Sermon Central
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Luke: Jesus--The Perfect God-Man
Contributed by David Dykes on Mar 27, 2003 (message contributor)
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1. Good Answers To Bad Questions
Contributed on Mar 27, 2003
One day as Jesus was teaching in the temple, his enemies questioned his authority. He gave such good answers, no one dared to ask him any more questions. This is an in-depth look at Christ’s answers and their modern applications.
Good Answers to Bad Questions Luke 19:45-48, 20:1-8, 20:20-26 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION We are approaching a section in Luke when the enemies of Jesus are going to ask Him three strange questions. These questions were intended to force Jesus to incriminate Himself. They are bad ...read more
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2. A Day Of Cheers And Tears
Contributed on Mar 27, 2003
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem in the last week of His life he was greeted with cheers, but He wept over the city because of their superficial beliefs and spiritual blindness. Learn the valuable personal lessons that apply to us today.
A Day of Cheers and Tears Luke 19:28-45 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION I turned 50 in January and someone in the church was kind enough to send me a revised list of hymns for the over-50 crowd: 1. “Precious Lord, Take my Hand, and Help Me Up” 2. “It is Well with my Soul; but my ...read more
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3. Use It Or Lose It!
Contributed on Mar 27, 2003
The parable of the Ten Minas is a wonderful lesson for Christians and how to take advantage of opportunities to serve the Master, the resources He has given us and how we will be judged by our management of these gifts.
Use It or Lose It! Luke 19:11-27 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION One of my heroes is Billy Graham. Although he is in his mid 80s, and battling Parkinson’s disease, he is still preaching the gospel. In 1996, he and Ruth were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to ...read more
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4. Zacchaeus: Out On A Limb For Jesus
Contributed on Mar 27, 2003
Like Zacchaeus, none of us really measures up but Jesus knows what you need—a relationship. He knows your name and sees you not who you are, but who you can become.
Zacchaeus: Out on a Limb for Jesus Luke 19:1-10 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION After the series on getting Plugged In, we’re back in the gospel according to Luke. Today, we’re going to look at one of the most wonderful stories in the Bible: Zacchaeus. Like many of you I was first ...read more
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5. What The Blind Man Saw
Contributed on Mar 31, 2003
Like blind Bartimaeus, none of us has ever seen Jesus with our physical eyes, and we are blind until we come to Him. But Jesus is able to hear your cry of mercy from the roar of the crowd. He is listening for your voice and will stop and respond to you.
What the Blind Man Saw Luke 18:35-43 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Most people eat too much over the holidays. That’s why the #1 New Year’s Resolution each year is to exercise and lose weight. If you think you overate during the holidays, I have some important information for you. ...read more
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6. The Road To The Cross
Contributed on Mar 31, 2003
The dark road to the Cross was full of rejection and pain, but and Jesus emerged on the other side of the cross into the brilliance of resurrection life! This road is also the pattern for every disciple.
The Road to the Cross Luke 18:31-34 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Communicating clearly is always a challenge for us. When we use the wrong word or mix up our words the result is often humorous. Here are some actual examples of excuse notes (with original spelling) parents sent to school ...read more
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7. The Shocking Truth About God
Contributed on Mar 31, 2003
What is God really like? He is good, He is patient, and He is loving. But He is holy and you must consider Jesus’ warning: IF YOU REJECT GOD’S SON, YOU WILL RECEIVE GOD’S JUDGEMENT.
The Shocking Truth About God Luke 20:9-19 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Most of us are familiar with product warning labels. Here are some actual warning labels that are rather humorous: 1. Window air conditioning units are now required to display the warning: CAUTION - AVOID DROPPING ...read more
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8. Can You Pass A Camel Through The Eye Of A Needle?
Contributed on Mar 31, 2003
Jesus didn’t ask everyone he met to follow him. He asked the original twelve disciples–and He invited the Rich Young Ruler to follow him. The young man refused. Like many people, he was fooling himself about what it takes to have eternal life.
Can You Pass a Camel Through the Eye of a Needle? Luke 18:18-30 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION During this Christmas season, there are plenty of Scrooges out there. I heard about one lady who was fumbling in her purse to get her credit card to pay for a purchase. The cashier noticed she ...read more
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9. The Peril Of Proud Praying!
Contributed on Mar 31, 2003
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is an interesting lesson about pride and humility, which raises three questions: (1) Why did you come to church? (2) What is your attitude in church? and (3) How will you go home?
The Peril of Proud Praying! Luke 18:9-14 by Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION A man with three sons inherited a little over $1 billion dollars. Since he now had all this money, he offered to buy his sons anything they wanted. He stressed money was no object. His first son said he had always ...read more
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10. P.u.s.h.--Pray Until Something Happens!
Contributed on Mar 31, 2003
In this parable, we learn the value of positive, persistent prayer and the need for prayer in our lives.
