Sermons on Constructive Criticism:

Resurrection Eyes

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 3, 2016

As we wrestle with the question of resurrection and after life, we come to the point that life can be lived with a certain amount of hope, adventure,daring and confidence. See this world and this life through our Lord's eyes. Through resurrection eyes.

If you are not familiar with an Anglican Service there are four passages of Scripture that are read prior to the Message. Today's assigned readings are: Haggai 1:15 - 2:9; Psalm 14:1-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 and Luke 20:27-38. A Church Elder came by to visit the new pastor ... one Sunday ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 25:1-19, Luke 20:27-38

Denomination: Anglican

Humpty Dumpty / Seize The Day

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jul 10, 2016

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; Humpty Dumpty shouted Amen; God can put me together again. Beloved, Carpe Diem, Seize the day. Updated June 2022.

Do you remember as a child ... listen to ... or reading nursery rhymes? Some of them were a little freighting ... at least they were to me. Three blind mice. Three blind mice. See how they run. See how they run. They all ran after the farmer's wife Who cut off their tails with a carving ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14, Philippians 3:10-14, Isaiah 43:25, Matthew 11:30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

I Will Never, Never, Never, Never, Never.

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Aug 26, 2016

The theologian Adam Clarke notes that in the Greek there are no less than 5 five negatives in this short discourse. I will Never ... Never ... Never ... Never ... Never... leave you or forsake you.

I recently read a story ... about a traveler who was having a conversation ... with a farmer ... from upstate New York. They both were discussing the weather, ... and the farmer assured the traveler ...that he could tell what the weather was going to be ... by watching the behavior ... of his ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

Having A Healthy Ambition

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Oct 14, 2015

We are all ambitious, in one way or another. That is how God created us. We should be ambitious for who we are.in Christ Jesus. Ambition is a healthy thing when it motivates us to reach our God-given potential.

For thse not familier with an Anglica Service: there are four Scripture readings prior to the message. Today's assigned readings are: Job 38:1-7 & Job 34:41; Psalm 104:1-9; Hebrews 5:1-10 and Mark10:35-45 What does it mean... to be ....ambitious? When is ambition.... healthy,... and when can ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Anglican

Spiritual Protection For The Battlefield

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 17, 2013

We are engaged in a spiritual war. A serious battle. For the Christian, faith is not spelled "F-A-I-T-H" it is spelled "R-I-S-K." If something is not a risk, then it really does not require faith.

For Those not Familiar with an Anglican Service there are 4 Scripture readings before the message is given. Today's Scriptures were Deuteronomy 26:1-11 ; Psalm 91:1,2,9-16 ; Romans 10:8-13 and Luke 4:1-13 One gentleman commented, ... "I wouldn't be tempted ... if temptation .... wasn't ... so ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-9, Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Anglican

By My New Way Of Life

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jan 5, 2012

Be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Beloved Let the Holy Spirit transform you conform you into the image of Christ. How will the world recognize that you have been changed? Young Cameron may have said it best By my new way of life,.

Let us pray..... O Heavenly Father, ..... we are yours ......through baptismal waters .... we are empowered by your Holy Spirit ....to continue your work in this world;.... Father help us employ the gifts you have given us..... for your use in, ....and for your glory ..... and we ask this through ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-24, Acts 19:1-7

Denomination: Anglican

Wait Training

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Dec 12, 2013

We must learn the art of patience if we truly want to enjoy life. I think a good term might be "wait training" that is "W-A-I-T" training." :How are you with patience? Could you use some WAIT Training.

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service, there are four readings prior to the Message. The Readings assigned for this day are: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:4-9; James 5:7-10 and Matthew 11:2-11 A man in Los Angeles, California ..... was arrested for negligent discharge of a weapon ..... after ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Christmas, Treasure Or Celebrate?

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Dec 12, 2013

Is that what I do? Do I 'keep Christmas.well? I have a feeling that many of us do not. Maybe we do not how to keep Christmas. We do not know how to Treasure Christmas, so we just celebrate it.

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service, there are Four Scripture readings prior to the message. Those assigned for this day are Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-20. Let Us Pray..... O' Heavenly Father.... I thank-you for all those gathered here this night. May you fill ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Anglican

In Whose Image?

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Oct 14, 2014

Some .have taken Jesus' words as a starting point to building a theology of two kingdoms. A theology of how earthly governments and God are supposed .to relate. Beloved this passage is not about two kingdoms. It is about two images. Updated June 2018

A Little Boy desperately wanted $100.00 ...to buy some toys ...and prayed to God ......for a whole week, ...but nothing happened. So, ... he decided ...to write a letter to God...requesting ...the $100.00. When the Post Office got the letter addressed to God ......they forwarded it on ... to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22, Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 22:37-40

Denomination: Anglican

Four Steps To Forgiveness

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Sep 15, 2014

When we find hate in our heart, it is simply a sign that we are going to need to forgive. Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it sets you free. For a believer , forgiveness is not simply the wisest choice, O Beloved, it is our only choice.

For Those that are not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture readings prior to the Message. Today's assigned readings are: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114; Romans 14:1-12 and Matthew 18:21-35 A driver placed a note under the windshield wiper of his illegally parked car..... which ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Anglican

Will It Be Milk Or Meat?

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 12, 2014

Paul is clear to the Corinthians that there are two levels of Christian living. Some believers are living in the flesh, the carnal and others are living in the spiritual. This is still true today. Some believers are still on milk while others eat meat.

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service, there are four readings prior to the Message. Today's lessons are Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 and Matthew 5:21-37. Paul begins the 3rd chapter of his letter by telling the Corinthians that there are two levels of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-2, 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, 1 Corinthians 3:7-9, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Denomination: Anglican

Childlike Not Childish

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Dec 1, 2011

Remember Jesus words to us: Unless you become as a child again, you will not inherit the kingdom of heaven! Our Lord does not mean there is anything wrong with maturing in growing up. There is a big difference between being child-like and childish.

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture Readings before the Sermon. The Scripture Readings for this day were: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2,8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15 and Mark 1:1-8. An elderly widow decided it was too much trouble to get all of her children and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:9-11, Philippians 2:14-15

Denomination: Anglican

Mothers Are Extra Special - With Humor

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on May 13, 2012

A Television show that I watched when I was a child called Captain Penny would always end the show with: "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool mom."

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture Readings before the Sermon. The Scripture Readings for this day were: Acts 10: 44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5: 1-6 and John 15:9-17. We have come together this morning for two primary reasons. First and Foremost is to honor ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-3

Denomination: Anglican

The Answer To The 6 Foot Hole

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 12, 2012

We are all curious about death .... We are all curious about what happens after we die.Golfer Paul Azinger shared " I'm not saying that nothing ever bothers me and I don't have problems, but I feel like I have found the answer to ..... the six-foot ho

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture Readings before the Sermon. The Scripture Readings for this day were: Ruth 3:1-5;4:13-17; Psalm 127; Hebrews 9:24-28 and Mark 12:28-34. A book of children's letters to God........ contain these entries: Dear God,...... ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:24-28

Denomination: Anglican

Choosing The Road Of Obedience Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Apr 9, 2013

This is the fifth message in a series on the life of Moses and shows that being God's man is never easy. This message examines how God calls us to choose the road of obedience even when it is the most difficult way.

Most of us will accept the idea that God has a plan for our lives. However, we often struggle with the notion that God could use us in a significant way to impact the Kingdom. Why do we have this struggle? Because we know what we are really like and we know our failures. Needless to say it takes a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:18-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