Sermons on Apprentices:

The Vanishing Father

Contributed by Charles Payne on Jun 12, 2025

There was a time—not so long ago—when the word “father” evoked strength, stability, and sacrificial love. When a man’s presence brought comfort, not confusion… direction, not detachment… blessing, not brokenness. But somewhere along the line, the father began to vanish.

THE VANISHING FATHER SCRIPTURE Malachi 4:6 “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” PROLOGUE TO THE SERIES: “The Vanishing Father” Four Reflections Toward the Restoration of Godly ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 4:6, Isaiah 3:12, Proverbs 20:7, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 1 Corinthians 4:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Will This Be The Year?

Contributed by Alan Smith on Apr 20, 2006

As this year begins, I can’t help but wonder, “Could this be the year that Jesus Christ returns?”

I want to begin the lesson this morning by wishing a “Happy New Year” to each and every one of you! I sincerely hope the year we have just started will be the best ever in your life. And my particular wish for each of you is that this will be the year in which you are more open to God’s presence, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Passionate Christianity

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Apr 22, 2006

Preachers need to return to fasting, prayer and keeping their offices as a place of study. The children of God need to walk into church expecting to hear a message that is birthed from the Word of God while praying for illumination from the Holy Spirit.

Turn Your Bibles to Mark 8:34 -38 Title: Passionate Christianity Theme: Unashamedly Living for Christ Introduction: There is a tale of the great English actor Macready. Macready was once asked by a preacher; “What is the difference between the two of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Good Works Of Faith Series

Contributed by Tim Zukas on Apr 25, 2006

Good Works as a response to a relationship for God

Ministerial transition can be difficult and emotional things. There was an elderly woman who was weeping as she said goodbye to the man who had been pastor of her church for several years. "My dear lady," consoled the departing pastor, "don’t get so upset. Surely the Search Committee will find a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Genesis 5-11

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Jan 10, 2007

An overview of the people and events from Adam to Noah.

As we continue our trip through GENESIS, let’s recap … LAST WEEK’S MESSAGE In Chapter 1, the first thing we learned was God is. Not that God is this, or God is that, but simply that God IS, and that God is eternal. We also discovered that, even though we act like we are the creators, He is ...read more

Denomination: *other

Amazing Grace, That Sweet, Sweet Sound

Contributed by Trey Harris on Feb 13, 2007

A look at the historical, biblical and practical application of John Newton’s great hymn "Amazing Grace."

Amazing Grace, That Sweet, Sweet Sound Romans 6:14 Trey Harris Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (Romans 6:14) Illustration: An old man lived with his hound-dog, Mace, in a run-down shack ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:14

Denomination: Methodist

Investing Faith Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Mar 7, 2007

Authentic faith is generous towards God, while artificial faith is greedy.

Foolproof – A Study of James INVESTING Faith – James 5:1-6 Insert: I want the ushers to come to the front w/ the offering plates and I want you to pull out your wallets/purses. This is a stick up! I don’t want anyone to get hurt. So if you’ll calmly drop all your money and ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Avoiding The Mistake Of Revenge Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 5, 2007

Seeking revenge ends up hurting us more than anyone. Look at how that truth is discovered in Haman’s situation.

Introduction: A. When I was growing up, my favorite cartoons were the Warner Bros “Looney Tunes.” 1. There was Bugs Bunny “What’s Up Doc?”, Daffy Duck, and Elmer Fud. 2. There was Tweety Bird “I taught I saw a Puty Tat”, Sylvester the Cat, and Granny. 3. There was Pepe Le Pew, Marty Martian, and ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Care Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Jul 19, 2007

First in a series exploring life crisis. Based on the "Who Cares" campaign of Outreach.com. Introductory message explores the role of the church in crisis.

(This message extensively based on the sermon starters provided in the "Who Cares" package materials from Outreach.) Who cares. Despite the structure of that phrase, which should be a question, it is probably used more frequently anymore as a statement of fact rather than a question. Who ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Product Of Real Love Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jun 28, 2010

The act of loving is what makes a person better than he is. Love enlarges the boarders of our heart, it deepens us & overflow from us. It is by loving that we come nearer to God & knit our soul to that of Jesus. To refuse to love is to contract inward

[LIVING IN LOVE SERIES] 1 CORINTHIANS 13:6b-8a THE PRODUCT OF REAL LOVE Here we find Real Love’s Outcome. Love, says Browning, “is the energy of life.” The Bible says where God is, love is, for God is love. All of these 15 colors and hues of the spectrum of love we find in this passage are verbs ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Advance Notice Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Jan 18, 2010

Jesus is the Messiah of Israel, present, predicted, and presaged in the Old Testament.

“Advance Notice” Luke 24:13-49 January 17, 2010 Judas of Galilee…Theudas…Simon bar Kokhba…Menahem ben Judah…Moses Botarel…Asher Kay…David Reubeni…Solomon Molcho… Mordecai Mokiakh…Jacob Querido…Judah ben Shalom…and the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-49

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Dust-Covered, Becoming Truly Devoted Disciples Of Christ

Contributed by Jordon Leblanc on Sep 30, 2007

How can we become fully devoted followers of Jesus?

This evening, I want to share with you something that is close to my heart. I want to share what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. When I was preparing for this message, I came across a letter on the subject that I thought would be appropriate in this situation. Thank you for submitting the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Denomination: Wesleyan

What's The Point Of Pentecost? Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Nov 23, 2007

I preach expository messages, and this is the fourth in my series on the Book of Acts.

“What’s the Point of Pentecost?” Acts 2:1-41 5.13.07 Lloyd John Ogilvie asks the question, “if you asked the average Christian, which of these events they could most do without: Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, or Pentecost, which do you think most would choose?” Probably Pentecost, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-41

Denomination: Evangelical Free

What's So Amazing About Grace?

Contributed by Rick Finitzer on Jun 10, 2008

Never think you are beyond the reaches of the love of God for you.

Cornerstone Church 02/18/2007 WHAT’S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE? The Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-31 Jesus has been drawing a crowd with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-31

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Which Jesus?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jul 12, 2008

Who do you follow?

Matt 24:4-5 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. KJV Especially in the last fifty years we have seen this prophecy come to pass. We have seen many cult leaders stand up to say ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-12

Denomination: Baptist