Sermon and Worship Resources

Showing 1 to 25 of 171 results

Luke 7:1-10

Sermon

... placed the life of his slave in the hands of almighty God. That is an act of faith worthy of any believer, isn’t it? He really believed that there is a God who loves and cares for his creatures. In his book about James Jones and the Jonestown massacre, James Reston insists that Jones didn’t believe in God - nor did many of his closest followers.1 One of his assistants was Charles Beckman, an ex-Marine, who couldn’t read nor write and of whom it was said, "Neither could he believe in God." Beckman went ...

2. The Call of the Cross

Luke 9:18-27

Sermon

... Jesus went on to make things worse: "... whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it." That’s not exactly what the disciples had in mind when they accepted Jesus’ invitation, "Follow me," was it? James Jones found a more acceptable message to preach to his followers, according to James Reston. Nor do his sermons sound anything at all like the speech of Eleazar’s at Massada, when approximately the same number of people that died at Jonestown - only Jews and Zealots at Massada - took their own ...

3. Mustard Seed Faith

Mark 4:30-34

Sermon

King Duncan

... of the turning points in World War II was the Battle of of the Bulge. Historians point out that it was really not one big battle but a multitude of smaller battles, fought out along the Allied lines. In his book, World War II, James Jones describes these battles like this: "No one of these little road junction stands could have had a profound effect on the German drive. But hundreds of them, impromptu little battles at nameless bridges and unknown crossroads, had an effect of slowing enormously the German ...

4. Boasting

2 Corinthians 11:1-15, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... the eschatological paradise in Jewish literature), which is found both in the Talmud and in the Hekhalot literature (cf. C. R. A. Morray-Jones). Of these four, only R. Aqiba was deemed worthy of beholding God’s glory behind the curtain (Schäfer, 346). In our passage, ... 1984), pp. 135–50; Colin G. Kruse, “Afflictions, Trials, Hardships,” DPL, pp. 18–20. On 1 Thess. 2:14–16, see James M. Scott, “Paul’s Use of Deuteronomic Tradition,” pp. 645–65 (esp. pp. 651–57). In the context of the ...

5. Boasting

2 Corinthians 11:16-33, 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

6. So, You Want To Know About Love?

John 13:31-38

Sermon

King Duncan

... it was a terrible story, but it is also illustrative. The second characteristic of Christ-like love appropriate to Mother's Day is that love is supportive. Love offers encouragement. Love builds up, it does not cut down. Author James Moore tells about K.C. Jones, the former coach of the Boston Celtics basketball team. Jones became famous for his unique ability to give his players some unforgettable words of encouragement when they needed it most. If a player scored 50 points or made the game-winning basket ...

7. Paul's Vision and His Thorn

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Understanding Series

James M. Scott

... paradise in Jewish literature), which is found both in the Talmud and in the Hekhalot literature (cf. C. R. A. Morray-Jones). Of these four, only R. Aqiba was deemed worthy of beholding God’s glory behind the curtain (Schäfer, 346). In our ... Peder Borgen, “Heavenly Ascent in Philo: An Examination of Selected Passages,” in The Pseudepigrapha and Early Biblical Interpretation [ed. James H. Charlesworth and Craig A. Evans; JSPSup 14; Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1993], pp. 246–68). 12:2 Of course, ...

8. Have You Seen God's Heart?

Revelation 1:4-8

Sermon

King Duncan

... the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription: "James Butler Bonhamno picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people ... fell into the hands of a group called the American Quartet, and it became known throughout the U.S. (4) Casey Jones was an authentic hero. He laid down his life that others might live. In the May/ June 1997 issue of THE UPPER ...

9. Never Too Old For God: Abraham And Sarah

Genesis 18:1-15

Sermon

Billy D. Strayhorn

... as limiting, God can use anyone as an instrument of Grace. In other words, "You're Never To Old For God." II. Never Too Old A. James Michener was over 80 years of age when his epic novel, Alaska, was released. He'd been thinking about writing it for over forty years. ... seen anything like it. And he asked St. Peter, "Is this my place?" St. Peter said, "No. But do you remember old miss Jones, one of the homebound widows in your church?" The preacher said, "Sure, she's one of the sweetest most faithful women I' ...

