Sermon and Worship Resources

Antonyms: keep, claim, continue, stick by, self-control, power through, achieve, defend, bear, hope, acquire, quick visit, adopt, continue along, adhere, remain, pursue, support, take up, keep up, reuse, advocate, stay, persevere, cherish, keep going, carry on

Showing 2026 to 2050 of 4976 results

2026. The Weakest Link

Luke 18:9-14

Sermon

James Merritt

... drinking." Now we all like stories because we always find somebody or something in a story we can identify with. As we study the parables, keep in mind that they function in three ways: First of all, a parable is a picture because in it we always see a real life ... He is by the time you spend with Him? Do you come to church out of habit because of family pressure, for business considerations, to keep up an image, or as a social activity? Do you ever look at people who don't go to church, and think you are ...

2027. Minority Report

Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23

Sermon

James Merritt

... , went up into the stands, and his intention was to hear Bradshaw, enjoy one last slice of life, and go home and blow his brains out. After Bradshaw finished he even left the stadium because he had to take a plane back to Louisiana. There was really nothing to keep Pacey Cohen there, but he said later for some reason he didn't get up and leave. He had never heard the gospel or the Bible preached in his life. I got up and preached a simple gospel message and gave the invitation. Pacey was sitting on the very ...

2028. Men in Black

Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43

Sermon

James Merritt

... Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints, known as the Mormon Church. She then said that she was a Christian! I then replied, "Well, so am I." Then she told me I was not a Christian because my religion teaches that Jesus was not the Son of God. I tried to keep my cool and tried to explain that I was as Christian as she was, but she insisted that I was not... If that bus driver was right I must have missed something in my own religious training. Please let me know—LDS in Ashland, Oregon Dear LDS: You are correct ...

2029. Handling Objections

Psalm 1:1-6

Sermon

James Merritt

... responsive attitude. I. Principles To Remember a. Do not argue You must remember that your primary job is always to share the Gospel, not win a debate. In a witnessing situation is one in which you can literally win the battle, but lose the war. b. Keep a positive spirit Always begin by answering an objection with a phrase such as "That is a good question" or "I really appreciate you bringing that up." Remember that when someone brings an objection it is at least proof positive that they are listening to ...

2030. What’s So Amazing about Grace?

2 Samuel 7:1-14a

Sermon

Stan Purdum

... our head when we are about to do some wrong thing. That is the active grace of God. But then, says the song, grace also relieves our fears. Grace enables us to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness. God's grace assures us our trust in him is not misplaced. It frees us from the fear that paralyzes us into inactivity or keeps us from doing the right thing. That, too, is a gift of God. Verse three affirms that not only has grace brought us through a whole host of dangers already, but ...

2031. The Spiritual Gateway

Sermon

Stan Purdum

... or even about one's salvation. It does, however, describe an attitude where our tendency to believe in a power greater than and outside of ourselves is stronger than our tendency to doubt that power's existence. Also, faith means trusting ourselves into the keeping of that higher power. In summary, the spiritual nature is the home of the conscience, values, the worship impulse, and faith. Even if only one of these seems to be evident, we are in touch with our spiritual side. This spiritual nature can also ...

2032. No Intimidation

Luke 13:31-35

Sermon

Donald Charles Lacy

... about what his Father has sent him to accomplish. He provides both a lesson and model for us. Our timidity in the face of odds is not becoming to those who profess to follow Christ. Only when it covers a determined soul for the faith is it in keeping with our commitment. Let's face it, some of the most timid souls in church can be downright raucous at athletic events! We are called always to learn from the Man of Galilee and sometimes that is among the most simple style of living. He was not a milquetoast ...

2033. History Hangs in the Balance

Luke 23:1-49

Sermon

Donald Charles Lacy

... sense said there was no good reason for this tragic event to occur. If you are who you say you are, why hesitate in throwing the cross in their faces and walk away victoriously? That's all it would take and the Romans would back down to keep the peace. The Jews, who opposed him, would be discredited and the Master could finish years of essential ministry. As usual with them, plus you and me, salvation history is being made and we refuse to recognize it. How true of our spiritual pilgrimages today! The ...

2034. Counting the Cost of Discipleship

Luke 14:25-33

Sermon

Ron Lavin

... to say and do those things that the script calls for. What should we say if a sermon really hits home? How about a simple, "Thank you"? The pastor is just a prompter back in the wings helping actors who are on the stage of life. He/She tries to keep the actors on script. He/She is a messenger for the king, reminding us what to do. If a messenger gave you a message from the king of the universe, you would thank that messenger. More importantly, in your prayers you would want to thank the one who sent the ...

2035. Death to Glory

Revelation 5:11-14

Sermon

Richard Gribble

... not to see them. It is much more convenient to be like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the good Samaritan and simply "pass by." This type of blindness is self-imposed. Only we can remove the blinders or dark glasses that keep us from seeing or the ear plugs that keep us from hearing the needs of others. If Jesus' resurrection is to have any lasting effect for our world, then we must be up to the challenge to carry the burdens of others and see in that, as did the prince, our true vocation. Next ...

2036. The Gospel Is Unchained

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Sermon

Donna Schaper

... the grocery store and found 85 varieties of crackers, 285 kinds of cookies, and thirteen different kinds of raspberry jelly. Can't I just get a cookie and a cracker and a bottle of jelly any more? I am in chains by the number of choices that I have! They keep me too busy to pray and too busy to praise and too busy to focus. How can I break my chains on behalf of the unchained gospel? By letting less meet more and fewer meet finer. According to Barry Schwartz in The Paradox Of Choice: Why More Is Less, there ...

2037. Do Not Be Quickly Shaken

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Sermon

Donna Schaper

... conflict because we know it is going to help us as much as stress us. We know how growth happens. It happens by the grace of stress, managed by the stability of hope and faith. Not only may we be glad at the arrival of conflict, we can also keep a smile on our face when we are in difficult situations. Clergy are advised to have a non-anxious presence when faced with great human difficulty. We are all advised to have an inner calm when faced with outer storms. It, more than anything else, will help us. Inner ...

2038. The Good News about Marriage

Mark 10:1-12

Sermon

King Duncan

... a fulfilling Christian life. However, if you choose to marry, God’s will is for the marriage relationship to be life-long. Marriage is for keeps. That is the goal. It doesn’t always work out that way, but it is still God’s intention. I know this is a painful ... God,” and “We need to talk . . . - God,” and “What part of ‘Thou Shalt Not’ didn’t you understand? – God” and “Keep using my name in vain, I’ll make rush hour longer . . . – God.” The signs were an instant hit with much of ...

2039. The Possible Dream

Genesis 45:3-11, 15

Sermon

Mary S. Lautensleger

... a fine coat, so Joseph is off the hook when it comes to most chores. Joseph is also a tattletale. He would keep an eye on his brothers who were keeping an eye on the sheep in the fields and report back to his father. To make matters worse, Joseph is a ... with grain and secretly replace their money inside the sacks. Joseph sends them back home to bring Benjamin to him, while keeping Brother Simeon as a security deposit. His brothers return, bringing Benjamin, gifts from Canaan, and double the money to finance ...

2040. A Voice in the Wilderness

Luke 3:1-20

Sermon

King Duncan

... the money. The owner came around the counter, approached the man, and bent down as if to pick up something. The owner said to the man, “Well, looks like you dropped this $20 bill.” Now the man had enough to pay for breakfast and a little more to keep for the road. He never forgot this totally undeserved act of generosity and goodness. He now gives to others as someone once gave to him. (7) This Advent season we need to reflect on the entire Christ event. Christ came into the world to save us from the ...

2041. No Room for Jesus

Luke 2:1-7

Sermon

King Duncan

... good news of great joy to ALL people.’” (4) If you have a cold heart, that story will mean nothing to you. If you have room in your heart for Christ this night, it could change the way you look at the world. The busyness of this season may keep us from making room. The coldness of our hearts may have the same effect. The most likely cause of our not making room for Christ, however, is our incessant preoccupation with our own needs. Some of you may be familiar with a movie from the 1940s, The Bishop’s ...

