Sermons on Ann Douglas Vaughan:

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

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

He's Waiting At The Well

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 27, 2008

Like the woman at the well, we are thirsty for salvation, and Jesus waits for us with living water at the well.

Introduction: Our reading today is so completely rich with meaning that I am going to go through it verse by verse. I hope in this way to open the text that it might address us where we are, for Christ always comes to us no matter where we are. Prayer: Lord God, we come thirsty. We live in a ...read more

Scripture: John 9:5-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Open Our Eyes

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 3, 2008

Jesus never walks by us, and when He stops our faith will grow if we retell the stories of His touch.

Introduction: Jesus has traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Booths, which was one of the three festivals when faithful Jews would travel to Jerusalem. The other two are Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost). During the Feast of Booths which is seven days between late October and late November, ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

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

You Carry The Gospel!

Contributed by Anne Benefield on May 28, 2008

If we truly believe then we will want to share the Gospel in actions as well as words.

Introduction: The passage that we study today is called the “Great Commission.” The disciples have gone to Galilee to meet with the Risen Christ. These are the last words of Jesus to His disciples and in them He does three things: 1. He assures them of His power. 2. He gives them a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Spirit Of The Living God, Fall Afresh On Me

Contributed by Anne Benefield on May 28, 2008

Your life can sparkle with the Spirit if you will let the Spirit live within you.

Introduction: Today is the birthday of the church. We find the account of what happened in Acts of the Apostles, which perhaps should be called “Acts of the Spirit.” Newsweek magazine features a short column in which famous authors tell what the five most important books to them were. Garrison ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

An Attitude Of Obedience Series

Contributed by Ed Wood on May 30, 2002

What is our attitude toward being obedient to Christ. This message examines that subject.

AN ATTITUDE OF OBEDIENCE Acts 5:17-32 INTRO: Obedience can be costly, obedience can be difficult, but genuine obedience is seldom boring. From the beginnings of the church, believers have faced the world with the attitude of obedience to God whatever the cost. I. THE PRIORITY OF OBEDIENCE. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-32

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven - The Eternal Vacation

Contributed by E. Venn on Sep 14, 2004

Jesus will reunite the human family when He returns. Those families who have been ripped apart by death, disease, divorce or distance will be reunited.

Heaven - Our Eternal Vacation School is out. Summer is here. With the warm weather one can witness the slow migration of motor homes, boats, and RV’s on the road. This is a sign that we are about to enter the vacation zone. And with this season comes planning, and celebration time. I just ...read more

Scripture: John 14:3

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Life Is A Continual Adjustment Series

Contributed by Grant Adams on Apr 24, 2024

We have all seen many adjustments take place in our lives. Some fairly easy and some not so easy. If it were not for God and His Word, we would struggle to manage through.

Think with me of some of the changes and adjustments Ann has seen and experienced in her almost 82 years of life. 1. Household duties: Washing, ironing, heating, cooking, and bathing. 2. Transportation 3. Communication: mail, phones, computers 4. Ann has experienced her final adjustment. We, this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Teach Us To Pray Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Feb 4, 2020

We need to pray as Jesus instructed us.

TEACH US TO PRAY Text: Matt. 6:9-13 Introduction 1. Illustration: In his classic book With Christ In The School Of Prayer, author Andrew Murray says, “Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray.” 2. We have designated 2020 as a year of rest and reflection. During that time, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Methodist