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 1976 to 2000 of 4952 results

1976. Life's Little Fragments

Illustration

Max Lucado

... returned. He hadn't been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right, and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us." The man responded, "Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don't judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not ...

1977. The Witnessing Hitchhiker

Illustration

J. Kirk Johnston

... like to talk to you about something very important." He then proceeded to explain the way of salvation, ultimately asking Mr. Hanover if he would like to receive Christ as his Savior. To Roger's astonishment the Cadillac pulled over to the side of the road. Roger thought he was going to be ejected from the car. But the businessman bowed his head and received Christ, then thanked Roger. "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me." Five years went by, Roger married, had a two-year-old boy, and a ...

1978. Jingle Bells at a Funeral

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Sermon

King Duncan

... the funeral, the lady came over with the money to pay him for singing. As she handed him the envelope she said in a scolding voice, “I meant the song ‘Glory Bells! not ‘Jingle Bells.’” (1) “Jingle Bells” at a funeral? Well, maybe. Keep that thought in mind for a few moments. Christmas is a joyous celebration. You would agree with that, wouldn’t you? The Christmas season is a time of great joy. Well, our lesson from the Epistle tells us that all of life should be a joyous celebration. Because ...

1979. Christmas Is a God-Thing

Luke 1:26-38

Sermon

King Duncan

... about taking a man named Jesus to a shelter on Christmas Eve! He felt as if it were a huge cosmic trick. The comic aspect of it both judged his anger and redeemed him out of it. “Leave it to God to beat us at our own game,” he thought to himself. (7) And so, gratefully, that Christmas Eve he provided shelter to a homeless man named “Hayzoos,” Jesus. Anyone who seeks to do good burns out at some time or another. It’s inevitable. We’re not Christ. There are many loving and devoted people in this ...

1980. Being Prepared

Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon

King Duncan

... a middle aged woman walked the length of the train and came directly to where they were sitting. “You are wrong,” she said as she passed. “I actually teach children who are deaf how to lip read.” (6) Whoa. They learned a lesson in a hurry. They thought no one would guess what they were doing, but one woman did. She read lips. Better be careful who’s listening even if they are not within range of the sound of your voice. There will be a time when all secrets will be revealed. Of course, there ...

1981. How To Behave

Illustration

Staff

... were going through painful divorces. A few were even in jail. That's why they don't know how to act in church. They haven't been in church very long." Then God said, "Don't worry, King, you won't have that difficulty at old First Church." And I thought to myself, "God help us, we won't. Everybody at old First church will know how to behave in church." And I couldn't help thinking that might be the most tragic thing that can be said about any congregation.

1982. Giving Up Hard Things

Humor Illustration

... , and it would be worth it. Two days later, on a Saturday morning, he was passing through the living room on his way to the kitchen. He noticed that his parents had some friends over, and they were all sitting around drinking beer. He approached his dad, and said "I thought you were going to give up drinking!" His father, flustered at being caught, stammered "Oh, Son, this is just beer. It doesn't count. I meant mixed drinks. Hard liquor, son, hard liquor." Peter ...

1983. Ring Bear

Matthew 22:1-14

Illustration

Leonard Sweet

... was behaving so badly. "But Mom," he explained, "I have to act fierce — I'm the ‘Ring Bear.'" Like so many of us that little boy misunderstood just what role he was supposed to play. He thought he was called to be big, imposing, fearsome, large and in charge. He thought he was to BE the "star of the show." He thought the spotlight was his. But he wasn't supposed to BE a bear, he was supposed to offer the supportive role of "ring bearer." His role was important. The pastor, not to mention the bride and ...

1984. Responsible Living

Exodus 20:1-21

Sermon

King Duncan

... in the hallway. When she turned on the light, she saw that the floor was covered with little round pieces of dark brown paper. She followed the trail of candy wrappers and found a totally empty box of See’s candy! Jeanie was stunned. She thought, “She’s only three, for goodness sake! How could she possibly polish off two pounds of chocolate?” She found Jennifer sound asleep in her bed, looking angelic. Waking her daughter she said sternly, “Jennifer Duck, you ate all my candy!” “No, I didn’t ...

