Sermon and Worship Resources

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John 20:19-31

Sermon

John E. Harnish

... about it. He only said, "I am the Lord; I am that I am; I am." And at the end of his search he was, as the title of his book says, Surprised by Joy. [2] In his new book entitled The Soul of Christianity, Houston Smith talks about the confounding questions of faith and life, the "mystery" at the heart of the universe. He says: We are ... seeing. 1. Robin Lovin, "Resurrection Faith," PerkinsSchool of Theology, April 9, 1997 2. C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy, pages 224-227 3. Houston Smith, The Soul of Christianity ...

2. Uplifted By The Blues

Lamentations 1:1-22

Sermon

Thomas G. Rogers

... of sadness and pain. Raymond had come to realize that even the depressing book of Lamentations plays an important role in God's Word. As Raymond moved the joyful, yellow marker across the trails of blue, a new color emerged. As Raymond observed it he decided that it was a good color for the Word of God. Deep within the emerging green on the pages before him Raymond sensed the mysterious blending of suffering and comfort in the life of God's people. Through God's grace Raymond had discovered a new color ...

3. Death Has Been Conquered

Mark 16:1-20

Sermon

King Duncan

... through reading two pages, I had arthritis in every joint in my hands and my knees besides. It scared me and I turned the pages and there was leukemia, and I read everything about it. Before I had finished, I knew I had leukemia. I turned the page to ulcers and ... risen.” At that moment it was as if a heavy load was lifted off my back, and I felt a great sense of peace and joy.” (4) And that, of course, is the meaning of Easter. Death has been conquered! We can lift our eyes from our problems to our ...

4. A Longer Stride and a Larger Embrace

Galatians 2:11-21

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... we intend to be his without any reserve, and then we must often go back and renew this same resolution. (A Year With the Saints, page 2). The whole of our Christian journey is disciplined attention to God and that must be at the heart of what we’re about ... totally dependent upon the Lord as she. She sends e-mail messages to her friends and supporters. I always read them with great joy, as well as being challenged. Though at least 35 years younger than me, Tammy is a kind of mentor. I’m learning from her ...

5. A Faith for the Uncharted Way

Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon

Leonard Mann

... darkness yonder, and says come on and meet me here. But there are other far voices, too - voices such as the voice of glory and of joy and of home. And they call us out, and on, and up. And the most wonderful of the far voices calling is the voice heard by ... voices are forever calling, and life’s finest adventures are in gracefully and heartily answering their call, day by day, page by page, as the leaves are turned. Most people admire Christopher Columbus, his courage and venture. We admire him not because ...

6. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Hell!

Luke 16:19-31

Sermon

Edward Inabinet

... and his offer of salvation. If we respond positively, we have a taste of heaven; and when we leave this world all that love and joy and bliss will be magnified immeasurably. But if we reject him in this world, we''ll experience hell here and when we leave this ... began to flip through it. Some of the notations on the pages caught his attention. He read on one page, "He spent an hour with me today." And "Oh," she said, "it was like heaven." On another page he read, "I wonder if he will come this afternoon." ...

7. Pentecost 24

Mal 1:6-14, Lev 2:1-16, Mic 3:1-12, Am 5:18-27, Ru 4:1-1, 1Th 2:1-16, 4:13-5:11, Mt 23 and 25:1-13

Sermon Aid

CSS

... in your grace...." The petition pleads: "Make us so to watch for the last days that the consummation of our hope may be the joy of the marriage feast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." The eschatological theme of the remainder of Pentecost, therefore, surfaces in the liturgy ... "what we preach," Group Health's ten-point program for "quality assurance," was printed out on the rest of the page. Point #2 caught my eye; "Every physician is reviewed by fellow physicians." In effect, that was what Jesus was doing ...

8. Let Everything That Breathes Praise the Lord

Psalm 150:1-6

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... around and smiling at everyone in the pews behind him. He was not gurgling or spitting or kicking, nor was he tearing the hymnal pages, nor was he rummaging through his mother’s purse. He was just smiling happily and spreading his warmth to those all around him. All ... we must be somber and stern and stiff? If any one thing lies at the heart of our faith, it is joy! And the reason for that joy we’ve already talked about - God has done something for us that we could never do for ourselves. God has provided ...

9. God Outwits Us

Psalm 31:1-24

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... God’s will, and I was not pleased at all. I responded reluctantly, even grudgingly. I yielded, but without excitement, anticipation, or joy. My attitude was, “This is what I have to do.” But you know—God outwitted me. The richness of my life ... to carry myself. I need for you and your servants to have the trust for me. (The Workbook on Keeping Company with the Saints, page 117) She left it there—and left us there—to live with her honesty, her unwillingness to claim a “total victory” that was ...

10. The Source Of Joy

John 3:22-36

Sermon

Eric Ritz

... , ego, or the opinions of others is what God wants. This is the delight of a Christian. This is to be the priority of life. God's will brings life and joy. In our generation there has been a number of books published under the banner "the one minute" approach to life. First, there was the "One Minute Manager" which was about a one-hundred page book and sold for $15.00. Then that book was followed by one titled, "Applying the One Minute Manager." Then these books led into the following books: "The One Minute ...

11. Singing In The Rain

John 15:1-17

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... like a song. But to sing in a dungeon and at midnight -- when happiness is a victory and cheerfulness a miracle -- is a special gift and grace of the Christian's hope and faith in God." (John Thompson, "Singing in the Rain," Pulpit Digest, March-April, 1979, page 55.) So the Christian walk is a walk of joy. Now let me give you a banner word -- a word to memorize and remember: "Joy is the banner flying high over the castle of my heart when the King is in residence there." Would you like me to say it again ...

12. Great Joy

Isaiah 35:1-10

Sermon

John E. Harnish

... redemption, the joy of God ... joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy ... of joy which ... joy—radiant, deep, joy. Joy…like streams in the desert. Joy…like springs of living water breaking forth in an arid land. Joy ... joy ... joy and gladness. Great joy ... joy. There's a big difference between happiness and joy. Joy ... Joy. Surprised by joy ... joy. And sorrow and sighing shall flee away; For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, the desert shall rejoice with joy ... river of joy welling up to eternal life? Joy like ...

13. Restarting Joy - Rejoice

Isaiah 55:10-13

Sermon

Derl G. Keefer

... in all matters pertaining to salvation and Christian living. The Bible is filled with exhortation, inspiration, promises, both personal and community, relates salvation history, discloses God throughout its pages, and shares how to receive salvation and sanctification for anyone asking and receiving. Many years ago lecturer and authoress, Ann Keimel, summed up the joy of receiving God's word. I think the thing that altered my life was when somebody said to me, "Ann, the Bible absolutely is truth, and it is ...

14. Leaping For Joy

Malachi 4:1-6

Sermon

Richard Hasler

... better response to “the Day of Judgment” than Colonel Davenport’s desire to do his duty. Consider what practical implications for the journey of faith this fascinating simile suggests. Leaping For Joy Implies Celebration First of all, leaping for joy implies celebration. The note of celebration is sounded throughout the pages of the Scriptures. As we have just noticed, Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, ends with celebration, like calves bursting forth from their stalls at daybreak. The book ...

15. When Life Seems to Be Going in the Wrong Direction

Philippians 1:1-11

Sermon

Eric Ritz

... there any word from the Lord for me?" I am very glad that you asked that question! For our Bible is packed full with pages of those faithful Biblical characters who traveled the road of life before us and who also experienced broken dreams, crippling roadblocks and major ... of ways. However, instead of quitting, like many people do when life deals a harsh hand, Paul declares, "I count it all joy." He knew he might be down but never "counted out." The difference between an admirer of Jesus Christ and a faith- ...

16. The Lord's Prayer: Forgive Us Our Trespasses

Matthew 6:5-15

Sermon

Eric Ritz

... assignment book each night. He did not want his parents to see the remark, so he tore the page out and ditched it. (In Newark, N.J., it was our custom to float them out to the Atlantic by way of the sewer.) In order to cover-up ... to live any longer with hatred in my heart." Yes, Juanito would rise from the ashes of hatred to the solid rock of brotherhood. He would know the joy of taking off the coat of an unforgiving spirit and knowing how good it is. I know that as I preach this sermon today many of you are ...

17. When We Mourn

Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon

Jerry L. Schmalemberger

... the criminal in jail. They agonize over slums and become leaders in civic righteousness. None is bound, except they are bound. They are the compassionate of the earth, and their reward is to grow in compassion" (Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VII, page 282). There is indeed a promised joy in identifying with others’ hurts and hurting with the knowledge of our own sin. In addition to all this, let’s take this passage very literally: "Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them." The Greek word here for ...

18. Integrity

Song of Songs 2:1-17

Sermon

David E. Leininger

... love poems were the best of the bunch. Not only the passage we just read but the whole book is an ode to the joys of erotic love. It is so giddy with the intoxicating charms of sensual attraction that, like young lovers kissing in the Mall, it seems not ... , the how-to manual outlining essential aspects of Judaism, there is one whole chapter - seven pages - on the importance of washing hands, plus another 40-page chapter on cleaning pots, pans, plates and utensils.(6) But, again, the issue was not cleanliness ...

19. The Song of an Awe-Filled Life

Psalm 138:1-8

Sermon

John E. Harnish

... God. But underneath, the worship of the God beyond his grasp, the creator behind the cosmos, brings him back from the brink of despair to the song of joy and hope. Through it all you can hear the constant refrain of adoration, a sense of wonder in the presence of God …the "awe factor." John Wesley ... 2002 2. Paul Rees, Stand Up in Praise to God, page 7 3. Eugene Peterson, The Message, Psalm 138, page 476 4. Michael O'Bannon, Belle Meade UMC, "He Had a Hat," Nov. 24, 1996 5. Companion to the Methodist Hymnal ...

20. Bountiful Faith: Two All Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles...Etc

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Sermon

John E. Harnish

... here at First Church, we will also take from a grouch!), but I wonder if it doesn't work the other way…they are cheerful because they are givers. It's the giving which brings the joy to their lives. We are called to a bountiful faith in a bountiful God, called to live boldly and give generously… 2. Because in the end, you can't out-give God. We talk about the ... ; all I have needed, thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. 1. B. Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel, page 89 2. The Message ...

21. Come To The Feast

Luke 14:1-14

Sermon

Eric Ritz

... ' advice ” though he did not recognize it at the time. It seems his office dispatched a 2 1/2 page letter inviting a man named Bosko Struminikovski of Memphis, Tenn., "to accept membership in the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle." ... our lives are defined by what goes in and out of the box, we will then be poor people. Life would have then robbed us of our joy." Joy is an essential part of the Christian life. The Pharisees who Jesus was trying to educate were very much like the sisters in BABETTE'S FEAST. ...

22. Overflowing Joy and Rich Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Sermon

King Duncan

... tribes set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for clean water and medical supplies for Native Americans. Donations to the fund have “flooded in” from the people of Ireland. One Irish donor wrote on the GoFundMe page, “Returning your kindness 170 years ... out of that overflowing love God is continually giving good gifts—blessings—to us. And God wants us to share in the joy of giving by giving generously to others. Love is the true sword that slays the dragons of materialism, greed, pride and self- ...

23. Hector’s Case Against Christmas

Luke 1:26-38

Sermon

Erskine White

... except a story on the birth of God’s Son! To be fair, there was a small article on the back page of the Bethlehem Banner, right beneath the horoscopes. The headline read, "Local Girl Claims Virgin Birth," but the article went on ... today for this season of Advent, a season of expectation and hope. Help us to remain focused, not on the commercial noise around us, but on the growing joy within us. Help us to be grateful that You loved the world so much as to come to us Yourself, in the form of our own flesh ...

24. The Revelation Code V: Cruisin' Toward the Dream

Revelation 21:1-27

Sermon

John E. Harnish

... of God who have already experienced something of the kingdom. In several of his hymns, Charles Wesley used the word foretaste: a foretaste of joy a foretaste of heaven a foretaste of the kingdom of God What he meant was a sampling, an appetizer, just enough of the banquet ... them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read; which goes on for ...

25. Easter 3

Luke 24:36-49, 1 John 2:28--3:10, Acts 3:11-26

Sermon Aid

John R. Brokhoff

... to open our minds to understand what we read. If our minds are open, we will see Christ's face shining through the pages. 4. Name (v. 47). Jesus explains to his disciples that in accordance with scripture they are to preach repentance and forgiveness to ... Son you lifted up this fallen world, rescuing us from the helplessness of death. Grant your faithful people a share in the joys that are eternal." Hymn Of The Day: "Look, How He Stands" Theme Of The Day: The Cross And Resurrection Explained Gospel Jesus ...

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