In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 22

One Thing Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Aug 21, 2007

This message focuses on one particular aspect of this passage - that the Lord prunes us to make us more fruitful. Practical application in this message is to consider what the Lord may be calling me to prune from my busy life, in order to do the best thi

Hook/Opening Overcommitted? Many of us feel/are. But here’s a list of busy/committed: Billy Graham and ____. James Dobson and _____. Joni Earikson and _____. Jimmy Carter and _____. Bill Bright and ______. (RCA) Betty Voskuil and _____. Gary Smalley and ______. “Our world has been greatly ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Take Courage! Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jul 5, 2007

Used the call to courage in Haggai as a framework for calling believers to take courage rooted in Christ against the world’s intimidation and discouragement.

HOOK/WE Used a short "bully" video clip from Bridge to Terebithia to raise issue of intimidation we sometimes feel. Sometimes physical, financial, etc. Sometimes spiritual. YOU Ever been intimidated in expressing your belief? Acting on it? If you have, you’ve got something in common with some ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Small Stuff Or Big Deal? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jul 5, 2007

This is about the problem of spiritual indifference, and God’s promise, "return to me and I will return to you."

Main Idea: The problem with spiritual indifference. God’s Promise: Return to me, and I’ll return to you. HOOK A quote from David Hansen (The Power of Loving Your Church) about being ’at war’ with God sometimes but at least not ambivalent. (The strong wording of the quote gets one’s attention ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Just Tenting Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

Also drawing from 2Cor5.1-5, this Fathers Day sermon challenges us to let others see that we regard this life as "tenting."

HOOK Story of an influential teacher... and the legacy that we all might leave. Post-exile emerging generation… What kind of legacy would they leave? Question for every generation. YOU The desire to leave an impact on kids, have them turn out, etc... Identify with the desire to see kids thrive ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Two Most Powerful Realities Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We’ve got to understand the twin realities of God’s wrath against sin and God’s mercy to the sinner.

Zephaniah / Romans 3.23-24 Wrath There are some pretty difficult words in Zephaniah. Listen to a few: “I will sweep away everything… those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord or inquire of Him, be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near! … ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Power Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We all crave power, admit it or not; so how can we make sure we don’t abuse it?

The Truth About Power – Micah (6.8 key vs) Main Idea: We’re to use power, not usurp it. Like Jesus, our Glorious One! INTRO What’s the truth about power? We all have trouble with power, even when we feel powerless. Motorcycle stuck in sand illustration… freedom, grounded. You [Need] We all ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What In The World Is God Doing? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

How do we get on board when we don’t understand what God is doing (compares Jonah with Pentecost)?

20070527 – What in the world is God doing? (Jonah/Acts 2) INTRO– How many of you like surprises? Think, now… Jonah is full of surprises – or God is… • Tomorrow morning you’re going! • Nineveh • The fish is a surprise – oh no you don’t • And Nineveh holds still more surprises – Jonah is sick of ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blind Spots Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We’ve all got blind spots - how can God help us to overcome them?

WE (intro) Professor poll: How may were… valedictorian, salutatorian, class president, yearbook editor, multiple-letter athletes, youth group leaders…bigger sea. 2 percent below average in leadership ability / YOU Ever realized something about yourself that you seemed to be the last to know? How ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Because. Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

Faith is not unquestioning - it is rooted in who God is.

Main idea: Got questions? (for God) Faith is not unquestioning - it is rooted in who God is. (Relate to parenting and our kids questions, trust) ME/WE (Intro) Child and dad - " because." Answer: "because I said so" - place for that, but it doesn’t get much mileage Commanded a respect due, but ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Judgment Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

How is seeing God as judge good and life-giving, and what does it mean for us to "rend our hearts"?

20070506a – Joel – The Truth About Judgment Opener Humorous story of piled-up disappointments (good news/bad news, etc) You Been mowed down ever? Disappointments piled up? Where’s abundance? How do you feel with that kind of storm hits? God Joel’s people wave after wave of ‘locust ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Is Justice Blindfolded? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

God’s passion for justice and mercy was a big part of our evangelical heritage, and ought to be part of the way we live our faith as well.

Is Justice Blindfolded? - Amos Intro Amazing Grace movie looks great to us – but Wilberforce at the time… People with burdens sometimes seems to BE burdens! You People ever bother you about what you ought to do? Some things you would honestly rather not think about? Imported problems? You’re ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Devotion Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We have a tendancy to quit; not God, who has a tenacious love for you.

ME/WE HOSEA 1-3 You’re a quitter! – What would you think if someone said that to you? Yet, we are, really… when it comes to anything outside of self: • The kid with the bat. • Running away from home • Suitcase (lets not embarrass ourselves) – or under roof unplug • #1 Drivetime request – ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Money Talks

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A sermon on the attitudes with which we give.

Mark 12.41-44 “Money Talks” Problem Then Giving with pretense and show. Court of the Women where the temple treasury was situated/women & men came to present their gifts. Chests called "trumpets" / shaped like trumpets. Metal coins were PITCHED into/make a loud noise. The more money ..the louder ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blessed Is The Nation

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A call to be salt-and-light citizens.

Psalm 33.12-22 Blessed is the Nation.. It was in the middle of a very unpopular war, a conflict noted for its shabby ideology and selfish ends. Besides which, it wasn’t going well. On the night of September 13, he found himself sloshing around in a small boat on a mission: He’d volunteered to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:12-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Burning Bush: Attentive Hearts

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A sermon based on the Burning Bush story which looks at what it means to have hearts that are attentive to God.

20000326a - Exodus 3.1,f. The Burning Bush Attentive Hearts Story of a native American in NYC hearing cricket; crowd hearing coins drop. The point is not just listening; it’s WHAT! / TRUTH! Turn Aside [3.1-3] Moses’ first step was a detour. It was a decision to pay at-tention. (We get so ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed