Sermon and Worship Resources

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Showing 2326 to 2350 of 4957 results

2326. Investing God's Gift

Luke 19:11-27

Sermon

Larry R. Kalajainen

... character and method of governing. Certainly the notion of a king carrying out such vengeance upon his opponents would not have shocked the sensibilities of people in Luke's day. I'm not sure it really shocks our sensibilities as much as we might claim. After living through or reading about Stalin's purges of all those suspected of opposing him, or the Chinese government's brutal treatment of dissidents at Tienanmen Square, or even the more humane, but no less decisive, political purges that take place in ...

2327. Property of ... God!

Ephesians 1:4

Children's Sermon

... his special family even before we were born. That's how important God thinks we are. God put an invisible sign right on our forehead. It says, "Property of ... GOD!" Now you and I can't see the mark, but we know that when we are baptized God puts his claim on us and he will never forget about us.That's good to know, isn't it! It means that we are worth a lot. Since that is true, we want to be careful with our lives and make sure we don't waste them. Because God already told us ...

2328. What Do You Mean, "Repent"?

Mark 1:1-8

Sermon

Thomas Long

... times before on nostalgic visits to the cemetery, but now they leapt from the past into his life. He did not merely recall his grandmother; he was confronted by her memory, judged by the commitments he vaguely knew she held, but had not considered to have any claim on his life. It was a strange and disturbing experience, and he returned to his city with no will to destroy, but to seek somehow to know and live "the teaching of kindness." The essayist and short story writer Eudora Welty wrote in One Writer's ...

2329. We Interrupt This Service

John 1:1-18

Sermon

Thomas Long

... humanity and the logos of God would come, not when we ascended to the airy pinnacle, but when the logos descended to the fleshy depths was, to employ the term of New Testament scholar Raymond Brown, "unthinkable." John's poem, Brown says, does not claim .... ... that the Word entered into flesh or abided in flesh but that the Word became flesh. Therefore, instead of supplying the liberation from the material world that the Greek mind yearned for, the Word of God was now inextricably bound to human history.1 ...

2330. The Healing Of Simon Peter's Mother-In-Law

Mark 1:29-34

Drama

Dallas A. Brauninger

... 30). Jesus acted directly. The fever left the woman. She returned to her duties as homemaker. She was not even the mother of the head of the house. Although she held mother-in-law status, both Jesus and her family recognized her worth. Unless she claims worth for herself, the aging American woman also holds little value in our society -- except possibly for her purse. Today, as in earlier times, a woman has little time to be sick. Typically, she ignores her own needs unless she is doggedly intentional about ...

2331. Lent 1

1 Peter 3:8-22, Genesis 9:1-17, Mark 1:9-13

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... where all could see it demonstrates that God's wrath has been put aside. Epistle: 1 Peter 3:18-22 Christ is our once and for all time sacrifice for sin, offered to make us right with God. Verses 19-20 are unique in the New Testament by claiming that after his physical death, the spirit of Jesus went to Sheol, the Jewish abode of the dead, and preached repentance to the spirits of those who were destroyed during the time of Noah. With the flood imagery in mind, Peter compares the flood to Christian baptism ...

2332. Christmas Eve

Lk 2:1-20 · Isa 9:2-7 · Tit 2:11-14 · Ps 96

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... God has appeared for the salvation of all people" (v. 11). Outline: Humans tend to bestow their gifts on their own clan or kin. We also bestow gifts on those we deem deserving. God's gift of grace and love overflow to all who will claim it. Sermon Title: The Passion Of Christmas. Sermon Angle: Christians normally associate the word "passion" with the account of our Lord's suffering and death. At Christmas we also celebrate the passion of our God to save sinners and make us holy. Titus teaches that receiving ...

2333. Proper 10

Mark 6:14-29, 2 Samuel 6:1-23, Ephesians 1:1-14

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... and implications. Such was the case even in Jesus' day. The Lord's ministry caused quite a stir; everyone agreed that he was someone of great significance but the spin doctors couldn't agree. Some said he was a great prophet of long ago, others claimed that he was Elijah, and many thought that the Spirit of John had come into Jesus. King Herod, who had John killed, was of this opinion (v. 16). Besides the tractional Christian interpretation of Jesus, there have been and continue to be many different spins ...

2334. Advent 3

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Isaiah 61:1-11, John 1:19-28, John 1:1-18

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... masters of religious categories (boxes) and John didn't fit into any of them. He was the son of a priest but certainly wasn't acting in a priestly fashion. Could he be the Christ? The great Elijah who would prelude the Messiah? No, he claimed neither title. He was merely a voice crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord." He didn't fit any of their boxes. Consequently, the religious leadership likely rejected or, at best, turned a deaf ear to this haunting desert voice. Through the centuries ...