P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens! Luke 18:1-8 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION A young man went into a drugstore to buy 3 boxes of chocolate: small, medium, and large. When the pharmacist asked him about the three boxes, he said, “Well, I’m going over to a new girlfriend’s house ...read more
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11. Bible Prophecy For Dummies
Contributed on Apr 3, 2003
Jesus’ prophetic teachings in Luke 17 are broken down into events that will occur on the Day of the Lord, explanations of God’s present and future Kingdom, the state of world conditions, the ensuing judgment and final warnings from the Savior.
Bible Prophecy for Dummies Luke 17:20-37 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION In 1991 a new kind of how-to book appeared on bookstore shelves. Many bookstores refused to carry the book because they thought the title was insulting to their customers. But most of us are willing to admit we are ...read more
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12. Lessons From A Leper
Contributed on Apr 3, 2003
We all have a deadly problem only Jesus can fix. When we admit our need and cry out for Jesus, stepping out in faith, we receive the power to accomplish the directions God gives us according to the Bible.
Lessons from a Leper Luke 17:11-19 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Have you ever had a totally lousy day? I read about a man who was sitting in a bar, looking at his drink. He stayed like that for half-an-hour. Then, a big trouble-making truck driver stepped up next to him, grabbed the drink ...read more
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13. Basic Training For Disciples
Contributed on Apr 3, 2003
There are four important things to know about basic training for disciples: A disciple never puts a stumbling block in others’ spiritual path; a disciple forgives quickly—and often; a disciple exercises faith; and a disciple demonstrates faithfulness.
Basic Training for Disciples Luke 17:1-10 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Even if you’ve never served in the military, you’ve probably heard of basic training. According to the U.S. Army recruiting Web site, “Basic Training lasts only nine weeks, but you’ll remember those nine weeks for the ...read more
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14. What Happens After You Die?
Contributed on Apr 3, 2003
What happens after death is widely argued among non-Christians. The simple truth is: when you die, you will continue to exist and where you spend eternity depends on the choices you make in the here and now.
What Happens After You Die? Luke 16:19-31 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION How old were you when you began to realize people die? One of my earliest memories was when I was about five years old and my family was traveling to Panama City, Florida to attend my grandfather’s funeral. I recall ...read more
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15. What In Hell Do We Need?
Contributed on Apr 3, 2003
What if you could spend 30 seconds in heaven and 30 seconds in hell? Which of the two do you think would give you a greater burden for lost people--the glory and majesty of heaven or seeing and hearing those in agony in hell?
What in Hell Do We Need? Luke 16:19-31 August 25, 2002 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION I hope you took a moment to look at the title of this message because this morning we are going to consider two things we need that are in hell. In this passage, Jesus pulled back the veil between this ...read more
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16. How Much Can God Trust You?
Contributed on Apr 4, 2003
Jesus used the parable of the shrewd manager to give us lessons about managing the money God gives us, the value of true investments, and a warning about becoming a slave to money.
How Much Can God Trust You? Luke 16:1-18 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION The recent accounting scandals have shaken our economy to its roots. I read about a third grade class in which the students were telling about the jobs their parents had. One little boy shocked the class by saying, “My ...read more
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17. The Parable Of The Pouting Son
Contributed on Apr 4, 2003
This in-depth view of Prodigal Son parable focuses on the elder son and the bitterness and resentment he displayed upon his brother’s return and how we sometimes have the same inflated sense of goodness and faulty understanding of our Father’s grace.
The Parable of the Pouting Son Luke 15:25-32 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Over the last three weeks we have been looking at what has been called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this masterpiece, Jesus communicates several lessons. I believe the main point of this story is to show us ...read more
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18. How To Return To God
Contributed on Apr 4, 2003
Prodigals still exist. These individuals rebel, stepping away from God’s blessings, indulging in reckless living and ruining their lives. But God runs to meet those who are at the point of total desperation and who are willing to repent and return home.
How to Return to God Luke 15:11–24 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION The parable in this passage focuses on the character and nature of the God of the Bible. It’s usually called the parable of the Prodigal Son but I prefer to call it the parable of the Loving Father. Jesus uses this story to ...read more
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19. What Is God Really Like?
Contributed on Apr 4, 2003
Like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, God regrets your rebellion but loves you so much he will let you walk out of fellowship with him. But He is also a God who runs to you when you return and restores you when you repent.
What is God Really Like? Luke 15:11-24 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION What is God really like? Some people think the most important question of life is “Do you believe in God?” But a more important question is “What kind of God do you believe in?” There is something worse than being an ...read more
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20. What Makes Heaven Happy?
Contributed on Apr 4, 2003
Luke 15 contains three parables about lost items. In each story, extreme measures are taken to seek the lost; when each is found, there is great rejoicing. These stories are pictures of how God seeks us and the joy heaven experiences when we are found.
