Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 2201 to 2225 of 2561 results

2201. The Perfect Time to Lose Your Luggage

Colossians 3:12-17

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

In a culture where even the atheists claim to have a "spirituality," it's time for the church to soul out. Until March of 1997, the approaching Third Millennium sneaked up on us like some great, fun adventure. For intrepid entrepreneurs, the year 2000 promises huge sales in commemorative junk. Party planners have been plotting big New Year's Eve blowouts for years. Except for those nerdy computer types who are wringing their hands and predicting crash and burn for all computer systems that use just two ...

2202. God Will Be God

Matthew 20:1-16

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

The first lesson of Spirituality 101 is that God is God ... and we are not. The CitiBank credit card commercial features a decent-looking guy sincerely "telling it like it is." His voice narrates the story of the family vacation, while scenes from that outing flick by on the screen. The family goes on a trip, stops at a souvenir tourist trap and the kids want a zillion pieces of plastic junk. The guy narrating sighs and states, "So I pay. I'm the Dad. It's my job." More vacation scenes. The family stops at ...

2203. God Is Faithful

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

God is most attentive when God seems most absent. Canadian geese are the bane of every golf course manager's existence. The vast expanse of rolling green grass, clipped to just the right height for goose grazing, marvelously accessible water hazards and fine "roughs" for nesting combine to invite sometimes thousands of the winged squatters onto previously pristine golf courses all over the country. The problem, of course, is that everywhere the geese go, well, the geese go. Ever notice how much golfing ...

2204. Never Give Up

Luke 13:1-9

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

Because God never gives up on us, we need never give up. From the many true and apocryphal stories about the life of Winston Churchill comes the report of a singular commencement address. After enduring a lengthy introduction, Churchill is reported to have risen from his seat, strode to the podium and stared fixedly at his audience of new graduates. "Never give up!" he pronounced solemnly. Churchill then turned, walked back to his chair and sat down. As the stunned students momentarily sat in silence, ...

2205. Drawing Lines

Luke 16:19-31

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

The chasm between heaven and hell is a line that has been crossed by the cross of Christ, a line that has been turned into a circle by our risen and regnant Lord. Each of the various disciplines within the social sciences likes to believe that it has its finger on what makes human beings "tick." For Freudian psychologists, sex is the driving force behind all we do. Disciples of Eugene Skinner see a simple desire to experience pleasure rather than pain as that which shapes our behavior. Economists find ...

2206. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Here we have probably the best known words Paul ever wrote. Paul has just spent the last chapter convincing the Corinthians that spiritual gifts come in many forms, and that each form is as valuable and worthy as any of the others. Using his famous "body" analogy, Paul has made a strong case for the interdependence of all manifestations of the Spirit. Suddenly, as though afraid the Corinthians might miss something obvious, Paul abruptly re-directs his focus. Having validated the equality and equanimity of ...

2207. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Paul spends considerable time in 1 Corinthians on the topic of food. Chapters 8-11 all look at the use and abuse of such a humble human necessity when it provides a symbolic means of dining with the divine. This week's epistle text lies midway through his discussion. In chapter 10 Paul begins by reaching back into Hebrew history to show how the fickle tendencies of the human spirit can undo the exquisite acts of love and deliverance God may perform. Paul spends the first four verses citing some of the most ...

2208. Luke 10:25-37

Luke 10:25-37

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

All of this quarter's Gospel readings are from Luke - a fact that makes focusing on any of the other weekly texts quite difficult, for Luke is one of history's most masterful storytellers. Thoroughly steeped in Jewish Scripture, Luke's descriptions are so vital, his characters so pungent, his scenes so artfully set, that our whole being is drawn into the flair and fascination of these stories. It is no surprise that Luke's Gospel is most commonly read at Christmas, or that our most beloved parables are ...

2209. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

2210. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

2211. Luke 10:25-37

Luke 10:25-37

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

2212. Mark 7:24-37

Mark 7:24-37

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The two healing stories for today have one thing in common: They easily rub readers the wrong way. Each of the stories has some aspect about it that we find disturbing to our sense of correctness. Accustomed to reading the gospel and being impressed by the divine power healings reveal, the stories of the Syrophoenician woman and the Decapolis deaf-mute don't quite measure up. The first healing miracle (vv.24-30) of today finds Jesus outside his usual Galilean haunts as he journeys to the boundary regions ...

2213. John 18:33-38

John 18:33-38

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The "praetorium" was the headquarters of the Roman prefect when he was in town (possibly the old palace of Herod the Great). Immediately prior to today's gospel text, Pilate had stepped outside the protective walls of the "praetorium" to meet with Jesus' priestly accusers. Pilate's politically correct presence in Jerusalem during the festival of Passover was designed to discourage the throngs of visitors to the city from rioting in the streets. By going out to meet with the priests, reluctantly agreeing to ...

2214. Jeremiah 2:4-13

Jeremiah 2:4-13

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The call of Jeremiah, described in 1:6-10, came to the young man in the year 627-626 B.C. during the waning years of the Assyrian Empire. The emerging, neo-Babylonian power, in fact, would shortly break away from the Assyrian grasp to become an independent state. The situation in the Mesopotamian area had become what Gerhard Von Rad describes as "dangerously fluid" (The Message of the Prophets [New York: Harper & Row Publishers, 1967], 161). Von Rad goes on to observe that there were two primary factors ...

