Sermons on Ceremony:

The Perfect Worship Experience Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 6, 2006

Big Idea: I get the most out of worship when I bring together 3 distinct elements to form an exceptionally strong—or perfect—worship experience. 1. Private Preparation, 2. Divine Destination, 3. Public Proclamation

The Perfect Worship Experience The Perfect Storm: A “confluence” (bringing together) of three elements that together created an exceptionally strong storm. If any one element had been displaced in time or space the result would have been far less powerful • but because just the right things ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 26:6-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"I Do" All Over Again

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Sep 11, 2007

When the time comes when we lose our zeal and passion for Christ, we must make a covenant renewal.

I had the privilege of presiding at my aunt and uncle’s fiftieth wedding anniversary service. It was a joy for me to be a part of such a wonderful celebration. Every year around Valentine’s Day, a pastor friend has a service where people renew their wedding vows. They say, "I do," all over again. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Galatians 2:11-16, The Pressure Cooker Of Popular Opinion Series

Contributed by Eldron Gill on May 26, 2008

Galatians 2:11-16, The pressure cooker of popular opinion

The Pressure cooker of popular opinion Galatians 2:11-16 * Peer pressure can be very powerful at times. * Most of us would not like to admit how many times we have buckled underneath it. * We like to think of ourselves as independent thinkers, un-persuaded by what others think of us. * ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Yom Kippur – The Day Of Atonement Series

Contributed by Stephen Wright on Jun 3, 2007

What happened on Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement and what is its significance for us today?

Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement Heb 9:6-7; Lev 16 v7 reminds us that the Jewish High-Priest went into the HoH, once a year on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) – the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. This study is mainly to provide some background and preparation for the lessons and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Take A Stand For The Cause Of Christ!

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 21, 2007

We must take a stand for Jesus Christ while we can. How can we do it?

Take a Stand for the Cause of Christ! Acts 16:35-17:9 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - August 8, 2007 *Age is relative -- Or it seems to be anyway. These past two days I went with Ron to visit some of our homebound members. Yesterday I got called a young man! -- And as we were ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection Faith

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Mar 28, 2008

Consider Joseph of Arimathea pre-resurrection story to inspire our post-resurrection faith.

Resurrection faith 57As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

Denomination: Evangelical Free

When Following Jesus Separates Friends Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Feb 12, 2008

God calls us to decide for Jesus, even when doing so divides families and friends.

Scripture Introduction Two snowflakes drop softly from a dark cloud. The wind twists and twirls these “friends,” so that appear to play “Tag, you’re it!” One bumps the other, then jumps away; the second chases and almost reaches his “opponent.” They bounce up and down, giggling as they swing ...read more

Scripture: John 7:40-52

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Desperate For Love Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jan 20, 2008

In Mark 5, Jesus meets a woman whose desperate, but determined. After touching his garment she is delivered!

Desperate for Love In Mark 5, we find that Jesus was a man on a mission. A very important mission. In fact, it was literally a matter of life and death. Jesus was on his way home, having just cross back over lake Galilee (this time their trip was apparently much less eventful). As always, a crowd ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-34

Denomination: Christian Church

Continue In The Faith Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Mar 31, 2009

John offers three practical ways to remain in the faith: Do not let others redefine who Jesus is; Grow your agape love; Do not listen to false teachers.

Katie and I got married a little over 21 years ago. We wanted a simple wedding ceremony, a simple reception - a few friends, some family, a little cake, some punch and that was it. But then, the relatives got involved. Sound familiar? What started out as an uncomplicated and straightforward ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Justification By Faith Alone Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jun 2, 2010

Since that time of Cain and Abel there has been two distinct lines of works and faith in man’s religious life. Whosoever follows the way of man (like Cain), whatever it is, follows Satan’s lie. The person who follows God’s way follows the way of Abel, t

Justification by Faith Alone Galatians 2:11-21 Introduction Guilt is a universal plague of sinful mankind. Every person feels guilty. Consequently every person tries in some way to alleviate their guilt. Primitive tribesmen sought to ease their guilt by appeasing the imagined gods who were ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

Why All The Fuss? Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Jun 15, 2010

There is a need for law and order so God has given His law with specific purposes and powers.

“Law & Order: SPU – Why All the Fuss?” 2 Kings 17:1-23; Romans 1:18-32 It hits the news on a fairly regular basis. Someone, somewhere, is upset because the 10 commandments are posted in public view in a public place – and they want them taken down. Meanwhile, another party, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 17:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Command For The Compulsive

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 27, 2009

Sabbath rest addresses our compulsive need to be busy by giving us a day for authentic enjoyment, by providing a vivid contrast with other days, and by giving us a glimpse of eternal rest.

God rested. Well, why not? After all, He had had a busy week, almost as busy as ours! Some of us have had weeks like that, when we’ve had to build the moon and the stars, separate the waters from the dry land, and bring forth swarms of living creatures, all in one week. Every parent knows what ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Joseph Of Arimathea

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 29, 2010

Joseph of Arimathea (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: Matthew chapter 27 verse 11-26. Ill: In A.D. 373John Chrysostom became a hermit; • He went alone into the mountains near Antioch, seeking to know God better. • Although his time of isolation was cut short by illness, • He discovered that with God at his side, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-26

Denomination: Brethren

Seeking The Living Among The Dead Series

Contributed by A. B. Simpson on Oct 8, 2009

How often since have men sought for Christ where He could not be found! A classic sermon by A. B. Simpson.

"Why seek ye the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:5). A Dead Christ These women were looking for a dead Christ and of course they could not find Him, for He was living. How often since have men sought for Christ where He could not be found! How sad is the long vigil of Israel’s sons and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:5

Denomination: *other

The Savior Helps Us Stop Stumbling

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 14, 2012

1. God steers us away from discouragement (vs. 1). 2. God steers us away from deceivers (vs. 2). 3. God steers us away from misguided dependence (vs. 3-9).

The Savior Helps Us Stop Stumbling Philippians 3:1-9 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Sept. 9, 2012 *Have you ever stumbled? -- Of course we all have. The last time I stumbled badly was two summers ago. I went out after dark to turn off the sprinkler. And foolishly, I didn’t ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-9

Denomination: Baptist