What Makes Heaven Happy? Luke 15:1-10 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION What are the greatest chapters in the Bible? If I compiled a top five list, I think Psalm 23 would be near the top, along with Romans 8, and the third chapter of John. I would also add Luke 15 to the short list of the ...read more
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21. Five Marks Of A Real Disciple
Contributed on Apr 9, 2003
Jesus gives us five vivid images teaching us lessons about discipleship and the total commitment it requires
Five Marks of a Real Disciple Luke 14:25-35 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION The main job Jesus left us to do was to make disciples. There is a difference between a believer and a disciple. There is no such thing as an instant disciple; like the word, it takes discipline. A Russian comedian, ...read more
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22. The Skin Of A Reason Stuffed With A Lie
Contributed on Apr 9, 2003
The parable of the great banquet is a picture of the invitation God extends to us to come to His eternal banquet of salvation–some accept and others refuse this great invitation.
Excuses: The Skin of a Reason Stuffed with a Lie Luke 14:12-24 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION There is a difference between a reason and an excuse. There are times when we may have a legitimate reason for what we do or don’t do. An excuse is actually the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie. ...read more
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23. Have A Slice Of Humble Pie
Contributed on Apr 9, 2003
God doesn’t cause trouble and adversity, but He uses trouble to refine some humility in us. While trouble causes some people to raise their faces to heaven and become bitter, others bow their knees before God and become better.
Have a Slice of Humble Pie Luke 14:1-11 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Maybe you’ve seen Jeff Foxworthy’s “Redneck” list. He says, “You know you’re a Redneck if…”: 1. Directions to your house include, “Turn off the paved road.” 2. You take your fishing pole to Sea World. 3. You have ...read more
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24. Jesus--The Rejected Lover
Contributed on Apr 9, 2003
Jesus’ love is fearless and protective, as a hen gathers her chicks. He wants us to seek His love and we have the power to choose–if we are willing.
Jesus–The Rejected Lover Luke 13:31-35 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Have you ever had your love rejected? Her name was Sandra Moody and I first met her in the third grade. I thought she was the most beautiful girl on earth. I can remember thinking, “When I stop hating girls, she is going ...read more
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25. Have You Found Heaven's Narrow Door?
Contributed on Apr 10, 2003
There are two doors after death: destruction or delight and we choose which door we will pass through while we are alive; either the narrow door to heaven or the wide door to hell.
Have You Found Heaven’s Narrow Door? Luke 13:22-30 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Since I first learned about heaven as a child, I’ve been fascinated with the thought of living with Jesus forever. When I was a senior in college I was the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Prattville, ...read more
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26. When You Get Bent Out Of Shape
Contributed on Apr 10, 2003
Whatever is broken in your life, Jesus can fix it. When suffering or religious rules bend you out of shape, let Jesus get you bent on the joy of God’s kingdom.
When You Get Bent Out of Shape Luke 13:10-21 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION I recently read a funny story that illustrates how most of us are never satisfied. Frank and Mabel had been married for 40 years. Frank turned 60 a few months earlier and they were celebrating Mabel’s 60th birthday. ...read more
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27. Why Do Good People Suffer?
Contributed on Apr 10, 2003
Why do bad things happen to good people? Suffering gets our attention and reminds us that we cannot make it without God.
Why Do Good People Suffer? Luke 13:1-9 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Today, I want to speak to you on “Why Do Good People Suffer?” I’ve preached on suffering before. In fact, one lady wrote me a note reading, “Pastor, I never knew what suffering was until I heard you preach. Now I know.” ...read more
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28. Tuning In To The Spiritual Weather Channel
Contributed on Apr 10, 2003
Are you paying attention to the spiritual climate? If you aren’t right with God, don’t wait. God’s storm warning has been issued and you’d better prepare and get right with God.
Tuning in to the Spiritual Weather Channel Luke 12:51-59 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION I don’t watch much television as a rule–I read. I might catch an episode of “Star Trek: the Next Generation”, or watch Fox News. However, I do tune in the Weather Channel quite often. I’ve always been ...read more
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29. Are You Fired Up For Jesus?
Contributed on Apr 10, 2003
Jesus desired to bring a burning, exciting, dynamic presence of God in the lives of people. God’s fire is dazzling and powerful and can work wonders in your life.
Are You Fired Up for Jesus? Luke 12:49-50 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Sometimes sermons can be too long. A bishop spoke in Chapel at Yale University. He spoke for 15 minutes on how the Y in Yale stood for “Youth” then for another 15 minutes about how A stood for “Ambition,” the L stood ...read more
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30. The Misery Of Spiritual Mismanagement
Contributed on Apr 10, 2003
Jesus entrusted us as His servants to do His work and be obedient to the truth we’ve received. If He came today, what kind of servant would you be?
The Misery of Spiritual Mismanagement Luke 12:40-48 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION According to Luke 12:40-48, Jesus is telling us we are all to be managers of important resources. Some people do a good job, and others are poor spiritual managers. Which kind are you? Beginning in verse ...read more