Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: successful, effectual, efficacious, productive, constructive, fruitful, functional, potent, powerful, convincing, compelling, strong, forceful, forcible, weighty, plausible, sound, valid, well founded, telling, operative, in force, in effect, in operation, official, signed and sealed, virtual, practical, essential, actual, implied, implicit, unacknowledged, tacit

Antonyms: ineffective, weak, invalid, theoretical, ineffectual, useless, inefficient, worthless, unproductive, futile, unsuccessful, fruitless, impotent, inadequate, incompetent, abortive, vain, powerless, pointless, inept, unavailing, inefficacious, unable, incapable

Showing 1 to 50 of 410 results

1. A Strong Woman

Matthew 15: (1-10) 21-28

Illustration

A strong woman works out every day ... her soul in shape. A strong woman isn't afraid of ... the midst of fear. A strong woman won't let anyone ... of her to everyone. A strong woman walks sure-footedly, but ... her when she falls. A strong woman wears the look of ... of strength wears grace. A strong woman has faith that she ... is strong enough for the journey, but ... the journey she will become strong.

2. The Strong Timber Is Tested

Matthew 4:1-11

Illustration

Lee Griess

... ," he said, "but I need strong timber and it grows only ... of temptation we would grow strong and live on a higher ... level — strong to resist the devil's ... urging, strong to serve God, and strong as we stand ...

3. The Grip of Strong Currents

Illustration

Michael P. Green

... one direction in spite of strong winds blowing in the opposite ... caught in the grip of strong currents that moved them in ... Christian life, no matter how strongly the winds of passing opinion ...

4. The Strong, Saving Love

Mark 12:28-34

Illustration

Cathy A. Ammlung

... ones who desperately need the strong saving love, the compassion and ...

5. Strong Enough to Be Gentle

Illustration

... a powerful virtue. The slogan "strong enough to be gentle" comes ...

6. A Strong Bundle of Christians

Illustration

Michael P. Green

A man asked his young son to break a bundle of sticks. He returned a little later to find the lad frustrated in the task. He had raised the bundle high and smashed it on his knee, but he only bruised his knee. He had set the bundle against a wall and stomped hard with his foot, but the bundle barely bent. The father took the bundle from the child and untied it. Then he began to break the sticks easily—one at a time. So it is with the church: united we are strong, divided we can fail or be broken.

7. Old Adam Too Strong

Illustration

Michael P. Green

Young Philipp Melanchthon, colleague of Martin Luther, once wrote to Luther worried about his personal struggles, and said, “Old Adam is too strong for young Philipp.”

8. Faith Needs Daily Exercise

Luke 17:5-10

Illustration

Charles Kirkpatrick

... my hands just weren't strong enough to hold the jar ... every day to make it strong. Sometimes we say that we ... . That isn't a very strong faith, is it? Jesus told ... them. Now, that is a strong faith, isn't it? I ... each and every day. How strong is your faith? Does it ...

9. Born to Play This Game

Matt 10:1-4; Mark 13:13-19

Illustration

Brett Blair & Stephen Brown

During the 1980 Olympics, almost everyone expected that the Russian ice hockey team would defeat the United States team. Russia had won game after game against some of the finest professional teams in the world, and the amateurs from the United States didn’t seem to have a chance. The only thing uncertain was how big the Russian win would be. The United States’ victory is recalled by many as one of the most exciting in American sports history. But most people don’t know the words spoken to the United ...

10. Jesus Brings Life

Mark 5:21-43

Illustration

Will Willimon

... story is another face, the strong, live-giving face of Jesus ... and bringing life. Hear his strong voice speaking over the laments ... . "Get up!" His voice is strong, commanding, vital. "Get up!" You ... hear his other voice, that strong, shattering, enlivening voice. Evoking "fear ...

11. Lovejoy's Martyrdom

Illustration

Brett Blair & Paul Simon

That great American hero, editor, school teacher, and Presbyterian clergyman Elijah Lovejoy left the pulpit and returned to the press in order to be sure his words reached more people. The Civil War might have been averted and a peaceful emancipation of slaves achieved had there been more like him. After observing one lynching, Lovejoy was committed forever to fighting uncompromisingly the awful sin of slavery. Mob action was brought against him time after time; neither this nor many threats and attempts ...

