Sermons on bureaucracy:

The Purpose Of It All Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Sep 6, 2004

The purpose of the church is to become: 1. A Faith-centered community. 2. A God-centered community 3. A World-centered community.

As I read Erwin McManus’ book on the church entitled An Unstoppable Force, I have to say I was hit hard by a statement near the beginning, where he said: “The indictment that we must receive is that the Christian faith as we express it is no longer seen as a viable spiritual option. Masses gave ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:44-48

Denomination: Methodist

Dealing With Criticism

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 13, 2003

Fifty-two practical ways of dealing with criticism.

Dealing With Criticisms (Philippians 2:13-16) Without an ability to deal with criticisms many people give in to discouragement, anxiety or angry over reactions. Quote: Advice from Dr. Mitchell’s life: Someone in his congregation pointed out several faults in him and his preaching. Instead of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"I Do, I Do, I Do Believe In Spooks!" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Mar 12, 2004

The church must comprehend, in these last days, that our real enemy is spiritual. Without Christ we can do nothing (#16 in The Christian Victor series)

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” “And tho’ this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Orthodox

Smyrna: Some Things Money Cannot Buy Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 19, 2003

Money may actually distract us from Kingdom priorities. Some things money cannot buy are compassion for the needy, passion for the lost, and love for one another.

I begin this morning with an invocation from my favorite poet, the bard of Baltimore, Ogden Nash, who addressed our favorite god in prayer: “Oh, money, money, money; some may think thee holy. But I cannot figure out how thou goest out so fast and how thou comest in so slowly.” Ogden Nash, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Identity Crisis

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Feb 24, 2001

Year C. 1st Sunday of Lent March 4th, 2001

Year C. 1st Sunday of Lent March 4th, 2001 Lord of the Lake Lutheran Church Web page http://lordofthelake.org By The Rev. Jerry Morrissey, Esq., Pastor E-mail pastor@southshore.com Heavenly Father empower each of us here at Lord of the Lake Lutheran Church to know our identity as your children ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Nicodemus

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 15, 2001

A right standing with God does not come through 1. correct beliefs, or 2. correct moral conduct, but 3. through an ongoing relationship with God.

A national magazine recently ran a contest to see who could come up with the best real-life quotes resembling the cartoon “Dilbert.” If you are not familiar with Dilbert, he is a character caught in a bizarre office situation where bureaucracy rules and common sense is uncommon — a workplace not ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-19

Denomination: Methodist

Love Is More Than A Four-Letter Word

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Jul 8, 2005

"What you do defines you" - a line borrowed from movie "Batman Begins" summarizes this message.

Love is more than a four-letter word 1 John 3:11-16 "Batman Begins" movie has a scene in it that I like – Bruce Wayne aka Batman puts on the playboy act—meant to keep people from connecting him with the crusading hero Batman— Wayne’s girlfriend from his past and now a zealous district attorney, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Gift Goes On

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Jan 4, 2010

Since we are adopted we have a responsibility to promote adoption.

“The Gift Goes On” Several years ago the Kalamazoo Public Schools made the national news with the announcement of The Kalamazoo Promise. As you may know, some generous anonymous donors gifted large sums of money to establish a fund that would provide students educated in the Kalamazoo Public ...read more

Scripture: James 1:27

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why All The Noise? Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Sep 22, 2010

How do we interpret our present time? Do we understand the times?

“The Charge of the Light Brigade: Why All the Noise?” Jer. 4:11-12, 22-28 & 8:18-9:1; Mt. 24:3-14 & 36-44 Jesus, and the New Testament authors, spoke frequently about his second coming. One scholar indicated that 1 out of every 15 verses in the New Testament speaks about it. And yet we seldom ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:3-44

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dealing With Church Fires Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Oct 3, 2011

Even in Paul's day getting along with fellow Christians was difficult.

“Between the Lines: Dealing with Church Fires” Romans 14:1-15:7 Max Lucado has related A PARABLE. “Every sailor could agree on one fact. Had it not been for the captain, they would never have survived. The storm came suddenly. In a matter of moments hulls were broken, decks were ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Question Of Heart Series

Contributed by Bruce Goettsche on Jan 12, 2009

The life of David gives us principles for living with the heart of God

A Question of Heart 1 Samuel 8 and 16 ©Copyright January 4, 2009 Rev. Bruce Goettsche SERIES: Living With the Heart of God This morning we begin a new series of sermons which I have titled “Living with the Heart of God”. The title of the series is drawn from Acts 13:22 where David is called a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Christ Condemns Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 14, 2008

God speaks through his Son to all who are willing to listen and obey.

Scripture Introduction John 3.16 may be the best known verse in the Bible, but the next one is near in significance: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Jesus came to save. That’s good news. But what about ...read more

Scripture: John 7:14-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

If Christ Had Not Risen Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 12, 2017

We learn about six consequences if Christ had not risen from the dead.

Scripture It is such a joy to gather on this Resurrection Sunday! Christians throughout the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ every Lord’s Day, but especially on this day. We are hardwired to resist the idea of someone coming back to life from the dead. Lal Bihari is living proof ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Introduction To Ecclesiastes Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jul 11, 2010

This sermon introduces us to the book of Ecclesiastes.

Scripture During the 2007 NFL regular season, New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady set the record for most touchdown passes (50) in a regular season, paving the way for his winning the MVP award. At the age of 30, he has already won three Super Bowls—an accomplishment that sets ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Your Cheatin' Heart

Contributed by Ed Sasnett on Aug 12, 2020

We guard our heart by obeying God's Word.

Your Cheatin’ Heart is a song written and recorded in 1952 by country music singer and songwriter Hank Williams. However, the song was released after his death in 1953. Your Cheatin’ Heart is considered one of the greatest songs of country music. The song is a slow ballad, telling an ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 4:20-27

Denomination: Baptist