Sermon Central
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Life Of Christ
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 12, 2000 (message contributor)
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1. Why The Blind See And The Seeing Are Blind
Contributed on Dec 12, 2000
Why is it that the same Gospel both draws and repels people?
Why the Blind See and the Seeing Are Blind (John 9:1-41) 1. There are many things in life that once bore us and then they later become enjoyable and fascinating. 2. Me and my music. 3. Art. Recycling. 4. The same is true in the spiritual realm. Many of you may have thought ...read more
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2. Jesus From Four Angles
Contributed on Mar 1, 2001
An introduction to the 4 Gospels and their presentations of Christ
Jesus from Four Angles (intro to the Gospels) Main Thought: The 4 Gospels were written by 4 different men with 4 different slants. Each of the 4 emphasize an aspect of Jesus personality, the well-rounded God-man, the Savior of all mankind. Let’s look at these 4 aspects of Jesus ...read more
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3. Walking That Extra Mile: A Slightly Different Twist On Matthew 5:38-48
Contributed on Mar 1, 2002
The Sermon on the Mount appears to contradict so many other Scriptures unless viewed through the eyes of first century Judaism. No need to strain and squeeze to harmonize Jesus teachings here with His other teachings, the OT, or the rest of the NT. The
Walking That Extra Mile: A Slightly Different Twist on Matthew 5:38-48 Note: If you are interested in more information about interpreting the Sermon on the Mount, please consider my book, "The Midrash Key" (by Ed Vasicek) available through Amazon.com Here is a LENGTHY introduction for the ...read more
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4. Pita Bread, Fish, And Boat Potatoes
Contributed on Apr 26, 2002
The miracles of multiplying the loaves and walking on water are connected in Mark 6:52; what was Jesus trying to prove to His disciples?
Pita Bread, Fish, and Boat Potatoes (Matt. 14:13-33, Mark 6:31-52, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-21) Intro 1. It is hard to define a miracle. 2. In one sense, miracles are happening all around us…(read excerpt for Swenson’ Book, "More than meets the eye" or other creationist materials explaining ...read more
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5. Tassel
Contributed on Apr 26, 2002
What sort of people seek out Jesus? How are the miracles of Jairus’ daughter and the bleeding woman related?
Tassel (Matt. 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56, Matt. 9:27-34) 1.A couple had been married for 35 years. Wife gave husband grapefruit every day of married life. One day, she ran out and apologized passionately to her husband. Husband replied, "That’s okay dear. I never liked grapefruit ...read more
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6. A Kingdom Of Pointers
Contributed on May 17, 2002
What is the difference between a guilt-ridden person who is frantically trying to reform society and the serious Christian?
A Kingdom of Pointers (John 1:19-51) Question: What is the difference between a guilt-ridden person who is frantically trying to reform society and the serious Christian? I. John the Baptist Was a Sort-of Reformer, but Not Frantic…. 1. Day one: while Jesus, returned from the dessert, ...read more
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7. Jesus, The Social Messiah
Contributed on May 17, 2002
Did Jesus live on earth as an illusive, anti-social recluse who hardly cracked a smile? Did He just tolerate people, or did He enjoy socializing?
Jesus, The Social Messiah (John 2:1-12) Questions: Did Jesus live on earth as an illusive, anti-social recluse who hardly cracked a smile? Did He just tolerate people, or did He enjoy socializing? We can find the answer to these questions in our text, as well as a few applications for ...read more
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8. What Burns You Up?
Contributed on May 17, 2002
We have a choice: we can either learn from the real Jesus of Scripture, or the Jesus we’d prefer to believe in.
What Burns You Up? (John 2:13-22) Introduction 1. Imagine attending a church service in 50A.D.. The small congregation of Jewish believers has opened up the meeting for sharing, and one a man about 60 stands up to share…. 2. I came to believe in Yeshua last year, though I met him in the ...read more
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9. Nicodemus And The New Birth
Contributed on May 17, 2002
What kind of attitude do I need, what kind of attitude do you need if God is to operate freely within our lives?
Nicodemus and the New Birth (John 3:1-21) Question: What kind of attitude do I need, what kind of attitude do you need if God is to operate freely within our lives? TS------„³Let¡¦s make some observations about this issue as we look at the life of Nicodemus. I. The Story of ...read more
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10. The Woman At The Well And Jesus
Contributed on May 17, 2002
Why is it that some people can go through life without sensing a need for a personal relationship with God?
The Woman at the Well and Jesus (John 4:4-43) Question: Why is it that some people can go through life without sensing a need for a personal relationship with God? I. The Incident of Jesus and the Woman at the Well Gives Us Some Clues… 1. Jesus had to pass through Samaria… (1) to ...read more
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11. Fishing With Jesus
Contributed on May 17, 2002
What was Jesus’ main reason for working the miracle of filling two boats with fish?
