Sermons on Desert Lessons:

Easter - For Whom?

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on May 16, 2009

Easter 6: We are so good at picking sides - at finding reasons to finding reasons to choose reasons for thinking that we are better than others. The lessons of the early church drive us to question this and to ask: For whom is Easter?

A few years ago some friends from this part of the state visited us when we lived in San Antonio. We took them to lunch at a popular restaurant in San Antonio and there saw a bunch of people wearing “Go, Spurs, Go” t-shirts. Being from the Dallas area – my friend was, of course, rooting for the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:34-48

Denomination: Lutheran

God Loves A Cheerful Giver

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2007

A simple but profound little sermon delivered on Family Sunday--gently challenging us to reflect: does giving to God make me smile? Several Object lessons and stories were used, keeping the many children in mind.

(this was preached to the whole congregation, but delivered especially with the many elementary age listeners in mind) God Loves a Cheerful Giver ILLLUS: How are you doing with your Smarties? A preacher named Kevin Harmey tells this story about a little boy he knew: [adapt the story telling part ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

House Rules (4 Of 4, Stewardship)

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on May 17, 2008

Our giving to God should not be a mindless impulsive response to him. The lesson here teaches that our giving should be systematic, deliberate, intentional, and carefully though through. Not only that, but it should be proportionate to the income we recei

Today – conclude the series on Stewardship. * First sermon – God owns everything we have. God gave us the responsibility to manage his resources. * Second sermon – Stewardship of time * Third sermon – Stewardship of talents (gifts) * Today – Stewardship of treasures (money) Don’t leave! I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23

Denomination: Salvation Army

Vine And Grafted Branches

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 14, 2008

Life Lessons from God’s Creation Jesus is the true vine. God’s chosen people are His natural branches. We have the right to be grafted in, becoming a part of God’s family tree.

VINE AND BRANCHES John 15:1-16 By William Akehurst, HSWC Life Lessons from God’s Creation Jesus is the true vine. God’s chosen people are His natural branches. We have the right to be grafted in, becoming a part of God’s family tree. Today we will begin with a lesson in Botany Props: a branch ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Starting Off Well Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Aug 31, 2008

The Lord slowly moved Saul from enemy of the gospel to Paul, a full-fledged missionary with a message to the Gentiles. How does God move us out into ministry for Him? Learn some lessons from Paul and Barnabas.

As we’ve talked about through our study in the book of Acts, this is the story of the resurrected Jesus, working through his body to bring the gospel into the world. As the effort grows, so the attacks of Satan to thwart it morph and change. It’s like the enemy is trying to find a loophole that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-52

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

That I May Dwell Among Them Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 4, 2008

The Tabernacle is a wonderful picture book, full of object lessons...a graphic, vivid experience of God’s presence with man! The MEANS, the MATERIALS, the MEN, and the MEETING. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint.

That I May Dwell Among Them Exodus 25:1-9 Special ’fly by’ video, PowerPoint, & 3D Tabernacle links can be found for free at: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DwellAmongThem.html In Genesis 1 & 2 we read about God’s creation. And right in the middle of that account, the Bible refers to God creating ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 25:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Closer To My God - Part I

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Oct 26, 2008

The Book of Leviticus is, arguably , one of the least read books of the old testament. However, there are some precious lessons for us Christians in this book. This book teaches us about Experiencing the Presence of the Lord, Honoring Him with meaningful

Getting Close to my God - Part I Some old testament books are never read. The book of Leviticus could well qualify for that award. I am sure many of us sitting here would not even have read it once. The bad news this morning is that I am going to preach on the book of Leviticus. It is a very long ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Time And A Place For Solitude & Prayer

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Feb 3, 2006

Jesus had a perfect relationship with his heavenly father. We can learn lessons from Peter and we can encourage each other to have a time and a place (like Jesus) for quiet prayer & solitude, with God.