10. Don't Mess with the IRS

Matthew 22:15-22

Sermon

King Duncan

It is a familiar saying, even to non-believers particularly in the King James translation: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that ... Says Sanborn, “There had to be more to the story, we knew.” What would cause one of the most giving people on earth to give up on giving? Charlie “Tremendous” Jones explained why he had given up on giving like this: “Everything I have,” he said, “my life, my potential, my time was given to me. I’ve decided to ...

11. The God Who Must Be Pursued

Matthew 7:7-12

Sermon

Phil Thrailkill

... there is inflow and outflow you grow up. Have you seen the South Carolina based movie Radio? It’s a true story based on a developmentally challenged young man named James Robert Kennedy (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.). He was nicknamed Radio by a high school football coach (played by Ed Harris) who befriended him. Coach Jones made Radio part of the practices and a regular fixture on the sidelines during games. Some were uncomfortable having Radio around, despite the fact that he showed kindness to everyone ...

12. When You Feel Helpless

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Sermon

King Duncan

... like them. “He's no better than we are," they said. “He's just a carpenter, Mary's boy, and a brother of James and Joseph, Judas and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us." And the citizens of Nazareth were offended that Jesus ... He could not get rid of it no matter how much it troubled him. But he didn't let it defeat him--any more than Quincy Jones let those two aneurysms on the brain defeat him. Helplessness is an attitude, not a situation. WE NEED TO RECOGNIZE, IN THE SECOND PLACE, THAT IT ...

13. Sacred Memories

Deuteronomy 26:1-15

Sermon

King Duncan

... Doc," he said, "I've lost my memory!" With a smile on her face the doctor told Mr. Jones, "What you need is my special concoction #3 . . ." Before the doctor could finish her sentence, Mr. Jones fled from her office. Evidently his memory was not as bad as he thought. Do you ever have ... a battle that is now three hundred years old. Back in the 1600s, Protestant King William III defeated Catholic King James II in a battle on the Boyne River. This annual march commemorating the victory of King William III stirs ...

14. The Bridge Builder

Luke 6:27-36

Sermon

King Duncan

... night in 1979 when George performed a major concert in Nashville. That night, Jones did the whole concert--a string of hits--in the voice of Donald Duck. Not long afterwards, Jones checked into a rehab center. Since then, he has been sober and successful ... up blessing us more than we can imagine. 1. Scott, Randy. Country Music Revealed (New York: MetroBooks, 1995), pp. 61-62. 2. Dr. James Dobson. Life on the Edge (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1995), pp. 171-172. 3. The Houston Chronicle, 5/20/93, p. 2A. Cited in ...

15. That's What Jesus Does for Me

Psalm 139:7-12

Sermon

James W. Moore

... had written in pencil a fascinating interpretation which kindled his mind and warmed his heart (as it does my own). In the King James Version, Psalm 59:10 reads like this. The God of my mercy shall prevent me. Let me hurry to say that in old ... I just fall down and die, God will be there for me, too… even at the place of death. Some years ago, the great Christian, Rufus Jones, was devastated by the sudden death of his seven-year-old son. The staggering blow left him in the depths of despair. One day while ...

16. Pulling Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

Sermon

King Duncan

... vengeful judge, you miss an important truth. The last thing God wants to do is destroy us. God makes us mindful of the weeds growing in our lives that God might deliver us from them. In a sermon on the Internet, Rev Sharon G. W. Jones tells about a scene in a book by author James Michener that can help us immensely. Are you familiar with the concept of “the recording angel”? In the doctrine of some churches this is the angel that writes down all the bad things you and I do in order that God can one day ...

17. Our God Is an Awesome God

Psalm 139:1-18

Sermon

James Merritt

... -bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you." Well, this lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and said, "Mrs. Jones, do you know the Defense Attorney?" She said, "Why yes I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster as well. In fact, ... God can do anything that does not contradict His word, His will, or His ways. Titus 1:2 says that God cannot lie. James 1:13 says that God cannot do wrong or tempt others to do wrong. But consistent with his character, God can do anything ...

18. Dead Man Walking

John 11:38-44, John 11:17-37, John 11:1-16

Sermon

James Merritt

... me squarely between the eyes. One of the these days, that very phrase is going to be said about you and about me, "James is dead", "Jennifer is dead", "Pam is dead." It sounds morbid, because it is morbid. It sounds depressing, because it is depressing— ... golf's "Grand Slam." He was asked in the press conference what he would say to the great golfer, Bobby Jones, if he walked into the room. Of course, Bobby Jones has been dead for many years and Tiger Woods said, "I would ask how he came back, because when ...

19. When More Is Never Enough

Mark 10:17-31

Sermon

King Duncan

... use money. It has a distancing effect ” it distances us from both God and one another. Trust God and God alone for your salvation. 1. E. Stanley Jones, GROWING SPIRITUALLY (Nashville, TN: Abington, 1953), p. 4. 2. Maya Angelou, WOULDN'T TAKE NOTHING FOR MY JOURNEY NOW, (New York: Random House, 1993), pp. 62-64 ... , 1984), pp. 30-42. 5. David W. Richardson, EMPHASIS, September-October, 1992, p. 34. 6. James W. Fowler, BECOMING ADULT, BECOMING CHRISTIAN, (San Francisco: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1984), p. 88.

20. Jesus Heals Body and Soul

Mark 1:29-34

Sermon

King Duncan

... had been in the synagogue where Jesus healed a man with an unclean spirit. As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon Peter and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately ... priest said, “now is the time to pray.” Nor was he prepared for his wife’s response to the priest’s suggestion. Lory Jones turned to her husband and said, “Let’s pray for my arthritis.” Lory was taking about thirty aspirins a day to relieve the ...

21. Fiscal Fitness

Proverbs 3:9-10

Sermon

James Merritt

... want to encourage you to begin right now. The fact is, if we got by with less today, we could save up more for tomorrow. d. Don't keep up with the Jones's. Will Rogers said, "People borrow money they don't have, to buy things they don't need, to impress people they don't even like!" That is true. I can ... Hybels, Honest to God? (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervon Publishing House, 1990), 162. 15 James Patterson and Peter Kim, The Second American Revolution (New York: William Morrow & Co., Inc., 1994), 79. 16 Dr ...

22. The World's Worst Bargain

Mark 8:31--9:1

Sermon

King Duncan

... other roles. He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 1988’s Running on Empty. He also played the young Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. For one film he won the National Society of Film Critics’ best actor award. He had it all ... a human experience.” In other words, we have a soul. Or better yet, we are a soul. Some of you may know the story of James Kidd. James Kidd was a lonely man. He lived on the edge of deprivation. He spent most of his life in a rugged copper mining town in ...

23. Paul, Phoebe, Patronage, and Spain

Romans 16:1-27

Teach the Text

C. Marvin Pate

... Johnny was sincerely wrong. One thinks here of the followers of Jim Jones in the late 1970s, who were led astray by the distortion of the gospel preached by that minister. Jones’s followers—about one thousand of them—relocated from California with the ... ever more of the many-coloured wisdom of God.7 The gospel reached far beyond Spain, Paul’s specific interest. Biography: James Yen (1893–1990) came to know the Lord in rural China through the influence of China Inland Mission. He was discipled ...

24. When All Is Said And Done

Mark 13:1-31

Sermon

William G. Carter

... we reflected on the scriptures, we decided that he was talking about his generation rather than ours." Ex-Witness James Fenton, professor emeritus at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, is pleased by the change in doctrine. The ... is going to win. We are invited to live as if God's final victory is a done deal. But can we believe it? Iwan Russell-Jones recently asked why so many wild-eyed prophets of the future end up as television preachers. In the world of religious broadcasting, you have to look ...

25. When All Is Said And Done

Matthew 13:24-30

Sermon

William G. Carter

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