Sermons on Beyond Superficiality:

Thinking Outside The Box Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 23, 2007

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus challenges his followers to be creative in their neighborly love and to think outside the box.

Luke 10:28-37 “Thinking Outside the Box” INTRODUCTION [Enter to theme song of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, “It’s A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood.” Sit down, replace shoes with athletic shoes, and slip on a cardigan sweater] From the late 60’s to 2001, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood was a staple ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:28-37, Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Lutheran

Christmas Billboards Point In The Culture War's Direction

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Jan 7, 2012

Christmas Billboards Point In The Culture War's Direction

Christmas is the time of year when the thoughts of most Americans grow to be at their most devout. It is increasingly the time of year that the avowed despisers of the Almighty are at their most disrespectful. Before now, the most culturally embarrassing thing to come out of the wastelands of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God Is In Control Series

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jan 5, 2012

To believe that God is in control is huge (especially for us 'control freaks'). It takes a lot of faith and even more surrender, but when taken by faith it opens up a world of peace and hope.

I must admit that at the moment I write this, my faith in God's sovereignty is being tested so severely, I struggle to finish the first paragraph.* I wish I could say the great truth of God's sovereignty was a bedrock of my life - but I confess to have great trouble accepting it - much less ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Liberating Grace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 27, 2008

Jesus died to make us free. Jesus breaks the shackles of legalism and perfectionism and enables us to live true, authentic lives.

Galatians 5:1-6 “Liberating Grace” INTRODUCTION History is said to repeat itself. When it does, one of the constant truths that it displays is that people have a very difficult time dealing with God’s unconditional love and overwhelming grace. The idea that Jesus Christ died for our sins and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Gentle Servant

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

As the Gentle Servant with God’s stamp of approval, Jesus works quietly, gently and victoriously; yet He impacts the entire world.

Isaiah 42:1-4 Intro: God owns Him: v.1 1. As one employed by Him He is my servant a. He learned obedience to the Will of God. b. He practiced it. c. He laid Himself out to advance the interests of God’s Kingdom. 2. As one chosen by Him He is mine elect (KJV) a. He did not thrust ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Facing The Impossible

Contributed by Mark Hiehle on Feb 24, 2009

What do you do whaen you are faced with a seemingly impossible situation? This message gives practical hope and steps to take.

Facing the Impossible? It seems impossible... how could it be done? A small voice even tries to suggest that what is asked is more than unfair to even expect. Yet the challenge is unavoidable and the assignment is center stage. “Oh Lord, what do we do now?” Have you ever contemplated those ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:15-21

Denomination: Nazarene

Spirit-Filled Service For Christ Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 20, 2009

We are called to serve those inside and outside the church and to overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9-21 “Spirit-filled Service for Christ” INTRODUCTION We come to the end of our focus on Desert Streams’ mission statement. I hope that these four Sundays have help clarify Desert Streams’ mission to you, and has also helped you to perceive how the resurrection of Jesus Christ ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Minister, Record, Thanksgiving And Praise!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Aug 11, 2009

In this brief devotion outline we list four things that God appointed Israel to do to have VICTORY. If we apply these to our personal lives we too can have victory in all we do. (1 Cor 15:57 KJV) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through

MINISTER, RECORD, THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE! In this brief devotion outline we list four things that God appointed Israel to do to have VICTORY. If we apply these to our personal lives we too can have victory in all we do. (1 Cor 15:57 KJV) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:4-12

Receiving What Is Mine

Contributed by Larry Finley on Feb 16, 2010

Blessings of God are not just reserved for heaven

RECEIVING WHAT’S MINE! 2/14/10 Psalm 91:14-16 1. Two Aspects of Christianity a. Heavenly – after death> Jesus did it all b. Earthly – during this life>Jesus provides it all 2. First is a Free Gift – 2nd Responsive Gift a. Both from the Grace of God b. 1st response to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

One Line Parables

Contributed by Paul Zwarich on Jul 25, 2008

Even though the rich blessings God intends for us may appear to be of no more value than a seed or a handful of yeast we should not deceive ourselves.

Lectionary 17 A Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 This morning we heard a number of “One – Line Parables” that Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God to illustrate how God’s power and authority is visible and expressed in our world. Unlike the longer “Story Parables” like the Good Samaritan or the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-52

Denomination: Lutheran

Discover Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 23, 2006

Peace is an illusive element in human life, but one we all crave. The Psalmist reminds us that peace is a gift from God and comes from placing our faith in God.

Psalm 46:1-11 “Peace” INTRODUCTION Peace is a condition that is universally craved by humankind, yet it is also a condition that is very illusive. Few people and few nations experience true peace. During the history of humankind, it has been estimated that there have been only fourteen years ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

The Life Of Fairh Iv Series

Contributed by Billy Noel on Jul 27, 2007

as you live the life of faith it calls you to make hard choices

The Life of Faith IV Hebrews 11: 24-28 God speaks to Amram in a dream Thermuthis –Pharaoh’s Daughter Nothing is more important that making the right choices in life The life of faith involves making choices, hard choices Faith Makes Difficult Choices In the life of Moses we see that faith enabled ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:24-28

Denomination: Christian Church

Should Protestants Be Allowed To Have An Opinion Regarding The New Pope?

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Mar 20, 2013

Should Protestants Be Allowed To Have An Opinion Regarding The New Pope?

It has been suggested that it is a tragedy for Evangelicals to pray and fast regarding the new pope as called for by Rick Warren. While it might not be an issue worthy of fasting over as it doesn't look like most of the top contenders to the papal throne have themselves missed too many meals and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Seeking Relationships Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 21, 2013

Jesus has come to have a living, dynamic relationship with us. and to enable us to see God's movement in our lives and in the world.

Luke 18:31-19:10 “Seeking Relationships” INTRODUCTION Our God is a God of relationships. Though God is the God of creation, God is not satisfied with long distant relationships. God longs for intimate, hand-in-hand relationships. Most of us at one point or another, in our ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

A Long Time Coming

Contributed by Samuel Fulkerson on Feb 7, 2013

Eternity, everlasting, forever life!

Quotes: “The life of the dead is set in the memory of the living.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero, Philippics “We do not need to grieve for the dead... They are home.” ― John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom “There will be today, there will be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal