Sermons on Bible Stories:

But Nails Hurt! Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 24, 2003

Nails were distributed to the congregation, so that they could test: if you wish to endure, you have to endure some pounding. Holes may be punched in you, too. But if you persist, ultimately you will be built up.

If you really want to grow, it’s going to cost you. If you truly expect to be built up, there will be some pain involved. No growth ever takes place without pain. That’s a law of life. That’s not negotiable. No pain, no gain. No hurt, no growth. No rough edges, no building up. If you truly ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Character And Commitment Series

Contributed by Kent Lenard on Jun 6, 2003

This is an adaptation of a book by John Maxwell on Leadership.

I. Two weeks ago I talked about the need for leaders, and the need for us all to get involved doing what it is that God has gifted us to do, to see that this church becomes what God wants it to be, and has the impact on this community that God intends it to have. A. It would be unfair to ask you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:62, Matthew 20:25-28

Denomination: Baptist

Healthy And Thriving

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Jun 9, 2003

The Scriptures show us examples to emulate and also examples to avoid. Today, we look at an example to avoid in order to be a healthy, thriving church.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: There has been an incredible emphasis in recent years on church health. Many believe that if a local church is healthy and functioning the way it should, natural growth will be the result. The removal of growth-restricting diseases that often plague the body of ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:9-11

The Dtrums Of War

Contributed by Rick Kallstrom on Jun 9, 2003

The United States of America is on the verge of war. This country that we love so much is in the middle of a great conflict over whether or not we should go to war against Iraq. On the one side there are those who believe it would be immoral for us to g

As I stand before you this morning, the United States of America is on the verge of war. This country that we love so much is in the middle of a great conflict over whether or not we should go to war against Iraq. On the one side there are those who believe it would be immoral for us to go to ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Christmas Came To Bethlehem

Contributed by Abraham Shanklin on Jun 24, 2003

Something can happen when Christ comes to your Bethlehem. Something will change you from what you were to what you can become.

WHEN CHRISTMAS CAME TO BETHLEHEM Scripture Reference: Matthew 2.1-16; Luke 2:1-15 INTRODUCTION A small boy was writing a letter to God about the Christmas presents he badly wanted. "I’ve been good for six months now," he wrote. But after a moment’s reflection he crossed out "six months" and wrote ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16, Luke 2:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No More Night

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 28, 2003

We are promised "no more night": no more blind thrashing about, unable to see where our lives are going; no more mistrust; no more incompleteness. Sermon for Remembrance Day, when we celebrate members who have passed away in the previous year.

Several Saturday nights ago I just was not satisfied with my preaching preparation. Somehow the message had not quite gelled, and I knew there were many improvements I needed to make before Sunday morning. But by then it was late, after a busy weekend, and I decided, hey, so what, it’ll be all ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Dissatisfaction Or Fulfillment? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 2, 2003

Like Judas, despite all we have, we feel dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction comes from too small a vision of where our lives must go or depending on others to give us meaning. A relationship with Jesus gives us redemption and release.

Willy Loman is the central character in Arthur Miller’s play, “Death of a Salesman”. Willy had known only one thing all his life, and that was selling. Selling, pitching, cajoling, persuading, making the sale. That was it. His wife played second fiddle to selling. His children tried to please, ...read more

Scripture: John 18:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Joyful Love Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jul 10, 2003

Paul is in prison and he has this joyful love because he has a confidence in God. He can write in Philippians 1:6, “Be confident of this that He, who began a good work in you will carry it out until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Intro: God’s Faithfulness It wasn’t too long ago I was attending a meeting in Scotland. I was in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland and I was looking for a place to park. I received advise on how to find a good place to park. My friend told me to drive up to the top of the nearby observatory ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

First Of All Pray Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 1, 2004

Pray should be the first impulse rather than the last resort of Christ’s people.

First of All—Pray: Part 1 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO C. H. Spurgeon was one of the most popular and successful preachers of Victorian England. His Metropolitan Tabernacle drew thousands each Sunday. Often hundreds would stand ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Have You Received The Holy Ghost Since You Believed Series

Contributed by Dan Steadman on Jun 11, 2004

Basic evangelical approach to being filled with the Spirit

Acts 19:1-7 “Have You Received the Holy Ghost Since You Believed? 23/5/04S&C Paul had encountered a dozen disciples on his journey through Ephesus, but something about them-- or perhaps it was the leading of the Spirit-- caused him to inquire. They had likely been in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living Together In Obedience Series

Contributed by Kenneth Henes on Jun 23, 2004

Paul gives us two requirements for living together in obedience to God.

LIVING TOGETHER IN OBEDIENCE Philippians 2:12-18 INTRODUCTION A. Sometimes we set the course, but we need to allow God to be the unchangeable standard that we obey: 1. Lighthouse illustration: The captain of the ship looked into the dark night and saw faint lights in the distance. Immediately ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Proverbial Wisdom

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jul 19, 2004

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for.

INTRO.- Quips, quotes and notes. - If some TV shows are not taken off the air, the public will demand longer commercials. ILL.- You perhaps recall that very old (70’s) Virginia Slims cigarette commercial saying, “You’ve come a long way, baby”? Well, we have come a long way in our TV programs! ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:6, Proverbs 16:9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"An Achan, Breakin' Heart"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jul 19, 2004

Through the sin of Achan, and the defeat at Ai, we learn some valuable lessons on the process of temptation to sin, and dependence on God.

“An Achan, Breakin’ Heart” Joshua 7:1-26 INTRODUCTION: This morning, we are going to take a look at “An Achan, Breakin’ Heart”. Turn with me to Joshua 7:1-26 – (READ in NLT). Israel had just come from 40 years of watching God work: • God led them out of the bondage of Egypt. • God opened the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

How To Have The Fire Of God In Your Ministry

Contributed by A.t. Stewart on Jul 20, 2004

This sermon presents the essential ingredients for a ministry that is on fire for God.

HOW TO HAVE THE FIRE OF GOD IN YOUR MINISTRY Acts 2:1-13 I. INTRODUCTION Each of us in this room is a unique individual. We each have different talents, different tastes, and different personalities. We have different strengths and weaknesses. But, there is one thing we all share in common, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

I Know That Nothing Good Lives In Me

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Jul 20, 2004

PENTECOST 7(A) - I know that nothing good lives in me because sin is alive and well but sin is also to be defeated.

Romans 7:15-25a - July 18, 2004 – Pentecost 7 ROMANS 7:15-25a 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15-25

Denomination: Lutheran