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 2426 to 2450 of 4943 results

2426. Still in One Peace

Matthew 11:25-30

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... of us. But a disciple need never take a vacation from the vocation of Christ's yoke of love, sacrifice, fulfillment, and grace. Our work is our play - our identity as disciples of Christ is our rest from a world of weighty burdens, and our work for the continuing incarnation of the kingdom of God and love of Christ brings the joy of play. My own way of bringing the sitting and the stirring together is in a phrase I use to sign letters and to sign books. It brings together two biblical concepts, "Be Still ...

2427. What God Requires of Us

Micah 6:1-8

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... indignant at God's perceived slow-to-save-us attitude. Foreign kings, the powers of Assyria and Egypt, old enemies in Samaria and Edom: all were constantly threatening the continued existence of Israel. Despite repeated warnings from God's prophets and defiant infidelities from Israel's kings and priests, Israel's attitude continued to be one of injured grievousness towards God. Micah is God's mouthpiece. Micah first reminds Israel of the miraculous history she has experienced through the mighty acts of ...

2428. Stirred, Not Shaken

Hebrews 13:1-25

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... If the church is built on true foundations, it can and shall remain unshaken no matter what amount of shaking is going on in the wider culture, no matter what quakes and shakes God is doing in the world. Stirring is the job of the faithful - continuous, unfailing, untiring, stirring. In fact, at the pool of Bethesda Jesus taught that until and unless the waters are troubled or stirred, there can be no healing. Disciples of Jesus are to be stirrers, to trouble the waters with movements of grace and truth so ...

2429. A Brand New Church Out of an Old Brand

1 Corinthians 1:18--2:5

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... like Jesus? · Does it see like Jesus? · Does it hear like Jesus? · Does it touch like Jesus? · Is the spirit of Christ crucified incarnated in you as you make your choices? The continuity of spirit is the heart of any successful brand design. Each of Christ's churches is a kind of product that must successfully continue the heart of the brand that Christ bore for each of us on the cross. All those people who responded that they associated the word "Christian" with terms like hypocritical, boring, and ...

2430. Addiction Free

Psalm 30:1-12

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... to destroy people of all ages and socioeconomic groups, either directly or indirectly as the decisive factor behind so many of our fatal traffic accidents. Want to take a guess at what percentage of cigarette smokers continue to smoke even after a cancerous lung is removed? A. 15 percent B. 25 percent C. 50 percent And the answer is . . . C. 50 percent. (See Sharon Bertsch McGrayne, Blue Genes and Polyester Plants: 365 More Surprising Facts, Breakthroughs, and Discoveries [New York: John Wiley & Slons ...

2431. An Uncomfortable Comforter

Luke 11:1-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... of the Martyrs. "XU Yonghai looked around his 8-by-8-foot cell. A trained medical doctor, Yonghai was used to sanitized conditions, so what he saw was especially disgusting. There was no bathroom. Instead, there was a pipe in one corner form which water flowed continuously onto the concrete. Yonghai learned to use the water to wash human waste from his cell. He ate right there as well--guards slid his food under the door. He drank and washed himself with water from the pipe. For 2 entire years, he never ...

2432. Jedi Christians

Matthew 14:22-36

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... making our own twenty-first century responses. We're not called to follow in his wake. The risen Christ who lives today wants to make through us new waves with our faith. Jesus was not simply a good man and an outstanding moral teacher whose past actions we may continue to follow like a law. Jesus is an indwelling a living presence ready to live today and act in new and creative ways in this always changing world. We're called, less to follow in the wake of Christ than to make new waves for Christ, or more ...

2433. Straw Polls and Soul Quakes

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... section at the grocery store, or simply pick up your mail at the post office (most folks still don't get home delivery), and keep your ears open as you separate your real mail from the bulk rate junk. You will be completely informed about the state of the continuing airport squabbles, the latest flap at the building-permits office over at the county seat, and get caught up on who is looking for a new job, spouse, or place to live. Hot news is always a word-of-mouth event. Word-of-mouth is what breathes the ...

2434. The Best Places to Live

Jeremiah 29:1-23

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... into every facet of the life of this city, not rolling themselves into a miserable ball, was God's plan for his exiled people. Through practiced malleability they would ensure their continued life and faith--even if it were not a life lived in the promised land. But the most important part of the exiled peoples continued existence was that even though they must adjust their outside living conditions, their inner life, their faith and faithfulness, was to remain untouched, intact, and vital. God's directive ...