Fishing With Jesus (Luke 5:1-11) I always loved the Andy Griffith Show. The ending made me dream of going fishing with my dad. We did a few times on vacation, but never a "father/son" outing. But Jesus’ disciples experienced a fishing trip that outweighed all others! Question: What ...read more
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12. The Authority Thing: Choice Or Coercion?
Contributed on May 17, 2002
To the Jewish people, the Greatest men of the Old Testament were Moses, David, and Elijah, and they expected the Messiah to be like all three of these men in some ways. Jesus proved Himself greater than them all.
The Authority Thing: Choice or Coercion? (Mark 1:21-34) Intro 1. Every quarter in our bulletins we have an insert from Voice of the Martyrs. 2. Today’s insert is about Li Dexian. Let me read part of it: Pastor Li Dexian has been beaten so hard by Chinese government officials that he ...read more
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13. Prayer And Ministry: Like A Horse And Carriage
Contributed on May 17, 2002
What Can We Learn From the Priorities of the Savior’s Lifestyle?
Prayer and Ministry: Like A Horse and Carriage (Mark 1:35-45) All believers are to have a ministry. Matt. 5:16ff, "Let your light so shine…" Question: What Can We Learn From the Priorities of the Savior’s Lifestyle? I. Our Own Spiritual Health Is the Basis for Our Ministry ...read more
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14. Transformation In Progress: Brief Sketches Of The Twelve
Contributed on May 17, 2002
From Christ’s intense ministry with the Apostles, we can see that God looks beyond what we are to what we can become. He wants us to enter the process of transformation and to continue on in that process.
Transformation in Progress: Brief Sketches of the Twelve (Matt. 10:2-4) I included this hand out in the bulletin: The Calling of the Disciples There are several different "calling" of Jesus’ disciples, and it can be difficult to sort them out. Let’s take a look at at least three of ...read more
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15. The Transformation Of The Twelve, Part Two
Contributed on May 17, 2002
The Apostles were very human men, just like us. And just as Jesus took these diamonds in the rough and polished them into gems, so God wants us to reach our spiritual potential by spending time with Jesus.
The Transformation of the Twelve, Part Two (Matt. 10:2-3) Main Idea: The Apostles were very human men, just like us. And just as Jesus took these diamonds in the rough and polished them into gems, so God wants us to reach our spiritual potential by spending time with Jesus. I. John, ...read more
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16. The Transformation Of The Twelve, Part Three
Contributed on May 17, 2002
The Apostles were very human men, just like us. And just as Jesus took these diamonds in the rough and polished them into gems, so God wants us to reach our spiritual potential by spending time with Jesus.
The Transformation of the Twelve, Part Three (Matt. 10:2-3) Main Idea: The Apostles were very human men, just like us. And just as Jesus took these diamonds in the rough and polished them into gems, so God wants us to reach our spiritual potential by spending time with Jesus. I. Levi ...read more
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17. The Transformation Of The Twelve, Part Four
Contributed on May 17, 2002
The Apostles were very human men, just like us. And just as Jesus took these diamonds in the rough and polished them into gems, so God wants us to reach our spiritual potential by spending time with Jesus.
The Transformation of the Twelve, Part Four (Matt. 10:2-3) NOTE: In actual preaching, I could not finish PART 3, so I "picked up where I left off" in part 4... Main Idea: The Apostles were very human men, just like us. And just as Jesus took these diamonds in the rough and polished them ...read more
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18. When Questions Aren't Questions
Contributed on Sep 20, 2002
Questions are often not mere inquiries; there is an agenda behind them. We need to answer according to the situation, like Jesus did.
When Questions Aren’t Questions (Matt. 21:23-22:43; Luke 20:20-40; Mark 12:28-34) 1. You cannot win with some people: A new body repairman was just breaking in at the car shop. He was working on his first official project, a banged up car. He made significant repairs, taking his time, ...read more
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19. Sincere Faith Or Cosequences
Contributed on Sep 20, 2002
People related to Jesus in various ways. This is true in our day as well. The type of relationship we have to the Lord carreis with it consequences, both good and bad.
Sincere Faith or Cosequences (Mark 11:1-18, Luke 19:41-44) INTRO 1. Few disappointments hurt as much as relational disappointments: 2. "All you think about is golf," the heartbroken wife complained. "You never think of me--even here at the breakfast table." "Of course I think of ...read more
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20. The Olivet Discourse
Contributed on Oct 7, 2002
It is important to not only understand end-time events, but how the principles behind end-time events are relevant to daily life today.
The Olivet Discourse (Matt., chapters 24-25, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-36) NOTE: This is a handout included in the bulletin Some people love to study end-time events and all the big words that accompany it, such as "eschatology," which is "the study of last things." Other Christians have ...read more
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21. A Practical Faith For Real Life
Contributed on Dec 6, 2002
Jesus was out to prepare His disciples for their greatest trial, His crucifixion. But He was also giving us direction to prepare for the realities of life.
A Practical Faith for Real Life (Matt. 26:31-35, John 13:33-38, Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-38) 1. Students at Bible College/seminaries…lose track of the real world…There used to be an old saying, "It takes 10 years to get over seminary…" 2. In our church, we try to encourage an "honest ...read more
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22. Glory To God In The Highest
Contributed on Dec 16, 2002
Fascinating and rarely heard insights to the details of that first Christmas provoke a spirit of true worship.
BULLETIN INSERT NOTES: The Date of Christ’s Birth By Ed Vasicek In 525 A.D., Dionysius, a Scythian monk, was asked to determine the year of Jesus’ birth. He did the best job he could. He determined that the Roman year 754 was the Christian year “1 A.D.” Although Dionysius’ effort is to be ...read more
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23. 2003: It's About Life
Contributed on Dec 26, 2002
We are all part of God’s plan at a point on His timeline. If God is central in our lives, our lives are meaningful, whether we grasp that or not. Today, we will look at 5 different lives which converged at a point in time. We are going to note their di
2003: It’s About Life (Luke 2:21-38) Intro 1. Here we are, ready to mark the passing of another year. 2. Someone once said, "About the time you decide to make the most of your life, most of it is already gone." 3. Indeed, the older you get, the faster the years zoom by. 4. We ...read more
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24. Treatment For Troubled Hearts
Contributed on Jan 2, 2003
A sermon that outlines, seriusly interprets and applies the text; we all experience "troubled hearts," and the Lord offers us steps to move them toward "peaceful hearts."
Treatment for Troubled Hearts (John 14:1-31) 1. Did you ever play board games like “Shoots and Ladders” or “Gooses Wild” or even “Candyland?” You know the kind of games—your goal is to get to the finish line…. 2. John chapter 14 is outlined in a similar fashion: we begin with “troubled ...read more
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25. Gethsemane
Contributed on Jan 28, 2003
History’s two greatest battles were fought in Gardens. The Garden of Eden and The Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus won what Adam lost because He fought the battle on His knees. After Gethsemane, Jesus followed through but no longer struggled with the decisi
Here is the bulletin insert I included with the sermon following it: Gethsemane and The Cup of Wrath It is interesting that Jesus went to the “Garden of Gethsemane” on the Mount of Olives. The garden still exists today, including a number of olive trees which may date back to the time of ...read more
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26. Judging The Right Way: Every Christian’s Calling
Contributed on Jan 31, 2003
It is good for Christians to judge--the right way. The modern understanding of "do not judge" is merely relativism. If there are no rights or wrongs, naturally one cannot judge. But there are rights and wrongs, and there is a right and wrong way to judg
Judging the Right Way: Every Christian’s Calling (Matt. 7:1-6) Note: If you are interested in more information about interpreting the Sermon on the Mount, please consider my book, "The Midrash Key" (by Ed Vasicek) available through Amazon.com Intro --Review Persons of Trinity, Golden Rule, ...read more
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27. Inside Connections And The Jewish Trial Of Jesus
Contributed on Jan 31, 2003
Peter’s denial and the Jewish trial of Jesus opens our eyes to the nature of sinful mankind and society...and to God’s Sovereign Purposes which cannot be thwarted
Note: this is a bulletin insert that I included with the sermon. The actual sermon follows below it. Ed Inside Connections and The Jewish Trial of Jesus (Luke 22:54-65; John 18:12-27; Matt. 26:57-75; Mark 14:54-72) Have you ever noticed this verse about John sneaking Peter into the ...read more
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28. A Forcing Of Sides
Contributed on Feb 17, 2003
Pilate did with Christ what millions do today: he was not against Him, but wanted to avoid the issue. When the pressure came, he had a choice. It is only under pressure that our true convictions surface.
Note: this is a bulletin insert I put in our bulletins to supplement the sermon; it contains much helpful information, so I have included it here before the sermon. Ed Pilate: A Friend to Caesar or Not? The year was 33 AD. Jesus had been arrested and illegally tried. From a human ...read more
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29. People At The Cross
Contributed on Mar 7, 2003
There were all kinds of people at the Cross. What distinguished these groups of people? The condition of their souls, their spiritual heart attitudes. Around the Cross of Jesus, we can see people who demonstrated some contrasting heart conditions.
People At The Cross (Matt. 27:36-44, Luke 23:39-43, John 19:25-27) 1. A father and daughter we walking through a spacious prairie. 2. In the distance, they could see fire all around them. They knew they could not escape it. 3. The father knew there was only one way to escape: set fire ...read more
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30. The Journey To Calvary
Contributed on Mar 7, 2003
The cross is about a holy God, a sinful people, and the God-man Savior, Jesus Christ, providing reconciliation between God and man by providing the ultimate sacrifice for sin. In order to better understand the events of Calvary, we can look at some of the
The Journey to Calvary (Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-31, John 19:19-22) INTRO 1. Calvin Miller said, "One cannot even begin to understand the life of Christ without understanding His death." 2. JUST FOR YOU In Peggy Noonan’s book When Character Was King, she tells about a meeting between ...read more