12. Getting Back to Work

Luke 17:1-10

Illustration

Brett Blair

... work, to make this economy strong again, to invest in the ...

13. A Letter to Donatus

Mark 8:36-38; 2 Cor 11:16-33

Illustration

Saint Cyprian

... figure during his lifetime, his strong pastoral skills, firm conduct during ...

14. The Power Of God

Philippians 4:13

Illustration

Brett Blair

Linda Down discovered real power and she needed it. She had dealt with the limitations of cerebral palsy all her life. One day, she got this crazy idea of running the New York Marathon. But Linda walked with difficulty, so running seemed out of the question? She used Canadian canes with arm clamps to steady her arms. On top of this she was 25 pounds overweight and jobless. In a state of depression, she began reading in the scriptures about the power of God at work in people's lives. She read Phil. 4:13, "I ...

15. Philosophers and Pessimists

Luke 20:27-38

Illustration

Brett Blair

When it comes to talking about the hereafter, I like the words of St Paul: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, What God has prepared for those who love him." Resurrection is not some natural right that we are given. It is a remarkable gift from the grace of God. Gratis! Some Greek philosophers believed that we are, by nature, immortal spirits. The human body and life on earth are but crude prisons that we endure like caged eagles. For them immortality is our right, which is restored ...

16. Good Actions

Matthew 10:40-42

Illustration

King Duncan

Baron de Rothschild was one of the richest men who ever lived. Legend has it that the Baron once posed before an artist as a beggar. While the artist, Ary Scheffer, was painting him, the financier sat before him in rags and tatters holding a tin cup. A friend of the artist entered, and the baron was so well disguised that he was not recognized. Thinking he was really a beggar, the visitor dropped a coin into the cup. Ten years later, the man who gave the coin to Rothschild received a letter containing a ...

17. Why Forgive?

Matthew 18:21-35

Illustration

Randall H. Perry

Back in 1981 there was an attempt on the life of Pope John Paul. Fortunately, the Pope lived. After he recovered, he shocked the world when he made a visit to Rome's Rabbibia Prison to see the man who had attempted to assassinate him on Christmas day. Millions watched on television as the Pope visited with Mehmet Ali Agca, who only two years before had tried to assassinate him. The white-robed Pope and jean-clad terrorist huddled in the dark prison cell for 20 minutes, talking in low voices that could not ...

18. Making Your Mark

Mt 23:1-12

Illustration

King Duncan

A legend during the classic time of Greece tells of a terrible thing happened in one of the temples. One night the statue of Zeus was mysteriously smashed and desecrated. A tremendous uproar arose among the inhabitants. They feared the vengeance of the gods. The town crier walked the city streets commanding the criminal to appear without delay before the Elders to receive his just punishment. The perpetrator naturally had no desire to give himself up. In fact, a week later another statue of a god was ...

19. Believing Important Messages

Luke 1:39-56

Illustration

Brett Blair

On January 23, 1909, a small invention played a crucial role in the lives of 1500 people. The New York-bound ocean liner the "Florida" rammed into the "Republic." Jack Binns, the Republic's new wireless radio man, reassembled his contraption which had been destroyed in the collision. He sent out distress calls for the next 12 hours until the crew and passengers were rescued in the dawn light of Sunday morning. Only a few died. Jack Binns became a national hero. He was given a ticker tape parade. Songs were ...

20. Absolute Devotion

Luke 14:25-35

Illustration

James Merritt

... certain city. It was a strongly fortified walled city. Alexander approached ... thick enough and no defense strong enough to protect themselves against ...

21. When I Say I Am a Christian

Luke 15:1-32

Illustration

James W. Moore

... some people because she felt strongly that being judgmental is a ... 'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I ...

22. The Can’t Help Its

John 1:29-42

Illustration

James W. Moore

... , that I've got a strong case of the "can't ... Andrew. He, too, had a strong case of the "can't ...

23. Dance the Offering Forward

John 1:29-42

Illustration

James W. Moore

... to God that strongly? Do you have a strong case of the ...

