Sermons on De Medici:

Laying The Foundation For Revival Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Oct 24, 2006

Revival started with a foundation of prayer. Israel’s physical state was a reflection of their spiritual state. Nehemiah’s quest wasn’t just about rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem. It was also about reviving the hearts and minds of the peopl

(This sermon is part of a series preached in the first few months of arriving at the church, which had been without a "preacher" for 3 years.) Laying the Foundation for Revival Show the Blueprints and Plans of our church from years past—class rooms, family life center, new worship area, more ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Little Slice Of Heaven Nestled Between Truth And Love Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 1, 2006

How we can create "a little slice of heaven" in our Christian community as we learn to live governed by truth AND love.

A Little Slice of Heaven Nestled Between Truth and Love Don’t you just love the smells of Thanksgiving?  the delectable golden brown turkey basting and baking away  tasty russet potatoes being mashed to fluffy perfection, topped off by melting butter, salt and ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hope For An Alienated World Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 1, 2006

This sermon is part of a 4 sermon series on the Promise of God leading up to Christmas. Today’s sermon shows God’s pursuit of us, even amidst our rebellion: His hope is given to those not deserving.

[This sermon is part of a 4 sermon series on the Promise of God leading up to Christmas. One of my earlier sermons, it is not a full manuscript. It is hoped that the introductory notes on the Promise in Genesis, and the sermon out line that follows, will aid in developing your own sermon series ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Once And Future King Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 1, 2006

To a world in need, God promises his unfailing leadership. A look at the continuation of God¡¦s Promise, this week focusing on the Messiah promised to David.

Sermon A Once and Future King The Toledo Blade article on child prostitution ring, one of the largest sex busts in the nation. How can this stuff happen? Where are the leaders? We need leaders. All around the nation we see corrupt officials: nearby Detroit, Miami (where we just moved ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:11-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hope In The Face Of Death Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 1, 2006

First in a four part series on how Jesus revealed his promise of Jesus. The series leads up to Christmas. Today’s is on the gravity of our sin, and yet the giving of God’s hope and promise even then

Jesus: God’s Promise of Hope for a World in Need Hope in the Face of Death Introduction “I don’t like the idea of being picked as a number.” "It began with a syringe in my arm," he said, [In-between] was a special meal of his choice two steaks, a baked potato, salad, bread, apple pie, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Jesus Touch Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 1, 2006

Big Idea: Jesus Offers—and Delivers Freedom From the Oppressive Weight of Satan. Looking at the day that Jesus’ touch was remembered more than the words of His sermon

The Jesus Touch or, “The Day No One Remembered Jesus’ Sermon” Topic: Freedom from Crushing/Debilitating Burdens through Jesus Thesis: Make Use of the Reality Jesus Sets us Free from Oppressive Burdens Obviously need to rework the above . . . . Aim: To motivate people to seek and give ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Making Light Of Sin Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 3, 2006

Sin is not just a problem for non Christians, but also for those who are called "children of Light." This text highlights the transforming nature of the light of Jesus as we let it expose our sin.

Making Light of Sin Ephesians 5:2-14 Introduction A man and his wife were shopping at a mall and a pretty young woman. The man’s eyes followed her. Without looking up from the item she was examining, his wife asked, "Was it worth the trouble you’re in?" This little joke makes us laugh in part ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Overflowing Joy Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 3, 2006

The concluding sermon of Nehemiah that considers the result of a life built with God at the center: When We Build with God at the Center, We will Overflow with Joy in all Things.

(This is especially from 12:43ff) Today we come to the end of our study in Nehemiah—not that we have mined all the truths therein—we have only TOUCHED on chapter 13, which ends the book on a bit of a downer—seeing what happens when people don’t stay dedicated to God But that is NOT our focus ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 12:1-47

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Read Sea Rules

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

This is based on the book by Robert J Morgan on what to do when you are in trouble. It is a fun--but critical--sermon and was delivered to families at a children’s ministry function

[This sermon outline is from Robert J. Morgan. I got wind of it from my retired (from ministry) mentor and friend, Doug Kostowski, who served as senior minister in Miami along with his good friend Max Lucado. I have never read Mr. Morgan’s book, but I am aware that it exists. I read a review on ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Compass, Unitard, Well Worn Boots

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

Let your congregation know the three things that a disciple of Jesus can not be without. (heart pointed to Jesus, a willingness to grapple with Jesus in relationship--get to know who he really is, and to walk in His steps. Scripture is taken from a vari

Compass, Unitard, Well Worn Boots “Compass, Unitard, Well Worn Boots” (say these three seemingly unrelated things out loud, in the tradition of Johnny Carson’s character, alluded to below, but then proceed to talk about the following material first, before giving the “question” that those ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Six Hearts (On The Road To Emmaus)

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

An Encounter with the Risen Lord Strengthens Our Weak Hearts with Simple, Rejuvenating Faith! (the 6 headings in this sermon were heard in a sermon by my mentor Doug Kostowski, Miami, FL. The body of the material is mine)

Short summation of the gospel/crucifixion? Bring up to speed succinctly. And the story grows on by His mercy Certain people stand out to me. People that are unusual. Remarkable. Memorable. People that directly or indirectly shape my outlook on life—maybe some even my life itself. • High ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Witnesses To Jesus Series

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

How we are witnessed to a Lord who "changes everything" (History, life, death, love)

Our Message is about Jesus: We are witnesses to Him as King Joel’s prophecy: explaining a most unusual open air praise service. Last Days are upon us, because the Spirit is poured on us. The Spirit is poured on us by the exalted Messiah/Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. The prophecy sets the stage ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:22-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christ's Love Compels

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

We need to be compelled in our love for others and God in Christ is for us.

Red Moon Rising (book) Dubi Czech Republic pp. 46-47 sex trade. Author and wife decide to show love to the prostitutes. Awkward, but felt called by the Lord to do so. Monroe, Michigan Girl on the East Side cussed out by her man, children near her, we just walked by (Vickie and I). Didn’t ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:14-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Experience Forever Family

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

I think the term “forever family” is appropriate and attractive in putting together these two images: 1. the earthly family 2. the heavenly family or faith family or God’s family Focusing too narrowly on the first one can lead us to only think ab

9/11 Babies—5 years later. ABC News Diane Sawyer: Showed a gathering of women who found themselves both pregnant then widowed when 9/11 came crashing down Today, those babies look even more like the fathers they never met, but now they shoot questions like arrows: They want to know what ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Breakfast On The Beach

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

Big Idea: We have a Lord who overcomes our deficiencies and gives us what we need to follow Him. A look at how Jesus dealt with Simon after the resurrection to restor him.

Have you ever let down someone? A sports fan? Your friend? A wife (give eg’s w/o naming people) Senior Captain, my last soccer game: one own goal and another near miss Let down my parents with my lifestyle choices the first couple years of university life Letting down a professor by being ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