Sermons on Center Of Attention:

A Meditation On The Parable Of The Prodigal Son

Contributed by Dan Funk on Aug 23, 2014

I believe Jesus is drawing our attention to the father and his compassion and joy in order to give us a a deeper understanding of the nature of God and His Kingdom; of our calling to be instruments of His life-giving compassion, and to share in His joy.

We heard in today’s Gospel reading the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and I am sure most of us have read and heard it numerous times. And we all perhaps have lost count of the sermons we have heard on this parable. You may be wondering what on earth I can say on this that is new or unique. I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Anglican

The Path Of Wisdom - Our Relationship With God

Contributed by Rodney Fry on May 29, 2022

Proverbs focuses much attention on the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Starting at chapter 16 the focus shifts to highlight the contrast between human righteousness and divine righteousness and also to give evidences of how the Lord intervenes in our daily lives,

The Path of Wisdom: Our Relationship with God Scripture: Proverbs 15:30–16:30, especially 15:31, 32b The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise … he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. Introduction: From chapters 1–15, Proverbs focuses much attention on the contrast ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Stand Firm

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Oct 24, 2021

Paul's key charge to Timothy in his letter is to stand firm for the gospel. In chapters 1 and 2 he's focused on why we should stand firm. In chapter 3, he gives attention to the how.

[SLIDE] I’d like to start today’s talk by showing you a picture. There is a crowd, going one way, and there is a man going the opposite way. The crowd aren’t giving him a hard time; it’s all quite peaceful. In the Christian life, we sometimes have to go against the majority. Quite often, in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Really Counts Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Nov 28, 2015

We are told what really counts. Paul closes the letter to the Galatians with his own hand and using large letters. It would be like using bold print in an email. It is his way of saying pay close attention to this section of the letter.

Some things are simply more important than others. When you receive junk mail do you give it the same importance as priority mail? I use a different wake up call system when I have an early morning appointment that is really important. I may set two alarms if I do not want to be late under any ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

In Christ - You Can Be Joyful Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 7, 2018

By directing our attention to of joy Paul equips us with a strategy to face the difficult circumstances in life. We cannot do this in our own strength, or by pretending, but only by having a deep seated trust in the Lord and His work in our lives.

You can listen to the full message here:- http://www.nec.org.au/index.php/listen-to-a-sermon-series/in-christ-you-can/ Message Philippians 4:4 In Christ - You Can be Joyful The book of Philippians can be described as a book that tells us how to be joyful and rejoice. What is interesting however ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4, Psalm 32:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Sensing God - Hearing Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Jan 17, 2018

This message is the fourth in a series focusing on our five senses and how we use these senses to respond to God. The purpose of this message is to be reminded that we can get God’s attention in all circumstances and so we should not be slow to come to

The sense of hearing is a sense which you have which is designed to get your attention. You can be in a crowded place, or at a location where there are lots of conversations going on. Maybe you are at a shopping centre. Or it could be after church at morning tea. In these situations there are many ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:2-3, Psalm 6:6-9, Romans 10:17

Denomination: Baptist

Transitioning Well Series

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Feb 11, 2018

Change or transition is hard, but we can face it bravely and powerfully with God's help. The transition in leadership from Elijah to Elisha reminds us to pay attention, to seek the Holy Spirit's filling, and to bravely take up the task given us.

2 Kings 2:1-15 Transitioning Well Prophets with a Purpose – Week 5 Today we’re finishing up a five-week series looking at various Old Testament Prophets and what they have to say to us. Little Samuel reminded us that God still speaks if we are listening. Jonah reminded us that all people matter to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Destiny Helpers

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jun 23, 2020

Destiny helpers are assigned for each person, you don’t have to cajole, coax, manipulate or try to capture the attention of anybody, God has already prepared the heart of someone who has been assigned as your ‘Destiny Helper!’

Destiny helpers 2 Samuel 9:2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, "Are you Ziba?" And he said, "I am your servant." Destiny helpers are assigned for each person, you don’t have to cajole, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:2

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Departure Of Jesus From This World Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 20, 2024

We will find that Jesus’ death did three things, so that is where we will focus our attention. Jesus’ death brought a threefold glory. Jesus’ death demanded a new commandment. Jesus’ death revealed stumbling and faltering loyalty.

Last time we ended our study with Judas being asked by Jesus to go and do quickly what he was going to do. Tonight we find Jesus talking about His approaching death. In tonight’s passage we will find that Jesus’ death did three things, so that is where we will focus our attention. First, let’s ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Solutions To Stress Series

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Aug 5, 2023

Can we say, “I am stress-free”? All of us will experience some stress in our lives; this is normal. We require some level of stress to keep us attentive and motivated. What about excessive stress, though?

Can we say, “I am stress-free”? All of us will experience some stress in our lives; this is normal. We require some level of stress to keep us attentive and motivated. What about excessive stress, though? We have all probably at some point or another felt the crippling effects of stress. Studies ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:20, Joshua 1:5, Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 11:28, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 9:9  (view more)  (view less)

Sermon On The Clarity Of Mindfulness

Contributed by William Meakin on Feb 9, 2025

The clarity of mindfulness can be associated with a state of mental sharpness where one can think clearly, focus attentively, and process information efficiently without feeling bewildered or enraptured, essentially allowing for rational decision-making and a clear understanding of situations.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American educator once remarked: “Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that.” Acts 17:29 reminds us: “Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:2, Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 12:2

John 3:16 Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Apr 23, 2024

When John wrote these words, Jews would have thought God would love only the righteous. But the Bible doesn’t say God loves good-looking people. The Bible doesn’t say God loves rich and successful people.

Think with me about some of the most famous sayings in history. Martin Luther King Jr said famously, “I have a dream…” John Fitzgerald Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Perhaps there is no more famous sentence anywhere than John ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Knee Bowed And Body Bent Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 19, 2000

Since body language communicates our real feelings, we must pay attention to how we present our bodies to God -- in the words of James Weldon Johnson, "knee-bowed", ready to submit our wills to His; and "body-bent", ready to work for things that matter.

You may not speak a great many foreign languages, but there is one language other than English at which most of us are proficient. That is body language. Whether our mouths can pronounce strange sounds or whether our eyes can make any sense out of different alphabets, we can see body language. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Discerning God’s Voice

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Feb 27, 2022

There are many different voices fighting for our attention, so we need to train ourselves to hear God’s voice over everything else. In our lesson we'll learnt hear not only what the Lord is saying, but also how we are hearing it.

Discerning God’s Voice Mark 4:24; Luke 8:18 There are many different voices fighting for our attention, so we need to train ourselves to hear God’s voice over everything else. In fact, it’s vitally important that we seek God and His righteousness first and foremost, and that we hear His voice, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18, John 8:47, Romans 10:17

Denomination: Foursquare

The Parade

Contributed by Travis Markes on Aug 30, 2011

What do you bring to the parade? What will you give Jesus today? He is passing by. He is looking your way. Will you look him in the eye, take him by the hand, and make him your King and Lord?

The Parade John 12:12-19 Ticker-tape parades are not as common today as they once were. There was a time when our country honored our heroes and heroines with colossal spectacles. Celebrities would ride in a convertible automobile down the massive canyons of steel and glass, with walls so high ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Denomination: Baptist