Sermon Central
-
The Dynamic Church
Contributed by Glenn Durham on May 27, 2008 (message contributor)
-
1. Is The Church Archaic And Obsolete?
Contributed on May 27, 2008
God changes us so that the church can awe and bless the world.
Scripture Introduction Driving home Thursday a provocative announcement on National Public Radio caught my attention. The Templeton Foundation was promoting a discussion of: “Does science make belief in God obsolete?” Such a question would not have been asked 50 or 100 years ago; we all expect ...read more
-
2. A Dynamic Church Devotes Themselves To Scripture
Contributed on Jun 3, 2008
God changes us through our devotion to the apostles’ teaching so that the church can awe and bless the world.
Scripture Introduction At a previous pastorate, one of our church member applied to teach at the local Christian school. He interviewed for the job and they accepted him. Then they gave him a statement of faith to sign. Much was what you would expect: do you affirm the virgin birth, the deity ...read more
-
3. A Dynamic Church Devotes Themselves To Fellowship
Contributed on Jul 8, 2008
God shares his fellowship with us, enabling us to share our lives together.
Scripture Introduction One of the changes in our world in the last generation or so is a loss of security. Expectations for what life offers have risen exponentially; fulfillments have disappointed. Cell phones are a simple example: the promise a connectedness everywhere available and never ...read more
-
4. A Dynamic Church Devotes Themselves To The Lord's Supper
Contributed on Jul 8, 2008
God gives the Lord’s Supper both to proclaim the reality of an alternative community and to produce it.
Scripture Introduction [Teri’s and Shelley’s stories from the chapter, “The Crisis of Loneliness,” in Anderson, Signs of Warning, Signs of Hope.] Teri and Shelley are typical 30-something adults. Teri was surrounded by friends in high school and college, but her network of friends began to ...read more
-
5. A Dynamic Church Devotes Themselves To Prayer (Part 1)
Contributed on Jul 8, 2008
God shakes the world through our prayers.
Scripture Introduction A man asked his friend, “What color are your pastor’s eyes?” He answered: “I don’t know. When he prays he closes his eyes, and when he preaches, I close mine.” That has little or nothing to do with today’s sermon; I simply liked it. Dr. D. A. Carson, professor ...read more
-
6. A Dynamic Church Devotes Themselves To Prayer (Part 2)
Contributed on Jul 23, 2008
God shakes the world through our prayers.
Scripture Introduction One mark of a church filled with the Holy Spirit is devotion to prayer. We considered this last Sunday; it certainly is worthy of addressing again. I concluded last week’s sermon with this challenge from Leonard Ravenhill, a pastor well known for decades of fruitful ...read more
-
7. A Dynamic Church Shares Generously
Contributed on Jul 29, 2008
God rewards those who trust him enough to invest in his kingdom.
Scripture Introduction You work hard for your money. Why would you give it away? Jerry Lewis hosts an annual telethon to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Last year 63 million dollars was pledged—a significant amount, no doubt. Still, however, on a per gift basis, neither ...read more
-
8. A Dynamic Church Worships Joyfully
Contributed on Aug 5, 2008
God renews our hearts so we feel what is true.
Scripture Introduction If you hang around churches for awhile, you will likely find that our emotions do not always match our profession. Creeds containing truths which thrilled a previous generation are mumbled like a 9-year old boy explaining why he was playing baseball inside the house. ...read more
-
9. A Dynamic Church Witnesses To The Gospel
Contributed on Aug 13, 2008
God enables those who have received mercy to witness to the gospel through deeds of mercy.
Scripture Introduction “Who is my neighbor?” “Who is my neighbor?” One of the most intriguing and studied questions ever asked. It all began when a religious leader, in order to test Jesus, asked: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus’ answer was simple, if impossible: ...read more
-
10. A Dynamic Church Makes Disciples
Contributed on Aug 19, 2008
God empowers the command to make disciples of Jesus with his Word and Spirit.
Scripture Introduction “Aim first, then shoot,” would seem an obvious method for hitting a target. But when you try to teach sports, you find such simple advice must be often repeated. “Keep your eye on the ball.” “Look where you want to hit.” “Watch the football into your hands.” “Look at ...read more
-
11. A Dynamic Church Takes The Gospel To The Ends Of The Earth
Contributed on Aug 29, 2008
God honors his people with ambassadorships in his government.
Scripture Introduction Today we read the introduction of a letter written by the physician, Luke, to a dear friend. Since at least AD 300, the church has called this book, “The Acts of the Apostles,” because Dr. Luke tells the continuing story of the work of Jesus through his chosen and ...read more
-
12. A Dynamic Church Is Gospel-Driven
Contributed on Sep 2, 2008
God creates both Christians and saints by establishing us in the faith of the gospel.
Scripture Introduction It was over two years ago when I first contacted Robert about serving as your pastor. He returned to me a document, The Church of the Covenant Core Values, the first sentence of which reads: “We are a Gospel-driven Church.” About that conviction, the session notes: ...read more