2435. The Ultimate Happy Meal

Matthew 14:13-21

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... took the form of eating? Can we forget that the first consequence of disobedience was that raising crops for food became laborious, even painful? Can we forget that Esau traded his birthright, and forfeited his future for a pot of soup? We're creatures who continue to think and act and even pray with our stomach as much as with our hearts and minds and spirits. One of Christianity's greatest 20th century leaders, Dorothy Day, reflected once on the importance of food in the Old Testament: Adam raised food ...

2436. The King Who Died

Luke 23:26-43

Sermon

King Duncan

... loaded with #8 bird shot, hardly big enough to stop a Black Lab. The dog stops for a moment, slightly confused, then continues on. Another shot, and this time the dog, still standing, becomes really confused and of course terrified, thinks these two geniuses have gone ... insane. The dog takes off to find cover, under the brand new Navigator. The men continue to scream as they run. The red hot exhaust pipe on the truck touches the dog’s rear end, he yelps, drops ...

2437. Christianity's First Sermon

Luke 23:26-43

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... reciprocity of love, Truth and I. It was hard at first, I wanted the control, I wanted the power, I wanted to be safe and comforted with truth (small t) but now I place my faith in my great Romancer, who is Truth, who has all control and power. Truth, continue to ravish me. Thrash my pride and arrogance to the ground. Truth, Who can box you in? Who can control you? No one!!!! Burn away what is not of You, Help me to Love you Truth ...

2438. I've Got Your Back Covered

Revelation 22:1-6

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... only moments at a time. Worldly peace is enforced by the threat of the sword. Jesus promised his peace to all who loved and obeyed him, a peace that comes from the vital indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a peace that comes from the confidence of the continual presence of the Paraclete. Genuine peace is available to those who know that we're never alone, never abandoned, never at the mercy of the world's whims and wickedness. The powerful presence of the Paraclete enables us to live our lives to the fullest, to ...

2439. The Four Marks of Failure

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... true mission--to bring good news to the poor--the crowds around him began to get itchy ears. His message seemed unfavorable to those who were well-heeled, well-schooled, and well-accepted. As Jesus continued to declare his intention to release the captives and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, his message continued to prick consciences and probe life-styles. Although at the end of his pronouncement Luke notes in verse 22 that "All spoke well of him," the next time Jesus opened his mouth this same crowd ...

2440. Innercizing Your Shopping List

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... he must help them achieve a heart which is blameless. We're all like the Thessalonian Christians this morning. We have started on a faith-journey. It's that very start that whets our appetite to learn more, to make up for what is lacking, to continue and complete our discipleship. What they lack is what many of us lack but would like to have: the experience and maturity of a faith lived solely for God, a faith lived rapturously that pleases God and God alone. In fact, despite the fact that Paul apparently ...

2441. A Personal Testimony

Luke 2:1-7

Sermon

Russell N. Gallimore

... great joy which will come to all the people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.’ Each of us looked at the other in amazement and wondered if the angel knew what he were talking about, when he continued: ‘Now listen to me, men: this shall be a sign for you Look! Yonder in the East...there in the East is a brightly shining star; follow that star and you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ He had no more than finished ...

2442. A Personal Testimony

Luke 2:1-7

Drama

Russell N. Gallimore

... great joy which will come to all the people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.’ Each of us looked at the other in amazement and wondered if the angel knew what he were talking about, when he continued: ‘Now listen to me, men: this shall be a sign for you--Look! Yonder in the East...there in the East is a brightly shining star; follow that star and you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ He had no more than finished ...

2443. What Happened to the Leftovers?

John 6:1-15

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... do with the leftovers. Jesus was and is a gracious host and gracious hosts have a way of making guests feel like family. My favorite party hosts are the ones who insist on sending leftovers home with me. It is as if they want the party and fellowship to continue after we've parted. (Truly gifted hosts can even make you feel you're doing them a favor by removing this burden of excess.) I know such friends truly care for me when they want to nourish and sustain me even after I've left their presence. Jesus is ...

2444. Are You Running?

John 12:12-19

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... and liberal reformers alike, the presence of a dictator seems to offer a straightforward, cause-and-effect reason for the problems that plague any one country. We gladly invest in the notion that if you depose the dictator, you solve the problem. Although our military leaders continue to caution us that stabilizing the Iraqi nation will take years, most of us can't help but think that if we can just "decapitate" the evil dictator we will win the war. But it's not true. The ultimate evil is expressed not in ...

