Sermons on Deficit:

Just Say No Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 24, 2003

Like Job’s friend Zophar, we eagerly find faults with others, thinking that pointing out their mistakes is all that is needed, and failing to build a relationship first. Contrast with Christ, who "became sin" for us.

We are studying the very human issue of faultfinding during this Lenten season. We are using the story of Job and his friends, if you call them that, as they tried to console him, no, really, instruct him in his misery. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, three miserable comforters, Job said, because ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Fire Of Glory, Fire Of Drought

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 8, 2003

We have experienced the warm glow of God’s blessings, but the fire of judgment is also at hand, for worship becomes ritual, there is a critical spirit, and pessimism spreads. Diligence and integrity bring vitality in worship.

In all the annals of human history, there is one item which has held out more hope and yet offered more terror than any other. Wherever human beings gathered, in the infancy of our race, there this one item, this one element, both attracted them and repelled them; it drew them close and yet it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Joys False Or Complete Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 10, 2004

For Epiphany: As Richard Foster wrote about "Money, Sex, and Power", is it possible the Wise Men’s gifts are warnings to Jesus and His family about these things? Complete joy comes from what Jesus did with these issues.

Who we are and what we have are two entirely different things, but we confuse them. We insist on identifying who we are by what we have. Who we are and what we have are not the same thing. We are more by far than the material goods we possess. And yet everywhere we are identified by our stuff. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 2:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

Let's Nail This Down

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 20, 2004

Ordination sermon for Victor Oke. Do not nail down peer group approval; nail down the promises of God to strengthen, help, and uphold you in ministry.

“Who has roused a victor from the east, summoned him to his service?” Brother Oke, I warned you a month ago, at the ordination service for Gloria Grant, that I would probably use your name as the basis for your ordination message. The name “Victor” is so full of spiritual possibility! And so, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Face In The Crowd.

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Apr 21, 2003

This message asks; Who would you have been on that first Easter?

Now they call it the via da la Rosa, the way of sorrows, then it was just another street. And as Christ made his way up the crudely paved streets to Golgotha the crowd pushed and shoved to get a glimpse of the one who was called king of the Jews. The way was packed as Jews from all over the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:32-44, Matthew 27:27

Denomination: Wesleyan

Abraham: A True Model Of Worship

Contributed by Steven Dow on Aug 24, 2002

Many Christians have never truly worshiped God because they don’t know how. Abraham models for us the essence of true, biblical worship.

ABRAHAM: A MODEL OF TRUE WORSHIP Genesis 22:1-19 August 18, 2002 INTRODUCTION: It seems that very few Christians know much about true worship. Charles Stanely once said that he believed that most Christians in most churches have never worshiped God. We go to church, but we don’t worship. We ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19, Genesis 21:8

"Breaking And Making Christmas Chains"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 11, 2002

Jesus came to break chains that bind people and set them free.

Breaking and Making Christmas Chains Luke 1:67-79 As we enter the Advent season today I want to talk about chains we need to break and chains we need to make. The background for this message comes from the life and ministry of Zachariah a priest in Israel. Zachariah was carrying out his ...read more

Denomination: Free Methodist

Shattering Illusions Series

Contributed by Louis Bartet on Mar 16, 2003

Are you seeking God or seeking to be god? Do you love people or are you disquising your selfishness

TITLE: Shattering Life’s Illusions TEXT: Luke 22:24-34 TOPIC: Reality, Faith, Sanctification, delusional beliefs Preached by Louis Bartet at Point Assembly of God, March 16, 2003 at 11:00 A.M. -- An illusion is an erroneous perception of the way things really are. It is a false belief or concept ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-34

Denomination: Assembly Of God

His Passion For You Series

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Nov 9, 2004

This sermon uses some new ideas to show how God loves you... YOU are His number one passion.

Series: Discovering the Heart of God Part 1 His Passion for You Song of Solomon 7:10 “I am my beloved’s and his desire if for me.” This morning I want to begin a series of sermons I will call, “Discovering the Heart of God.” I will admit it is a daunting task. Slide 2 I am very much aware of ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 7:10

Denomination: Baptist

I Know You Are Watching Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 18, 2007

We think of God’s watching us as His attempt to hurt us, to shame us, or to rescue us. But it is His availability when we trust Him. Preached at Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Silver Spring, MD

“I can’t let you out of my sight for one minute!” How many parents here have ever said that? “I can’t let you out of my sight for one minute.” You said it to a small child, bent on doing something that would hurt. You said it to a teenager, on the phone instead of doing homework. You maybe ...read more

Scripture: Job 10:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Get Up And Win The Race

Contributed by Robert Castile on Jan 2, 2007

Leave the past behind and strive toward the future…to win the prize in Christ Jesus.

Get up and Win the Race Great Bend, Kansas Big Idea: Leave the Past behind and strive toward the future…to win the prize in Christ Jesus. Introduction: This morning I want to review 2003. I believe it’s a noble thing to do in light of 2004. What are some of the major events that occurred in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Holiness

Living In Unthankful Times

Contributed by Richard Goble on Nov 8, 2007

The last days are perilous, unthankful times marked by godlessness, powerless religion, and corrupt ministry.

Living In Unthankful Times 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Introduction: The Humanist’s Prayer Lyman Abbot once paraphrased the Lord’s Prayer to reflect the philosophy of those without God. We might call it the Humanist’s Prayer: Our brethren who art on earth, Hallowed be our name. Our kingdom come, Our will ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Words Of Spirit & Life Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Aug 25, 2008

During the 1st part of Jesus’ ministry people were attracted by His teaching. Many attached themselves to Him, some of them wholeheartedly, some loosely. Then came a time when their allegiance was tested-as it comes to test every disciple.

JOHN 6: 59-71 WHO CAN ACCEPT WORDS OF SPIRIT AND LIFE? During the first part of Jesus’ ministry people were attracted by His teaching and flocked round Him. Many attached themselves to Him, some of them wholeheartedly, some loosely. Then came a time when ...read more

Scripture: John 6:59-71, John 6:63

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer As A Spiritual Discipline

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Oct 27, 2008

Prayer and what it means for our spiritual life. Part 10 of 13 on Spiritual Disc.

Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer Sermon Number 10 March 2, 2008 There’s a story about a small town that had been historically “dry,” it was alcohol free. A bar was going to open on Main Street and upon hearing the news, the only church in town organized an all-night prayer meeting, asking God to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1

Denomination: Baptist

God's Indescribable Abundance Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 23, 2008

How can one describe what God has given in this church, with the successes of the past year? How describe human needs, especially for the Gospel? And how describe the opportunities for inclusive worship, honest learning, and artistic expression?

Once upon a time a certain church was in an uproar. Some said that the pastor was not performing according to expectations. And so complaints were brought to the deacons, who met to consider the issue, and asked those who were grumbling, “What is the problem with the pastor?” One disaffected ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Denomination: Baptist