In Sermons: showing 316-330 of 534

The Gift Of Time Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 17, 2009

Time is a precious gift from God and God invites us to use this gift wisely and with thanksgiving

Ephesians 5:15-20 “The Gift of Time” INTRODUCTION Somehow in modern, American society time has become our enemy. We fear its end and complain about its scarcity. Millions, perhaps billions, of dollars are spent on day planners, software, smart phones and time saving devices with the vain ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Imitators Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 10, 2009

God wants us to copy him. We can live no better life than to have a life with godlike characteristics.

Ephesians 4:25-5:2 “Imitators” INTRODUCTION One of my favorite subjects in school was history. Not only is the study of history completely devoid of any algebraic equations or geometric theorems, but it is also filled with people and stories from which we can learn so much. History ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

The Source Of Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 20, 2009

Jesus had broken down the barriers between the diverse elements of the church. We have one faith, one Lord, and one baptism. From the cross flows the river of peace.

Ephesians 2:11-22 “The Source of Peace” INTRODUCTION When we think of heaven, we conjure up many images. The Jews imagine a place of feasting and celebrating. Our Teutonic and Scandinavian ancestors couldn’t quite conceive of heaven being a party place, so they pictured a place of peace that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Celebration Of Grace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 14, 2009

God pours out his grace upon us. Because of this, we have much to celebrate.

Ephesians 1:3-14 “Celebration of Grace” INTRODUCTION Imagine what it would be like to uncover priceless treasures and riches beyond your wildest dreams. What would it feel like? What would a person be thinking? How would a person react? In February 1923, Howard Carter made one of the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Strength In Weakness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 7, 2009

God does not promise nations or his children a charmed life, but he does prmise to give us strength, be with us in the struggle, and see us safe to the other side.

2 Corinthians 12:2-10 “Strength in Weakness” INTRODUCTION “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” We have all heard ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Shared Blessings Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 7, 2009

We are blessed to be a blessing. One of the ways we are a blessing to others is to share our riches with them.

2 Corinthians 8:7-15 “Shared Blessings” INTRODUCTION We like to see results. When we’re children, we like to see that we have grown over the past year. Parents like to see good grades. Those of us who are constantly dieting like to see the dial swing down, and when we exercise we like to see ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Walking By Faith Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 25, 2009

Christians walk a different walk. Not only do we walk along a different path, but we also walk in a different manner. The difference is caused by our active and dynamic relationship with Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 “Walking By Faith” INTRODUCTION Various Christian groups have attempted to define what it is like to live as a Christian. At the turn of the twentieth century, the evangelist, Billy Sunday, believed that temperance was the mark of a Christian. Christians shouldn’t ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-17

Denomination: Lutheran

The Big Inheritance Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 9, 2009

We are heirs with Jesus of the rich blessings of God. We are family who are about the family’s business.

Romans 8:12-17, “The Big Inheritance” INTRODUCTION This is an important Sunday—not that all Sunday aren’t important. For the church, this is Trinity Sunday—a celebration of the mystery of the Trinity and that God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is also the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

The Spirit's Ministry Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 9, 2009

Jesus does not leave us alone when he ascends to the Father. He sends us his spirit to enlighten us, sanctify us,and enable us to minister.

John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15 “The Spirit’s Ministry” INTRODUCTION Between the first Easter and his ascension, Jesus appeared to his disciples and to over five hundred others who became eye-witnesses to his resurrection. We do not know much of what Jesus said or did during those forty days. We ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Deeper Relationship With Christ Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 20, 2009

As living stones we are built into spiritual houses--we grow in our walk with Jesus.

1 Peter 2:4-6 “Deeper Relationship with Christ” INTRODUCTION We continue to talk about our response to the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a congregation and as individuals. We are doing this by studying our congregation’s mission statement. That statement reads, “Inviting everyone to a new ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Spirit-Filled Service For Christ Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 20, 2009

We are called to serve those inside and outside the church and to overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9-21 “Spirit-filled Service for Christ” INTRODUCTION We come to the end of our focus on Desert Streams’ mission statement. I hope that these four Sundays have help clarify Desert Streams’ mission to you, and has also helped you to perceive how the resurrection of Jesus Christ ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Lutheran

New Life In Christ Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 29, 2009

Jesus didn’t die to make us good. Jesus died and rose again from the dead so that we may have new lives.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 “New Life in Christ” INTRODUCTION What makes something new? Does “new” mean the same as “never-been-used-before”? We talk about getting a new car, and many of us purchase a car with four or five miles on the odometer and that wonderful new car smell. Others of us ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Inviting Everyone Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 25, 2009

Jesus died for the ungodly. That’s all of us. Our message as individuals and as a congregaion is to invite eveyrone to participate in the kingdom of God and wlak with Jesus.

Romans 5:6-11 “Inviting Everyone” INTRODUCTION During the Sundays of Easter, which are the Sundays before the day of Pentecost, we will be focusing on the role of the church, specifically, Desert Streams’ mission statement. I’m sure that you all know it, or at least are familiar with it, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Parade Of Obedience Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 14, 2009

To some Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was triumphant. According to Philippians, it was an act of obedience by Jesus on his way to the cross.

Philippians 2:5-11 “Parade of Obedience” INTRODUCTION [Picture of hag and beautiful lady] We can see by this image that though people look at the same image, they do not always see the same thing. Looking at this picture some of you will see an old hag, while others will see a beautiful ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Accessibility Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 14, 2009

On the first Good Friday, all the barriers to fellowship with God were removed. We now have access to God’s throne of grace.

Hebrews 10:16-25 “Accessibility” INTRODUCTION Good Friday is a sober time, as we ponder the human condition, our sinfulness, and the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ. It seems incongruous to call this day “good.” The images of the day are certainly not “good.” Jesus is betrayed, tried, flogged, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:16-25

Denomination: Lutheran