Sermons on Ancient Paths:

The Sacred Encounter

Contributed by Chris Surber on Dec 23, 2009

In Christ the sacred has taken flesh and broken into the dark reality of this life. The sacred has encountered us.

“The Sacred Encounter” John 1:1-18 Introduction Ever since returning from a recent pilgrimage to Jerusalem I have been keenly interested in the Crusades. That is, the 500 year period during the middle ages when European Christians took it upon themselves to liberate the Holy Land from Arab ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Christian Church

Personal Worship Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Dec 12, 2008

Exposition of Psalm 5 about David spending some time in the morning in worship of God

Text: Psalm 5:1-12, Title: Personal Worship, Date/Place: NRBC, 12/14/08, AM A. Opening illustration: Tell about Lew’s comments about Jesus only making disciples of those who want to be discipled, A man walked up to a vending machine, put in a coin, pressed the buttons labeled, “coffee, double ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Why God Became A Man Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Dec 15, 2008

This message examines God’s motivation for the incarnation.

Why would the Son of God want to become human? What would possess Him to leave His eternal home to enter this world plagued by pain and sorrow? Why would He give up the worship of angels to endure abuse at the hands of sinful man? Why did God become a man? Max Lucado in his book “God Came Near” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Baptism: What Does It Mean?

Contributed by Scott Jensen on Jan 15, 2009

This is 1 of 2 sermons that share some common elements. This one focuses on the Greek behind the word “baptizo” and some of the historical, literature references

Introduction Baptism has become a part of every believer’s life. At some point, we make the plunge, are cleansed from our sins, and take on the name as Christians. But, Christians, as a whole, can not agree on the proper way to baptize and the effect that bestows on us. Tonight, I’d like you to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Remember Cousin John

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Jan 29, 2009

Everyone has relatives that seem strange. Jesus was not any different except that the crazy opinions and words were from God.

It happened for the first time this week…I was asked the question that I dread…Are you ready for Christmas? My standard response is to say that it is not Christmas Eve yet? I ask what the big hurry is….? My point of view on Christmas shopping is not well received at my house. I am not ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Congregational

The Buddy System Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Oct 16, 2012

There is a community aspect to our spiritual life as well as individual responsibilities. As fellow believers we have obligations to one another. James reminds us of that aspect of care.

1. A Contrast Six humans trapped by happenstance in bleak and bitter cold, each one possessed a stick of wood, or so the story goes. Their dying fire in need of logs, the first man held his back, For on the faces around the fire he noticed one was a man whom he considered an enemy. The next man ...read more

Scripture: James 5:19-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christ Comes For His Bride Series

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Jul 19, 2013

Gomer's unfaithfulness as a symbol of us, and Hosea's humility in purchasing back his bride as a symbol of Christ's humility to come and suffer for us.

The King Comes for His Bride If you are a little down, and looking for a pick-me-up, the Minor Prophets are probably not the thing to read. Usually within them are some fantastic nuggets of encouragement, and prophecies about Christ's redemption, however, most of what they have to say can be ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

"First Love"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Jan 9, 2013

A sermon about returning to God after a time of drifting.

Revelation 2:1-7 “First Love” In the late 1940s, there was an emerging evangelist who was preaching the Gospel to large crowds in major arenas, and many folks were coming to Christ at his crusades. But he abandoned his faith, resigned from the ministry and became a writer and news ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

The Benefits Of Serving God Series

Contributed by Tim White on Apr 2, 2012

The Bible always points us to 1) Morality, 2) Magnanimity, 3) Mindfulness, 4) Modesty, 5) Management, and 6) Minding.

The Benefits of Living for God. Proverbs 3:1-12 • There is a song from my generation. • I believe one of our members, Ron Carter, personally knows the writer of this song. • It says, "Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Blessings In Christ Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Apr 16, 2012

The message of Ephesians 1:3-14 is simply this: believers are chosen from the foundations of the earth, redeemed in Christ, possessing an inheritance of matchless worth. Glory to God for so great a salvation as this!

“Spiritual Blessings in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3-14 Outline I. Prolegomena II. Introduction III. Transition a. In the Greek, verses 3-14 comprise one sentence and encompass the past, present, and future of God’s eternal purpose for the church. It is Paul’s outline of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

Denomination: Christian Church

Courage To Confront – Jesus Clears The Temple Series

Contributed by Nigel Heath on Apr 4, 2009

The Gentile Court was the temple access point for Gentiles to learn about Judaism, and since believers are now the spiritual temple, how might Jesus seek to confront us and clear our lives of the clutter that prevents our effective witness?

5.4.09 COURAGE TO CONFRONT – JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE Mark 11:1-11:19 INTRO When did you last witness blatant wrongdoing and step in to do something about it? • It may have been to do with malpractice in the workplace and you became the whistle-blower. • It could be that you witnessed a dispute ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

All's Well That Ends Well Series

Contributed by Jonathan Mcleod on Oct 19, 2010

Christians can endure the injustices of life because we know the end of the story—in the end there will be justice.

[If you would like to receive free sermons each week by email, please contact jonrmcleod@yahoo.com.] WISDOM’S SMILE In Ecclesiastes chapter 8, we find the word “vanity” three times (vv. 10, 14). The Hebrew word for “vanity” literally means “vapor.” Vapor ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Door Series

Contributed by Mike Parry on Aug 19, 2007

The message preaches that Jesus is a special, saving, secure, and satisfying door.

“The Door” The I AM Statements of Jesus FCC - August 22, 2007 Text: John 10: 7-10 Introduction: This morning we are continuing a new sermon series, The I AM statements of Jesus from the Gospel of John. Jesus made an incredible statement to the Jews in response to a discussion about the ...read more

Scripture: John 10:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Reading The Bible Series

Contributed by Jake Kircher on Mar 5, 2008

Sometimes reading the Bible can be difficult. Why should we even read it? If if we convince ourselves to open it, where do we start.

***Open the time with all the lights out and the room completely dark. Begin to lightly toss stones up front so that the thud can be heard by the group*** The first five books of the Old Testament are called the Torah which is what the Jews look to as their Bible. The Hebrew word torah meant ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Man Proposes But God Disposes

Contributed by Mark Roper on Apr 8, 2008

People can make plans; God determines how things will turn out

Man proposes but God disposes Thomas a Kempis. Wrote the second most widely read Christian text after the Bible itself the Imitation of Christ. It contains many sensitively and wisely expressed insights into spirituality and morals. In Chapter 19 of Book 1 we find: "For the resolutions of the ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9

Denomination: Church Of God