Sermons on Ann Douglas Vaughan:

Who's The Judge Series

Contributed by Anne Robertson on Sep 4, 2004

The sixth phrase of the Creed: "From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead."

WHO’S THE JUDGE? TEXT: Luke 6:37-38; Romans 8:1-6 As we continue our travels through the Apostles’ Creed, we come to a rather squirmy line: “From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.” Thinking about the judgment passages of Scripture is not an easy way to pass the morning, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Anne Robertson on Sep 4, 2004

The seventh phrase of the Creed: "I believe in the Holy Spirit"

THE HOLY SPIRIT TEXT: John 16:12-15; Acts 2:1-18 This week we move into the second part of the Creed. The first part was almost exclusively about the nature and life of Jesus, but in this second part we branch out to a listing of other Christian beliefs. The difficult piece is that the Creed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-18

Denomination: Methodist

The Holy Catholic Church Series

Contributed by Anne Robertson on Sep 4, 2004

The eighth phrase of the Creed: "The holy catholic church."

THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH TEXT: John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:1-6 Line by line we are making it through the Apostle’s Creed, and the line we are looking at this week is easily the most misunderstood line in the whole thing. “I believe in the holy catholic church. I remember when I first learned ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

The Communion Of Saints Series

Contributed by Anne Robertson on Sep 4, 2004

The ninth phrase of the Creed: "The communion of saints"

I BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS TEXT: Hebrews 12:1-4 The parsonage lights were burning even later than usual this week as a couple of innocent questions sent me on a wild romp through my family geneaology. Courtesy of the Mormon website, which I believe is the most extensive, free ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

The Forgiveness Of Sins Series

Contributed by Anne Robertson on Sep 4, 2004

The tenth phrase of the Creed: "The forgiveness of sins"

THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS TEXT: 1 John 1:5-10 We’re almost there. For months now we have been preparing for our journey into mission by examining the map left to us by the ancients…the Apostle’s Creed. We have gone through controversial lines, misunderstood lines, historical lines, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-10

Denomination: Methodist

The Resurrection Of The Body Series

Contributed by Anne Robertson on Sep 4, 2004

The last phrase of the Creed: "The resurrection of the body and the life everlasting"

THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY John 20:1-9, 19-31; 1 Cor. 15:33-49 If you have been with us for the past few months, you know that this morning we arrive at the end of a long discussion of the Apostle’s Creed. Line by line we have examined the teachings of the Christian faith and here, on Easter ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:33-49

Denomination: Methodist

Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Apr 22, 2008

There’s plenty of room for us so let us follow Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Introduction: This passage is near the beginning of Jesus’ farewell address to the disciples. As scholar William Barclay writes: “In a very short time life for the disciples was going to fall in. Their world was going to collapse in chaos around them. At such a time there was only one thing to ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-7, 3 John 14:8-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Last Lecture

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Apr 28, 2008

In the farewell discourse Jesus is giving His "Last Lecture" that brings together the most important messages He has for us.

Introduction: This is the third in a series of sermons on Jesus’ farewell discourses in the Gospel according to John. These words have special importance because in them Jesus is telling His disciples and us what is critical in faith. John 14:15-21 Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Becoming Good Dirt

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jul 14, 2008

The Parable of the Sower teaches us not only what not to be, but what we can be to become fertile soil for the seed of the Spirit.

Introduction: The first recorded parable of Jesus is “The Parable of the Sower.” It is the only parable which Jesus explains line by line. One of the important things for us to understand is that fields in biblical times were not like our fields today which have been prepared by modern ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Couldn't You Send Someone Else?

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Sep 4, 2008

God has a plan for us, and like Moses, we resist it, but God is persistent and patient.

“Couldn’t You Send Someone Else?” Romans 12:9-12; Exodus 3 and 4, Various Verses The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, August 31, 2008 Introduction: Today, we will continue the story of Exodus. We’ll hear the story of the burning bush and God’s call to Moses. Since the story ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Be Strong And Courageous

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Dec 3, 2007

Practicing our faith daily is the way to become strong and courageous.

Be Strong and Courageous Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Joshua 1:6-9 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, October 21, 2007 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Moses said to the Israelites, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:6-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Come And See

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 24, 2008

It’s risky, but sharing faith with friends and families is the most important and effective way to bring people to Christ.

Introduction: Last week we studied Matthew’s account of the beginning of Jesus’ formal ministry when he was baptized by John the Baptist. Today we turn to the account of John the Gospel writer. The story begins with John the Baptist witnessing to Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” Two of John’s ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-42

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Seeing Things In A New Light

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 14, 2008

When we see in the Transfiguration that Jesus is fully human and fully divine, listening to Him takes on great power.

Introduction: Our scripture passage took place six days after Jesus asked the disciples who people thought He was, and Peter recognized that He was the Messiah. Still the disciples didn’t really understand. As Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem, He was transfigured in front of Peter, James and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Word We Hate The Most

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 19, 2008

The word we hate the most is "no" and yet practicing Lenten disciples of fasting, praying, and giving can enrich us when we say "no" to the world and "yes" to God.

Introduction: The passage we will read tonight is the traditional reading for Ash Wednesday. It focuses our attention on the three disciplines of Lent: Praying, Fasting, and Giving. You will hear each one described. Tonight we’re going to discuss how to practice those disciplines. Hear now the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Renewed In The Wilderness

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 19, 2008

The power of Lent is in the wilderness of letting go and disengaging with the world so that we can reconnect to God.

Introduction: The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is a pivotal event in His life. It is recorded in Mark, Luke, and Matthew. This week we read Matthew’s account. It comes right after Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan and before His formal ministry begins. Hear now the word of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed