Isaiah 25:1-12, Mark 16:1-20, 1 Corinthians 15:12-34, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-9
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... a feast v. 6. b. It is a victory v. 7. c. It is salvation v. 9. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 1. A personal Easter experience (15:3-10). Need: Easter can be only a matter of history, of what happened to others: Cephas, the disciples, apostles, James, Paul and a group of 500. As we go through the pages of church history, many many others could be added to the list. But, the Easter resurrection must become a contemporary personal experience. Jesus intended this, for in today's gospel an angel instructed the ...
... religions are getting a foothold in America, a once solidly Christian nation. Pluralism bases its tolerance on the position that one religion is as good as the next, and each religion is a way to God. This passage runs counter to this pluralistic view. Was the apostle Peter narrow, bigoted and unreasonable? Outline: Why the church claims Christ is the only way – a. The Holy Spirit spoke through Peter v. 8. b. Christ alone died for the sins of the world v. 10. c. Christ alone rose from the dead v. 10. 2 ...
Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 104:1-35, Acts 2:1-13, Acts 2:14-41, John 15:18--16:4, John 16:5-16
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... a dual nature: body and soul. In the creation of Adam, God made him physically and then breathed his Spirit into him, and he became a living soul. Epistle: Acts 2:1-21 1. Together (v. 1). The Holy Spirit comes as a communal experience. The apostles were assembled in Jerusalem. They were together in their desire for the Spirit. They were together in prayer and in faith in Christ as Lord. Together they were hoping for the Spirit. The Spirit is a gathering force, and he comes when believers are in unanimity ...
Isaiah 40:1-31, 1 Corinthians 9:1-27, Mark 1:29-34, Mark 1:35-39
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... to Satan and sin. In the end there is the woe of God's judgment upon those who fail to obey. 3. Charge (v. 18). Paul's honorarium for preaching was the privilege of not charging for his services. He was criticized and accused of not being a true apostle because he did not charge. He was entitled to be paid for his work. All other preachers accepted a salary. God makes no charge for the beauty of creation, for the food that he grows, for his protection from evil, and for his deliverance from evil. To this ...
Isaiah 43:14-28, Mark 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 1:12--2:4
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... of their unworthy worship. Nevertheless, Yahweh will forgive his people and restore them to Jerusalem. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 In this passage Paul is dealing with the Corinthians' charge against him that he was inconsistent and thus he was not a true apostle. Paul explains that he had a change in travel plans that excluded Corinth, even though he had planned and promised to come. However, this has nothing to do with the truth of the gospel he preached nor the truthfulness and faithfulness of God. He ...
Mark 2:18-22, 2 Corinthians 2:12--3:6, Psalm 103:1-22, Hosea 2:2-23
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... We are familiar with letters: personal, love, business, recommendation. Paul in this passage deals with letters of recommendation which his opponents used to get opportunities to preach. Since Paul did not use or need these letters, he was accused of not being a genuine apostle. For him, his people in Corinth were his letters of recommendation and at the same time his people were letters to Christ. Who and what you are say things to others. Your life is a letter. The medium is the message. Outline: You are ...
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, John 6:25-59, Ephesians 4:1-16
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... Lord. What we do against our brothers and sisters is against the Lord, not only against a human. Epistle: Ephesians 4:1-16 1. Prisoner (v. 1). Paul identifies himself here as a prisoner of Christ. At other times he referred to himself as a servant, apostle, ambassador and spokesman. To be a prisoner of Christ is to suffer for him. When we are zealous Christians, we will be subject to the opposition and persecution of the enemy, Satan. The test of a true Christian is the suffering he experiences in living ...
John 6:25-59, 1 Kings 2:1-12, 1 Kings 3:1-15, Ephesians 4:17--5:21
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... , how do you explain wars, crime, corruption and terrorism in the world? The days are evil and thus it is a challenge of the church to proclaim the Word to bring all people to repentance that evil may be suppressed. 3. Drunk (v. 18). On Pentecost the apostles were accused of being drunk with wine. Paul directs that his people should not get drunk with alcoholic beverages. Rather, we are to be drunk with the Spirit, not with spirits! To be drunk is to be saturated with the drink to the point that you carouse ...
Mark 3:20-30, 1 Samuel 8:1-22, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18, Mark 3:31-35
Sermon Aid
John R. Brokhoff
... . But, in the text we learn that Jesus' family thought he had gone out of his mind. If anyone would understand Jesus, you would think religious leaders would, for Jesus was a religious man dedicated to God. But, the scribes claimed Jesus was an apostle of Beelzebub and possessed a demon. Though the text does not say so, even Jesus' disciples did not understand Jesus: Caesarea Philippi, transfiguration, Gethsemane. If this point is to be included, a dual text would be in order. Outline: Consider the world's ...
2435. Servants of the Most High
Jn 15:1-8; Rom 7:7-8:2
Illustration
Brett Blair
... version of this starry eyed optimism, his song Imagine. Even as the best of Christians, we struggle with sin: revenge, hatred, lying, sexual desires. Paul understood the struggle. What he wanted to do, he did not do. What he did not want to do, he did. The great Apostle lived with the same tensions as you and me. Now I'm going to say something controversial. Here it is: When we become Christians we do not lose our sinful nature. That's what I hear Paul saying in Romans 7. So, where do we find the freedom ...
... had provided him with plenty of biblical examples of the Israelites as God’s children, Old Testament scripture does not speak of “adoption.” It is from Paul’s knowledge of Greek, and especially of Roman laws and traditions, that the apostle adopts this notion of adoption and adapts it to the Christian condition. Roman law strictly spelled out the equal status of adopted children with biological children. In matters of rights and inheritance, there was no distinction made between the two. Adopted ...
2437. Born Again
John 3:1-21
Illustration
Brett Blair
... , that woman, this old man, this young child has been changed, fundamentally. But, Darwin has no theories to explain this evolution. The changes that take place in us do not come from this world and our effort. I cannot change. But what Mark the columnist does not understand Paul the apostle does. When the Spirit breaths new life in us it is no longer I who live, but Christ, who lives in me.
The Vatican recently designated the Cathedral of Saint Paul (St. Paul, Minnesota) to be the first national shrine in honor of the Apostle Paul in the State of Minnesota and the only national shrine in North America dedicated to honor Saint Paul. What took the Vatican so long to memorialize Paul in the US? Paul himself might be part of the problem. You might call Paul a mono-maniac. He was a maniacal ...
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, Psalm 48:1-14, Mark 6:1-6, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Eulogy
B. David Hostetter
READINGS Psalter—Psalm 48:1 First Lesson—David becomes king of all the tribes of Israel at Hebron. 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul shares with some reticence a mystical experience of Paradise. 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Gospel—Jesus faces hometown skepticism and opposition, proceeding to share his spiritual power with disciples. Mark 6:1-13 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: ...
2 Samuel 7:1-17, Psalm 89:1-52, Mark 6:30-34, Ephesians 2:11-22
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... eternal Parent. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING From what diversity of humanity you build your church, Divine Builder! With what grace you inhabit this temple, making it holy by your presence within this human dwelling! We celebrate our foundation on apostles and prophets and especially the keystone, Jesus Christ! His cross mounted on the highest steeple cannot do justice to the miracle of reconciliation accomplished by your covenant mercies. We exalt your name, One God, Architect, Builder, Inhabiting Spirit ...
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Psalm 130:1-8, John 6:25, 41-51, Ephesians 4:25–5:2
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
READINGS Psalter—Psalm 130 First Lesson—King David mourns the murder of his rebellious son, Absalom. 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul mentions some daily specifics of morality that should reflect Christian faith. Ephesians 4:25–5:2 Gospel—The messianic claim of Jesus is expressed in the metaphor of heavenly manna. John 6:35, 41-51 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you ...
READINGS Psalter—Psalm 84 First Lesson—Solomon prays solemnly when the ark of the covenant is brought into the inner sanctuary of the newly built temple. 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul compares our spiritual struggles to a soldier’s duty. Ephesians 6:10-20 Gospel—The sacramental significance of the death of Jesus Christ is taught by him and recorded by John. John 6:56-69 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you ...
