Sermons on Culture:

The Perceptive Art Of A Receptive Heart Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 24, 2018

What's the main difference between the people who have hard hearts, shallow hearts, crowded hearts, and the one who has an open heart? The person with the open heart hears it and does it.

INTRODUCTION Here’s Bob and here’s Jerry. They’re both in Celebration Worship at Green Acres listening to the Pastor. They’ve both been Christians for over twenty years. But there’s a big difference between Bob and Jerry. During the message, Bob has his Bible open and he’s taking notes. He ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Mystery Of The Mighty Mustard Seed Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 24, 2018

Never despise the day of small beginnings. Three ways in which God’s Kingdom is like a mysterious mighty mustard seed.

INTRODUCTION How many of you were raised on a farm? Raise your hand. How many of you have parents or grandparents that were raised on a farm? Since we’re becoming an urban and suburban culture, many of us have lost the appreciation for agriculture. But when Jesus was teaching people 2,000 years ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-32

Denomination: Baptist

From Great To Good Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

When it comes to our personal relationship with God and with others, Jesus taught that personal goodness is more valuable than personal greatness.

INTRODUCTION When I was a pastor in Alabama, we lived next to a cemetery. Most days I would jog through there; the residents never complained. I enjoyed reading the tombstones. I’ll never forget the short tribute one on large tombstone. A man’s name was listed and then it said, “He was a great ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

What's In It For Me? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

There are three major themes addressed in this passage: Suffering, Servanthood, and Sacrifice. Whenever you study the Bible you should always ask yourself these two words: SO WHAT? Now that I've learned this, what changes will this make in my life?

INTRODUCTION Our friend, Paul Baloche, who lived for many years in Lindale, Texas has written or co-written over 120 worship songs. Perhaps his most popular song is “Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord” which I’ve borrowed his song title for this message. In the early 90’s, when Mike and I had only ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

Denomination: Baptist

Open The Eyes Of My Heart, Lord Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

When people try to hinder your crying out to Jesus, do what Bartimaeus did: Resist them. Don't let them intimidate you into silence.

INTRODUCTION Our friend, Paul Baloche, who lived for many years in Lindale, Texas has written or co-written over 120 worship songs. Perhaps his most popular song is “Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord” which I’ve borrowed his song title for this message. In the early 90’s, when Mike and I had only ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Baptist

Three Levels Of Love, Part 2 Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

The driving motivation behind all great art, all great music, all great architecture, or writing is a single force: Passion. Nothing great in life was ever accomplished without passion.

INTRODUCTION This is the second part of a message I started earlier this month entitled three levels of love. With Christmas behind us, we can take a deep breath from all the hustle and bustle of shopping and crowds. I heard a story about a guy who was driving around in a crowded mall parking lot ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Beauty Of Extravagant Worship Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

Worship isn't about coming to get something from God; it's all about giving Him something. When you bless the Lord, you can't help but be blessed in return.

INTRODUCTION I’ve shared some church bulletin bloopers in the past, but churches just keep making mistakes with their announcements. Here are some actual statements that appeared in church bulletins. 1. The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Failure Isn't Fatal Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 29, 2018

When it comes to failure and sin in your life, you have two options. You can try to hide it, or you can admit it.

INTRODUCTION This is a message about how to overcome failure. If you’ve never failed, then you are free to leave now so you can beat the Methodists to the restaurants. But if you’ve ever failed, God has a word for you today. Let me tell you the true story of Walter. He grew up in a very ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:27-31, Mark 14:66-72

Denomination: Baptist

Aaron Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jan 30, 2018

God takes sin seriously and so must I

ENGAGE I’m going to begin this morning by sharing a list of famous names and as I read each one, just shout out the first name that comes to mind: • Tonto [Lone Ranger] • Robin [Batman] • Art Garfunkel [Paul Simon] • Dr. Watson [Sherlock Holmes] • Ed McMahon [Johnny Carson] • Bert [Ernie] By now, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Tabernacle Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jan 30, 2018

How the Old Testament tabernacle points ahead to Jesus.

ENGAGE This morning I’m going to preach about a shadow. We’re all familiar with shadows, right? We know that a shadow has no independent substance or existence in itself. And although you can see a shadow, you can’t feel it or hear it or smell it or taste it. So in a sense I suppose a shadow is ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Do What You Say. Series

Contributed by Adam Weber on Aug 16, 2017

In Psalm 119, David explains that before he took the wrong way and it left him broken. But now, he’s listening to God. Do you have a similar story? Ever taken the wrong way?

**Well… welcome to Embrace… at all of our campuses… and wherever you’re joining us from… we’re so excited that you’re here. My name is Adam… I’m one of the pastors here… and as always…we are truly thrilled… ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:1

Detrimental Competition-5 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Aug 22, 2017

5 of 8. John the Baptist pointed out the detriments of competitive ministry. But when is competition detrimental to Christian ministry? A competitive spirit is detrimental to Christian ministry when...

DETRIMENTAL COMPETITION-V—John 3:22-36 Attention: Doctor's Advice: A 92 year old man went to the doctor to get a physical. A few days later, the doctor saw the man walking down the street with a gorgeous young lady on his arm. At his follow up visit, the doctor talked to the man & said, "You're ...read more

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Denomination: Baptist

Come Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 29, 2017

First in a series on our church's Discipleship Path.

ENGAGE I’d like to ask all of you to think for a moment about how you got here this morning. I’m not talking about the mode of transportation that you used, but rather your spiritual journey that resulted in being a part of our gathering today. For me, that journey began as a small child. ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51, Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Commit Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 29, 2017

Second in a series on our church's Discipleship Path. If I want to be Jesus’ disciple I need to be “all in”

ENGAGE This morning, I’m going to begin by taking you through a very quick history of some prevailing ideas about discipleship over the last 600 years or so. I’ll begin in the early 16th century, with a German monk named Martin Luther. Here is what he wrote this about being a disciple of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: Baptist

Grease The Wheels!

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Sep 6, 2017

1. Focus on being a People of Agape Love 2. Focus on being a People Living in Light of God's Ultimate Judgment. A message on how to confront tough issues and possible disagreements in the Body of Christ.

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 and Call to Worship (Psalm 114) Title: Grease the Wheels! 1. Focus on being a People of Agape Love 2. Focus on being a People Living in Light of God's Ultimate Judgment. A message on how to confront tough issues and possible disagreements in the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Psalm 114:1-8

Denomination: Nazarene