Sermons on Church Enrichment:

The Holy Spirit's Community Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Apr 12, 2003

In leading to this first community produced by Jesus through the Spirit, we have seen that Pentecost is likened to the Shekinah glory: As the glory of the Holy Spirit filled the earthly tabernacle, and then the Jerusalem temple, the church born at Penteco

INTRODUCTION The great church historian, Phillp Schaff, whose library is here in Lancaster said: "As to the numerical strength of Christianity at the close of the first century, we have no information whatever. Statistical reports were unknown in those days. The estimate of half a million among ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Paul, The Pastor (His Farewell Address) Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Apr 13, 2003

Modern church leaders have often neglected the duties of overseeing the spiritual welfare of individuals and families. Sadly, biblical pastoral oversight is set aside for more promising programs. Instead, programs, facilities, and finances are impersonall

INTRODUCTION Savage Wolves: PT BARNUM - THE CIRCUS SHOWMAN - He delighted in showing an exhibit: THE HAPPY FAMILY - Lions, Tigers, and a little lamb. One asked if they had problems, Barnum said “Aside from replacing the lamb from time to time, there’s no problem.” We all know that there are ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:16-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Work Of The Ministry (Acts 6) Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Apr 13, 2003

The Apostles responded to physical ministry needs by delegating the responsibility to qualified men in order to continue to focus on the ministry of prayer and the Word. From this we learn that such a division of labor is necessary, wise, and protects the

INTRODUCTION You might say that Socrates was ultimately responsible for the Greek NT. Socrates had a pupil: Plato (which meant “fatso”); Plato had a student, Aristotle; and Aristotle had a student, Alexander the Great (356-323 BC), the king of Macedonia that conquered the Persian empire and annexed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Has Jerusalem To Do With Antioch Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Apr 13, 2003

We must take hold of THE GRANDNESS OF GENTILE SALVATION The Great Commission, in biblio-theological development, is the predictable Messianic restatement of multitudes of Old Testament commissions and promises and prayers for all the nations to be made

INTRODUCTION "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What has the Academy to do with the Church? What have heretics to do with Christians? Our instruction comes from the porch of Solomon, who had himself taught that the Lord should be sought in simplicity of heart. Away with all attempts to produce ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Preparing For People

Contributed by Mark Elkins on Apr 26, 2003

Are you ready to receive 3000 people today? 1000?500? 5? 1? What do we need to do to prepare to receive those that God has placed just outside our doors?

Tell the person next to you, “It’s no coincidence… that you are here.” “God brought you here!” We need to understand that the only reason people talk about God, or come to church, is because God draws them. That is why we need to be prepared. Bob called his wife from work in the middle of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-39

Denomination: Baptist

"Welcome To Resurrection Central"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Apr 26, 2003

Every church, is, at least potentially, a Resurrection Central!

Acts 4:32-35 “Welcome to Resurrection Central” By: Rev. Kenneth Emerson Sauer, Pastor of Parkview United Methodist Church, Newport News, VA Many people are willing to accept Christianity as an explanation of life, but they are not yet prepared to accept it as a way of life. It is clear—from a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35

Denomination: United Methodist

What Kind Of Shape Are You And I In?

Contributed by Jim Kane on Apr 27, 2003

We are called and equipped to serve - in Jesus’ name!

One of the beliefs about our economic system is that it has moved from being an industrial economy to a service and information economy. In other words, more and more jobs are based on providing a service or information than providing a product. Service has therefore become an important part of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27

Denomination: Church Of God

Growing With Vision

Contributed by Christopher Roberts on Apr 29, 2003

A healthy baby should grow. A healthy baby should grow in size. A healthy baby should grow in her hunger. A healthy baby will be active and seek to move about. So should a healthy church!

Please e-mail me with any comments or if you use any part of this at your church at Mail4ChrisR@aol.com. I would love to hear about it. God Bless! - Chris Scrapbooking is Renee’s new favorite hobby. I imagine we have spent a small fortune in film and the processing of the hundreds of pictures. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Matthew 28:18

Denomination: Methodist

Determined By Devotion Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

Likewise, in the Bible, God put together a little instruction tag that should be attached to every church. If our church wants to operate correctly, run smoothly, and make the right plays, then it’s imperative that we follow God’s directions

Making an Impact: Determined by Devotion I had the opportunity this week to play softball with the church team. I guess they were hard up for players. I started the game OK but ended up dropping a couple fly balls and striking out. I think they’ll think twice about inviting me to come ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Denomination: Baptist

Mobilizing For Ministry Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

The beauty of Christianity is that believers have been redeemed for a reason, converted to a cause, and saved to serve. This morning we’re going to take a look at the second key lifestyle ingredient of the early church ­ they were mobilized for ministry.

Making an Impact: Mobilizing for Ministry These are actual excerpts from the classified sections of city newspapers. Are you illiterate? Write today for help. Alterations Shop. We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand. Auto Repair Service. Try us once; you’ll ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:45

Denomination: Baptist

Praying With Faith Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

Did you know that before this church had its first worship service, it had a prayer meeting? Prayer has under girded everything at PBC since the very beginning. This morning, we’re going to listen in on another Prayer Meeting that took place in the ea

Making an Impact: Praying with Faith If you’ve been here the last several weeks, you’ll know that we’re in a series called, Making an Impact: Snapshots from the Book of Acts. We’ve been looking at the 6 key lifestyle traits of the early church, using the acrostic IMPACT. I ­ Instruction in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Denomination: Baptist

Adoring God In Worship Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

Everything that takes place on Sunday morning is considered worship ­ the sermon, the offering, the songs, communion, and our prayers.

Making an Impact: Adoring God in Worship INTRODUCTION: This morning we’ve decided to change our regular order of service in order to better accomplish our purposes. Since our topic is “Adoring God in Worship,” we wanted to allow time for us to worship and to hear from God’s Word. And, since ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47

Denomination: Baptist

Telling Others The Gospel Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

This morning we’re going to look into God’s Word in order to find out how the Apostle Paul did evangelism.

Making an Impact: Telling Others the Gospel Thank you, Kids Choir for that excellent reminder. God will use our feet, our hands, and our mouths to tell others the gospel. Our former co-workers in Mexico City are missionaries today because of Ken Hanna’s direct influence in their lives. Just ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34, Acts 2:47

Denomination: Baptist

This Sanctuary We Dedicate

Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 1, 2003

King Solomon dedicated the completed temple to Israel’s God. Any sanctuary must be properly dedicated to the Lord. To what purposes is it to dedicated? 6 purposes to which our sanctuary is dedicated. This sanctuary we dedicate to God’s...

THIS SANCTUARY WE DEDICATE—1Kings 7:51—8:53 King Solomon dedicated the completed temple to Israel’s God. Any sanctuary must be properly dedicated to the Lord. To what purposes is this sanctuary dedicated? 6 purposes to which our sanctuary is dedicated. 1—This sanctuary we dedicate to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

3 Easter B

Contributed by Roger Haugen on May 1, 2003

In our worship Jesus comes among us and tells us "Peace be with You." Our worship reflects the events of the resurrection.

3 Easter B Luke 24:36b-48 4 May 2003 Rev. Roger Haugen A young pastor was fishing for comments at the door following one of his sermons that he felt was particularly profound. One older man responded, “Sometimes we come to church because of the pastor and sometimes we come in spite of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48

Denomination: Lutheran