Sermons on Essence:

The Imperatives Of Worship Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 20, 2003

While I recognize that sometimes a church service can seem dull, especially to a non-Christian, I want to suggest this morning that true worship is anything but boring. The very essence of what worship is does not allow us to be bored. When we come befo

The Imperatives of Worship I’ve always liked hearing oxymorons, or self-contradicting phrases. The word itself comes from “oxus” which means sharp and “moros” which means dull. Here are some of my favorites. Jumbo shrimp Freezer burn White chocolate Plastic silverware Airline food Sanitary ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13, Psalm 96:1-96

Denomination: Baptist

When You Wish Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Oct 30, 2007

In this passage, Paul expands on his statement of chapter 3 and verse 10. He makes a wish to God for himself and the church. In essence a prayer. So when we wish to God, here is what we sould wish for: Fellowship, Love, and Closeness to God

WHEN YOU WISH 1 THESSALONIANS 3:11-13 INTRODUCTION: What we come to in this passage is the close of a very personal section by the Apostle Paul. These final verses contain a wish. A wish of Paul’s for himself and for the church. We might be able to say that this is Paul’s wish for OUR church! ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Advent Readings 2007

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Nov 13, 2007

Advent readings. Different from the traditional. Five readings, one for each sunday and one for Christmas eve. Theme: Jesus is our Hope, Jesus has Dominion, Jesus is our Strength, Jesus is full of Glory, Jesus is the essence of Love. Just print and use.

These are a little different take than the traditional advent reading. If you are looking for something different this might be for you. I send out a letter to the persons reading a week before they are to read. With copy in hand, they first read the Scripture, then light the candles as the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Irrational Peace

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 29, 2014

"The peace of God which transcends all understand" is, in essence, irrational peace! A peace which can be experienced by Christians but which the world cannot comprehend. This text shows us that we can have this peace when we know Jesus as Savior!

Philippians 4:6-8 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” “Finally ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Life For All Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 29, 2017

The difference in the 1) Effectiveness (Romans 5:15), 2) Extent (Romans 5:16), 3) Efficacy (Romans 5:17), 4) Essence (Romans 5:18–19), and 5) Energy (Romans 5:20–21) between the works of Adam vs. Christ.

In the world of sports, most sports today are seasonal. We wait for the warmer weather for field sports. But in an effort to transcend the unpredictability of weather, more and more sports are being played on turf instead of grass. Although they have the ability to not flood, don’t need fertilizer, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:15-21

Denomination: Other

Mountain Moving Prayers

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Sep 29, 2011

Many people come with a grocery list during prayer. Some want to impress the hearers with their flowery language. Well that does not impress God one bit. In essence your prayers reflect what you believe about God. Do we pray like the early apostles or ...

Opening illustration: One day a handicapped woman (due to her physical state could not go to church) was reading the newspaper and came across an article about the ministry of D.L. Moody and the Revival that was taking place in the United States. Even though she had never heard of him before, she ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What's Love Got To Do With It? Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 27, 2016

Tina Turner asked this question but she downplayed the significance of love; calling it a ‘second-hand emotion’ and a ‘sweet old-fashioned notion'. But for those who understand the true essence of love it means much more. What’s love got to do with it?

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Tina Turner asked this question but for a different reason than what I’ll be focusing on today. In fact, in her song, she downplays the significance of love; calling it a ‘second-hand emotion’ and a ‘sweet old-fashioned notion'. She ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:9-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Made Righteous Through Christ: Understanding 2 Corinthians 5:21 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 30, 2024

Today we delve into the heart of 2 Corinthians 5:21, a profound verse that encapsulates the essence of our salvation through Jesus Christ. In these words, we discover the transformative truth of how Christ's righteousness becomes our own, leading us into a life of reconciliation and redemption.