1 Samuel 8:1-22, Psalm 138:1-8, Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
READINGS Psalter—Psalm 138:1 First Lesson—Samuel warns the elders of Israel that there are drawbacks to having a human king. 1 Samuel 8:4-20 (11:14-15) Second Lesson—The apostle Paul speaks of a heavenly kingdom beyond death. 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1 Gospel—The family of God is marked by faith in Jesus and the work he was called to do. Mark 3:20-35 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with ...
Mark 4:35-41, 1 Samuel 17:1-58, Psalm 9:1-20, Psalm 133:1-3, 2 Corinthians 6:3-13
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... treat him as a prince and take him to the palace. 1 Samuel 17:57–18:5 [AND] Psalm 133:1 First Lesson—David and Goliath fight as champions for the Israelites and the Philistines. 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul outlines some of the difficulties faced in his ministry and the resources brought to bear in dealing with them. 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 Gospel - Jesus has quite different power than his human ancestor King David. Mark 4:35-41 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of ...
Psalm 22:1-31, John 15:1-8, Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... the imperfect, grant a continuance in health to those who are well and healing and recovery to those who are sick. Hear us as we name in our hearts those whose illness and injury are on our minds. Continue to provide gifts of healing to your church that as the apostles healed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth so today also the lame will walk and deaf hear and the mute speak to give praise to your holy name. In the congregation may the sick call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them ...
Mark 1:1-8, Psalm 85:1-13, Isaiah 40:1-31, 2 Peter 3:1-18
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... by people from all earth’s cities and countrysides. Amen PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Saving God, loving Christ, baptizing Spirit, hear our thanksgiving for all who have paved the way for your good news to reach us. We admire the bold preaching of the prophets and apostles. We appreciate the work of scholars and translators in preparing a written text for us to read. We are grateful for the printers and binders who make Bibles for us and for all who help us to read and understand the Word of God written ...
Psalm 96:1-13, Isaiah 9:1-7, Luke 2:1-14, (15-20), Titus 2:1-15
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... , in adoration, in attentiveness, in anticipation of your directions. Receive us in this solemn moment, and in such times of silence as we find for you in the days to come. Amen PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND COMMEMORATION Almighty and ever-living God, by your apostle you taught us to pray not only for ourselves but for others, and to give thanks for all of life. Heavenly Parent of all Fathers and Mothers and Families: guard the laughter of children and their playfulness. Bring them safely through injury and ...
Psalm 133:1-3, John 20:19-31, Acts 4:32-37, 1 John 1:1–2:2
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
... PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of all worlds, Easter Victor, Victorious Spirit, though we are declared to be victors over the godless world, we often feel doubtful and defeated. We are too prone to go by our feelings and not to accept the witness of the apostles, believing his victory to be our victory over sin and death. Victorious Spirit, overcome our doubts and fears as we read and hear the apostolic witness. Increase our love as well, for we need to love others who are not as lovable as Jesus Christ. Amen ...
Psalm 149:1-9, Daniel 7:1-3, 15-28, Luke 6:20-31, Ephesians 1:11-23
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
READINGS Psalter—Psalm 149 First Lesson—Despite visions of terror the prophet also had dreams of an eternal kingdom for the people of God. Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Second Lesson—The apostle Paul celebrates our inheritance of glory with the royal Jesus. Ephesians 1:11-23 Gospel—Luke records the woes of Jesus declared against the rich as well as blessings for the poor. Luke 6:20-31 CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you ...
Psalm 118:1-29, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26
Bulletin Aid
B. David Hostetter
READINGS Psalter—Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 First Lesson—Here is an early outline of Peter’s sermon, the heart of the Gospel which will be preached to the ends of the earth. Acts 10:34-43 Second Lesson—The Apostle makes it clear that the resurrection of Jesus to life after death is the heart of Christian faith. 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 [or Acts 10:34-43] Gospel—The dearest friends of Jesus discover the empty tomb and Mary Magdalene actually meets the risen Christ. John 20:1-18 [ ...