1985. Yada, Yada, Yada

John 12:20-36

Sermon

King Duncan

... him!” Among those who came to see Jesus were some Greeks. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. Philip’s surname was Greek and his home village was known as a place where there were numerous Greek descendents. Maybe the visiting Greeks thought Philip would be more open to their inquiries than the other disciples. “Sir,” they said to him, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; and together they told Jesus. Jesus was not impressed. He replied as he often did ...

1986. Walls, Walls, Everywhere Walls

Ephesians 2:11-22

Sermon

King Duncan

... . But he had a serious problem. His neighbor’s dogs would, from time to time, get into his sheep pen and injure or even kill one of the sheep. The farmer went to talk with his neighbor but his neighbor didn’t do anything about it. So the farmer thought, the next dog that attacks my sheep will be a dead dog. But he knew that was wrong. His next thought was to sue the man. But Paul makes it clear in the 6th chapter of 1st Corinthians that Christians don’t sue Christians. “I’ll build a wall,” he ...

1987. Risk Takers

Luke 6:17-26

Sermon

Cynthia Cowen

... Andrew. That makes ten. Two more would make it nice since I have twelve place settings." And more than enough food, she thought. She put in another call, "Cindy, I have a problem that involves a big turkey. If you don't have any Thanksgiving dinner ... "poor" and do not even recognize it. The parable of the rich fool exemplifies this. The land of a rich man produced abundantly. And he thought to himself, "What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?" Then he said, "I will do this: I will pull ...

1988. But I Really Like the Best Seat in the House!

Luke 14:1, 7-14

Sermon

... even though that didn't work out, I learned from him what I needed to do in order to make the leap. Or so I thought. I attended the right conferences, talked to the right people, wore the right clothes, and schmoozed with the movers and shakers. All the while ... t say anything. So I asked, "And then what?" He said, "Oh ... then when the meeting is over you put the chairs back." I had always thought that Ed was a little strange and now I was sure of it. But in time I figured out what he was trying to teach me ...

1989. Begging and Bragging

Luke 18:9-14

Sermon

Scott Bryte

... living as God's holy people: merciful and gracious. The problem with the Pharisees is that they didn't get that. There were these two men who went up to the temple to pray. One of them was a Pharisee. The Pharisee didn't get it. He thought that prayer was all about him. He thought that prayer was a chance to submit his résumé to God. "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income ...

1990. The Gospel By Starlight

Matthew 2:1-12

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... in worship - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And that makes a difference - it brings changes; they went home "by another route" (Matthew 2:12). It is the gospel by starlight. How does that play out today? Does God still beckon to people, even some who might be thought of as surprising? Does God still use the events and activities of people's lives to attract attention? Does God still guide? Are divine priorities as different from society's as they were back then? Do we still meet God in Jesus? Are we still ...

1991. Dinner With Jesus

Luke 19:1-10

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... living by being particularly upright. And I know that is at least part of the reason that people have hated me — they have thought I got my money dishonestly. Well, perhaps yes, perhaps no. But they know how it works. If tax collectors took only what ... since I had climbed a tree. I'm probably lucky that I didn't fall and break my neck. But I perched myself up there and thought, "Ha, I'm the tallest man in Jericho now." It wasn't long before Jesus came. He was surrounded by a mob, folks crowding in, hanging ...

1992. Rich Man, Poor Man

James 2:1-13

Sermon

King Duncan

... those who love him?” This is the one place where the teachings of Christ definitely clash with the ways of the world: how we view the poor. This discrepancy is apparent in a question we often ask about people a question to which we apparently do not give much thought. We might ask of someone, referring to a third party, “How much do you think he or she is worth?” What we are asking is, “How much money do you think he or she has?” But think about how we ask the question: “How much do you think he ...

