Sermons on Elastic Thinking:

Jumping Out Of The Box Series

Contributed by Jake Kircher on Nov 13, 2006

Think about the question, is there a right way to apporach Jesus? For many, the answer is yes and we all have a different opinion. If that is the case, who is right and which does Jesus prefer?

***Open with skit – Adaptation of “A Day in Court” from The Idea’s Library: Drama, Skits, and Sketches pg. 32-33*** (The prosecutor and the defendant are seated at the front on opposite sides.) Narrator: The following are the closing statements from a very important case that has been going on ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

This Life...that Life

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Aug 3, 2010

We can live the new life in Christ by continually working at three changes: in our thinking (our minds), in our doing (our bodies), and in our being (our spirit).

THAT LIFE...THIS LIFE August 1, 2010 Colossians 3:1-17 (NRSV) 1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Satan's War Against God's Creation I Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Feb 2, 2009

Having taken the scroll from the Father, the Lamb now begins to open the seals. As each seal is opened, (think of it as different chapters in a book) a new judgment comes upon the earth.

Part I Revelation 6:1-2; 12:1-2,6a Purpose: To show Satan’s true nature. Aim: I want the listener to see Satan as he really is and avoid his allurements. INTRODUCTION: Having taken the scroll from the Father, the Lamb now begins to open the seals. As each seal is opened, (think of it as ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Mutual Assurance Company

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 23, 2010

In order to feel fully at home in the church, we begin with praying for one another, we learn both to receive and to give to one another, and we abandon top-down thinking.

Isn’t it astounding, the power of the group? Isn’t it amazing that an otherwise normal, there, healthy, together person can be in a group and feel so wrong? Have you ever been in a group that was sending out such negative vibes that you just wanted to get out of there? Somehow you even felt ashamed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:8-17

Denomination: Baptist

Don't You Get Weary, Children

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 30, 2010

Revised for use at the Chapel of a retirement complex: Life is burdensome if it is merely obligation and not love, or if we think our work means nothing. Christ's victory shows the power of a meaningful life.

Riderwood Village Chapel, Silver Spring, MD August 8, 2004 In May our son got married. He and his bride passed out little bottles of soap to be used instead of the traditional rice, so we all celebrated at the end of the wedding by blowing bubbles. Well, my daughter’s child, his niece, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Permanence Of Love Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jun 28, 2010

Every right-thinking Christian will want to build his/her life upon the permanent and the preeminent. Love is God’s gift of gifts. Love is the most excellent way of life.

[LIVING IN LOVE SERIES] 1 CORINTHIANS 13: 8-13 THE PERMANENCE OF LOVE Following the elaboration of the preeminence of the love (vv. 1-3) and the elements of the love (vv. 4-7), chapter 13 concludes with a discussion of The Permanence of Love. Love lasts. Throughout all eternity love will never ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

Living The Good Life

Contributed by George Mclaughlin Jr. on Nov 15, 2009

In Philippians 4:4-9 Paul gives us 5 tips for experiencing an authentic, satisfying Christian life, such as what we envision when we think of the Pilgrim fathers.

Intro. Tell of the old New England tradition of setting five kernels of corn on the plate, on Thanksgiving day and of Governor Bradford giving thanks to God when, one winter, times were lean. Five pointers towards an authentic Christian life. I. Set your sights on God, 4. A. The point is Rejoice ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Impact In Obscurity Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Jan 30, 2013

This sermon, based on Jabez's prayer, encourages believers to understand that no matter how insignificant they may think they are, or how obscure their life is, they can & will make an impact for the glory of God.

“IMPACT IN OBSCURITY” 1 Chron. 4:9-10 INTRO – NCAA Championship football game Monday night – Alabama put a beat-down on Notre Dame. Throughout the game, the commentators, Kirk Herbstreit & Brent Musberger, talked about “impact players.” Would put their names, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Be Jesus To Someone

Contributed by James Webster on Feb 1, 2013

This is a short devotional "During the month of February when everyone is thinking about love wouldn't it be a good time to ask God to help us Love like He loves."

February 1, 2013 February 1st, I love the first, the first day of the week, the first day of the month, the first day of the year; the first always gives me the sense that I have the opportunity to get right what I didn’t get right the last time. The realization of the first always seems to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Whatever Happened To The Humans? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

I want my audience to better understand the place human life should hold in their thinking and to apply this by putting away hatred and anger and apathy toward others’ lives

Timothy McVeigh, the OK City Bomber. His terrorist attack was the worst on US soil before 9-11, killing 168 people and injuring more than 800. McVeigh was executed June 11 2001. Not only did he confess to his crime, but he also granted 75 hours of interviews for the writing of a book about ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Cost Of Living Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

Dominant Thought: Following Jesus means being willing to accept His plans for self-denial, and not being ashamed of the Lord Whose lifestyle and mission is contrary to the world's mode of thinking

A guy was on a business trip and thought it would be nice to come home with a little gift for his wife. He stopped off at a perfume counter in a nice store. “How about some perfume?” he asked the clerk. She showed him a bottle of really nice perfume - $120. “Oooh, that’s ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Manna - Waking Up To Reality Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Apr 5, 2008

Getting through dry times, is not done by the use of your wits, your education, your determination, or the power of positive thinking. Getting through dry times requires a supernatural solution.

So, I get a call late one night, it is the sister of a good friend of mine – she never calls. There is a long pause after I answer. Then a little chit chat, then quickly comes the news: A childhood friend of mine, her sister, has just died of lung failure, she was only 38. I’m floored. I’m not sure ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Barzillai Series

Contributed by Darren Rogers on May 18, 2008

What character of the Bible best describes you? Do you start out well only to finish poorly and offer God every excuse you can think of?

Barzillai – 27th April 2008 am 2 Samuel 19:32 Background – David running from Absalom Bar-zil-lah-ee The Holy Spirit says something of Barzillai that He says of very few people. He says that he was “a very great man.” The Bible does not hand out this kind of praise openhandedly. It marks ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 19:32

Denomination: Baptist

Is The Judge Unjust?

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 19, 2011

Why does a just God delay justice? How can a loving God allow evil? Why do we think we can judge God by our standards?

Have you ever felt that God was just like the judge in Luke’s parable? Perhaps you have a problem, a need, a pain, a burning question; you bring it before God, and - nothing happens. You remember what Jesus said about persisting in prayer, so you go on battering at the heavenly gates - for ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Lessons From The Graveyard

Contributed by Tim Hinrichs on Nov 8, 2011

Lessons to learn as we think about death and the rest of our lives - am I ready and are those around me ready? What will I do with the rest of my days?

Tuesday was All Saints Day and therefore this Sunday is All Saints Sunday. I don’t know if you realized it. I remember how it was in Poland – a national holiday – one of the big ones. Mostly people spend the day with relatives, walk in the cemetery, clean the graves of family ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-30

Denomination: Lutheran