2335. Advent 4

Luke 1:26-38

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... limits even though we humans try to establish the borders across which even the Almighty cannot pass. For instance, some might say that God only works through medical technology but that he doesn't heal instantaneously through the power of prayer. Or we claim that the Lord works though one ecclesiastical structure but not another. Or we exclaim, "God will never be able to get through to that person!" Isn't it time we freed God from our rationalistic constraints? SERMON POSSIBILITIES Old Testament: 2 Samuel ...

2336. The Baptism Of Our Lord

Mk 1:4-11 · Act 19:1-7 · Acts 10:34-38 · Isa 42:1-9 · Gen 1:1-5 · Ps 29

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... the first act of God's creation. Lesson 1: Isaiah 42:1-9 This is the first servant song. Opinions vary as to the identity of the Servant. Many identify the Servant as the nation of Israel, others identify it as some individual, while still others claim that it refers to both. God has favored his Servant with his Spirit, that he might patiently bring forth justice and righteousness to the earth. The God of creation, who created light and life, has commissioned his Servant to share the light of the knowledge ...

2337. Epiphany 2

1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 1 Samuel 3:1--4:1, John 1:35-42, John 1:43-51

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... followed Jesus to his home. One of the two was Andrew, who went to call his brother Peter the very next day (vv. 35-42). Then Jesus decided to go back to Galilee, where he called Philip. Philip hurried to his brother Nathanael with the claim to have found the Messiah. Nathanael was not impressed but went with his brother to meet Jesus. In that encounter Jesus commends Nathanael's honesty. Nathanael wonders how Jesus knows him. Jesus replies that he saw him under the fig tree before his brother called ...

2338. Epiphany 5

Job 7:1-7, Isaiah 40:1-31, Mark 1:29-39, 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... : Mission Mandate: Pray Up, Then Move Out! Sermon Angle: Jesus was besieged by needy people. To recharge his spiritual batteries he engaged in regular prayer with the Father. However, he resisted the temptation to become the personal physician of one set of people. The claims of the kingdom needed to be heard in other places. The church must follow our Lord's example: Pray up and then move out. Outline: Introduction: It's important to begin the day properly. What does it take? Plenty of rest? A nutritious ...

2339. Epiphany 6

1 Corinthians 10:23--11:1, 1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Leviticus 13:1-46, 2 Kings 5:1-27, Mark 1:40-45

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... a problem, we turn to the Lord. The problem is solved, we soon forget about him. Jesus was concerned that people would want to use his wonder-working power without being converted or spiritually transformed. The healings by Christ were meant to draw attention to the claims of God's kingdom, so that persons might turn to the Lord for renewal of their minds as well as their bodies. That explains why Jesus told the healed leper not to tell anyone about his deliverance. The Lord may not mind being used but he ...

2340. Good Friday

John 19:28-37, Hebrews 10:1-18, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1-11, John 19:38-42, John 19:17-27

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... , he asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews. If true, this charge would make him guilty of treason. Jesus responds affirmatively and then adds that he was born to testify to the truth. Pilate makes his cynical query: "What is truth?" (v. 38). In effect, Jesus claims to be the king of truth and Pilate has to decide what to do with him. What would you do with the King of Truth? What have you done with him? These are the questions we need to get our congregation to deal with. Outline: 1. Pilate asked Jesus ...

2341. Proper 18

Mark 7:24-30, Mark 7:31-37, Proverbs 22:1-16, James 2:1-13

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... need more help from the clergy, according to a study by the Chicago-based Center for Ethics and Corporate Policy. These results come from a study involving 1529 participants who belong to a myriad of religious bodies. A sociology professor, Stephen Hart, claims that clergy would be smart to deal much more with work-related issues. Some participants complained that clergy don't understand very much about business and sometimes are scornful about the world of profit-making. This response turned up time and ...

2342. Proper 22

Hebrews 1:1-14, Hebrews 2:5-18, Job 2:1-10, Mark 10:13-16, Mark 10:1-12

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... and glory of his holy presence. "He is the reflection of God's glory...." Brother Jesus (v. 11). We normally speak of Jesus as Savior and Lord. It's hard for us to conceive of him as our brother, because the term connotes equality. Yet, this passage claims that Jesus became our brother through taking on our suffering, sin and death. We can call Christ brother because all those who are cleansed by the blood of Christ have one Father. Gospel: Mark 10:2-16 The Great Satan. The leaders of Iran still hold that ...

2343. Proper 28

Mk 13:1-32 · Heb 10:11-25 · 1 Sam 1:4-20 · Ps 16

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... crises that are to presage Christ's rule in power and glory. To name a few: religious breakdown (v. 2); nationalistic antagonisms (v. 8); breakdown of the family (v. 12). Day and Date (v. 32). Countless believers have gotten themselves and other people in trouble by claiming to have access to God's appointment calendar. Jesus warned that nobody knows the day or the hour of God's visitation, not even the Son. This means that instead of looking for some calendar or the clock in the Bible, we should live and ...

2344. Proper 5

2 Corinthians 4:1-18, 1 Samuel 8:1-22, Mark 3:31-35, Mark 3:20-30

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... healing. Other folks considered him to be crazy, including his family, which came to restrain him. The scribes came to find some fault with him so they might discredit this troublemaker. Jesus caused quite a buzz in the highways and marketplaces of his time. Some claimed him as king and others cursed him as Satan. How do you interpret the buzz about Jesus? Jesus in a straightjacket. Jesus' family set out to restrain Jesus; they tried to put him in a straightjacket (v. 21). Jesus was an embarrassment to his ...

2345. Proper 7

Mk 4:35-41 (5:1-20) · 2 Cor 5:14-21; 6:1-13 · 1 Sam 1:32-49 · Job 38:1-11, 16-18 · Ps 9

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... weapons of God we fight the wiles of the devil. Bowel obstruction (v. 12). Paul had been accused of restricting the Corinthians. Perhaps his teaching on sexual purity was too narrow for their liking. The apostle counters the charge with the claim that their hearts (Paul's party) have been wide open, while the hearts of the Corinthians have suffered a narrowing of affections for them. The Greek word translated affections is splangchnon, which interprets as bowel or intestines. The word translated restricted ...

2346. The Transfiguration

2 Corinthians 4:1-18, 2 Kings 2:1-18, Mark 9:2-13

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... enough. Because a thin film grows over the lens of the eye, vision gradually clouds. Because of the miracle of modern medical technology, cataracts can be removed and a new lens implanted. How wonderful it must be to see things as they really are. Paul claims that the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they do not recognize spiritual truth (v. 4). We might say that these folks have spiritual cataracts. Coming to faith in Christ removes the cataracts so that we might see ...

2347. Christmas 2

Jn 1:1-18 · Lk 2:41-51 · Eph 1:3-18 · Jer 31:7-14 · Ps 147

Sermon Aid

Russell F. Anderson

... made flesh. Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:7-14 Sermon Title: Proclaim Salvation. Sermon Angle: Jeremiah, sometimes called the weeping prophet, commands his people to praise the Lord with songs and shouts and proclaim his salvation (v. 7). We are so timid. Some claim that their faith is so personal that they couldn't possibly share it with others. Hogwash! Scripture makes clear that which we believe in our hearts will naturally be expressed with our lips. Outline: These words of hope came to a captive people ...

2348. The Lord's Righteous Shall Be A Witness To All Nations

Isaiah 62:1-12, Isaiah 61:1-11

Bulletin Aid

James Wilson

Call To Worship Leader: Let all who have known God's mercy and grace come today in praise! People: For God claimed us and made us whole even though we were sinners. Leader: Then let our witness and testimony be true and clear for all to hear! People: Praise the Lord, for it was not by our works or deeds we were saved. Leader: The power of the Almighty God has been ...

2349. If I Live To Be A Hundred

Psalm 30:4-5

Illustration

John E. Sumwalt

... time, in terms of years, seemed to slip away unnoticed, the hours of the day crept by in agonizing slowness. Time no longer meant anything to him. Schedules all belonged to the nurses and aides and family members who waited on him. He himself had no claim to time. The staff dieticians and cooks decided what he would eat, and when. The aides assigned to care for him on any given day decided when he would be bathed, dressed, shaved, and even toileted. His family decided what clothes he needed, what treats to ...

2350. Love And Friendship

1 John 4:7-21

Sermon

Mark J. Molldrem

... of doom. A contemporary hymn by James S. Tallman puts it this way: A friend is a friend who will come to his friends, Whenever in trouble he sees us. A friend is a friend who will give to his friends, From every worry relieves us. Many will come and claim to be friends, But we can be sure that it's true in the end That a friend is a friend who will die for his friends. We have a friend in Jesus!1 Jesus, who hung on the scaffold of judgment for us, who laid down his life for ...

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