Sermons on Bystander:

Light In The Darkness: Jesus Power To Give.

Contributed by Amanda Wilson on May 3, 2004

Based on Isaiah 9:1-4 & Matt. 4:12-23 this discussess the use of power by Jesus with illustrations from the movies of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Pay it Forward.

“There is no good or evil, just power and those too weak to use it.” If you have seen the movie or read the book of HP and the philosopher’s stone, then you will have heard that phrase. In a last ditch attempt to win Harry’s cooperation, the evil wizard Voldemort asserts “There is no good or evil, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Emmanuel - God With Us!

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 14, 2003

Christmas message based on Matthew 1:21-23.

Emmanuel ¡V God with Us! Matthew 1:21-23 John 1:1-3, 10-14 December 14, 2003 Introduction This morning we continue our look at the Christmas story as related in Matthew. Last week we read from Matthew 1:18-25, which in those eight verses gives us a quick synopsis of the miracle of Jesus¡¦ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:21-23

Denomination: Wesleyan

A Strange Attitude

Contributed by Lynell Friesen on May 24, 2001

The Spirit of God has revealed who the Messiah is.

See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him-- his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness--so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-3

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Experience The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Phillip Davis on Mar 23, 2001

Learning how exciting life can be when we experience the Holy Spirit.

EXPERIENCE THE HOLY SPIRIT I CORINTHIANS 2:9 – 13 Allow me to begin this series of teachings about the Holy Spirit by saying right up front – this is a teaching for the heart much more than for the head. Now I am not asking you or saying to you that you won’t need to think or to leave your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9-13, Acts 2:33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

4 Steps To Welcome Jesus Into Your Life

Contributed by Rick Sunstrom on Mar 8, 2006

This sermon is based on the text of Mark 11:1-17 and gives you 4 things you can do to welcome the presence of the Lord into your life.

4 Steps to Welcome Jesus into Your Life 3/20/05 1) Be willing to let the Lord use what you have Mark 11:1-6 As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2"Go into that village over ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Calendar

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Jun 4, 2009

God has a timetable of redemption for His creation - God’s Calendar - covering the Birth of Jesus, His Cross, Resurrection, Ascension, the Day of Pentecost and the Second Coming of Jesus.

GOD’S CALENDAR I think every home will have at least one calendar telling the family of coming events, marking the next birthday or when the school term ends and the holidays begin! They’re useful things to have so we know what’s going to happen. Do you think God’s got a calendar? I think He ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Isaiah 42:16

Denomination: Baptist

White Christmas Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 25, 2009

Zechariah (the father of John the Baptist) declared certain prophecies about the coming Messiah and how He would fulfill the dream of a "white Christmas" for Israel. What were these prophecies, and how did Jesus fulfill them?

OPEN: (I began the sermon by leading the congregation in singing “White Christmas”) I’m dreaming of a White Christmas, just like the ones I used to know. Where the treetops glisten, and children listen to hear sleigh bells in the snow. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas with every Christmas card ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:57-79, Luke 1:57-79

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Failure To Pray – Praying For The Wrong Things – Being Worldly And Becoming Series

Contributed by John Wright on Feb 1, 2010

James teaches that wars and fightings among brethren happen due to neglecting to pray, due to praying for the wrong things, being worldly and becoming guilty of spiritual adultery.

INTRODUCTION #18 1. Open your bibles to James 4:2b (the 2nd part) thru verse 4. 2. In the words and phrases right ahead of this James refers to “wars and fighting’s” that go on in the lives of individuals and among members in local congregations. 3. James teaches that these ...read more

Scripture: James 4:2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Doubting God Series

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Feb 19, 2007

This message looks at five things that cause people to become disillusioned with God. Part 3 of a series inspired by Philip Yancey’s book "Disappointment with God."

Is God real? Does He care? Is He even there? Is He there for me? All questions sincere people ask all the time. Why? Because they’ve experienced heartache. They’ve been disappointed. They’ve been disillusioned. What do I mean when I say disillusioned? I’m talking about you having certain negative ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-4

Denomination: Wesleyan

When You Can't Get Up

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Aug 11, 2007

There are too many people who become recluse when we can’t get up. Instead of getting surrounded with people to help us, most of us try to eat the problem away or starve the problem away and stay behind closed doors.

I was chatting with my younger sibling brother this week and I told him what I was preparing my sermon for Sunday. I gave him my subject, “When you can’t get up.” He said, “Sing I’m satisfied with Jesus here and stay in bed.” After we laughed that one out he asked what it was really about. When I ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Out Of The Moose Muck!

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Aug 23, 2007

By asking God alone to act, you can find a way out of your difficult situation. No matter how impossible things seem, you can come back to God.

Two of my nephews are Eagle Scouts. They started in scouting early on and worked their way up to Eagle Scout. The oldest has been an Eagle Scout since 1993. One of the requirements that they had to achieve was a canoe trip up in Canada. My brother accompanied the scouts on this particular ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Take It To The Streets

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Nov 10, 2008

In the story of the Good Samaritan you will see vital qualities that are necessary in carrying our faith into the street.

1487 Are you taking your faith to the streets? I am not speaking of literally going into the street and preaching, or something of that nature. I am speaking of living and sharing your faith after you leave church. I turn to the story of the Good Samaritan for help with this idea. In Luke 10 we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

To Be Or Not To Be? Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 22, 2007

Parables for Stewards, Pt. 4

TO BE OR NOT TO BE? (LUKE 13:6-9) The fig is highly valued not only by the Jews but also her neighbors (Ps 105:33). The Israelites were promised fig trees in the Promised Land (Deut 8:8). In Palestine and other warm climates the fig yields two crops annually- one about June and one about August. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Being The Church In Christ Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jul 28, 2008

Christ is building His church through the ministry of His people.

Being the Church In Christ Text: Eph. 4:11-16 Introduction 1. Illustration: A man called a pastor’s office at a church one day to inquire into membership in the church. He stated that he would not be able to get involved or anything, but he felt it was important to have some religious ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Methodist

Cynic Sage Or Son Of God

Contributed by Chris Surber on Aug 20, 2008

Was Jesus merely a cynic rebel as some claim? Was He merely a wise man or prophet? He was and is the Son of God!

"Cynic, Sage, or Son of God" Matthew 16:13-20 Introduction An American missionary one day overtook one of his converts in the woods, and after some conversation asked him, ‘Tell me what your heart says of Jesus.’ The Native American stood still, paused awhile, and then replied, ‘Stop, and I will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Christian Church