24. Laws of the Lighthouse

Romans 8:38-39

Illustration

Staff

In U.S. Navel Institute Proceedings, the magazine of the Naval Institute, Frank Koch illustrates the importance of obeying the Laws of the Lighthouse. Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. I was serving on the lead battleship and was on watch on the bridge as night fell. The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities. Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing ...

25. The Gate of Hell

Illustration

Dante Alighieri

Dante's Inscription above the Gate of Hell: I am the way into the city of woe. I am the way to a forsaken people. I am the way to eternal sorrow. Sacred justice moved my architect. I was raised here by divine omnipotence, Primordial love and ultimate intelligence. Only those elements time cannot wear Were made before me, and beyond time I stand. Abandon all hope ye who enter here. Note: "Sacred justice moved my architect." means: He who built me was motivated by a love of justice.

26. Content with the Customs

Illustration

Staff

From the rule of St. Benedict, Sixth Century A.D.: "If any pilgrim monk come from distant parts, with wish as a guest to dwell in the monastery, and will be content with the customs which he finds in the place, and do not perchance by his lavishness disturb the monastery, but is simply content with what he finds, he shall be received, for as long a time as he desires. If, indeed, he find fault with anything, or expose it, reasonably, and with the humility of charity, the Abbot shall discuss it prudently, ...

27. The Betts' Violin

Mt 13:44-46

Illustration

Brett Blair

The Betts' Violin was bought by Mr. Betts' in his violin store for one Guinea. There is a legend around the purchase which paints a dramatic story line. THE LEGEND One foggy night in London, many years ago, a ragged unkempt man shuffled into a little music shop, owned by a Mr. Arthur Betts. Clutched under the man's arm was a violin. "Will you buy this old violin from me?" the man muttered. I'm starving. I need money to buy something to eat." "Well, I already have several violins," Mr. Betts replied. "But I ...

28. Parched Christians

Illustration

John H. Morgan

... dry. They bring no refreshment. Strong spiritual lives require both a ... strong knowledge of the Word of ...

29. Scientific Materialism

Illustration

Charles Lindbergh

I “grew up as a disciple of science. I know its fascination. I have felt the godlike power man derives from his machines... [but I have] seen the science I worshiped, and the aircraft I loved, destroying the civilization I expected them to serve . . . We are in the grip of a scientific materialism, caught in a vicious cycle where our security today seems to depend on regimentation and weapons which will ruin us tomorrow . . . Unless science is controlled by a greater moral force, it will become the ...

30. Family Plot

Illustration

Editor James S. Hewett

President Franklin D. Roosevelt got tired of smiling that big smile and saying the usual things at all those White House receptions. So, one evening he decided to find out whether anybody was paying attention to what he was saying. As each person came up to him with extended hand, he flashed that big smile and said, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." People would automatically respond with comments such as "How lovely!" or "Just continue with your great work!" Nobody listened to what he was saying, ...

31. Specifications for a Husband

Illustration

Ruth Bell Graham

... family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough ... thoughtful. His arms must be strong enough to carry a little ...

32. If I Had Been There

Jn 20:1-18; Mk 15:21-32

Illustration

Brett Blair

I read this story the other day and it seemed to me to come up short. It's about the slow conversion and baptism of Clovis I, the King of France. A really significant event for the Western world. Listen to it: In 496 Remigius was Bishop of Reims. He became known as the "Apostle of the Franks." He was about to convert the king of France to Christianity. What was about to happen was significant. It turned all of Europe to Christianity. But there was a problem. His discipleship was a slow transformation. King ...

33. What Law is Operating Here?

Illustration

John Killinger

... a sermon. In fact, we strongly advise against it, but we ...

34. We Interrupt This Service

John 1:1-18

Illustration

Brett Blair

... Sunday, your wings catching the strong breeze of the Spirit carrying ...

35. The Irresistible Influence Of The Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-41

Illustration

James W. Moore

... of iron, which was very strong and very hard. Many attempts ...

36. No Grave Deep Enough

John 20:1-23

Illustration

James W. Moore

... stone heavy enough, no evil strong enough to keep Christ in ...

