In Sermons:

Narnia: Good News For Sticky Situations Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Dec 21, 2005

This is the second message (of 3) relating the Christmas story to the story of Narnia. This one looks at the characcter of Edmund, and describes the similarities between Turkish Delight and Sin in our lives.

GOOD NEWS FOR STICKY SITUATIONS -- Pastor Mark Thornton -- Sunday, December 4, 2005 (Note – This is more of an outline than a manuscript – I shared more in the way of content and illustrations than what is printed here. I also want to acknowledge that the inspiration and seed thoughts for ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6

Denomination: *other

Narnia: Capturing The Wonder Of The Season Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Dec 14, 2005

This is the first of 3 messages (with an advent theme) relating the story of Christmas to the story of Narnia. It sets the context of the story.

CAPTURING THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS -- Pastor Mark Thornton -- Sunday, November 27, 2005 (Note - this is more of an outline than a manuscript. I elaborated and illustrated more than what is printed here.) * One of the drawbacks of celebrating Christmas every year is that the story of Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-6

Denomination: *other

Following Jesus To The Cross #4 - Power To Change Your Life Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Nov 21, 2001

This is the final message in a series that looks at Jesus’ final few days leading up to his crucifixion. This was the Easter Sunday morning message that declares the hope that we have because of the cross.

INTRODUCTION As many of us have heard, cartoonist Johnny Hart has come under a great deal of criticism for his B.C. comic strip - specifically for the strip he created for today, Easter Sunday. It depicts a Jewish menorah being transformed into a Christian cross as Jesus the last words of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: *other

Following Jesus To The Cross #3 - Dead Man Walking Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Nov 21, 2001

This is the third message in a series that looks at Jesus final few days before He was crucified. This message considers the anxiety that Jesus was feeling and how He faced His fears on the way to the cross.

INTRODUCTION If you were given a choice, how would you Choose to Die? -- In an accident - quick & relatively painless? -- In your sleep? -- Surrounded by your friends and loved ones? Of course, none of us are given the choice of how we die -- we don’t know until the moment comes. Jesus, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:1-54, Luke 22:42-43

Denomination: *other

Following Jesus To The Cross #2 - Drawing A Line In The Sand Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Nov 21, 2001

This is the second message in a series that looks at Jesus’ final few days on the way to the cross. This message looks at how Jesus’ confrontation of religious hypocrisy and his resulting challenge to his own followers.

INTRODUCTION There are many images that come to mind when we think of Easter. -- Easter Bunnies, Easter Baskets, Easter Eggs, etc -- Easter Holidays - Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, etc. -- Easter Symbols -- Cross, Communion There is a Challenge We Face... -- Each time we experience ...read more

Denomination: *other

Following Jesus To The Cross #1 - Preparing To Die Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Nov 21, 2001

This is the first message of a series that looks at Jesus’ final few days as He walked towards the cross. This message considers Jesus’ attitude as He approached His death.

INTRODUCTION What would you do if you knew you only had one week to live? How would you spend the time that you had left to you? Max Lucado - "And the Angels Were Silent" "When a man knows the end is near - only the IMPORTANT surfaces. Impending death distills the vital. The trivial is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:35-38

Denomination: *other

Developing A Faith That Lasts

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Nov 12, 2001

A study of the life of Abraham - identifying principles for building a life of faith.

"Developing A Faith That Lasts" Scripture - Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-19. INTRODUCTION What does it take to Receive God’s Approval? Or perhaps another way of saying it: what does it take to Make God Happy? Many people, throughout history, have tried to figure this out and have made countless ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-19, Genesis 12:1-5

Denomination: *other

Four Spiritual Checks - #4 The Nobility Of Serving God Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 3, 2001

This is the last of a series on Paul’s Trustworthy Sayings. This message demonstrates the value of serving God and encourages people to get involved in ministry.

INTRODUCTION. (ILLUS.) -- Like many teenagers, I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do with my life when I was a high-school senior. I knew that I wanted to serve the Lord (possibly in ministry / full-time service) but I didn’t know what or where. I hadn’t decided on pursuing pastoral ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: *other

Four Spiritual Checks - #3 The Necessity Of Future-Mindedness Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 3, 2001

This is the third in a series that studies Paul’s Trustworthy Sayings. This one demonstrates the difference that a hope-filled, optimistic attitude can make in our lives.

INTRODUCTION. Many of you know that I am an avid reader. I consistently have at least two or three books on the go. Some books I read here in my office and usually deal with church, ministry, or worship-related issues -- to help me develop as a pastor. The books I read at home are generally for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Denomination: *other

Four Spiritual Checks - #2 The Reliability Of God's Promises Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 3, 2001

This is the second in a series on Paul’s Trustworthy sayings. It encourages us to find peace and hope in God’s promises.

INTRODUCTION. (ILLUS.) When I began my first year at Bible College, I quickly became friends with another guy who was in my class -- let’s call him John. John and I were both from Brethren In Christ churches, we both came straight from high school, and we were both enrolled in the same program ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Denomination: *other

Spiritual Checks You Can Take To The Bank #1 - The Certainty Of God's Grace Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 2, 2001

The first of a study of Paul’s Trustworthy Sayings. This one helps us to gain a fuller understanding of God’s grace.

INTRODUCTION. -- How many of you have ever bought something from a TV commercial? I’ve never been one to do this very much -- partly because I usually missed the type of commercials advertising products (getting a snack); and partly because the products were always too expensive. Then an ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-20, Titus 3:3-8

Denomination: *other