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 1776 to 1800 of 2173 results

1776. Here They Come, Singing

Jeremiah 30:1--31:40

Sermon

John R. Brokhoff

When six nations of eastern Europe were freed from the domination of totalitarian Communism in 1989, there was wild celebration by the people in the streets. They sang, they shouted, they marched, they danced in the streets, they laughed, they hugged each other. This was the happiest time of their lives. They were freed from decades of living under uncompromising dictatorships. Now they could speak out openly about how they felt, and they could march and shout their protests to a hated regime. It was a ...

1777. The Banquet Bowl

Mark 9:38-41

Sermon

Robert Salzgeber

Jesus is suggesting the utter disproportionate nature of God's grace in the Mark text when he says, "I assure you that anyone who gives you a drink of water because you belong to me will certainly receive his reward." In other words, Jesus is saying that we do not even have to be conscious of our discipleship in order to receive his redemptive blessing. Simply giving a disciple a drink is just cause for God to reward/bless that one with his redemptive net. Hence, Jesus says, "For whoever is not against us ...

1778. The Dream For Wisdom

1 Kings 2:1-12

Sermon

Sue Anne Steffey Morrow

In three swift verses, the succession is accomplished, finally. And David sleeps with his fathers and is buried in the city of David. Our prayer for David, companion in these past weeks, is that David sleeps, at last, in peace. For in those last years, David is so advanced in years, so old, that he cannot get warm. They cover him with clothes, but he does not get warm. They bring him a young maiden to lie beside him, but he does not get warm. I imagine David shivers in the knowledge of all that his life ...

1779. Pathway To God's Kingdom

Mark 4:26-29, Mark 4:30-34

Sermon

Leonard H. Budd

Jacob knew nothing of the geography that stretched beyond his farmland to the Great Sea. He did not even know that a Great Sea existed out there, westward beyond his land. He had never been further than half a day's journey from the collection of 15 stone houses that formed his village. Nor did he know anyone who had been further away than those eight or 10 miles. Nor did anyone in his village think much about far-off regions. Jacob only knew of the fields and gentle slopes of land that he could see as he ...

1780. Love In Action

1 John 3:11-24

Sermon

Mark J. Molldrem

One of the enduring images of both the Old Testament and New Testament scriptures is that of the good shepherd. The Psalmist, the prophet Ezekiel, and Jesus himself used this human picture to convey a divine reality. The picture is that of the shepherd who cares well for his sheep, even to the point of laying down his life for the sheep; the divine reality is that the Son of God cares for us so much that he was willing to lay down his life for us. This love creates new life in us, so that we desire to be ...

1781. Overcoming Temptation

Luke 4:1-13

Sermon

Lee Griess

This morning's Gospel reading sets the theme for us today, an appropriate theme as we begin our observance of Lent -- the theme of sin and temptation. It's an appropriate one because it is one with which we all struggle. I recently read a story about a little boy named Bobby who desperately wanted a new bicycle. His plan was to save his nickels, dimes and quarters until he finally had enough to buy a new 10-speed. Each night he asked God to help him save his money. Kneeling beside his bed, he prayed, "Dear ...

1782. The Condition Of Mercy

Matthew 18:21-35

Sermon

Donald Dotterer

Let us pray: Our Father and our God, on this day we give you thanks for all the blessings of our lives. In these moments, may we learn something about what it is for which we need to be most thankful. Lord, in these moments may we experience your mercy and your grace. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. A social psychologist by the name of David Myers has written a book titled The Pursuit of Happiness. The book has 59 pages of references and a 43-page bibliography. This large number of citations clearly ...

1783. Wedding: Looking Outward Together

1 John 1:1-4

Sermon

Warren Gregory Martin

An Evening Service (__________) I would like to take a few moments and speak with you and the congregation gathered to witness your covenant of marriage about the significance of what you do tonight. God has given you both a gift: the gift of love to share with each other and a relationship in which you have the trust and faithfulness of another. Each of those words -- love and faithfulness -- have a multitude of meanings for us, but the nature of this love and faithfulness you enter into through marriage ...

1784. Wedding Sermon - Wedding Prayer

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Sermon

Kenneth E. Crouch

After the prayer of invocation: You look so beautiful and so handsome -- like any prince and princess! We remember the fairytales of our childhood where the prince and princess were married and lived happily ever after. Since that does not happen today, I am obligated to instruct you. No activity is entered into so joyfully and with such high expectations as is marriage. But the happiness does not come automatically. You are not entering a partnership where each partner is asked to give 50 percent; rather ...

1785. Prayers for Mark 8: 27-38

Mark 8:31--9:1, Mark 8:27-30, Psalm 19:1-14

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

Call to Worship Love the Lord, who has heard us and listens to our prayers. God has given us a hearing whenever we have cried out to heaven. Prayer of Confession Living and loving God, we worship you more readily in the presence of your friends, than in the company of your detractors. We don't find much blessedness in being persecuted and avoid confessing our faith rather than expose ourselves to ridicule or suffering. We do not have the courage of our convictions and play safe much of the time. Forgive ...

1786. Receive The Holy Spirit

John 20:19-23

Sermon

Larry Powell

"It is my heart-warming and world-embracing hope," said Mark Twain, "that all of us - the high, the low, the rich, the poor, the admired, the despised, the loved, the hated, the civilized, and the savage - may eventually be gathered in a heaven of everlasting rest and peace and bliss, except the inventor of the telephone." Mark Twain obviously held a great dislike for the telephone, probably because, among other things, it renders a person to be easily accessible, even when they prefer to be inaccessible. ...

1787. Living The Alternatives

Luke 17:1-10

Sermon

W. Robert McClelland

"Christ" is the Greek word for Messiah or King. To believe in Jesus Christ, therefore, is to affirm more than certain doctrinal statements about his divinity or the assurance of eternal life. To believe in Christ is to refuse to acknowledge anyone else in this life as King. It is to insist that the powers and principalities of this world do not have authority over us, even when they appear to be in charge. The New Testament writers boldly portray Jesus meeting the powers of this world head on in a showdown ...

1788. The Problem With A Promise

Genesis 15:1-18

Sermon

Barbara Brokhoff

You have all made promises; and kept them, but some you have broken. Maybe you didn't intend to break it, but when the time came to fulfill it, it simply wasn't in your power to keep it. Or, upon re-thinking it, you decided it wasn't a good promise, so you reneged upon it.And, you've had promises made to you; and they've been kept - some of them, but who has not been hurt by having a promise made, and then broken? What parents have not heard their child exclaim at some point, "But you promised me!" ...

1789. Living Water

John 7:25-44

Sermon

Leonard H. Budd

To call it a "wilderness" is not strong enough, not descriptive enough. That land surrounding the Dead Sea is a wild part of earth, burned by the sun of day and frozen by the winds of night. The rocks of this terrible terrain between the depths of Jericho and the heights of Jerusalem are jagged and upended. It is eternally dry. Jarib had foolishly set out from the Jordan River banks without enough water. The animal skin was only half full as he began his journey. His travel to the high Jerusalem was taking ...

1790. Wedding: Christian Love

Sermon Aid

John M. Braaten

There is no doubt, (Name) and (name), that today you are among the happiest people on the face of the earth, and for good reason. The love which you have tenderly nourished day after day is now being publicly celebrated as you enter the sacred estate of marriage.If I were to ask why you wanted to pledge lifelong devotion to each other, you might respond, "Because we love each other." But what is love? I ask because the word has so many definitions. We hear people say they love their husband or wife, but ...

1791. How Does One Follow Jesus During The Threat Of War?

Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon

George Johnson

It has been difficult for me to decide what sermon I should preach today. I had planned to preach on the lectionary text in Acts which is assigned for this Sunday. That story of Peter and Cornelius has been occupying my thoughts for several days, and I had a pretty good idea of how the sermon would be developed. But the present historical crisis has been capturing the attention of us all. My sense of call as a pastor has urged me to set aside the sermon on Peter and Cornelius and speak about following ...

1792. What's The Bottom Line?

Matthew 21:33-46

Sermon

George Johnson

What are your thoughts when you first wake up in the morning? What am I going to wear today? Is the bathroom free? What's the weather like? Can I stay in bed just a little bit longer? I am waking up earlier now that I'm on the other side of 50, the second side of life. My thoughts early in the morning are usually around the day's appointments. Let's see, Lois needs that article by 9. I could go to the hospital over the lunch hour. Confirmation is today. What meeting do I have tonight? Will Viv and I have ...

1793. What Is Servant Leadership?

Matthew 23:1-39

Sermon

George Johnson

I have been interviewed by a few call committees during my 31 years of ministry. It's always been a good experience. You know that they want to get to know as much about you as they can in the brief time you have together. Whether you are interested in the call or not, you try to be honest and fair but careful in yOur answers and comments. Many of you have interviewed for jobs and you know what it's like. Most church call committees have discussed beforehand what the needs of the congregation are. They are ...

1794. The Churches and Higher Education

Sermon

Thomas Slavens

Christian College Sunday • Christian College What do the churches have to do with higher education? For this sermon “churches” shall mean organized groups of worshipers claiming faith in Jesus Christ. “Higher education” shall mean “the practice of teaching and learning above the high school level.” Traces of institutions which can be called “schools of higher education” can be found in history as far back as the Sixth Century before the Christ was born. During the “Dark Ages” the schools which became the ...

1795. A Strange Kind Of Glory

John 13:31-38

Sermon

John M. Braaten

It is often difficult for Christians to get past the idea that those who have given themselves to the Lord should be treated a little better than the average woman or man who does not possess a living faith. In other words, there ought to be some kind of return for what you have done for God, for what you have given in time, energy and money. That doesn't sound outrageous, does it? In this "you get what you deserve" world, you really ought to be rewarded. Harmless as that sounds, it is the first step ...

1796. Our Christian I.D.

Luke 4:1-13

Sermon

John M. Braaten

Given that you and I are reasonably good people, it probably does not amaze you to read that Jesus was able to overcome temptation. After all, like me, you've probably been able to do it yourself, many times. Admittedly, we have also caved in to temptation innumerable times, but for a person with Jesus' devotion and strength, eluding the tempter's entrapment must have been a piece of cake. That assumption is based on that belief that temptation is merely the urge to do something wrong. It is the desire to ...

1797. The Story Of The Scandalized Neighbors

Luke 15:11-32

Sermon

John M. Braaten

I don't know what this world is coming to. It seems to me that parents don't do as good a job raising their kids as they used to. Consider my neighbor. His punk kid ran off with a wad of money last year. A couple of days ago he came back looking like death warmed over and what are they doing? They're throwing a party for him. From what I've heard they are going to spend a bundle on it. Sounds like the affair will be bigger than a wedding bash. If you ask me it's scandalous, celebrating as though he was a ...

1798. Portrait Of A Powerful Servant

John 13:1-17

Sermon

John M. Braaten

Jesus loved to paint portraits for the soul. He did it through his actions as well as his words. Indeed, his whole life was a powerful illustration. On the particular night to which our texts bear witness, the image Jesus will etch into the memories of his disciples will be so powerful that they will never again be able to think of him without reference to this event. Writer Walter Wangerin suggests that the atmosphere of that evening was shrouded in mystery and filled with intrigue. There was the meal ...

1799. Trial-and-Error or Grace

Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon

Thomas Peterson

(This sermon was preached at the Windsor, N.J. United Methodist Church on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.) Sometime ago I discovered that God wants us to be happy. Happiness, I already knew, is no simple matter. The Bible teaches much about it, but the Beatitudes, to me more than any other text strike to the heart of the working ground for true happiness. “Blessed are those who….” is translated into “Happy are those who….” Now, a great deal has been said and written about the Beatitudes. So I ...

1800. The Priesthood Of All Believers

Exodus 19:1-25

Sermon

Walter Kimbrough

The priesthood of all believers is a topic highly talked about, but too rarely practiced. It has become no more than theological jargon with little or no meaning. Yet, we like Israel, are entitled to be a nation of priests. All of us, whether clergy or lay, share in an ordination by God to be priests. All persons who believe in Jesus the Christ are a part of this priestly nation. But, what constitutes a priest? How can I know whether I am a priest? The Bible dictionary informs us that, “The New Testament ...

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