37. Christ Is Risen

John 20:1-18

Illustration

Brett Blair

... hold Him longer; Death is strong, but Life is stronger; Stronger ...

38. Regret & Comfort

John 14:1-14; 1 Cor 15:8-9

Illustration

J. Ellsworth Kalas

... regret. His regret was so strong that it surfaced in the ...

39. Obedience

John 14:15-31

Illustration

Erma Bombeck

... body, the bonds of a strong marriage, the inward confidence that ...

40. True Communication

Acts 2:1-41

Illustration

Will Willimon

... to be deleterious. We therefore strongly urge you to cease such ...

41. The Most Important Job in the World

2 Timothy 1:5

Illustration

James W. Moore

... let them know that you strongly value what you do and ...

42. Built Upon Love

Matthew 7:24-29

Illustration

Brett Blair

... all away. Hard rain and strong winds: it blew and beat ...

43. All Our Strength

Matthew 11:25-30

Illustration

Donald M. Tuttle

... that we have to be strong and independent. It tells us ...

44. Mr. Macho & Forty Days of Love

Mk 9:2-9

Illustration

King Duncan

... to hunt and fish, a strong self-made man." The man ...

45. The Comfort of Bread

John 6:1-21

Illustration

Eric Ritz

... this word. The word evokes strong emotions like security, fellowship, the ...

46. What Would You Have Given the Prodigal Son?

Luke 15:11-32

Illustration

... , but it's a very strong network that I call "quality ...

47. Our Harbor Master

John 16:12-15

Illustration

James Merritt

... they flow in and how strong they are. When that harbor ...

48. Knowing Our Business

Luke 14:25-35

Illustration

David E. Leininger

... met. He was a good, strong man, a pioneer, a rancher ...

49. Captured by the Spirit of Christ

Jn 1:29-42

Illustration

King Duncan

... to be sure. He had strong convictions. He was well brought ...

50. A Drink of Water to a Thirsty Soul

John 5:16-30; Mark 5:21-43

Illustration

James W. Moore

... Sunday this illustration offers some strong tie-ins for a conclusion ...

Showing results

Showing 1 to 50 of 410 results

1. A Strong Woman

Matthew 15: (1-10) 21-28

Illustration

2. The Strong Timber Is Tested

Matthew 4:1-11

Illustration

Lee Griess

3. The Grip of Strong Currents

Illustration

Michael P. Green

4. The Strong, Saving Love

Mark 12:28-34

Illustration

Cathy A. Ammlung

... ones who desperately need the strong saving love, the compassion and ...

5. Strong Enough to Be Gentle

Illustration

... a powerful virtue. The slogan "strong enough to be gentle" comes ...

6. A Strong Bundle of Christians

Illustration

Michael P. Green

7. Old Adam Too Strong

Illustration

Michael P. Green

Young Philipp Melanchthon, colleague of Martin Luther, once wrote to Luther worried about his personal struggles, and said, “Old Adam is too strong for young Philipp.”

8. Faith Needs Daily Exercise

Luke 17:5-10

Illustration

Charles Kirkpatrick

9. Born to Play This Game

Matt 10:1-4; Mark 13:13-19

Illustration

Brett Blair & Stephen Brown

10. Jesus Brings Life

Mark 5:21-43

Illustration

Will Willimon

11. Lovejoy's Martyrdom

Illustration

Brett Blair & Paul Simon

12. Getting Back to Work

Luke 17:1-10

Illustration

Brett Blair

... work, to make this economy strong again, to invest in the ...

13. A Letter to Donatus

Mark 8:36-38; 2 Cor 11:16-33

Illustration

Saint Cyprian

... figure during his lifetime, his strong pastoral skills, firm conduct during ...

14. The Power Of God

Philippians 4:13

Illustration

Brett Blair

15. Philosophers and Pessimists

Luke 20:27-38

Illustration

Brett Blair

16. Good Actions

Matthew 10:40-42

Illustration

King Duncan

17. Why Forgive?

Matthew 18:21-35

Illustration

Randall H. Perry

18. Making Your Mark

Mt 23:1-12

Illustration

King Duncan

19. Believing Important Messages

Luke 1:39-56

Illustration

Brett Blair

20. Absolute Devotion

Luke 14:25-35

Illustration

James Merritt

... certain city. It was a strongly fortified walled city. Alexander approached ... thick enough and no defense strong enough to protect themselves against ...

