In Sermons: showing 466-480 of 534

The Miracle Of The New Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 1, 2005

God offers us new life, a new relationship with him, and a new experience of forgiveness. Discoving the miracle of the new is one way we prepare for the coming of the Lord

Mark 1:1-8 “The Miracle of the New” INTRODUCTION New items are attractive to us. We like the smell of a new car, and the fit of a new outfit. Even though some assembly may be required, we want new toys, and we are willing to buy the dozens of batteries that are needed for our new electrical ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Working The System (Sloth) Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 23, 2005

Even with full calendars we can be lazy. God calls us to service and away from activities that are not a part of God’s will

II Thessalonians 3:6-15 “Working the System” (Sloth) INTRODUCTION In a world of PDA’s, Day Planners, and refrigerator calendars with no white space left, we have difficulty believing that sloth, or laziness, is a sin that we need to seriously deal with in our lives. We will admit to being ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Ah, To Have It All Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 23, 2005

Greed is a temptation that our society promotes. Christians are challenged to say "No," to greed and "Yes," to generosity.

Mark 10:17-21 “Ah, To Have It All” (Greed) INTRODUCTION America has a love affair with cars. We like sleek, fast, and powerful. We like big and brawny. Cars define us. They tell the world who we are, or who we’d like to be. America’s love affair with cars is not new, however. Before cars ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Killer Instinct (Anger) Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 7, 2005

Anger is a powerful sin that destroys relationships and adversely affects our relationshipo with God. God invites us not only to control our anger, but to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Proverbs 29:11, James 1:19-21 “Killer Instinct” (Anger) INTRODUCTION Many of the seven deadly sins appear to be harmless at first glance. Pride can be downgraded to simply having an “attitude.” Envy is such a common “sin,” that can’t be all that bad, besides it is what fuels our economy. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-21

Denomination: Lutheran

A Good Gift Gone Bad Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 1, 2005

Lust craves to use people for our "needs" and desires. It is the exact opposite of the love and focus on the needs of others that Jesus calls us to.

II Samuel 11:1-5, Matthew 5:27-30 “A Good Gift Gone Bad” (Lust) INTRODUCTION We live in a society that panders to lust. Everywhere we look—billboards, magazines, movies and television—we view provocative pictures. The goal of modern clothing fashion is to be alluring. The idea of turning ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

Everything Looks So Good Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 1, 2005

As Christians, we are invited to have a spiritual perspective on life. Gluttony demonstrates our focus on the physical.

Philippians 3:7-21 “Everything Looks So Good” (Gluttony) INTRODUCTION This is an uncomfortable topic for a sermon. Not only for me, but for many people who are listening to this sermon. Food is a touchy subject. I have struggled with weight and with unhealthy eating practices for years. Many ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Where The Grass Is Greener ( Envy) Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 13, 2005

Envy has a powerful effect upon our lives. It rubs of of peace, joy and love. God not only offers us forgiveness, but also a life of contentment.

Acts 8:9-25 “Where the Grass Is Greener (Envy)” INTRODUCTION We are complex individuals. To be able to say that we were completely dedicated to and solely motivated by God’s will may be our dream and desire, but it is not the reality. All too often the less noble forces of greed, pride, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Pride Goes Before A Fall Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 13, 2005

Seven sins have been identified by the church as "deadly." What sets these sins apart from thousands of others? How does the sin of Pride affect our lives and our world?

Luke 12:13-21 “Pride Goes Before a Fall” INTRODUCTION Often times when we read the stories of the Bible we can see ourselves in the characters. We might identify with Peter who always seemed to speak before he thought. Or perhaps, the father of the boy with epilepsy who cried out, “I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Denomination: Lutheran

I Believe In The Resurrection And Eternal Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 6, 2005

At the core of the abundant life is the knowledge that there is life after death and that we are now living our eternal lives.

1 Corinthians 15:35-49 “I Believe in the Resurrection and Eternal Life” INTRODUCTION We are surrounded by death. Death is highlighted in the evening news, with announcements of the latest war casualties and comments about recent shootings in the Valley. We are touched by death when a family ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

I Believe In The Communion Of Saints Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 29, 2005

There are no self made Christians. The Communion of Saints is vital to a Christian’s life.

Hebrews 12:1-3, Acts 2:42-47 “I Believe In the Communion of Saints” INTRODUCTION American society tends to idolize the rugged, self-made individual. We admire their individuality, and their ability to overcome adverse conditions, excel, and achieve their chosen goals. ¨ Donald Trump ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Lutheran

I Believe In The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 20, 2005

In the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed, we boldly proclaim that we believe in the Holy Spirit. What are we saying when we make this claim? What difference does this belief make in our lives?

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 “I Believe In The Holy Spirit” INTRODUCTION The Holy Spirit is probably the least known and understood person of the Trinity. We know that God the Father created all things. In our creeds we say that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and is present everywhere. We know ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

I Believe In Jesus, Born Of Mary Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 4, 2005

The Apostles’ Creed has been Christianity’s statement of faith for 1,600 years. What do we mean when we say that we believe in Jesus born of a virgin, and how does this impact our lives today?

Philippians 2:5-11 “I Believe in Jesus Christ, Born of the Virgin Mary” INTRODUCTION The news of Katrina and the effects of this hurricane on the Gulf Coast has grab the headlines and made the other news items appear insignificant. I did want to remind you of an announcement that I recently ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Lutheran

I Believe In God The Father Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 4, 2005

The Apostles’ Creed has been Christianity’s statement of faith for over 1,600 years. What do we mean when we say these words and how do these beliefs impact our lives today.

Psalm 46:1-11 “I Believe in God Almighty” INITRODUCTION The Apostles’ Creed is one of the oldest statements of faith in the Christian Church. We can find traces of it back to the second century and have record of its use in its present form by 450 AD. This creed expresses what we believe ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Victory Over Death Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 22, 2005

In the raising of Lazarus, Jesus proclaims and demonstrates the promise of new life.

John 11:17-44 “Victory Over Death” INTRODUCTION Human beings are a diverse group. We have very few things universally in common. Someone once observed that the only two things we have in common are death and taxes. Since there are a few people who are very adept at avoiding taxes, I can only ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-44

Denomination: Lutheran

God Provides Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 11, 2005

We have been blessed to be a blessing. When we live in this truth we discover that God is a God of abundance.

Matthew 14:15-21 “God Provides” INTRODUCTION We have been investigating miracles for almost two months. A complete definition of a miracle has not yet been achieved by us, but we can move in the direction of describing a miracle as God revealing himself and demonstrating his power out side ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:15-21

Denomination: Lutheran