Sermons on Enemies Of Joy:

Ready Or Not, Here He Comes

Contributed by Alan Smith on Aug 9, 2002

Jesus Christ will be coming again and we need to get ready.

Introduction: If you were writing a letter to people who were suffering, what is the one thing above all others that you would want to say to them? It would probably be something like this: "What you’re going through will not be in vain. When this terrible ordeal is over, you’ll be able to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are We Really Healing As A Nation? A Response To The 911 Anniversary

Contributed by William Yates on Aug 18, 2002

As people reflect on 911, my question is: Are we really healing as a nation? In this message we look at Jeremiah 8 and see some astonishing parallels between Judah and America today.

Are We Really Healed? Aug 11, 2002 They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. "Peace, peace," they say, when there is no peace. Jeremiah 8:11 One month from today will mark the one-year anniversary of 911. This day will be commemorated by numerous memorial services, many ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 8:4-22

Life Is Like A Baseball Game

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Aug 19, 2002

The Cal Ripken Jr. World Series of baseball has invaded Mattoon, IL, and life is somewhat similar to a baseball game.

LIFE IS LIKE A BASEBALL GAME I Cor. 9:25 "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." INTRO.- ILL.- In the popular 1994 movie "Forrest Gump," Forrest with an IQ of 74 said, "Mama ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Learning To Trust God

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Aug 19, 2002

There are two times when it’s difficult to trust God: when things are going badly, and when things are going well. Here’s how to develop a strong trust in God.

(Note: The title of this message comes from Rick Warren; however, the content is original) There are two times when it’s difficult to trust God. One is when things are going badly. And the other is when things are going well. The author of Proverbs understood this fact of human nature, and he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:6

Denomination: Baptist

Nitty Gritty...meet Religion #2 Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Stratton on Aug 20, 2002

This series is based upon Mike Yaconelli’s book "Messy Spirituality and is designed to help seekers understand that God wants our Nitty and our Gritty Lives.

May 25 & 26, 2002 Luke 18:35-42 “Nitty Gritty…Meet Religion” John Currier in 1949 was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Later he was transferred and paroled to work on a farm near Nashville, Tennessee. In 1968, Currier’s sentence was terminated, and a letter bearing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:35-42

Denomination: Baptist

Love That Is Better Than Seven Sons Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Aug 29, 2002

Ruth. Pt. 1

LOVE THAT IS BETTER THAN SEVEN SONS (RUTH 1:1-22) Sunday school teacher Tom and his family had been facing trials and tests that cause him to feel unworthy to be an adult Sunday school class teacher. Week after week he felt he was a total failure and kept wondering if each week was his last Sunday ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Bless Me

Contributed by Kevin Long on Aug 30, 2002

An analysis and application of Jabez’ prayer.

“BLESS ME” I Chronicles 4:9,10 9Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” 10And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Holiness Without Legalism

Contributed by Brian La Croix on May 12, 2003

A message looking to help people live a life of holiness without falling into the trap of legalism.

Holiness Without Legalism 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:1 May 4, 2003 Introduction Have you ever seen a proud legalist? I have. They wouldn’t necessarily call themselves a legalist, but they are. They live their lives around making sure everything is just right so they don’t mess up with God or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Wesleyan

Our Omniscient God Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 13, 2003

This morning, we’re focusing on God’s omniscience ­ He is all-knowing. In classical theology the doctrine of God’s omniscience means that God knows all things, past, present and future, real and potential, and He knows them all at the same time. He not

Our Omniscient God Many years ago, little Johnny Sylvester was kicked in the head by a horse and doctors were fearful that he might not make it. Johnny told his father, “I wish I could see Babe Ruth hit a homer before I die.” A telegram was sent off to the New York Yankees in St. Louis, where ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6, Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

How To Dispel The Fog About The Great Commission

Contributed by Paul Fritz on May 20, 2003

Many people have only a foggy notion of what the great commission is all about. (Matt 28:18-20) It is essential to realize that the first words that Jesus gave the disciples and last words focused on multiplication of disciples. In Matthew 4:19-21 Jesus s

Dispelling the Fog About the Great Commission 1. Many people have only a foggy notion of what the great commission is all about. (Matt 28:18-20) It is essential to realize that the first words that Jesus gave the disciples and last words focused on multiplication of disciples. In Matthew 4:19-21 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Road Maps For A Far Country

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 24, 2003

For Father’s Day: Fathers who say "yes" to everything provide a road map to disaster; who keep their children at arm’s length point to alienation; but who may also go home themselves to lead their children home. (Maps were displayed)

I have always liked maps. Any kind of map fascinates me. You can learn so much from a map. If it is a road map, you can find out how to get from here to there and back again. When I was in elementary school and the classroom got boring, like most kids, I would doodle. But while some kids ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Galatians 4:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Origin Of Sin/Creation

Contributed by Johanna Radelfinger on May 26, 2003

Do you ever wonder how the world began? Did it beging with evolution or with a God who loves us?

The Origin of Sin/Creation Picture #1: The Origin of Sin It was plain that something was bothering Franklin. He moped around the house and picked at his food. His mother had been aware of his discontent for some time. Mrs. Roosevelt called him to her room, “Sit down, Franklin,” ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:7-9, Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Adventist

His Death Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 30, 2003

As we look at Jesus, it’s important to realize that his death was no accident. The cross did not happen to Him – He came on purpose for it. His death resulted in our acquittal and gave us open access to the Father. Just as people have responded differen

The Case For Christ: His Death Rev. Brian Bill 4/8/01 I was on the wrestling team in High School. The wrestlers and the basketball players didn’t get along very well. We practiced on the gym stage while the wimpy round-ball guys ran around in the gym. There was a big stage curtain that we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:26-49, Mark 15:37-39

Denomination: Baptist

Between The Extremes

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jun 2, 2003

Extreme events get our attention, but they do not define our lives; Living between the extremes does.

CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC a fellowship of faith family and friendships -------------------------------- June 1, 2003 1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

When Christians Disagree

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jun 5, 2003

Disagreements among Christians are inevitable, but they can be overcome.

WHEN CHRISTIANS DISAGREE Acts 15:1-2, 36-41 INTRO.- Do people ever disagree? Do Christians ever disagree? What a question! Of course, they do. All people disagree at times. ILL.- Two boys were fighting and one was on top of the other. Finally, the mother of the boy who was on top came out ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:36-41

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