Sermon and Worship Resources

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Revelation 21:1-27

Sermon

King Duncan

... ." Those words hurt, don't they? They hurt because they hit too close to home. They remind me of a story that Clifton Fadiman tells about Vladimir Nabokov, the Russian-born novelist. One summer in the 1940s, Nabokov and his family stayed with James Laughlin in Alta, Utah. There Nabokov took the opportunity to enlarge his collection of butterflies and moths. One evening at dusk he returned from his day's excursion of chasing butterflies. He said that during hot pursuit near Bear Gulch he had heard someone ...

2. Authority Through Servanthood

Matthew 20:20-28, Matthew 20:17-19

Sermon

Dean Lueking

... than that is there. All who have ears to hear let us hear! The Stereotypical Jewish Mother - in All of Us The mother of James and John wanted Jesus to insure them the right and left hand places in his Kingdom. We all know the stereotype of the meddlesome ... force. I learned something about that at the tender age of nine. As a fourth grader I had a marvelous teacher whose name was Tillie Laughlin. Her name alone is a hint of her awesome gifts as a teacher; she was no ordinary person and as long as I live I ...

3. The Death of Nadab and Abihu

Leviticus 10:1-20

Understanding Series

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.

... for people and priest to observe divine torah. The daunting responsibility of priests looms large in these texts (see Luke 12:47–48 and James 3:1). Chapter 10 ends at a very different place from where it began. In contrast to the sin and death in the ... uses the notion of something not commanded by God in relation to idolatrous cultic practices (Leviticus, p. 151). In fact, J. Laughlin posits that the fire may have been related to Zoroastrian worship (“ ‘The Strange Fire’ of Nadab and Abihu,” JBL ...

4. Proper 18

Proverbs 2:1-22, Mark 7:31-37, James 1:19-27

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Proverbs 2:1-8 Theme: God as the source of wisdom and knowledge Exegetical Note The fatherly advice in this proverb is to seek out knowledge relentlessly, not as a secular pursuit, but as a religious quest, since all wisdom has its source in God. Also notable here is the connection between wisdom and morality: wisdom is for the upright, those who have integrity and who guard justice. Call to Worship Leader: Wisdom and knowledge are wonderful things, and Scripture counsels us to pursue them. ...

5. Proper 19

Proverbs 22:1-16, James 2:1-13, James 2:14-26, Mark 8:27-30, Mark 8:31--9:1

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9 Theme: The relativity of riches Exegetical note Taken together, these verses do not exactly condemn wealth, but certainly devalue it in several ways: first, by valuing a good reputation above riches; second, by denying special status to the rich in God’s eyes; and third, by elevating the values of justice and sharing above the possession of wealth. Call to Worship Leader: Sisters and brothers, we are are living in a materialistic age. People: MANY OF THE VALUES OF OUR ...

6. Proper 20

Job 26:1--31:40, James 3:13-18, Mark 9:14-32, Mark 9:33-37

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Job 28:20-28 Theme: Wisdom as a divine prerogative Exegetical Note Typical of all the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this passage portrays wisdom as a kind of hidden treasure completely under the control of God, whose role as Creator is emphasized. From the human standpoint, wisdom and understanding are identified with religious awe (fear of the Lord) and righteousness (departing from evil). Call to Worship Leader: Brothers and sisters, wisdom is of God, and to be wise is to be godly ...

7. Proper 21

Job 42:1-6, James 4:13-17, James 5:7-12, Mark 9:38-41, Mark 9:42-50

Bulletin Aid

Paul A. Laughlin

First Lesson: Job 42:1-6 Theme: Awe and wonder before God Exegetical Note Job’s final response to God’s self-revelation has as its main theme the awesome and wonderful majesty of God, which eludes human understanding. Job’s self-deprecation relative to God’s greatness is not meant to be an absolute statement about human worthlessness, but rather a natural reaction to any confrontation with the Holy. Call to Worship Leader: Brothers and sisters, we stand before God this day in awe and wonder. People: FOR ...

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