26:1-15

Sermon

Carl Jech

... would be better off without. Even such a simple thing as the habit of always eating wheat grain breakfast cereal and never corn can be a fixation that keeps us from getting proper nutrition. Why always eat lima beans when there are at least sixty different varieties of beans from which to choose. 3. There are good fixations, too One of the main characteristics of a great genius is that such a person becomes "fixated" on some interest, idea, talent or theme, and this interest shapes that person's entire life ...

166. The Good

Luke 18:9-14

Sermon

Will Willimon

... re not talking sorority rush. We're talking eternity here. And no human goodness, not even that of the very good Pharisee variety, is good enough for God's goodness. So here we come, trudging up to God like the Pharisee, dragging along behind us ... of a man who is a sinner," we said. Well, who would Jesus eat and drink with if not with sinners, be they of the "good" Pharisee variety or the ''bad" Publican kind. Sinners. Losers. Some of you think I have it easy here just because I only work one day a week. You ...

167. A Question of Trust

Romans 5:1-5

Sermon

King Duncan

... on the number of people in the U.S. who lose money to scams, and the costs are staggering. Sadly, according to a report by ADT Security Services, in 2018, U.S. citizens lost $26 million to a wide variety of scams. But that’s not the only scam to be aware of. There are a wide variety of investment scams, like Ponzi schemes or pyramid schemes. Health care fraud is a growing scam industry. There are moving van scams, in which a person hires a crooked moving company that either doesn’t show up to do ...

168. What If You Could Change the Ending?

Luke 23:33-43

Sermon

King Duncan

... Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. And in that prayer, you will change the ending to your story too. 1. “China Censors ‘Fight Club’ With New Ending, but Some Execs View It as Bizarre ‘Win-Win’” by Patrick Frater Variety https://variety.com/2022/film/asia/fight-club-china-ending-censored-1235162643/. 2. “We’re going to feel stupid for eternity if we waste this life” interview with Jackie Pullinger by Sam Hailes, “Premier Christianity,” January 2019. https://www.premierchristianity.com ...

169. Where Are the Nine?

Luke 17:11-19

Sermon

Richard Hasler

... by itself. If that turtle brags about getting there itself, we know it is lying. As people of faith we give thanks and give credit to the one who has put us where we are. We are extravagantly grateful but we express our gratitude in a variety of ways. Our gratitude often reflects our unique personalities. Brant Baker in his book, P.R.A.Y.E.R.: Guidance for Church Leaders, teaches others how to teach prayer to those for whom they have a responsibility. He mentioned Isabel and David Kersey, good Catholics ...

170. All In God's Time

Luke 24:44-53

Sermon

Lori Wagner

... leads to frustration that our needs and desires are not being met. Impatience then causes stress, often making us feel more…impatient. How do we break this unhealthy cycle? And it is unhealthy. Stress caused by impatience can cause a variety of emotional, mental, and physical symptoms, such as irritability, prolonged anger, emotional distress, unhealthy triggers, breakouts, and even cardio-vascular issues, not to mention behavioral issues toward others. Do you honk your horn if the driver in front of you ...

171. Bread and Call

John 6:35, 41-51

Sermon

David Coffin

... as fresh. Mold does not appear until about a month has passed. The kind of bread I purchase is determined by the proximity of the grocery store I am near — depending where I live. The bread still gives us life. The bread is still available, but in many varieties. Jesus uses the metaphor of “being the living bread that came down from heaven.” He was talking about his calling as the “Messiah or Christ.” Jesus knew his calling, here in John 6. We read about it as early as John 1:1-14. How do we know ...

172. God Is Like...a Face

Genesis 33:1-11 · 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

Sermon

Kenneth L. Gibble

... . There are many faces in our world. The English writer Thomas Browne once said, “It is the common wonder of all [people], how among so many millions of faces, there should be none alike.” It is a wonder, this limitless variety in the faces of the human family. Yes, despite this wondrous variety, there is a sense in which every face carries within it a reflection of the face of its creator. Each of us, after all, is made “in the image of God.” In adolescence most of us go through a stage when ...

173. Living A Triumphant Life

Joshua 5:1-12

Sermon

Douglas J. Deuel

... at that point, they were able to feed off of the fruit of the promised land. We too can stay in the wilderness, barely surviving on the meager diet of manna. Or we can come into the promised land and enjoy the succulent treats of a greater variety of richness. If we are going to do God's work, we must be spiritually prepared. Instead of racing after the prize and rushing into battle, we must learn the value of pausing for renewal. Fellowship with God will strengthen us for the journey and empower us ...

174. An Extremely Odd Couple

Luke 18:1-8

Sermon

J. Will Ormond

... in the story is a straightforward, legitimate request: "Grant me justice against my opponent." We are not told who her opponent is nor what injustice she has suffered. But she seems to have no advocate, and her status as a widow makes her easy prey for a variety of unscrupulous characters. Her case is probably like many the judge hears every day. It may seem unimportant to the judge, but it is of crucial concern to her. Between her and justice is the judge sitting on his high bench in his somber robes. From ...

175. How The Mighty Have Fallen!

Luke 9:18-27

Illustration

Richard A. Jensen

... with tears running down his cheeks and remorse in his heart. The response to Swaggart's fall was highly judgmental. People judged Swaggart harshly because he had been so judgmental in his preaching. In his judgments he came down on all sorts and varieties of people, including Christian people. Of the ministry of Jim Bakker, for example, Swaggart had said: "He's a cancer on the body of Christ that needs to be excised." Swaggart's preaching was judgmental indeed. Swaggart was also judged harshly because of ...

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Antonyms: deficient, imperfect

Showing 151 to 175 of 1138 results

151. Job's Second Reply to Bildad

Job 19:1-29

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

152. Zophar's Second Speech to Job

Job 20:1-29

Understanding Series

Gerald H. Wilson

153. The Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

154. The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

Matthew 13:31-35

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:31–32 Jesus illustrates the remarkable growth of the kingdom of heaven by comparing it to a mustard seed, which in time grows ...

155. The Parable Of the Weeds Explained

Matthew 13:36-43

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

156. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

Matthew 13:44-46

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

157. The Parable of the Net

Matthew 13:47-52

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... modern commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:47–50 The kingdom of heaven is now compared to the dragnet that gathers in a large catch of fish of various sorts. The ...

158. A Prophet Without Honor

Matthew 13:53-58

Understanding Series

Robert H. Mounce

... commentators have given up any attempt to find what a particular parable may have meant in its original setting and have concentrated on what it probably meant to the Gospel writer. Others believe that, although the parable is useful for teaching in a variety of settings, the Gospel writers have transmitted to their readers the meaning Jesus intended when he used the parable. 13:53–58 The fourth major section of Matthew’s Gospel begins at this point. It comprises a narrative that runs through the end ...

159. The Parable of the Sower

Luke 8:1-15

Understanding Series

Craig A. Evans

160. Faith and Deeds

James 2:14-26, James 2:1-13

Understanding Series

Peter H. Davids

161. Faith in the Son of God

1 John 5:1-12, 1 John 4:7-21

Understanding Series

Thomas F. Johnson