Sermons on Anne:

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

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

Lord Of Second Chances

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Sep 9, 2008

Throughout the Bible, God offers person after person a second chance. He’s offering you a second chance. Use it faithfully.

As people came into the sanctuary they were asked to take a stone from pails of stones. Immediately following the sermon, they were invited to come forward to place the stone representing their sin at the foot of the cross. I also took 8-1/2 by 11 sheets with a name for each Biblical person, taped ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

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

Enemies

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 4, 2009

Our greatest enemies are the traits within us that cause us to sin. We see those traits in others, can’t control others, and can find healing only in Christ.

Enemies Mark 1:9-13; Psalm 25:1-10 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, March 1, 2009 Introduction: Today’s scripture lesson is one of David’s psalms. In it he pleads for help from God against his enemies. Listen to how he describes the forces against him. Psalm 25:1-10 To ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

So Little Time, So Much To Do

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

We have all received grace upon grace; therefore, we are called to share our talents just as Peter’s mother-in-law did.

So Little Time, So Much to Do Isaiah 40:27-31; Mark 1:29-39 Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, February 8, 2009 Introduction: We continue with the first chapter of Mark. As always, Mark tells the story well and fast. His favorite word is “immediately.” There is very little ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Rejoice In The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

There is room for everyone in the Spirit!

Rejoice in the Power of the Holy Spirit Matthew 28:16-20 and Various Verses from the Epistles The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, February 15, 2009 Introduction: Our passage today is made up of phrases from Paul’s letters to the early churches. It is an inspiring array of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:13-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dancing With God

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

Dancing with God begins when we realize that God chooses the music and the dance, but most importantly, God leads.

Dancing with God Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, Ash Wednesday February 25, 2009 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, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Deep In Our Hearts

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jun 9, 2009

Only God is permanent: our covenant with God becomes real when it moves from our brains to our hearts.

Deep in our Hearts Jeremiah 31:31-34 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, March 29, 2009 Introduction: Beginning in 598 BCE (Before Common Era), King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah and exiled many of its leading citizens to Babylon. The fall of Judah was complete in ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Am I A Messy Christian? Series

Contributed by David Selleck on Oct 26, 2006

Series of four sermons using Micheal Yaconelli’s book "Messy Spirituality" God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People

Template Oct 1, Messy Spiritualism Series 1 2006 World Communion Sunday Messages adapted from Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli. Felt Need: Does God accept me with all my baggage, shortcomings, sins? Desired Outcome: To understand that God always is seeking and loving the least of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-56

Denomination: Methodist

Come, Long Expected Jesus

Contributed by Craig Condon on Jul 8, 2015

If we obey God’s will for our lives like Mary and Elizabeth did, we will be richly blessed like they were because we will be blessed by the light and life of Christ-a light that shines brightly in our dark, sinful world.

Anne couldn’t think of a good reason that God should give her a grandchild. And even though it was one of her deepest desires, she had almost given up on the idea. God had already blessed her with two wonderful children. Her son decided to remain single and had devoted his life to Bible ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

Denomination: Anglican