Verse 32, “…when they climbed into the boat the wind died down.” In other words with Jesus on board there was peace and calm. When Jesus and Peter climbed on board, and when the wind died down, the disciples must have been reminded of that previous occasion when Jesus calmed a storm (Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Anglican

An Expanding Church

Contributed by Mike Hullah on Jul 29, 2005

The Lord wants His Church to be a people who have great expectation despite negative circumstances. Jesus has provided all we need in this hour to be triumphant. This sermon looks at gives lessons needed to walk in victory.

AN EXPANDING CHURCH The Lord wants His Church to be a people who have great expectation despite negative circumstances. Jesus has provided all we need in this hour to be triumphant. This sermon looks at gives lessons needed to walk in victory. Isaiah 54:1-3 “Sing, O barren, you who have not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 54:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Parable Of The Friend In Need

Contributed by Troy Borst on Oct 31, 2005

Jesus is teaching about prayer and this parable is meant as an illustration and as insight into prayer. Jesus teaches us two lessons in regards to prayer in this passage. First, we must be persistent in prayer. Second, we may be the answer to prayer.

PARABLE OF THE FRIEND IN NEED LUKE 11:5-13 INTRODUCTION I read a story once, and I do not remember where I read it, about a small Oklahoma town that had two churches and one distillery. Members of both churches complained that the distillery was giving the community a bad image. And to make ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:5-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lifesongs Of Naturalists & Sensates Series

Contributed by Todd Leupold on Feb 20, 2008

From the very beginning, and continuing after Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection on our behalf, God has taken great intention, pleasure and glory in our relating to and connecting with Him through the beauty, experiences, and lessons of Creation itself.

LIFESONGS OF NATURALISTS & SENSATES Part 6 in series, “LifeSongs*: Lives of Worship” Rev. Todd Leupold Perth Bible Church Sunday February 17, 2008 AM * Title inspired by the name of the song and album by “Casting Crowns.” Overall series inspired and, to some degree adapted, from the writings ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

You Shall Rise Again

Contributed by Rev. M Edmunds on Sep 24, 2006

The only hope for humanity is found in the Lord Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection. This account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead has so many lessons for each of us. It is a message of hope in a hopeless circumstance. It is a

The only hope for humanity is found in the Lord Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection. This account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead has so many lessons for each of us. It is a message of hope in a hopeless circumstance. It is a message of victory in the time of defeat. It ...read more

Scripture: John 11:23-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Deeply Will You Repent? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 30, 2005

Joseph tests his brothers - but he is not being capricious or vindictive - rather he is testing whether they are the same characters who tried to kill him. We learn important lessons about the kind of repentence we have.

When some people read Genesis 42-45 what they see is Joseph having some fun with his brothers in a sort of revenge, or pay back for what they had done to him as a boy. He could appear capricious and arrogant – flaunting his authority to inflict pain on his brothers. In fact, Joseph is trying to ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Jacob & Rachel: Dealing With Conflict Series

Contributed by Thomas Cash on Jan 13, 2005

Even mature, talented, Christian couples can find themselves dealing with conflicts of varying degrees. The story of Jacob and Rachel teaches us some valuable lessons about dealing with conflict. (Based on a book by Bob Russell)

Sermon Notes Jacob & Rachel: Dealing With Conflict Genesis 29 & 30 (Fourth in the series Marriage by the Book) Introduction: Even mature, talented, Christian couples can find themselves dealing with conflicts of varying degrees. We know that the great British preacher John Wesley and his wife ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Power Of A Tower

Contributed by Dana Visneskie on Jan 22, 2005

This message gives life lessons found in the story of the tower of babel. I show how the power of pride, unity and communication where in a group of people and how it shaped history. It was also the introcution to my message on the Anti Christ.

Title: The Power Of A Tower Text: Gen 11:1-9 Pray!!! Read Text!!! Introduction: Anyone who travels to Edinburgh, Scotland will find Edinburgh castle a tower of seemingly insurmountable strength. But the truth is that the castle was once actually captured. The fortress had an obvious weak spot ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: Pentecostal