Sermons on Chess Openings:

Practice Makes Perfect

Contributed by David Crank on Sep 12, 2011

Your personal best requires that you take on the mindset of an athlete. An athlete runs to win. They exercise disciplines for the win when the door opens for opportunity. They sacrifice for what they believe in.

Everyone has heard the phrase “Practice makes perfect” or at least I think they have. It’s such an old adage, I’m not sure if anyone knows who said it first. Regardless of who coined the phrase, the Bible is full of wisdom concerning this very notion of practice and results. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Is In Control Series

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jan 5, 2012

To believe that God is in control is huge (especially for us 'control freaks'). It takes a lot of faith and even more surrender, but when taken by faith it opens up a world of peace and hope.

I must admit that at the moment I write this, my faith in God's sovereignty is being tested so severely, I struggle to finish the first paragraph.* I wish I could say the great truth of God's sovereignty was a bedrock of my life - but I confess to have great trouble accepting it - much less ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking The First Four Seals Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jul 11, 2012

The events that we will see with the seals are not the end of history itself. They are events that precede the end. The seals have to be broken before the book can be opened. This is exactly what Christ had said.

Now the time has come. God’s book—the Book of Destiny, the book that spells out what is to happen in the end time—is now to be opened. We need to note that the Lamb doesn’t open the book at this point. He merely breaks open the seals. The events that we will see with the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Hang On

Contributed by David Tack on Jun 25, 2014

Hanging On Can Be Defined As: 1. To cling tightly to something. 2. To continue persistently; persevere. 3. To keep a telephone connection open. 4. To wait for a short period of time.

Hang On David Tack- October 18, 2013- Life Care Center, Jacksonville FL There are some that say that the nails did not hold Jesus to the cross; and, I agree with this. Some go further and say Jesus had to actually hold onto the nails to keep the nails from ripping through the frail flesh. This ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Is It Possible The Church Has Misunderstood Malachi 3:8-11? Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jan 2, 2018

Christians have been taught that the tithe is a "spiritual bill" they must pay in order to keep the "windows of heaven" open. Is it possible that this passage is being used to teach something that it does not teach?

As a child, before my brothers and sisters and I would sit down for breakfast, we asked our father what we could do to please him so that he would let us eat. He’d tell us. If we wanted lunch money for school we would ask our father what would please him. He’d tell us. At supper time, as we sat ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:19-23, Malachi 1:6-14, Malachi 3:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Deny Yourself Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Denying ourselves means looking introspectively, living with open hands, and not looking back at what we've left behind in order to fully follow Jesus and experience abundant life.

Today, we're going to talk about going "all in" for Jesus. You know, like when you're playing a game and you give it everything you've got? That's what we're talking about, but with our relationship with Jesus. So, let's dive in! Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Topics: Self-Denial, Spiritual Growth, Discipleship, Sacrificial Love

Striving For Excellence While Navigating Change Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Aug 24, 2023

Daniel learned to navigate change in a healthy way that fosters growth and resilience. He remained open, accessible and available to be used again. This maybe the most challenging as we pursue execellence.

Sermon – Striving for Excellence While Navigating Change Scripture – Daniel 5:13-26 “So Daniel was brought in before the king. The king asked him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles brought from Judah by my predecessor, King Nebuchadnezzar? I have heard that you have the spirit of the gods within ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 5:13-30, Isaiah 21:9, Daniel 2:21

Denomination: Methodist

The Set Time Has Come

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Dec 30, 2022

Today we open the Word of God and take a look at the world tomorrow. God has a set time to deal with the nations of the world. And Israel is God's prophetic clock.

Today we open the Word of God and take a look at the world tomorrow. The world is fascinated about the future of planet earth. The rich and the powerful are digging underground cities, looking over their shoulders at the possibility of a nuclear mushroom cloud forming on the horizon. Will Russia ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 102:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Beatitudes Of Christ (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 18, 2021

Jesus uses the word blessed nine times in these opening verses. Clearly there is a significant emphasis on being blessed. He reveals the presence and assurance of blessing to those who follow Him.

The Beatitudes of Christ (Part 1) Matthew 5: 3-12 Our text begins the great discourse of Jesus, His preaching of The Sermon on the Mount. His powerful message began with what has become commonly known as the “Beatitudes.” The term beatitude comes from Latin and literally means “happiness or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

"Bringing Back Bell Bottoms”

Contributed by Sean Dees on Feb 7, 2020

The church through every changing trend still better be bringing back bell bottoms! Let me explain. My opening text described to you the outer ware of the Priest.

I. We live in a time of advancements and growth. Everything around us now is constantly moving forward and changing. Man has been on this earth some 6000 years but it has been the last 150 years that has seen the greatest advancements. A. Electricity was once a mere curiosity but now is the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 28:31-35

Second Sunday Of Easter (Or Sunday Of Divine Mercy)

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 16, 2023

Prophecy: Jesus told St. Faustina that this Feast of Mercy would be a very special day when “all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened”. (Diary 699)

At the entrance to Jerusalem's church of all nations, next to the Garden of Gethsemane, there is a sign warning every visitor: "NO EXPLANATIONS INSIDE THE CHURCH." The sign is intended to discourage over-talkative tour guides but it's also what Jesus practiced after his ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Catholic

Be Careful With Who You Allow To Lay Hands On You. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 4, 2024

It's important to be mindful of who we allow to pray over us, as some individuals may unintentionally or intentionally open doors to negative influences or false beliefs.

The laying of hands is a powerful biblical symbol, used to impart wisdom, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and even healing. However, it is important to understand when and how this practice should be used, lest we misuse it or open ourselves up to harm. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:9, James 5:14, 1 Timothy 4:14, 1 Timothy 5:22

The Deliverance From Fear

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Apr 24, 2012

This passage is just a short episode of Jesus walking on the water. But in this episode Jesus shows us opening that He is Someone that we can count on when fear grips our lives.

If we know Jesus Christ in a personal way, we know that He will deliver us from many things. How many testimonies have we heard from people who have been delivered from something? Illness, death, financial situations, relationships, etc. Tonight we see Jesus’ deliverance from yet another ...read more

Scripture: John 6:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

3d - Pt. 1 - Surrounded Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Aug 24, 2019

Is our world restricted to what we can see? What if there was another dimension? Activity . . . but we only catch glimpses. We need to open our eyes and see the unseen.

I. Introduction Out of sight . . . out of mind can be more than just a statement about forgetfulness. It can also be a dangerous and costly spiritual condition. I can remember growing up hearing this statement about church folks . . . "They are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12, 2 Kings 6:13-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

3d - Pt. 2 - Surrounded Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Aug 24, 2019

Is our world restricted to what we can see? What if there was another dimension? Activity . . . but we only catch glimpses. We need to open our eyes and see the unseen.

I. Introduction I recently read this statement about loss of sight. Vision problems may signal serious health conditions, and they can increase your risk for injury or death. I asserted last week that we have become so consumed with earthly things and in a knee jerk response to seeing demons behind ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:13-23, Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Pentecostal