Sermons on Divine Purpose:

Having Is Losing

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 6, 2009

In times of financial stress, God knows the pressures on us. Our problem is that we want both material and spiritual security at the same time. The answer is faithfulness to the core values of ministry and witness.

A little snatch of dialogue from a television show caught my attention. Could it be true, or was it just so much pretentious hype? Could it be right, or was it just another exercise in excuse-making? The character who spoke, I noticed, was dressed tres chic and lived in a lavish house with a ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Painful Visit

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 10, 2009

For Martin Luther King Sunday. Misunderstanding comes about because we do not hear one another, we do not have the context to understand, or someone deliberately creates distance. Racial understanding needs to take all this into account.

Misunderstanding is an inevitable part of life. Just because we are human, just because we have limitations and are imperfect, we are going to misunderstand one another. And the sooner we accept that as a part of life and learn to deal with it, the better off we’ll be. There are several reasons ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Peace On Earth And Peace With God

Contributed by James Jack on Apr 10, 2009

Christmas is often thought of as a time of peace. But what sort of peace does Jesus really bring?

One of the favourite sayings on mass-produced Christmas cards is “peace on earth and goodwill toward men”. Christmas is the season of peace and goodwill, it is said. It is the time of year to put aside our conflicts and disagreements and to – well to be nice to each other temporarily. A famous ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23

Denomination: Anglican

Drawn Upward: Embracing The Pleasures Of This World Series

Contributed by Bruce Rzengota on Apr 10, 2009

THE PLEASURES AND GOOD THINGS OR THIS WORLD ARE INTENDED TO DRAW US UPWARD RATHER THAN DISTRACT US.

Something is Out There: Rumors of the Invisible World of the Sacred God 3/22 Drawn Upward--Embracing the Pleasures of this world INTRODUCTION John and Cathy Skip Church (drama) subject: Seeking Heaven on Earth Bruce D. Rzengota John and Cathy Skip church for a ski trip John and Cathy on a ski ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Kingdom Returns

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Mar 2, 2013

“Cast Your Bread On The Waters” Secrets from Ecclesiastes 11

Kingdom Returns “Cast Your Bread On The Waters” Secrets from Ecclesiastes 11 Ecclesiastes 11:1 - Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes was written by one of the wisest men that ever lived. When God speaks about bread, He is talking ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:1-10

Denomination: Charismatic

Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ Series

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Mar 6, 2013

The Law, Grace, Righteousness

DEATH THROUGH ADAM, LIFE THROUGH CHRIST Romans 5:12-21 (p785) March 3, 2013 INTRODUCTION: Some of my favorite memories in recent years have been mission trips to New Orleans, Joplin, MO. And I am going to share a trip with our amazing students in the Dominican Republic. I love the bonding ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:12-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Let's Not Drink To This Series

Contributed by Tim White on Mar 11, 2013

Lot's (Abraham's nephew) ultimate downfall in his spiral descension ended up with the deception of alcohol.

Some decisions cost us more than we ever want to pay. This is true with Lot, but he was a slow learner. I can identify with him on that. I am a slow learner when it comes to some things. Perhaps we all are. Sometimes I get a question: Is it a sin to drink in moderation? There are many sides to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How's Your Love Life?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 2, 2013

Is your bedroom a place of joy or duty and reward?

1 Cor 7:3,4 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Cast Your Bread

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Apr 18, 2013

When God speaks about bread, He is talking about those things that you have which you can commit to Him such as your talents, finances, ministry, and your gifting. The Bible teaches us that this is the way of the Kingdom. I do not know why it works this w

Kingdom Returns “Cast Your Bread On The Waters” Secrets from Ecclesiastes 11 Ecclesiastes 11:1 - Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes was written by one of the wisest men that ever lived. When God speaks about bread, He is talking ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:1

Denomination: Charismatic

Forgiveness: The Power Of Letting Go Series

Contributed by Greg Warren on Apr 22, 2013

Forgiveness of others is essential for receiving forgiveness from God. It's also important for experiencing joy, discovering peace, and reconciling with our past.

I’m so glad that I have finally found a church where everyone is good to everyone all the time and no one ever gets their feelings hurt or does mean things to one another. I hope you detect the sarcasm I am using to make a point here. The truth is that we face the potential for hurt ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:23-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Purity 2 Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Apr 28, 2013

Five characteristics of fallen man that are not to be true of those who are in Christ: Note: the fingerprints of these characteristics remain upon us as sanctification occurs over time.

Dakota Community Church Ephesians 50, Grace at Work 20 April 28, 2013 Purity 3 Ephesians 4:17-19 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

Denomination: Mennonite

Barriers

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Apr 28, 2013

Instead of removing barriers to faith, Jesus erects them. Why?

The story we have read together today is surprising in many ways. The way Jesus handles this situation is confusing, because some of the things Jesus are saying are upsetting his followers, and it seems that he does not make it easier, but harder for them. Our natural instinct is to take down ...read more

Scripture: John 6:44-69, Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Methodist

And Let The Party Begin Series

Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 23, 2013

The prodigal returned to God: he sought reconciliation with his Father. He no longer simply thought it over; he was now repenting and going to the Father

20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:20-24

Denomination: Baptist

What Must I Do: You Must Be Born Again Series

Contributed by Ken Pell on Jun 1, 2013

You must be born again.

WHAT MUST I DO? YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN JOHN 3:1-21 Big Idea: You must be born again. Supporting Texts: • Ezekiel 36:23-29a • Psalm 119:1-8 • 2 Cor. 5:14-17 • John 3:1-21 JOHN 3:1-21 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-21

Denomination: Nazarene

How To Let God Change You

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jun 7, 2013

Practical ways to let God's transformation and change take place in your life.

How to Let God Change You “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 Intro: Do you know ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational