Sermons on Characteristics Of The Church:

A Slowly-Moving Ship

Contributed by Pat Cook on Oct 21, 2003

A sermon for my friend’s induction service, it uses a long analogy of a rescue ship with food and medicine, unwilling to share with others.

Ephesians 4:1-16 – A Slowly-Moving Ship A ship rocked slowly upon the greasy seas. Its sails were tattered, its masts spliced, and its hull leaky with worm-eaten planks, but it still stayed afloat. It had been sailing for many years – for generations, actually. Many years ago it had been loaded ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Rev It Up, Hop It Up, Tone It Up, Tune It Up

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Oct 21, 2003

Some things need to be revved up.

INTRO.- ILL.- One lady said, “I always do my exercises regularly every morning. Immediately after waking I always say sternly to myself, “Ready now. Up. Down. Up. Down!” And after two strenuous minutes I tell myself, “OKAY, NOW TRY THE OTHER EYELID.” ILL.- Mark Twain once said, “The only way ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Moving With A Purpose Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Oct 28, 2003

This sermon outlines the principles found in the Book of Nehmiah as presented by Dan Southerland in "Transitioning"

I. Introduction: Our community is changing. 20 years ago you couldn’t buy property around here. Today there are few large tracts of land left. Our community has grown to 15 times its size 20 years ago. Yet each of the four main churches have decreased to anywhere from 1/2 to 1/3 of the size they ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Superiority Of The New Covenant Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Nov 4, 2003

The Old Covenant vs. The New Covenant It’s Sanctuary is Superior. It’s Sacrifice is Superior. It’s Security is Superior.

The Superiority of the New Covenant Hebrews 8:1–13 I. It’s Sanctuary is Superior. (Hebrews 8:1–2) A. The place is better. Mark 16:19 B. The priest is better. Heb. 4:14–16 II. It’s Sacrifice is Superior. (Hebrews 8:3–4) A. The Levitical priests offered up animals in the earthly ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Am Not The Same Series

Contributed by Mike Rickman on Nov 8, 2003

There is an inherent need for church attendance for those who are born again that is often ignored.

November 9, 2003 Morning Worship Text: Hebrews 10:19-25 Subject: Steadfastness Title: I Am Not the Same How many of you can clearly remember when you first gave your life to Christ? If I asked you what you felt at that moment, there would probably be as many responses as there are people here ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why We Share Communion

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 2, 2002

Message discusses what this practice is about and who is invited to the Lord’s Table, particularly from a Weslyean perspective.

(Thanks to Bob Hostetler for ideas for this message. I’ve added a Methodist twist to the message. Powerpoint and audience outline available). A little girl asked her mother, “Mommy, why do you cut the ends off the meat before you cook it?” The girl’s mother told her that she thought it added ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, 1 Corinthians 11:1-52

Denomination: Methodist

The Third Voice Series

Contributed by Bob Hostetler on Jun 6, 2002

Setting the vision for a new church

The Third Voice Scripture Reading: John 6:1-15 Good morning. My name is Bob Hostetler, and I’ve been married for twenty-three years. That’s not an admission of a problem, mind you-- It’s not like saying, “I’m Bob and I’m an alcoholic.” No, I just mention it because it’s important background ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Main Thing Series

Contributed by Bob Hostetler on Jun 6, 2002

Asserting the mission of a new church

The Main Thing Scripture Reading: Luke 4:14-21 It was early on the morning of the sabbath. Bearded men in long robes passed behind and between rows of pillars as they took their seats in the room, which was lit by a clutter of low-hanging lamps. In the center of the room was an angled ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your True Colors Series

Contributed by Bob Hostetler on Jun 6, 2002

Detailing the values of a new church

Your True Colors Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 Good morning. My name is Bob Hostetler, and I’d like you to play a game with me, a game that almost everyone in the room can play-- maybe not Aidan Oglesbee but certainly Kyla; AS A MATTER OF FACT, even Graham Crain can play this game. It’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Conquering Hell Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Jun 15, 2002

The reality of hell should motivate the church to action. God has given each member of the body of Christ keys of the kingdom with which we can conquer hell.

On this Father’s day we can all remember what it was like to think our dad was the greatest. Three little boys were talking about how great their fathers are. "My dad is the greatest; he’s a lawyer and can make guilty people look innocent." The second boy says, "My father is greater than that; ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Full House

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jul 2, 2002

God wants HIs house full. It is evident He is not content with half full churches as seen through the parable of the Great Supper.

A FULL HOUSE LUKE 14:16-24 INTRODUCTION: Jesus was the dinner guest of a ruler of the Pharisees. At the dinner one of the guests hearing Christ speak, expressed a view held by many Jews that only Jews would be invited to the great feast of the Messianic kingdom. They were content to maintain ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:16-24

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Into Action Series

Contributed by Jay Patton on Jul 8, 2002

Part four of a series on solving problems God’s way. This is a particularly good series for pastor’s/leaders instituting change within a congregation.

Introduction: New Coke Read Scripture/Pray Background: Nehemiah is headed into unfamiliar territory-four months and 8000 mi. Purpose Statement: to be effective change agents for God it is essential that we... I. Use the authority given you (v. 9) A. Nehemiah went forth in the Kings Name 1. More ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

What Kind Of Church Should We Be?

Contributed by Jay Patton on Jul 8, 2002

A sermon that looks into a Biblical model of what a church should look like.

Introduction: Would you rather be a goose or an eagle? Read Scripture/Pray Background: Church directly after Pentecost @ about 120 Purpose Statement: If we are to be a Biblical church then we must… I. Be Devoted (v. 42) A. To the Word 1. Apostle’s teaching was foundation of the NT 2. Note the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Baptist

Things That Cannot Be Shaken

Contributed by David Lansdown on Jul 9, 2002

A message looking at 4 unshakable things in shaky days.

THINGS THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN Hebrews 12:18-29 INTRODUCTION We live in a world where everything changes – don’t we? Just ponder in your minds recent world events! I’m reminded of this story: Mrs goes to the police station along with Samantha her neighbour to report her husband as missing. The ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

Growing People For Jesus

Contributed by Jeff Armbrester on Jul 9, 2002

This sermon casts the vision for a spiritually mature church and mature Christians.

We recently completed a series on Growing in Faith. If we are to grow in our faith, then we, the church, are to provide opportunities and an environment for people to grow. We are to be Growing People for Jesus. Growth is common metaphor used in the New Testament – 47 times. One thing is for ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Methodist