1993. Baptism of Our Lord

Psalm 29:1-11, Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:1-20, Acts 8:14-17

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... the quiet and in the fierceness of our days and relationships, you breathe, “It is good,” reminding us that we co-create with you the possibilities of Christ walking here in our town and on our street corner. Thank you for the variety in our thoughts and activities, on the land, in the waters, and in the sky. Amen. Benediction/Charge (Leader) As you leave the sanctuary, be alert for all the colors of humanity; listen for songs beginning low and swelling to a great “Hooray!” Watch for the modulations ...

1994. Epiphany 9

1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43, Psalm 96:1-9, Luke 7:1-10, Galatians 1:1-12

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... -overs from last week — our sore muscles, our fears about the bank account, our anger with the neighbors.... We lay them aside and invite your Spirit to vitalize us with mercy and grace! We give you our undivided attention in our words and our thoughts. Amen. Call To Confession Remember the things that trouble you. These next moments are an opportunity to give them to God and to feel free of angst, guilt, and shame. Community Confession Living God — our human nature is prone to do things that are not ...

1995. Lent 3

Psalm 63:1-8, Isaiah 55:1-9, Luke 13:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... thirsty — here is water! People: We are here to honor the Creator of the universe and to listen again for guidance for our days and nights. Leader: Come, all of you who search for satisfaction in life. People: We turn to God, knowing that divine thoughts are not our thoughts and Holy ways are not our ways. We ask God for mercy and direction. Leader: Together, we sing and pray; together we expect the Holy One to move among us. People: Together and individually, we ask God to be present in our world through ...

1996. Proper 17

Psalm 81:1, 10-16, Jeremiah 2:4-13, Luke 14:1-14, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... you in developing a bit of heaven on earth. Amen. Sermon Idea A job is what we do to earn money necessary to survive in our culture. Money is the medium by which we barter for what we want/need. Work is how we manifest our creativity and thoughts. For people whose work and job coincide — wow, living can be good! Psalm 112 describes happiness for those whose work honors the Holy One. Luke 14:7-14 suggests that competition and profit cannot be the goals of our jobs or our work. Perhaps the primary focus ...

1997. Proper 21

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16, Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-15, Luke 16:19-31, 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Bulletin Aid

Julia Ross Strope

... to enjoy what God is doing among us. Leader: Together, we will express our thanks, ask our questions, listen for guidance, and appreciate this hour. People: We let go of the desires we came here with; we will pay close attention to our words, our thoughts, and the generative silence in our hearts. Prayer Of Thanksgiving Leader: Let’s make our prayers audible. People: Living God thank you for the Holy Spirit inspiring and blessing us in so many ways. Thank you that temptations are silenced as we listen for ...

1998. Obedience: Our Gift to Jesus

Hebrews 10:5-10

Sermon

Richard Gribble

... wants and can expect from us is our obedience — to be the best person we can possibly be. The letter to the Hebrews, from which today's second lesson is drawn, has an interesting place in the New Testament corpus. Initially this letter was thought to be part of Saint Paul’s writings, but scholars today almost universally agree that the apostle to the Gentiles did not pen this document. More likely a Jewish Christian with a Hellenistic background wrote the letter as a mini theological treatise for abroad ...

1999. Cracking the Code

Revelation 1:4-8

Sermon

Steven E. Albertin

... all of its mystery, confusion, and pain. Our life on the first floor, in this world, often seems like a mess. It is filled with confusion, suffering, and death. An unexpected disease shatters our plans. A pink slip slams the door on a career that we thought was so promising. A collapsing stock market abruptly thwarts our plans for retirement. Our best friend is killed in auto accident because he just had to have one more beer. We are continually reminded, if not ridiculed, that we do not have what it takes ...

2000. When God Adds Insult to Injury

Colossians 2:6-15

Sermon

Charles L. Aaron

... verse 8. It is not a chapter break, of course, but just a small bit of white space. This gap indicates that the NRSV editors thought that a transition occurred between verse 7 and verse 8, so they put a gap. Even though the gap on the page is only a ... trust of the heart, this half calls us to think through what we believe, not necessarily accepting what we have always heard and thought. We can never agree on everything, but we can agree together to seek the truth, respecting each other's opinions. What do we ...

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