2445. The World's Best Hearing Aid

Mark 9:2-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered. By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth. "The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend. How great is the love of God that he ...

2446. The Oneness of Twoness

Romans 14:1--15:13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

... We read this morning of Paul preaching to riled up Romans wrangling about issues of food and dietary disciplines. Diatribes had been taken to a fever-pitch of insults and harangues. Much of this food-fight is a cover for a deeper divide—-the continuing rift that sets apart Jew from Gentile. Paul pulls these quarreling factions away from each other’s throats by reminding them to “welcome one another . . . just as Christ has welcomed you” (v.7). Paul’s counsel that “we who are strong ought to put ...

2447. Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry

1 Corinthians 9:1-27

Sermon

James McCormick

... , not real ice cream lovers. I say all of this not to prepare you for some radical changes we intend to make. No, we will probably keep on doing much of what we have been doing. Most of our congregation is fairly traditional, so most of what we do will continue to be traditional. I say all of this to explain why we at least attempt to do a variety of things and embrace a variety of styles. You don’t have to like everything we do. But can you feel good about trying to provide a welcoming atmosphere where ...

2448. If We Had Known It Was You

Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon

James McCormick

... on her and invited her in to rest. She looked as if she had not had much to eat in awhile, so he gave her the food he had prepared for Christ. The woman found new strength and encouragement in Conrad’s shop and she thanked him before continuing her journey. He waited throughout the remaining afternoon, but no one else came. Just as night was falling, a lost child came wandering into his shop. Conrad struggled with what to do. If he left, he might miss the visitation. But the child was frightened, and he ...

2449. Be Kind

Ephesians 4:17--5:21

Sermon

James McCormick

... It’s not the shortest way,” I answered quickly. “O, I don’t mind,” she said. “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice.” I looked in the rear view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. “I don’t have any family left,” she continued. “The doctor says I don’t have very long.” I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. “What route would you like me to take?” I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as ...

2450. Lord, Teach Us How to Pray

Luke 11:1-13

Sermon

James McCormick

... other people I admired and respected were people of prayer. I saw what it produced in their lives. I wanted to be in touch with whatever it was that produced such strength, beauty, and authenticity in their lives. So, I continued to pray. And I am convinced that continuous, meaningful contact with God must grow out of a regular, disciplined time set aside for God’s exclusive use. Understand that such time in God’s presence is not optional; it is essential for the life of faith. Using Brother Lawrence ...

Showing results

Showing 2426 to 2450 of 4943 results

2426. Still in One Peace

Matthew 11:25-30

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2427. What God Requires of Us

Micah 6:1-8

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2428. Stirred, Not Shaken

Hebrews 13:1-25

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2429. A Brand New Church Out of an Old Brand

1 Corinthians 1:18--2:5

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2430. Addiction Free

Psalm 30:1-12

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2431. An Uncomfortable Comforter

Luke 11:1-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2432. Jedi Christians

Matthew 14:22-36

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2433. Straw Polls and Soul Quakes

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2434. The Best Places to Live

Jeremiah 29:1-23

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2435. The Ultimate Happy Meal

Matthew 14:13-21

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2436. The King Who Died

Luke 23:26-43

Sermon

King Duncan

2437. Christianity's First Sermon

Luke 23:26-43

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2438. I've Got Your Back Covered

Revelation 22:1-6

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2439. The Four Marks of Failure

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2440. Innercizing Your Shopping List

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2441. A Personal Testimony

Luke 2:1-7

Sermon

Russell N. Gallimore

2442. A Personal Testimony

Luke 2:1-7

Drama

Russell N. Gallimore

... great joy which will come to all the people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.’ Each of us looked at the other in amazement and wondered if the angel knew what he were talking about, when he continued: ‘Now listen to me, men: this shall be a sign for you--Look! Yonder in the East...there in the East is a brightly shining star; follow that star and you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ He had no more than finished ...

2443. What Happened to the Leftovers?

John 6:1-15

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2444. Are You Running?

John 12:12-19

Sermon

Leonard Sweet

2445. The World's Best Hearing Aid

Mark 9:2-13

Sermon

Leonard Sweet