Sermons on Earth Groans:

Fear This!

Contributed by Keith Manry on Mar 29, 2007

Part IV in the series - 24. This is a first person narrative account from the perspective of Pilate. The preaching idea: Jesus’ faith, unlike the religious people of his day, was genuine. How about yours?

Introductory Remarks… Over the past three weeks we’ve met three characters who were present during the final hours in the life of Jesus Christ. We began this unique series of sermons with a visit from a man who purportedly owned the house in which the Last Supper took place. Two weeks ago we met ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

The Agony Of Defeat

Contributed by Matthew Sickling on Mar 31, 2007

This sermon deals with temptation and the fact that God doesn’t want us to experience the agony of defeat, but wants us to enjoy the thrill of victory.

Introduction: You may not recognize the name but Vinko Bogataj, but in a few minutes those of you over the age of 35 will remember him, and those of you who are younger than that will be able to identify with him more than you might think. On March 21st, 1970, Bogataj was competing at the World ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Prodigal Son

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Apr 1, 2007

When we hear this passage, we usually picture ourselves as the son who transgressed our loving Father through our sinful lives. Whatever our own particular sins may be, we relate to, we long for, we even expect, a loving God who’ll throw his arms out wide

Additional Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14) (The Slave – Captured) A 16-year-old boy was captured by ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Christianity 101-Be Like Christ!

Contributed by Matthew Sickling on Apr 4, 2007

As Christians we should follow His example. In this sermon I share several things I believe we should do as Christians to "Be Like Christ."

Read Scripture Acts 11:19-26 I want us to think about that last sentence for a few minutes this morning. The Disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Those who called themselves believers and considered themselves to be His disciples were referred to as Christians. Some scholars ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

Why Geckos Go To Church Series

Contributed by Rob Jansons on Apr 10, 2007

Little lizards crawl around church building in Asia and no one seems to mind because everyone knows that they are harmless and they catch bugs that are harmful. Not a bad work ethic.

We are looking at the book of Proverbs. Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. Remember last week we met two women who live in the pages of the book of Proverbs: Lady Wisdom and Madame Folly. The final question is: who are you going to ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 30:24-28

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Growing Strong In God's Arms

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Apr 12, 2007

This is a Men’s Day Sermon using the words growing, strong, God and arms.

Growing Strong In God’s Arms 1 Samuel 24:1-22 Psalm 18:29-32 1 Peter 4:12-17 Men, what comes to mind when you think of a strong man? Do you see someone with muscles bulging out? Do you see someone with a lot of money? Do you see someone with the power to attract women? Jesus was ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:29-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A 'good Enough' Sermon Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 13, 2007

Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican - The church is full of ’good people’ who need to know the difference between self-righteousness and God’s righteousness. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

A Good Enough Sermon Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18:9-14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GoodEnough.html You get to write the introduction to this sermon. I need help, and this is just the right crowd to assist me… Honestly, in your own words, write a brief answer to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Idol Of Self Series

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Apr 13, 2007

God alone deserves the place of priority in our lives. And that means we can’t even put ourselves before Him. He has the place of priority. He comes first. This message talks about what it means to put God before ourselves.

Over the past couple of weeks we’ve been going through our Canadian Idols series of messages. The first week we talked about what an idol is: it’s anything or anyone that takes the place of God in our lives. It’s whatever we place in that place of priority in our lives which pushes God aside. We ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Almighty Dollar Series

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Apr 13, 2007

Five misconceptions about what money will bring to our lives, and five facts to keep money in perspective.

Play Song – Enjoy Yourself by Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think) Words & Music by Carl Sigman & Herb Magidson Recorded by Guy Lombardo, 1950 You work and work for years and years, you’re always on the go; You never take a minute off, too busy makin’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-33

Denomination: Wesleyan

How To Respond When Mistreated

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Apr 14, 2007

When a person mistreats you or performs evil against you, what is a positive way to respond? Why is it important that we respond this way?

Nineteenth century Russia was a nation in turmoil. But that was nothing new. The nation had actually been going through a period of unrest for a couple hundred years. But finally it seemed to be coming to a head. On the one hand, there was the Russian nobility who resisted any change. On the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Wesleyan

Worship Is... Obedience Series

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Apr 14, 2007

Why were the Israelites able to conquer Jericho? What was it about Joshua that made him someone God could use?

This morning we’re beginning a new series on Worship. And over the next several weeks, we’ll talk about some of the different components of what worship is. This week, we’re going to talk about how our worship can be expressed through obedience. Jesus said: John 14:21 (NLT) Those who obey my ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-20

Denomination: Wesleyan

Faith Lessons From The Lord Of The Rings

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Apr 15, 2007

Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is filled with Christian imagery (intentional or not). This message looks at four spiritual themes found in the first of the trilogy.

In just 3 days, the story will be complete. Actually, the story was completed 48 years ago, but in 3 days the final part of the trilogy will be released on the big screen. I’m talking, of course, about The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien released his first fantasy work called The Hobbit way ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Wesleyan

What Would Jesus Say To Britney Spears? Series

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Apr 16, 2007

What would Jesus say to someone who has experienced the level of success that Britney has? This message offers words of encouragement and warning.

[This message was written in November 2002. But despite where Britney’s life and career has gone since, I believe a lot of this message is still relevant. Stats may be updated at Wikipedia.com] Britney Spears was born on December 2, 1981 to proud parents Jamie and Lynn Spears. Growing up, she ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

Denomination: Wesleyan

Confessing The Son Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 17, 2007

John gives us four tests to see if we are spiritually on the right track.

Introduction: A. How many of you like or liked taking tests at school? B. There’s a story told about a college student who was taking the course in ornithology (or-nith-ology) which is a study of birds? 1. This class in ornithology had the reputation of being the most difficult class in the whole ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Prayerful Response To Virginia Tech Shootings

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 22, 2007

Using the sermon time for more praying than preaching in light of the Virginia Tech massacre.

Keeping Your Commitments A Prayerful Response to the Virginia Tech Shootings Rev. Brian Bill www.pontiacbible.org 4/22/07 The deadliest shooting rampage in modern American history took place this past Monday morning on the campus of Virginia Tech. Let’s take a moment of silence here to reflect on ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 9:1-15

Denomination: Baptist