Sermons on Background:

Paul And Ephesus

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Jul 29, 2019

We hear Paul's letter to the Ephesians like we might overhear someone talking on the phone. We get only half of the conversation. If we are going to understand Paul's teaching we need to learn as much as possible about the circumstances of his readers.

Years ago there was a farmer from a very small village in Germany who was just itching to get out and see something of the world. His big chance came when his nephew got a job on a barge that would sail up the Rhine River to Rotterdam. Even if it only stayed there for one day to drop off one ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-2

Christ's Ambassadors

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Sep 17, 2022

We as born-again believers have been given the ministry of reconciliation and as Christ's ambassadors are to implore the world to be reconciled unto God!

Christ’s Ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 In Apostle Paul’s time reconciliation or the removal of enmity between two aggrieved parties was sought using an ambassador. A person was chosen for such a role in Roman society due to their ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

Compassion & Understanding Of The Lord Heals The Canaanite Woman’s Daughter

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Dec 14, 2024

Because we harbour differences, misunderstandings, resentments, and issues that we must sort out with the Lord, he may growl at us when we ask for a favour. But if our faith in God remains unshaken, the Lord will ensure that God will answer our cries for help.

Today, I want to hear God speaking to us through the story of Jesus healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter, who was tormented by a demon. For many reasons, this is a unique and fascinating story. For starters, this story, which is placed in the region of Tyre and Sidon, is among the two stories ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Unity That Gives Us Joy

Contributed by Paul Fredericks on Jun 20, 2002

An extended outline of Philippians 2 on how unity can bring us joy, individually and corporately.

1A. Background of this book 1B. Paul is writing from jail 2B. Paul is encouraging the church to have his mindset in the midst of their discouraging circumstances 3B. Paul is directing the church to remain united despite inner conflicts. 4B. Paul’s main theme is Joy 1C. Joy is not ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Jehoiakim Hears The Word

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: When God speaks, everyone should listen.

Thesis: When God speaks, everyone should listen. Intro.: 1. Illust. Do you remember that old brokerage firm commercial by E.F. Hutton? A bunch of people are in a swimming pool at a fashionable resort. Two men are talking while others are diving, swimming, and so forth. One man says, "Well my ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 36:20-24

How To Let God Guide You In Selecting Your Mate

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Commit your way to the Lord, delight yourself in Him and His will and trust also in Him to lead you to the best person and He will bring it to pass.

1. Commit your way to the Lord, delight yourself in Him and His will and trust also in Him to lead you to the best person and He will bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:3-5) Only the Lord is able to direct two people into a God blessed union. He is able to work in ways that we cannot understand. His ways ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:3-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How The Holy Spirit Helps Us With Connections

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. The Holy Spirit helps us connect to a full complement of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ.

1. The Holy Spirit helps us connect to a full complement of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge; faith; ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Growing Pains

Contributed by Daryl Bahn on Apr 22, 2002

The danger of growth is great. The need for growth is even greater. The love of Jesus, the Good Sheperd for his people is the greatest of all!

GROWING PAINS (Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60) Intro: Wouldn’t it be great if our church suddenly grew by the thousands? The book of Acts demonstrates that this is possible. It also reminds us to be careful what we wish for, because growth isn’t always easy or painless. It often means we have to deal ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-9, Acts 7:51-60

Denomination: Lutheran

Three Pictures Of Grace

Contributed by Howard Mcglamery on Dec 12, 2002

The story of Elijah and the Widow of Cherith. A sermon that just begins to touch the surface of God’s Grace.

Three Pictures Of Grace I Kings 17 Illustration Story of a young preacher preaching his first sermon in a little country church in Arkansas. All of his family and relatives came to hear him preach. Afterwards nobody said anything about his sermon. They just left quietly. He was dying to know how ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Growth Of The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Chris Hodges on Sep 7, 2003

To note the greatness of the Kingdom by looking at how it grows by God’s power.

The Gospel of Mark #12: The Growth of the Kingdom Text: Mark 4:21-34 Thesis: To note the greatness of the Kingdom by looking at how it grows by God’s power. Introduction: (1) After stressing the importance of our preparing ourselves to receive the Word, Jesus now emphasizes the way that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:21-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Helpful Spiritual Appeals

Contributed by Paul Fritz on May 15, 2006

The Holy Spirit gives us insights into emotional, mental, physical, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual needs of every person.

How The Holy Spirit Helps Us Give Persuasive Appeals in Our Preaching Helpful Spiritual Appeals (Phil. 1:19) 1. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to appeal to the most essential needs of every person. Paul wrote, "I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:19-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keys To Sharing Christ With Muslims: Prayer, Politeness, Patience

Contributed by Alex Mcfarland on Jun 28, 2006

Seeing A.J. enter the auditorium during the conference, I mouthed a silent prayer. My message included historical facts about Islam gleaned from Muslim scholars. I presented the basic beliefs of Islam, and critiqued the religion’s violent beginnings. I

Keys to Sharing Christ With Muslims: Prayer, Politeness, Patience by Alex McFarland His name was “A.J.,” a 20-something immigrant to the U.S. from a predominantly Muslim country. He was very friendly, and worked at a certain sub shop that my wife and I frequented. A.J. would sometimes sit with ...read more

Scripture: John 10:28-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lot: From Sodom To Salt Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jan 10, 2008

The story of Lot is arresting. When his name is mentioned, we immediately think of his wife – the pillar of salt. This story could have been quite different. The writer of the epistle of Peter designates Lot as a righteous man. No Old Testament chara

Lot: From Sodom to Salt Sermon Series: Personalities from the Past that Speak to the Present Genesis 13:12 2 Peter 2:4-10 Intro The story of Lot is arresting. When his name is mentioned, we immediately think of his wife – the pillar of salt. This story could have been quite different. The ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:4-10

Denomination: Baptist

Too Busy To Worship? Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Jun 18, 2012

Against the status quo, Christians are to have “Christ-like” hearts.

We will continue our study of the Gospel of Luke today; but in honor of Father’s Day, we will start with a passage in Ephesians. Please open your Bibles to Ephesians 6. Read along with me Ephesians 6:1-3… It’s pretty much self-explanatory isn’t it? We honor our parents by obeying them. We honor ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Church Personnel Manual Part 1

Contributed by Jason Jones on Feb 6, 2012

A talk on the way love should look and be displayed, and the way we see spirituality.

Text: 1 Cor 13:1-7, Title: Church Personnel Manual, Date/Place: 2/5/12 NRBC Opening illustration: Common problem in churches: lack of love. Even in Peru one of the local churches that we are working with experienced a fairly traumatic split that caused their reputation to be stained. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Denomination: Baptist