2215. Matthew 17:1-9

Matthew 17:1-9

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

The only single event in Jesus' earthly life more shrouded in mystery and enigma than the mountain-top experience of the Transfiguration is the great mystery of the Incarnation itself. While the Transfiguration is described in each of the three synoptic Gospels, it has been only weakly celebrated in the traditions of the church. Like the disciples who first witnessed the Transfiguration, the church has also seemed unsure of what it meant, what its purpose was, and what it calls Christians to do today. ...

2216. Ephesians 3:14-21

Ephesians 3:14-21

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

In this final portion of chapter three the Ephesian author at last returns to the prayer he began back in 1:16-17, thus definitively closing the first praise and proclamation portion of this epistle before the exhortative remainder of the letter (chapters 4-6). This portion of Ephesians could easily be compared to a classic Cecil B. DeMille movie an earthquake, followed by a flood, capped off by a volcanic eruption and a tornado. The writer begins a litany of prayer requests: that we be "strengthened with ...

2217. Mark 9:30-37

Mark 9:30-37

Sweet

Leonard Sweet

Once the glorious moment of the transfiguration is past in Mark's gospel (9:2-8), Jesus and his disciples begin on the journey to Jerusalem that leads them ever closer to the events of rejection, humiliation and death. This week's gospel text shows Jesus and the disciples moving "through Galilee" while keeping a low profile. Instead of enjoying the hospitality of friends and family as might have been expected in these familiar lands, Jesus circles the wagons tightly. He sequesters the disciples in ...

2218. Remember Me

Luke 22:7-38, John 13:18-30

Sermon

King Duncan

There is an absolutely corny joke that I picked up somewhere. It’s about a bill collector in Georgia who knocked on the door of a client who lived out in a rural area. This client owed the bill collector’s company money. “Is Fred home?” he asked the woman who answered the door. “Sorry,” the woman replied. “Fred’s gone for cotton.” The next day the collector tried again. “Is Fred here today?” “No, sir,” she said, “I’m afraid Fred has gone for cotton.” When he returned the third day, he said sarcastically, “ ...

2219. An Unpopular Preacher

Matthew 7:15-23

Sermon

Mike Ripski

I. Rev. Ike’s “gospel” There was a professor at my theology school, who was on the mailing list of “Rev. Ike.” Professor May posted Rev. Ike’s literature on his office door for all to see. Rev. Ike was an early proponent of what has come to be called the “prosperity gospel.” Rev. Ike preached that it is God’s will for you to be wealthy now. God doesn’t want you to wait for the sweet by and by. You can have what God had given Rev. Ike: diamond rings on every finder – see the picture, a mansion – see the ...

2220. The Compassionate Christ

Mark 1:40-45

Sermon

King Duncan

Author Larry Davies, in his book Sowing Seeds of Faith in a World Gone Bonkers, tells a story with which many of us can identify. He says the check‑out line at his local grocery store was long and he was in a hurry. Seeing another line nearby nearly empty, he walked over and stood behind the only customer still to make a purchase. A young twenty‑something woman was holding a small basket with fifteen to twenty jars of baby food. There was nothing else in the basket: just baby food. “This is great,” he ...

2221. Proper 18

Proverbs 22:1-16, Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-13

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 It is obvious that this pericope was chosen because of its close relation in content with Lesson 2 which cries out against the unjust treatment of the poor. The most precious value of life is a good name which should be desired more than wealth. Yet, the rich are not to be condemned, for they, too, have been created by God. The person who shares what he has with those who have little is promised God's blessing. Epistle: James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 The ...

2222. The Nativity Of Our Lord

Isaiah 9:1-7, Titus 2:1-15, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:8-20

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Isaiah 9:2-7 A child is born whose name is wonderful and whose government is characterized by permanence, justice and righteousness. The people of Isaiah's day were in darkness. Assyria had just taken Zebulon and Naphtali to captivity in 734 B.C. Out of this darkness the people see a light of God's promise of a messianic king, a son of God. This produces great rejoicing. His royal names define his character: wisdom, courage, fatherly concern and peace. His government will be ...

2223. Christmas 1

Isaiah 61:10–62:3, Luke 2:21-40, Galatians 3:26–4:7

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

COMMENTARY Old Testament: Isaiah 61:10--62:3 This passage, written by Third Isaiah around 530 B.C. deals with a time when the returned exiles did not find conditions as glorious as Second Isaiah promised. Third Isaiah kept the message of righteousness and salvation, pictured as festive garments, alive in a disappointed people. In chapters 60-62 the prophet announces God's promise of deliverance. Verses 10-11, spoken by Isaiah or Jerusalem, constitute praise and thanksgiving for the promised deliverance. In ...

2224. Trinity Sunday

Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 8:1-36, John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-11

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter—Psalm 8 First Lesson—Wisdom is personified similarly as the Word is made personal. Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 Second Lesson—To know God is to grow in spiritual maturity. Romans 5:1-5 Gospel—Jesus promises further extension of the understanding of the things of God. John 16:12-15 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us exult in the hope of the divine splendor and even in our present suffering. People: We know that ...

2225. Trinity Sunday

Matthew 28:16-20, Psalm 8:1-9, Genesis 1:1-2:3, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Bulletin Aid

B. David Hostetter

READINGS Psalter - Psalms 8:1-9 First Lesson - This is the beginning of the book of beginnings. Genesis 1:1-2:4 Second Lesson - Paul sends closing greetings to the church at Corinth. 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Gospel - Jesus gives his great commission to the eleven remaining disciples to insure continuity of the faith. Matthew 28:16-20 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 glory due to his name. People: We bow down ...

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