Sermons on Congregational Autonomy:

Dealing With The Preacher-Eaters

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 24, 2012

Sons of Diotrephes will arise among the churches. The people of God are responsible to recognise their presence and to expose their evil work.

“I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

To Hurting Congregations! What Matters Most Is What God Offers First!

Contributed by Doug Koehler on Jan 18, 2002

There are, still today, many congregations that are full of bickering and selfishness. These things tear the church apart and keep them from fulfilling God’s call in their life. Paul addresses this sort of church when he wrote to the church in Corinth. Hi

1st Corinthians 1:1-9 January 20th, 2002 To hurting congregations! What matters most is what God offers first! Most would say that a recipe for disaster is to take people with different views, ideas, attitudes, backgrounds, and agendas and stick them all in one place. The result would be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Romans--The Credits

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Oct 26, 2009

In closing out a series on the last part of the Letter to the Church at Rome, this sermon examines Paul’s use of personal names and how they tie to some of the themes of the book.

The Name Game Text: Romans 16:1-27 How many of you like to watch the credits at the end of a movie? Wailam gets disgusted with me because I have a tendency to want to stay to the end of the credits in order to find out who performed a particular song used in the soundtrack, to ascertain the general ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:1-27

Denomination: *other

Pilgrim's Path Part-8 The Persecuted

Contributed by Chris Surber on Feb 24, 2009

We, like those pilgrim forefathers of the Church in America and the Early Church, are called to be fools for Christ!

The Pilgrim’s Path Part-8, Mathew 5:1-12 The Persecuted Introduction One hundred Puritans sail across the ocean on the “Mayflower” and in New England find a home where they can serve God according to the dictates of their conscience. Persecution in England being continued, men cross the Atlantic ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian Church

Heaven On Earth Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 16, 2011

The early converts created a community of faith that reflected what they believed was life in the kingdom of God.

Acts 2:42-47 “Heaven on Earth” INTRODUCTION Psalm 23 is the most well known and one of the most comforting Psalms. Countless people have found comfort, strength and hope in its verses. During times of grief and struggle individuals imagine the Lord making them rest in green ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Lutheran

"The Worship Of Our Lord!”

Contributed by Grady H Moore on Mar 8, 2022

The worship of our Lord is one of the major themes of the Bible. The following passages teach us much about worshipping God:

Pastor Jack Hayford penned the worship song titled, "Majesty." Here are words to the first verse of that song... “Majesty, worship His Majesty, Unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise. Majesty, Kingdom Authority, Flow from His throne, unto His own His anthem raise!” The Bible has ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 45:11

The Always God—always Hearing 11th Church Anniversary From 2 Merged Congregations

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Sep 6, 2024

This sermon is an 11th Church Anniversary message from two churches that merged to form one congregation. It deals with God always listening to our prayers.

The Always God—Always Hearing 11th Church Anniversary From 2 Merged Congregations Rick Gillespie-Mobley Genesis 12:1-7 Luke 18:1-8 Happy Anniversary New Life At Calvary for 11 years of seeking God’s purposes here at the corner of East 79th and Euclid Avenue. 11 years ago we had a ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-7, Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Shrewd Dealings Series

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Nov 9, 2005

The final part of a three-part series on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, all inspired by the question, "How to Spend an Inheiritance."

Title: Shrewd Dealings Text: Luke 16:1-9 FCF: We ought to use the talents, gifts, and love that our Lord gave us. SO: Eventually, I want to get this church up and active – by reminding the church that it needs to use what the Lord has provided, I hope to remove barriers to service. Intro: At ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit Series

Contributed by Art Campbell on Jun 19, 2007

The world lauds autonomy and strength, but Jesus says those who are truly blessed are the ones who come to him in humility and dependence.

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT INTRO NEW SERIES Everyone wants the good life. What does it mean for you? Lifestyle? Stuff? Financial security? Family? ILL: Video Clip ’In the Game’ from the Pursuit of Happiness. The world says, ’take what you want, pursue happiness and fulfillment at all costs.’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3

Denomination: Baptist

C.h.u.r.c.h.

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Sep 18, 2011

When you think of the word church what comes into your mind? Jesus Christ told Peter, “I will build my Church.” But what does that church look like? What is the church and what is intended to be?

C.H.U.R.C.H. Matthew 16:13-19 Introduction: When you think of the word church what comes into your mind? Jesus Christ told Peter, “I will build my Church.” But what does that church look like? A man was answering questions for a national poll. When asked for his church preference, he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19

Denomination: Baptist

Not Obliged Series

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Jan 16, 2010

As our church considers who we really are as the Body of Christ, we find it necessary to focus on some very core scriptures about Christian Behavior. This is one of them.

No Obligation Text: Romans 13:8-14 I know this is going to sound surprising to those of us who live near, in, or work and/or play in the City of Chicago, but I once saw a police officer turn down free coffee and doughnuts. Yes, that’s right. I was on a “ride along” with an officer ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8-14

Denomination: *other

I Love This Church

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Jan 29, 2009

Uses Toby Keith’s song, "I Love this Bar" and the "Cheer’s" Theme song, to compare to the church and the need everyone has to belong.

“I Love This – Church!” February 1, 2009 “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:1-11

Denomination: Holiness

Are We Well Connected?

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 13, 2014

A sermon on reaching out to various groups both in the church and outside the church (Material adapted from David Faust in Lookout Magazine May 4, 2003 edition, article entitled, "Are You Well Connected?")

HoHum: Can You Hear Me Now? Cell phone needs to have a good connection or frustrating. WBTU: Good connections are vital in the church. We share a “partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:5). Just as an ear or a hand can’t fulfill its intended function if it’s ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Amen!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 21, 2021

The people of God have always been a vocal people at worship. Scripture teaches us to affirm the truth by openly commenting, "Amen."

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Approval Of Humans Or Of God Series

Contributed by Bill Walker on May 5, 2017

A look at Paul's passion for truth and grace.

APROVAL OF HUMAN BEINGS OR GOD Galatians 1 I once attended a worship event and before the speaker took the stage a choral group was singing. I was to lead a prayer before the speaker began, so I was silently worshipping and reflecting on my words for the prayer. As the choral group sang a very ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