Sermons on Arise And Shine:

The River Euphrates: Foolish Fashions Shrink Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 20, 2009

A great people learn to balance foolish pride and destructive shame, and learn to be themselves rather than selecting the worst habits of the majority. Cling to what has supported the African-American for years.

Those who have planned our observance of Black History Month this year selected the theme, "New Currents, Ancient Rivers". Many of you will recognize that the words, "Ancient Rivers" are drawn from a well-known poem by Langston Hughes. The phrase "New Currents, Ancient Rivers" suggests to me that ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 13:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Wanted: Dead And Alive! - Easter

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 11, 2009

The ones who wanted Him dead were afraid that He was alive, and the ones who wanted Him alive assumed He was dead! But no one was neutral about Jesus. ’Cross Examination’ style investigation of the facts of the case. Link to text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Wanted: Dead AND Alive John 20:31 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Wanted.html No one was neutral that day about Jesus. They either wanted Him to be dead or to be alive. Even after He arose, all that the leaders of the land had to do in order to squelch Christianity was to produce the dead body, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:31

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Pattern Of Preaching - Acts 26:20

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Aug 2, 2011

Learn from the Apostle Paul his pattern of his first preaching in Damascus.

Paul's Pattern Of Preaching - Acts 26:20 Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. I. Start From Where You Are II. Back To Your ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Family Ties

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Aug 7, 2011

How can Christians be united when there are so many things we can’t agree on? That is the wrong question. The real question is, how can we imagine that any of these human differences can break the unity among us that God has already created?

Do you know what the Zen Buddhist said to the hot dog vendor? "Make me one with everything." English is a remarkably flexible language. You can play wonderful games with it. "Make for me one hot dog with everything on it" is a far cry from "to become One with everything," which is the Buddhist ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dungeons And Dreams Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 8, 2011

When you face an uncertain future, be certain that God is in control and that He cares for you; be certain that He will not forget the dream He has for you, nor will He forget you.

There is a little church in Galena, Kansas, where it is customary for people celebrating birthdays to come to the front of the sanctuary. There, they give a special offering while the congregation sings “Happy Birthday.” On the other hand, if you’re a little shy, you can give ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 40:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical Free

“do You Wanna Be A Hero?”

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Sep 9, 2011

The qualities that make a hero in Jesus' eyes.

“Do You Wanna Be a Hero?” September 11, 2011 1 Chronicles 11:11-14; 22-23 “this is the list of David’s mighty warriors: Jashobeam, a Hakmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. Next to him was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:11-23

Denomination: Holiness

Cave Or Crown? Series

Contributed by Don Vanzant on Sep 29, 2011

The Great Tribulation will result in severe testing for both followers of Christ and those who refuse to accept Him. Those who refuse will seek to hide in fear, while those whose lives witness to His authority will gather in worship at the throne.

We continue on in the book of Revelation. And let me review for us a little. • Last week we were with John in heaven and he saw God on his throne and God had a scroll that contained the plan of God for the last days – how God would bring about justice and peace to this world. But ...read more

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Habakkuk's Disturbing Burden Series

Contributed by Steven Boersma on Oct 17, 2011

It seemed as if the Lord would not even lift a finger to save the righteous from the oppression of violent men. And so, Habakkuk wanted to know why God wouldn’t listen, why God wouldn’t help, and why God even tolerated all this.

Habakkuk’s Disturbing Burden Habakkuk 1:1-2:1 Introduction The story is told of a man who was washed up on a small, uninhabited island after being the only survivor of a shipwreck. Every day the man prayed feverishly for God to help him. Every day he sat at the beach, scanning the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Will Heaven Be Like?

Contributed by Erik Estep on Oct 20, 2011

Today in our passage of Scripture we’ll see Jesus’ disciple John give us a glimpse into what Heaven will be like. Revelation does speak of heaven as having streets of gold, and pearly gates, and these incredibly beautiful stones that will adorn heaven.

“What Will Heaven Be Like?” Revelation 21: 3-5 January 24, 2010 Intro: A Sunday School teacher was teaching his class about heaven. He asked the children, “If I sold my house and my car, had a huge yard sale, and gave all the money to the church, would that get me into ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

God Pays Attention

Contributed by Bill Butsko on Oct 29, 2011

God always pays attention to our prayers and answers them in a way that is best for us.

Text: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). Can you recall a time in your life when you called upon the Lord and He did not answer you? Some people would answer yes to that question. On the other hand, others would say the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-10, Psalm 34:1

Denomination: Christian Church

Ready And Waiting For Jesus

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Nov 6, 2011

This parable challenges us to make sure we are prepared at all times to meet God. Whether via the Second Coming or at our death, we need to be ready. Not a good idea to be unprepared for His coming.

Parable of the Ten Virgins Who here likes to paint? Who here plays an instrument? Most musicians or artists have stories of awkward moments when they were performing. Funny or awkward. The funniest I remember was when I was in a Christian rock band and we were starting a performance. The show ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Twelve Tribes Of Israel Part 2 Northern, Dan, Naphtali And Ash Series

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Nov 6, 2011

Detailed individial look at each of the twelve tribes of Israel. With focus on the unique name and mission as a tribe fullfilling God’s plan.

The Twelve Tribes of Israel (Part 2) Northern, Dan, Naphtali and Asher “And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” (Genesis 49:1) Intro: Last Sunday we started a sermon series titled “The Twelve ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 49:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Messiah And The Great Separation Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Nov 10, 2011

At the Great Judgment, we will either be considered a sheep or a goat.

The Messiah and the Great Separation Text: Matt. 25:31-46 Introduction 1. Illustration: One of my all-time favorite movies is "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." In the movie the father in the story tells his daughter, "Tula, there are two kinds of people in the world; Greeks, and everyone that wish they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Methodist

The Gift Of God's Great Promise

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 31, 2011

2 Peter 1

THE GIFT OF GOD’S GREAT PROMISE (2 PETER 1) The clergyman’s eloquence may have been at fault, still he felt annoyed to find that an old gentleman fell asleep during the sermon on two consecutive Sundays. So, after service on the second week, he told the boy who accompanied the sleeper that he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Remember Lot's Wife

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Jan 6, 2012

A strong warning to not look back.

Luke 17:32 KJV Remember Lot's wife. I. INTRODUCTION—HONORING HEROES -If you only look at the calendar in a year’s time, you will discover that there are certain days set aside to honor people. There are a few days every year that schools, banks, government offices, and many places ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:32

Denomination: Pentecostal