Sermons on Bill Elliott:

The Meaning Of Baptism

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Understanding the true meaning of Christian baptism through an examination of the Jewish ritual of proselyte baptism.

One of the greatest joys that I have as a pastor is when an individual who is far from God visits our community of believers, begins to hear the voice of God calling them to a higher place, a fresh beginning, a new life, and that person responds to the call of God by committing their life to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-13

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Value Of Community

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Examining the core value of community. What it means to truly experience community among our church family.

One Sunday morning, early in the life of our church I asked the question, “What does the word value mean?” There were many responses that morning, but the one that I think most captured the true meaning of this word was, “Values are what make us who we are.” In other words, the things that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-32, Ephesians 4:1

Denomination: Free Methodist

Discipleship; Beyond Pretending

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Understanding discipleship as the God initiated, God accomplished process of turning us into what He intended - human beings bearing the image of the God who created us.

Every year the movie industry comes together for a massive celebration and awards ceremony. All of Hollywood looks forward to the night early in the year where they can come together and honor one another for the work that had been done during the previous year. It’s a really a fascinating ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Romans 8:29

Denomination: Free Methodist

Defining Moments Series

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on Jun 5, 2004

Starter message for a series through Romans which, in storytelling form, introduces us to the Apostle Paul

As we look back over the centuries, there are few cities that stand out above the rest as outstanding; worthy of being remembered throughout the generations. Some of these cities, like Athens Greece, are remembered for their greatness in influencing the world as a whole. Some, like Paris ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Free Methodist

Following The Grand Illusion

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on Jun 11, 2004

A message about the universal condition of human sinfulness and depravity and how we got to this point, taken from the first 3 chapters of Romans.

A few moments ago I performed for you a very poor illusion. My attempt was to so distort your perception of reality that you would believe with your mind that I had actually caused the band to disappear. I, however, am not an illusionist. Neither my techniques or presentation were ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-32

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Garden: A Place Of Prayer Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 9, 2004

Lets look at why Jesus was drawn to this garden. As we better understand why He came to this place of prayer, well see a pattern that we can follow in our own prayers.

Have you noticed how the Passion movie has generated an unprecedented amount of TV specials, magazine cover stories, and a continuous cultural conversation about Christ? Im thankful for that. I do want to give a word of warning, however. Much of what has been published or broadcast in response ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-56

Denomination: Baptist

The Courtyard: A Place Of Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 9, 2004

As we come to the last part of Matthew 26, we will see that those intent on trying Jesus were filled with prejudice because their minds were made up before they heard all the facts.

I get a kick out of hearing things that have actually been said in courtrooms. Q: Mrs. Jones, is your appearance this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney? A: No. This is how I dress when I go to work. Q: Could you see him from where you were standing? A: I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:57-75

Denomination: Baptist

The Palace: A Place Of Injustice Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 9, 2004

This morning our focus is on how Pilate kept trying to slam the door shut but was unable to do so.

A couple weeks ago I stopped at a gas station on my way to make a hospital visit. As usual my mind was focused on a number of things, and I wasn’t paying attention to the howling hurricane whipping through the flat lands of Illinois. As I got out of the car, the wind pulled the door out of my hand ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-31

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

Happy Renew Year

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Feb 3, 2005

God is a God of new things, and renewal is part of His working in us and in creation

Happy ReNew Year TCF Sermon January 2, 2004 Rev. 21:5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." I trust that this morning, on this first Sunday of the New Year, the words we hear will also be ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keep Yourself Pure

Contributed by Bill Whittaker on Nov 23, 2004

Our personal purity reflects the character of God.

Keep Yourself Pure Genesis 3:1-13 1 Timothy 4:12; 5:22b We are constantly surrounded with concern for purity and assume its presence so much it is often taken for granted. We go to the refrigerator or the faucet and get a drink of water, without questioning its purity. In so many countries where ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Standing For The Truth Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 2, 2004

The challenge for us, as it was for young Titus, is to stand for the truth so we won’t fall for something else.

This past Wednesday Beth and I joined with a handful of other adults across the street from the high school in order to pray for the students who had gathered for See You At The Pole. More than 40 teenagers congregated in front of PTHS in order to pray for their campus, their community and ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Appointing Godly Leaders Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 2, 2004

The Bible is very clear about the test for Elders and Deacons and this morning we’re going to check our answers with Scripture.

Mrs. Baker, a fifth grade teacher, observed a student in her class flipping a coin as he answered each true/false question on a test. This answer selection method continued all the way through the exam. Mrs. Baker then watched as he went through each question again, pausing to flip the coin each ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-7

Denomination: Baptist

Leading By Example Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 2, 2004

Today we’re going to look at the second half of the list of qualifications for Elders from Titus 1:8-9 and then we’re going to take a brief look at the role of Deacons in the church.

Today is my 25th birthday! Some of you look skeptical because you’re sure I’m older than that. Through the witness of my college roommate, I was born spiritually on October 3rd, 1979. Actually, I wish I acted older than I am. While I’m thankful for all the changes that Christ has made in my life, ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:8-9

Denomination: Baptist