Sermon Central
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Easter Season
Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 16, 2007 (message contributor)
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1. Peace And Faith
Contributed on Apr 16, 2007
The greatest detriment to faith is not doubt but fear. When Jesus reveals himself to his dsiciples on Easter evening he gives them peace to free them from their fear. Jesus works the same way in our lives.
John 20:19-31 “Peace and Faith” INTRODUCTION If you were in charge of guarding “faith”; keeping it safe from anything that would harm it, what would you be most vigilant against? • Some people would guard against affluence. We know that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye ...read more
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2. A Promise For All
Contributed on May 16, 2011
The good news of new life in Christ is for all; there are no limits to it.
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 “A Promise for All” INTRODUCTION The text today contains the first sermon of the Christian church. It’s a rather long sermon and admittedly a little on the hell, fire, and brimstone side of things. Thankfully, we only read the very beginning and the ...read more
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3. Commissioning Service
Contributed on Jun 29, 2011
Jesus commissions his disciples to continue his ministry and to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:6-14 “Commissioning Service” INTRODUCTION May is a time of transition for many people. Kindergartners are promoted to first grade and will soon experience its rigors. Eighth graders leave the comfort of grade school for the challenges of high school. High school ...read more
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4. Shalom
Contributed on Apr 24, 2012
Just like the disciples' hopelessness and despair was turned into joy and peace, so Jesus moves in our lives giving us the peace that passes all understanding.
John 20:19-31 “Shalom” INTRODUCTION Does is seem to you that Easter Day was a long time ago? So much has happened this past week and it feels like the loud proclamations, “He is Risen,” and “He is Risen Indeed,” are now only faint whisperings. ...read more
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5. A Humble Walk
Contributed on May 23, 2013
The journey of faith is not necessarily a walk of holiness, but rather a walk of humility.
Luke 18:9-14 “A Humble Walk” INTRODUCTION Christians have a saying among ourselves, “Please be patient, God isn’t through with me, yet.” This saying is talking about the Holy Spirit’s ongoing process of shaping us into the image of God, or as ...read more
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6. Unity
Contributed on May 23, 2013
Unity is not formed from agreement, but from love and forgiveness.
John 17:20-26 “Unity” INTRODUCTION The words contained in today’s lesson are some of the most troubling Jesus ever spoke. We think we understand Jesus’ parables, like the Parable of the Sower, or the Parable of the Prodigal Son.” The significance of ...read more
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7. The Gift
Contributed on Apr 30, 2014
Jesus appears to the disciples on Easter evening and gives them the gift of the Spirit. Later Jesus appears to Thomas in order to quell Thomas’ doubts.
John 20:19-30 “The Gift” INTRODUCTION Last Wednesday the Youth Discipleship class went to see the movie, “Heaven is for Real.” If you haven’t read the book, or seen the movie, it is about the experience of Colton Burpo. Colton was four years-old when his ...read more
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8. Expanding The Boundaries
Contributed on May 5, 2015
"Paul begins is ministry and those who have walked in darkness begin to see a great light. God's Kingdom is expanding.
Acts 13:1-3, 14:8-18 “Expanding the Boundaries” INTRODUCTION May is soon upon us, the month of graduations and new chapters in the lives of people. Walking across the stage and receiving a diploma or degree is the end of years of effort. It is also the beginning as the ...read more
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9. Lessons On Obedience And Forgiveness
Contributed on Apr 30, 2007
Before Jesus ascends, the disciples get a crash course on what is needed to carry on the ministry of Jesus to which they have been called--and they just thought they were going fishing.
John 21:1-19 “Lessons on Obedience and Forgiveness” INTRODUCTION The school year is drawing to a close. Both students and teachers are talking about the end of school and are looking forward to the summer break. Before the end of school can occur, though, students must take the dreaded ...read more
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10. New Rules By Which To Live
Contributed on May 12, 2007
Christian community is not only vital to our spiritual health, it is vital to our mission and ministry as Christians.
John 13:31-35 “New Rules By Which To Live” INTRODUCTION Families … you’ve got to love them. Not only are they a cornerstone in our society, but they play a major part in each and every one of our lives. We may not have reached the imagined perfection of Ozzie and Harriet, or Ward and ...read more
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11. The Gift Of Peace
Contributed on May 16, 2007
Before his ascension, Jesus address the disciples and gives them parting words that will enable them to carry out the ministry to which he is calling them
John 14:23-29 “The Gift of Peace” INTRODUCTION During this time between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension into heaven, the church has used the gospel of John to focus on Jesus’ personal teachings to his disciples. A few Sundays ago we talked about the final exams that ...read more
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12. Diversity Within Unity
Contributed on May 21, 2007
The church’s unity in "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, allows for great diversity in ministry.
John 17:20-26 “Diversity Within Unity” INTRODUCTION What does “One” look like? Ever since Jesus prayed the prayer recorded in today’s gospel lesson, this has been a vital question for Christians and for the Christian Church. Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers. The primary ...read more
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13. Unable To Be Silenced
Contributed on Apr 24, 2010
The disciples were bold in their witness to what Jesus Christ had done. Attempts by the authorities to silence them failed. God had called them to be his witnesses and they could not keep silent.
Acts 5:27-32 “Unable to be Silenced” INTRODUCTION There are times that the courage of others amazes us. Recently I viewed the movie, “The Hurt Locker.” It is a story about the war in Iraq. I was amazed and humbled by the courage of the soldiers who were portrayed ...read more
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14. From Death To Life
Contributed on Apr 24, 2010
Paul persecuted Christians of the early church with a ferocious intensity. That is until he encountered Jesus. Meeting Jesus turned Paul's life around. He, who was dead, experienced new life.
Acts 9:1-6 “From Death to Life” INTRODUCTION Almost all of us have experienced a life changing event in our lives. The people who worked at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 (but missed being at work that morning) share that their lives have been changed. For many ...read more
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15. Carrying On The Ministry
Contributed on Apr 24, 2010
Peter brings a woman back to life in a manner that is reminiscent of Jesus' healing ministry. The followers of Jesus are called to continue Jesus' ministry--to heal and proclaim the good news of salvation.
Acts 9:36-43 “Carrying On the Ministry” INTRODUCTION It is interesting to observe children (and some adults) at Christmas time when presents are opened. Even in this depressed economy, our gift giving in abundant. Children have the pleasure of opening several ...read more
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16. Heaven On Earth
Contributed on May 16, 2011
The early converts created a community of faith that reflected what they believed was life in the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:42-47 “Heaven on Earth” INTRODUCTION Psalm 23 is the most well known and one of the most comforting Psalms. Countless people have found comfort, strength and hope in its verses. During times of grief and struggle individuals imagine the Lord making them rest in green ...read more