Sermons on Empty Religion:

Be Ready - Persevere

Contributed by Norm Story on May 18, 2001

The challenge of faithfully living prepared and ready

"Be Ready – Persevere for the Long Journey" Psalm 78:1-7 Matthew 25:1-13 When I was a Boy Scout, I remember how the younger scouts struggled and suffered on long hiking-camping trips; because they always seemed to bring so much of the wrong stuff. They’d come loaded down with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-38, Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Smyrna: 2nd Church Of Revelation

Contributed by Ed Mcneely on Aug 7, 2002

This is the martyred church. Jesus had no condemnation only encouragement for the suffering they would experience. Many still suffered in and for their faith. Christ is still with us.

THE 2ND CHURCH OF REVELATION: Smyrna 3-3-02 Revelation 2:8-11 The first letter was to Ephesus … representing Apostolic Church – the church from Pentecost until about 110 a.d. If you recalled … Jesus commended that church highly … but warned it about drifting away from its first love: · The love of ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lost…at Home Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Apr 15, 2002

In Luke 15, Luke gives a series of three parables in response to the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus received unbelieving sinners and even ate with them. Today, our focus is on the second of these stories – a lost coin that had value and

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: How many of you chronically lose or misplace things? You never notice that something is lost until you need it and it’s always in the last place you look. Have you ever noticed the intensity with which you will search for an inanimate object when you need it? Your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:8-10

The Journey From The Intellectual To The Foolish Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Dec 16, 2002

2nd of 4 messages: Wise men traveled a great distance to worship Jesus, yet there were important intellectuals who wouldn’t go six miles out to see if the rumors were true... Today intellectuals find it difficult to embrace the foolishness of a God who i

12/15/2002: The Journey from Intellectual to Foolish Wise men traveled a great distance to worship Jesus, yet there were important intellectuals who wouldn’t go six miles out to see if the rumors were true... Today intellectuals find it difficult to embrace the foolishness of a God who is born a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hungry For The Highway Series

Contributed by Michael Schwer on Mar 19, 2002

God has made a way through our wilderness of sin, Weakness of humanity and Wickedness of the World. A way through the worlds "facade" of what it calls life.

Hungry for the highway Isaiah 35 Introduction [Hook] In the Movie "the Truman show" Truman doesn’t realize the truth that his great hometown life is a façade-orchestrated and created by an evil producer who wants to hold him captive to increase the shows ratings. The movie is a parody of the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

To The Church In Ephesus Series

Contributed by Johnny Small on Mar 21, 2002

How does the church in Ephesus compare with our church? 1st in series of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

To the Church in Ephesus In this series on the Seven Churches of Revelation, we will be examining the commendation and condemnation of each of the seven churches and learning the lessons that is meant for our Church. Let’s read: Rev 2:1-7 1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Love Story That Went Wrong Series

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

Hosea’s painful relationship is a parable of God’s love-relationship with mankind - Love Revealed, Love Rebuffed and Love Restored

Someone said that the story of Hosea is a "love story that went wrong". When that happens there’s suffering. Hosea’s prophecy is a cry from the heart of God, "What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:4

Denomination: Baptist

Exodus Or Resurrection.

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Jun 30, 2001

Year C. Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. July 8th, 2001 Title: “Exodus or Resurrection.” Psalm 66

Year C. Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. July 8th, 2001 Title: “Exodus or Resurrection.” Psalm 66 As the structure of this psalm shows, it is a juxtaposition of praise and thanksgiving, of communal and individual prayer and of past and present experience. Verses one to four, give thankful praise for ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Living God On The Outside Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 6, 2005

The Book of the Covenant is God’s Law applied to life. It shows us that in man’s sinful nature we try to exploit any system for our own gain. But if we would allow God’s life to live out from inside us, we would naturally love Him and love others - the h

Chapters 21 - 23 of Exodus are known as the Book of the Covenant. They are a series of laws that expand on the Ten Commandments. They are not an exhaustive list of behavior in any and all circumstances - but they gave the Israelites guidelines in how to treat each other and how to worship ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Past, Present, And Future

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jan 1, 2010

As we begin a new year, we need to consider looking back, where we were; looking inward – where we are; and looking ahead – where we are going. Paul in Philippians 3 provides us with an example of evaluating one’s past, present, and future.

Past, Present and Future Philippians 3:1-17 Introduction: As we stand at the door steps of a new year, we need to consider looking back, where we were; looking inward – where we are; and looking ahead – where we are going. Paul in Philippians 3 provides us with an example of evaluating one’s ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

When Jesus Crosses Your Path

Contributed by Allan Quak on Jan 15, 2010

There are many times when we feel like outcasts - on those occasions Jesus, who is also an outcast, crosses our path and brings us hope.

What happens when Jesus crosses your path? Well anything can happen can’t it. When Jesus crossed Peter’s path Peter went from an unschooled fisherman to a disciple. When Jesus crossed Matthew’s path Matthew went from hated tax collector to well-loved Gospel writer. When Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

How To Have Joy - Even In Stressful Situations Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Feb 1, 2010

This sermon looks at four steps to relieve stress. I. STEP ONE: Worry About NOTHING II. STEP TWO: Pray About EVERYTHING III. STEP THREE: Be THANKFUL IV. STEP FOUR: Change Your Way Of THINKING

How to Have Joy – Even In Stressful Situations There is no doubt in my mind that we live in stressful times. Since September eleventh two thousand and one – we have been fighting a war on terrorism. The threat of a terrorist attack lingers and the war continues. World economics are a great ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Great Is Your Faith!

Contributed by Christopher Martin on Aug 17, 2008

14th Sunday after Pentecost/Proper 15 Series A. Preached at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Audubon, IA on 8/17/2008

“Great is your faith!” How would you feel if I as your Pastor were to tell someone that about you? I’m guessing that you’d think you must be doing something right. And to be honest, I’ve been around you folks long enough now to be able to say that about quite a few of you. Our congregation is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Perfect Love

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Sep 10, 2008

We can only love perfectly when we have been changed by God’s perfect love. I. The Twisting of Perfect Love. II. The Example of Perfect Love. III. The Call to Perfect Love.

Perfect Love Matthew 5:43-48 43 ”You have heard that it was said, ’Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Makes God Get Excited

Contributed by Douglas Snipes on Sep 25, 2009

Faith

WHAT MAKES GOD GET EXCITED Mark 2:1-12 We live in a world that is hooked on excitement. People jump out of airplanes to get a thrill. Others jump off a bridge to with a rubber band hooked to their legs to get a rush of excitement. Others are excited about money and fame. What is it that gets you ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist