In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 24

Deep In Our Hearts

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jun 9, 2009

Only God is permanent: our covenant with God becomes real when it moves from our brains to our hearts.

Deep in our Hearts Jeremiah 31:31-34 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, March 29, 2009 Introduction: Beginning in 598 BCE (Before Common Era), King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah and exiled many of its leading citizens to Babylon. The fall of Judah was complete in ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dancing With God

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

Dancing with God begins when we realize that God chooses the music and the dance, but most importantly, God leads.

Dancing with God Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, Ash Wednesday February 25, 2009 Introduction: The passage we will read tonight is the traditional reading for Ash Wednesday. It focuses our attention on the three disciplines of Lent: Praying, Fasting, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Rejoice In The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

There is room for everyone in the Spirit!

Rejoice in the Power of the Holy Spirit Matthew 28:16-20 and Various Verses from the Epistles The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, February 15, 2009 Introduction: Our passage today is made up of phrases from Paul’s letters to the early churches. It is an inspiring array of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

So Little Time, So Much To Do

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

We have all received grace upon grace; therefore, we are called to share our talents just as Peter’s mother-in-law did.

So Little Time, So Much to Do Isaiah 40:27-31; Mark 1:29-39 Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, February 8, 2009 Introduction: We continue with the first chapter of Mark. As always, Mark tells the story well and fast. His favorite word is “immediately.” There is very little ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Enemies

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 4, 2009

Our greatest enemies are the traits within us that cause us to sin. We see those traits in others, can’t control others, and can find healing only in Christ.

Enemies Mark 1:9-13; Psalm 25:1-10 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, March 1, 2009 Introduction: Today’s scripture lesson is one of David’s psalms. In it he pleads for help from God against his enemies. Listen to how he describes the forces against him. Psalm 25:1-10 To ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Who's The Authority?

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 4, 2009

We live in a culture where vacuous celebrities are given amazing amount of authority. We need to look to the real authority, Jesus, who will lead us to right decisions.

Who’s the Authority? Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Mark 1:21-28 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, February 1, 2009 Introduction: Before I read the story, I’d like to explain a few things that will make the passage clearer. We’re still in the first chapter of Mark and we will stay ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Called To Worship; Equipped To Serve

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 29, 2009

The work of a believer begins with worship of God. Although we benefit from worship, worship is for God.

Called to Worship, Equipped to Serve Psalm 62:5-12; Mark 1:14-20 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, January 25, 2009 Introduction: Mark’s gospel begins abruptly. In the first thirteen verses, we learn that John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, and that John ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

You Want Me To Follow You Where?

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 19, 2009

Jesus wants us to follow Him to the places where we need to grow. It won’t be easy, but the reward is great.

You Want Me to Follow You Where? Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, January 18, 2009 Introduction: Our scripture lesson today is found in the end of the first chapter of the gospel of John. You may remember that John’s Gospel begins with ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Memory Fails

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 15, 2009

When we can’t remember who we are, our baptism connects us to Jesus and each other, gives us our identity, and gives us a vision of eternity in difficult times.

When Memory Fails Genesis 1:1-5; Mark 1:4-11 Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, January 11, 1009 Introduction: The baptism of Jesus is a text read and proclaimed every year. The account from Mark is simple and powerful. Mark 1:4-11 John the Baptizer appeared in the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Lord Of Second Chances

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Sep 9, 2008

Throughout the Bible, God offers person after person a second chance. He’s offering you a second chance. Use it faithfully.

As people came into the sanctuary they were asked to take a stone from pails of stones. Immediately following the sermon, they were invited to come forward to place the stone representing their sin at the foot of the cross. I also took 8-1/2 by 11 sheets with a name for each Biblical person, taped ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Couldn't You Send Someone Else?

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Sep 4, 2008

God has a plan for us, and like Moses, we resist it, but God is persistent and patient.

“Couldn’t You Send Someone Else?” Romans 12:9-12; Exodus 3 and 4, Various Verses The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, August 31, 2008 Introduction: Today, we will continue the story of Exodus. We’ll hear the story of the burning bush and God’s call to Moses. Since the story ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Becoming Good Dirt

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jul 14, 2008

The Parable of the Sower teaches us not only what not to be, but what we can be to become fertile soil for the seed of the Spirit.

Introduction: The first recorded parable of Jesus is “The Parable of the Sower.” It is the only parable which Jesus explains line by line. One of the important things for us to understand is that fields in biblical times were not like our fields today which have been prepared by modern ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Spirit Of The Living God, Fall Afresh On Me

Contributed by Anne Benefield on May 28, 2008

Your life can sparkle with the Spirit if you will let the Spirit live within you.

Introduction: Today is the birthday of the church. We find the account of what happened in Acts of the Apostles, which perhaps should be called “Acts of the Spirit.” Newsweek magazine features a short column in which famous authors tell what the five most important books to them were. Garrison ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

You Carry The Gospel!

Contributed by Anne Benefield on May 28, 2008

If we truly believe then we will want to share the Gospel in actions as well as words.

Introduction: The passage that we study today is called the “Great Commission.” The disciples have gone to Galilee to meet with the Risen Christ. These are the last words of Jesus to His disciples and in them He does three things: 1. He assures them of His power. 2. He gives them a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Last Lecture

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Apr 28, 2008

In the farewell discourse Jesus is giving His "Last Lecture" that brings together the most important messages He has for us.

Introduction: This is the third in a series of sermons on Jesus’ farewell discourses in the Gospel according to John. These words have special importance because in them Jesus is telling His disciples and us what is critical in faith. John 14:15-21 Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed