Sermons on Chicago Tribune:

The Church As A Praising Community Series

Contributed by Galen Hackman on May 10, 2003

4th in a series of 5 sermons on the Core Characteristics of the Church. This sermon explores the church as a praising community.

The Church as a Praising Community Acts 2:42-47 Psalm 111 Acts 2:47 tells us that the early church was praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Praising is a core characteristic of the church; an essential element in its DNA. Wherever the church exists, there will be praise. What ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Brethren

True Godly Wisdom

Contributed by George Gabriel on Jun 28, 2003

Does our definitions of wisdom match what God wants from us? This outline illustrates how our definitions of wisdom are much more shortsighted than what God has to offer us

Get into 3 groups Group 1 define the word “wisdom” like it would be in the dictionary Group 2 define worldly wisdom Group 3 define Godly wisdom 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Group 1 What is wisdom? (write down definitions in column 1) Why do you think James lumped in understanding ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tug Of War With Oneself

Contributed by Cindy Breadner on Jul 12, 2002

Romans 7 allows us to see the tug of war we face each and every day

With the weather being so hot I was surprised to find upon returning from out biannual visit to my sisters in Chicago that there were still strawberries available for picking. I had noticed when we left the area that the signs were up that said, “pick your own” so I honestly felt that there ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It's Going To Get Better

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 25, 2003

There are four things in this passage that substantiate you can be assured it’s going to get better.

“IT’S GOING TO GET BETTER” By: Dr. Dennis Deese - www.dennisdeese.com JOHN 16:16-33 "A Christian without affliction is only like a soldier on parade." ??Felix Neff “Words of comfort, skillfully administered, are the oldest therapy known to man.” —Louis Nizer A young mother was ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-33

Let Us Go To Bethlehem And Find The Peace Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Mark Roper on Dec 16, 2008

If we would look at the truth surrounding this heavenly event, then we can find the purpose of God’s Peace

Let Us Go to Bethlehem and Find the Peace of Christmas Luke 2:8-20 Christmas celebrates God’s initiative to reconcile humanity to himself. Christmas also celebrates God’s entry into this broken world to set it right. Christmas is were God’s left the glory of heaven, to live and understand ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Church Of God

An American Idol: Wealth

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Jul 9, 2007

A sermon on godliness with contentment.

An American Idol: Wealth I Tim. 6:6-10 INTRO.: Idolatry is one of the sins God hates most. The very first commandment of the Decalogue is Ex 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.” Yet, sometimes we worship things that are not God. We put them before God. We strive to be able to amass more ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Whole Counsel Of God

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Aug 6, 2007

To declare “the whole counsel of God” requires the declaration of these wonderful truths about the Lord Jesus.

THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20: 26-27. Paul had called for the elders of the church at Ephesus to meet him in Miletus. Paul did not want to spend ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Divine Disciplines For Financial Health - Pt. 1 Series

Contributed by Dan Thompkins on Jan 11, 2008

Stewardship over our finances is very importanct to God and to those that are looking to Christian for guidance and hope.

“Divine Disciplines for Financial Health” - Pt 1 of 2   Date: Oct. 22, 2006 PPHC – A.M. Service     Why do we need lessons on finances in the church today? Christ taught more on financial management than on any other subject. Sixteen (16) of His thirty-eight (38) parables deal with money management ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Is Christianity Losing America?

Contributed by Anthony Smith on Jul 24, 2004

The apostasy of the professing church. (2Th 1:3); (Luke 18:8); (2Ti 3:1-8).

Is Christianity Losing America? The apostasy of the professing church. (2Th 1:3); (Luke 18:8); (2Ti 3:1-8). Why is the truth in Christ so hard for people to understand? The Christian culture is dwindling according to scripture and there are those that continue to denigh the very existence of a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Faith, Love And Hope Series

Contributed by Keith Walker on May 18, 2004

Three important words of the gospel are explored along with corresponding works

INTRODUCTION Charles Trentham has a chapter in his book on Colossians entitled, “The Three Greatest Words in the Gospel.” What three words do you suppose he means? Let’s guess. Clues: All three words have only one syllable, two of the three words are 4 letter words. The other word has 5 letters. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Three Guiding Lights

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on May 4, 2005

The three guiding lights of the Church are Biblical theology, an evangelistic programme and a spiritual dynamic

IC 05-05-05 Three guiding lights for the Church Luke 24:44-53 The story of the Ascension of Jesus Christ is a wonderful piece of history, but what relevance does have to us in 21st Century Britain. May I answer my question by telling you a story? Story: "There is an old legend which says when ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Denomination: Anglican

Parable Of The Great Supper Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 14, 2007

Jesus’ sense of humor shows up in a big way during some awkward dinner table moments, esp. when He talked about people and the excuses they offer. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint template.

Parable of the Great Supper Luke 14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GreatSupper.html One of the chief Pharisees has invited Jesus over for dinner, and we’re gonna have some fun tonite! v. 1 “they watched Him” = laid a trap v. 2 this diseased man was deliberately planted so Jesus would heal him and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Increase Our Faith

Contributed by Brian Matherlee on Oct 5, 2006

How God increases our faith.

INCREASE OUR FAITH Luke 17:5 Sunday, November 6, 2005 Pastor Brian Matherlee Introduction A small boy riding a bus home from Sunday school was very proud of the card he had received, which had a picture and a caption that read: “Have Faith in God.” Then to his dismay the card slipped from his ...read more

Scripture: John 11:21-27

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Cost Of Commitment

Contributed by Jeff Davenport on Mar 5, 2006

What is the true cost of commitment? Are you willing to pay it?

The Cost of Your Commitment Luke14:25-35 Commitment is not found in the location of your body, but instead the location of your heart. (ie. Athlete, student) Illus: In 1947, a professor at the University of Chicago was scheduled to teach an advanced seminar in astrophysics. At the time he was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Christianity All About

Contributed by Steven Chapman on Feb 6, 2007

This is a book sermon to introduce the major themes of the book of Ephesians. It is built on a series of contrasts between secular faith and Biblical christianity.

What Is Christianity All About? Book Sermon in Ephesians Discussion: What is Christianity all about? Living dead “You were dead in your transgressions and sins … 1) It’s not about what we’ve been … It’s about what we are. “God, who is rich in mercy made us alive in Christ.” (Eph 2:1a, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