21. When I Say I Am a Christian

Luke 15:1-32

Illustration

James W. Moore

... some people because she felt strongly that being judgmental is a ... 'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I ...

22. The Can’t Help Its

John 1:29-42

Illustration

James W. Moore

... , that I've got a strong case of the "can't ... Andrew. He, too, had a strong case of the "can't ...

23. Dance the Offering Forward

John 1:29-42

Illustration

James W. Moore

... to God that strongly? Do you have a strong case of the ...

24. Laws of the Lighthouse

Romans 8:38-39

Illustration

Staff

25. The Gate of Hell

Illustration

Dante Alighieri

26. Content with the Customs

Illustration

Staff

27. The Betts' Violin

Mt 13:44-46

Illustration

Brett Blair

28. Parched Christians

Illustration

John H. Morgan

... dry. They bring no refreshment. Strong spiritual lives require both a ... strong knowledge of the Word of ...

29. Scientific Materialism

Illustration

Charles Lindbergh

30. Family Plot

Illustration

Editor James S. Hewett

31. Specifications for a Husband

Illustration

Ruth Bell Graham

... family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough ... thoughtful. His arms must be strong enough to carry a little ...

32. If I Had Been There

Jn 20:1-18; Mk 15:21-32

Illustration

Brett Blair

33. What Law is Operating Here?

Illustration

John Killinger

... a sermon. In fact, we strongly advise against it, but we ...

34. We Interrupt This Service

John 1:1-18

Illustration

Brett Blair

... Sunday, your wings catching the strong breeze of the Spirit carrying ...

35. The Irresistible Influence Of The Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-41

Illustration

James W. Moore

... of iron, which was very strong and very hard. Many attempts ...

36. No Grave Deep Enough

John 20:1-23

Illustration

James W. Moore

... stone heavy enough, no evil strong enough to keep Christ in ...

37. Christ Is Risen

John 20:1-18

Illustration

Brett Blair

... hold Him longer; Death is strong, but Life is stronger; Stronger ...

38. Regret & Comfort

John 14:1-14; 1 Cor 15:8-9

Illustration

J. Ellsworth Kalas

... regret. His regret was so strong that it surfaced in the ...

39. Obedience

John 14:15-31

Illustration

Erma Bombeck

... body, the bonds of a strong marriage, the inward confidence that ...

40. True Communication

Acts 2:1-41

Illustration

Will Willimon

... to be deleterious. We therefore strongly urge you to cease such ...

41. The Most Important Job in the World

2 Timothy 1:5

Illustration

James W. Moore

... let them know that you strongly value what you do and ...

42. Built Upon Love

Matthew 7:24-29

Illustration

Brett Blair

... all away. Hard rain and strong winds: it blew and beat ...

43. All Our Strength

Matthew 11:25-30

Illustration

Donald M. Tuttle

... that we have to be strong and independent. It tells us ...

44. Mr. Macho & Forty Days of Love

Mk 9:2-9

Illustration

King Duncan

... to hunt and fish, a strong self-made man." The man ...

45. The Comfort of Bread

John 6:1-21

Illustration

Eric Ritz

... this word. The word evokes strong emotions like security, fellowship, the ...

46. What Would You Have Given the Prodigal Son?

Luke 15:11-32

Illustration

... , but it's a very strong network that I call "quality ...

47. Our Harbor Master

John 16:12-15

Illustration

James Merritt

... they flow in and how strong they are. When that harbor ...

48. Knowing Our Business

Luke 14:25-35

Illustration

David E. Leininger

... met. He was a good, strong man, a pioneer, a rancher ...

49. Captured by the Spirit of Christ

Jn 1:29-42

Illustration

King Duncan

... to be sure. He had strong convictions. He was well brought ...

50. A Drink of Water to a Thirsty Soul

John 5:16-30; Mark 5:21-43

Illustration

James W. Moore

... Sunday this illustration offers some strong tie-ins for a conclusion ...

Showing results