2042. Journey To The Heart Of Christmas

Luke 2:1-7

Drama

Lois Anne DeLong

... it has taken us to get here. With that census thing, the roads are so crowded. Everyone is traveling back to the town of their birth to register. It’s been great for my family. We have sold so many things, particularly jugs to carry water. Dad says if this keeps up, we may be able to head home to Nazareth and not have to work for months. But, boy, am I tired. I’m so glad we’re finally making camp for the night. (sits stage right, opens up her bundle, sets a blanket down, and pretends to warm herself ...

2043. Christmas: Before And After

Luke 2:1-7

Drama

Lois Anne DeLong

... very well. Without the star, how will we know which way to go? King 1: Before we leave tomorrow, we’ll send our servants into town. Herod won’t know them and they should be able to purchase all we need. I brought our star charts with us. That will keep us headed east. King 3: Look, a star is beginning to rise in the eastern sky. Perhaps that is how God will see us safely home. (Kings pick up the campfire and exit right, as Elizabeth enters from right, and Joseph and Mary from left. Joseph, who has a ...

2044. A House for Our Home and a Home for Our Faith

2 Timothy 1:1-2:13

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... have never gotten the full impact of that message, because we’ve concentrated on that 22nd verse of the 5th chapter, which seeks to keep women in a subservient position or on the surface seems to do so. We’ve concentrated on that word, wives be subject to your ... how to use money as ministry, as the expression of your Christian commitment, or are they simply learning to make money, to keep money, to use it selfishly? The big point I’m making is that children should receive from their parents and the ...

2045. The Perfect Gift

Luke 2:1-7

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... me repeat that, because that’s the hinge idea of our meditation tonight. The most fitting of gifts always reflects a double purpose. It reveals the capacities and the affection of the person sending it, and it suits the personality and the needs of the person receiving it. Now keep that in mind while I tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a prince who was single, and who was eager to marry a lovely maiden to be his future queen. Now his palace was near a large city and often he rode his carriage ...

2046. Every Day God Encourages

Acts 4:36-37; 11:22-24

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... all. He wrote her a simple letter. Three days later, he received a reply. This long retired school teacher wrote, "My eyes are blinded with tears as I write. You are the first student in all my career who has ever written me a letter to express thanks. I will keep it and treasure it as long as I live." (3) With that letter in hand, he thought of someone else. So he wrote another letter and another. And you know what, because of that sense of gratitude that took hold of his heart, he didn't even notice when ...

2047. Living In The Spirit Of Peace

Galatians 5:22-25, Colossians 3:14-15

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... are "justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ." We claim that because Jesus told us to claim. We say it because Jesus said it about us first. The Grace of Assurance, is part and parcel of "the peace that passes all understanding [that] keeps our hearts and minds in Christ." This Peace, this Shalom can only be born in us through the Love and Joy of God's Holy Spirit which lives and reigns in us. This Peace, this Shalom is one of the fruit of the Spirit. And yet when it is ...

2048. A Stone’s Throw From: Heaven

Matthew 16:13-25

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... was going on in his life. Fear! He was reluctant to face the future. He was afraid of losing Jesus. He was afraid of the cross. His fear began to choke his faith. You see: Fear Freezes. Fear locks us up; it chokes us and grips our hearts. It keeps us from doing incredible things. B. I remember when my oldest son Paul was four or five, we were camping and the campground had a playground. On the playground were a couple of slides. One was short and wide, the "baby slide" as my daredevil son called it. And ...

2049. Your King Comes

Luke 19:28-44

Sermon

King Duncan

... already. If Jesus continued to be seen as a political messiah, an insurrectionist, all of the might of the vast Roman Empire would be arrayed against the people of Palestine. (8) There was no turning back now, however. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “I tell you if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” In other words, Jesus is saying, “The die has been cast. There’s no stopping the forces that have been set in motion now. This is why I have come. Even if you quiet the crowd the rest of the events ...

2050. The Guest List

Luke 2:8-20

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... who was on that Guest List. We get a clue from the Gospel of Luke: [8] In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and ... doesn't require us to bring any presents. Instead, when we come, we receive the greatest gift of all. We're called to keep singing because at some point in time, there's a moment of silence or quiet. The cash registers quit ringing. The crowds ...

Showing results