Sermons on Bill Collins:

Thorns Of Life

Contributed by Bill Butsko on Jul 9, 2006

The thorns of life are many, but the grace of God is sufficient in our weakness.

Text: “…a thorn in the flesh was given to me…” (2 Corinthians 12:7) What is a thorn? The American Heritage Dictionary says that a thorn is a modified branch in the form of a sharp, woody spine. It can cause sharp pain, irritation, or discomfort. How many of you have ever been struck by a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Denomination: Christian Church

The Forgotten Family Tree Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 14, 2004

This morning we’re going to look at a list in Matthew 1 that contains over 40 names, some who were “darlings” and many others who were “disasters.”

The manager of a large office noticed a new employee and asked, “What’s your name?” The worker replied, “John.” The manager scowled and said, “Look, I don’t know where you worked before, but I don’t call anyone by their first name. It breeds familiarity and that leads to a breakdown in authority. I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Mystery Man With No Room Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 14, 2004

Today we move to an unnamed mystery man. We established that the first verses in Matthew’s gospel are perhaps the most neglected in the New Testament; and this morning we’re going to look at one of the most widely known sections of Scripture.

Three years ago I began a message with a Christmas Quiz. I recently came across some additional questions to test our knowledge of the Nativity. 1. Jesus was born in what town? a. Jerusalem b. Nazareth c. Bethlehem d. Milwaukee 2. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn? a. It was too ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Lies, Lying And Liars

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Dec 17, 2004

The world seems to agree that lying is not a good thing, but the believer in Christ has different reasons for that.

Lies, Lying and Liars TCF Sermon October 17, 2004 How many of you have ever received a gift you didn’t like? Maybe it was a really hideous tie. Maybe it was a fruitcake. I’ve heard of families where the same fruitcakes were passed along from member to member for years. Nobody could bring ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Big Picture

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Dec 17, 2004

Our God sees the Big Picture like we cannot fully see it, and that understanding gives us peace and comfort

The Big Picture TCF Sermon October 3, 2004 Sometimes, reading the newspaper can be fun: How about these headlines: Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years at Checkout Counter War Dims Hope for Peace Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half Kids Make Nutritious ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Eternity Stepped Into Time

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Dec 17, 2004

Jesus stepped out of eternity into time because He loves us so much He wants us in eternity with Him.

Eternity Stepped Into Time TCF Sermon December 5, 2004 sermon was preceded by song “The Final Word,” by Michael Card. I asked Lisa to sing that Michael Card song this morning, because one of the phrases that often comes to my mind, especially in the Christmas season, is that one little phrase ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Roots, Ripples And Reference Points, Part One Series

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Jul 11, 2006

We must have our roots grown deeply in Christ if we are to find spiritual sustenance and stability.

Roots, Ripples & Reference Points Lessons from the Lake, Part One TCF Sermon July 9, 2006 What do you think of when you think of roots? You might think of trees or plants. You might think of anything else that grows. Maybe you think of the miniseries that appeared on TV in the ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We Have All Blown It Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 17, 2006

As we’ve been learning from our study in Romans, the picture that Paul paints of the human race is not a pretty sight. The good news is that he’s almost done speaking about sin. The bad news is that what we are faced with today is perhaps the strongest

We’ve All Blown It Romans 3:9-20 Rev. Brian Bill 7/9/06 It had been a long day for the clerk at the cosmetic counter. Having been on her feet all day, she was looking forward to going home. Just before the doors closed, a man came running up to her frantically and said, “Tomorrow’s my wife’s ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

One Baby With Many Names Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 27, 2004

This morning we’re going to zero in on four names, given to Jesus, 700 years before He was even born!

Do you know what an aptronym is? It’s a compound word consisting of the adjective “apt” meaning aptitude and the Greek word for “name.” An aptronym is when someone’s name and occupation line up perfectly, when what they’re called describes what they do. Here are some examples: * Dr. Bowser ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Name Above Every Name Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 27, 2004

Specifically we’re going to take a look at the process that Jesus went through for us because there are certainly elements of His coming that don’t sound quite right.

Have you ever received a Christmas present that you didn’t really like? Here’s what you should say if you get a gift that underwhelms you. * Hey! There’s a gift! * Well, well, well… * This is perfect for wearing around the basement. * To think…I got this the year I vowed to give ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

God's Amazing Gift

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Jul 11, 2001

We realize we are saved by grace, but often throw grace out the window when it comes to living our Christian life. We live by grace just as we are saved by grace.

God’s Amazing Gift TCF Sermon May 27, 2001 Think about whether or not these things apply to you - you needn’t raise your hand… - I find myself wanting to correct people on minor points, or actually doing it - I would feel guilty if I stayed home from a meeting or activity just because I was ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discovering Your Purpose Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

As we understand the ramifications of Christ dwelling within us, we will strive for maturity in our faith and can become all that God desires for us to be.

Discovering Your Purpose A truck driver was hauling a load of 500 penguins to the zoo. Unfortunately, his truck broke down. He eventually waved down another truck and offered the driver $500 to take the penguins to the zoo. The next day the first truck driver got his truck fixed and drove into ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Deepening Your Roots Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

It’s important to not just focus on our conversion—we’re called to demonstrate our commitment on a daily basis by going deeper with God.

Deepening Your Roots During our “Building for the Future” emphasis, I prepared a five-minute sermon on a cassette tape to help explain the key ingredients of our campaign. I received a lot of very positive feedback. Most of the accolades I received had more to do with the length than with the ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15

Denomination: Baptist

Pulling The Weeds Of Legalism Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

Following a list of rules and regulations will never lead to spiritual vitality. Grace demands that we avoid judging others according to our standards.

Pulling the Weeds of Legalism Almost every state in our nation still has laws on their books that would surprise most people. For instance, In Florida, a woman may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer. In Indiana, citizens are not allowed to attend a movie house or ride in a public ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking Free From The Past Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

As we focus on those things that are eternal, and put on the new self, we will experience freedom from those things that have shackled us in the past.

Breaking Free from the Past In an old Candid Camera episode, an actor is on a busy sidewalk and begins looking at the ground. He walks around a bit and continues to look down. People are passing by him and a few give him strange looks. After a couple minutes, he decides to get down on his hands ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-11, Colossians 3:1

Denomination: Baptist