Made Righteous Through Christ: Understanding 2 Corinthians 5:21 Introduction: Today we delve into the heart of 2 Corinthians 5:21, a profound verse that encapsulates the essence of our salvation through Jesus Christ. In these words, we discover the transformative truth of how Christ's ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 61:10, Romans 6:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Blinded Minds Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 1, 2022

Romans 1:24–32 vividly portrays the consequences of a blinded mind to God and God’s abandonment of the rebellious showing: 1) The Essence (Romans 1:24–25), 2) The Expression (Romans 1:26–27), and 3) The Extent (Romans 1:28–32) of human sinfulness.

Romans 1:24–32. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:24-32

Denomination: Other

If We Say..... Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on May 7, 2012

Can you spell SIN? M-I-S-T-A-K-E? It is pretty easy because it has a huge I right in the middle. That is the essence of sin. The holy trinity of sin is me, myself and I. Sin is our major problem, sin is why Christ had to com

Tonight we are going to look at a passage of Scripture that reveals to us a special word that has become almost a secret in modern churches. A certain lady died stood at the Gates of Heaven. The gate keeper appeared and said, “Hello. We’ve been waiting for you.” And she said, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:8-9

What Is Reverence?

Contributed by Anthony Smith on May 24, 2005

A new look at Matthew 6:9 thru 13. Many call Matthew 6:9-13, The Lords Prayer but it actually isn’t. Its the prayer that Jesus gave to us, so in essence its our prayer. What I want to do is break it down to make it more personal.

Reverence? What is A new look at Matthew 6:9 thru 13. Many call Matthew 6:9-13, The Lords Prayer but it actually isn’t. Its the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Lessons In Courage Part 1 Series

Contributed by Thomas Bartlett on Oct 25, 2019

Today I want us to look at some lessons in courage that the Bible describes the Apostle Paul as walking in. You see Paul is also quoted as saying in essence that no matter what comes my way, with Christ I can do all things. Everything He’s called me to do.

ACTS Testifying & Tribulations Dr. Tom Bartlett September 22, 2019 Acts 21:1-40 OUTLINE Lessons In Courage Courage: moving forward in the face of uncertainty And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12

Denomination: Other

Charge It To My Account

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Feb 7, 2011

In our text this morning, we find credit being extended. Paul the Apostle writes a letter and in essence he is saying – Whatever is owed, I don’t have Cash, therefore; I need you to Charge it to my Account. I am signing the slip now, put it on my credi

TITLE: CHARGE IT TO MY ACCOUNT SCRIPTURE: PHILEMON 18-19 The CREDIT CARD has become the SYMBOL OF AMERICAN BUSINESS. Matter of fact, some suggest it is the LOGO and SYMBOL of our Country. It is the FRATERNITY PIN of the average American. It is the PASSPORT to plenty for a great many today. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Stubborn Evangelist: Part 4 Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Are you eager that others enjoy God’s mercy? My desire is to stir inside you a strong motivation to extend God’s mercy and kindness to others. In essence, don’t be like Jonah. Remember what Jonah is really about – first experiencing God’s mercy and then extending God’s mercy.

Today we conclude a four part series entitled Jonah: The Stubborn Evangelist. Jonah is also a man on the run from his responsibility – to share the message of God’s mercy to others. And this is what Jonah is really about – first experiencing God’s mercy and then extending God’s mercy. And it’s just ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Acquired Thru Faith-10(:4b)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 21, 2024

10 of 10. The apostle Peter informs those who are faithful in Christ, that they are amply supplied for godly living. God’s people are amply supplied for godly living thru their faith. But, What does Christian faith acquire for God’s people? A provision of God, acquired thru faith in Jesus, is...

ACQUIRED Thru FAITH-X—2Peter 1:4b(:1-4) Attention: Soon the Icelandic portion of our family is going to be vacationing with us for a few weeks! We are so excited, as we haven’t seen them for over two years now. But they can’t just hop in the car & drive over. In order for us to see each ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:4, 2 Peter 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist