Sermons on Essentiality:

The Great Banquet Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jul 26, 2012

Jesus launches into a parable about a wedding feast where he is essentially saying that in the kingdom of God the humble are exalted and those who seek to exalt themselves are humbled. It’s an upside down Kingdom from what people are used to. So that’s t

Two weeks ago we looked at the parable of the sower whose main theme was the impact of the world on our hearing and doing of the Word. Last week’s Good Samaritan parable spoke to the fact that real love is action based on compassion. And now this week the main theme is about us realizing our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:12-24

Words Of Kindness, Acts Of Compassion Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Oct 20, 2024

Kindness and compassion are essential for living out our faith in today’s divided world. We are called to reflect God’s heart through our actions and words, promoting healing where division exists. By choosing kindness, we demonstrate the love of Christ to a world desperately in need of hope.

### **Introduction** Video Ill.: Kindness and Service — Church Fuel Video Transcript: “We need to be kind. We need to be a light. An act of kindness can have great impact. Kindness allows others to feel God’s grace through us. Let’s treat others as we would want to be treated. Be loving. Be ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14, Proverbs 18:21, Galatians 5:13-15, James 3:4-6, Luke 10:25-37  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"when Your Prayer Becomes A Cry."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on May 10, 2024

When your prayers go unanswered, you are expected to feel discouraged and want to give up. However, it is essential to remember that God hears every one of your cries. Therefore, trust that your prayers are being heard and answered in God's own time and in a way that benefits you.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Psalms 40:1-3) [1] "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." [2] "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-3, Psalm 34:15, Psalm 34:17-18, Psalm 18:6-10, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Encourage: The Power Of Gathering Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Aug 19, 2024

Christians were never meant to journey alone. The church provides essential encouragement through fellowship offering mutual support, worship lifting our spirits, and shared experiences strengthening our bonds. We need to actively encourage one another, following the early church's example.

Introduction Video Ill.: Iron — FreeBridge Media We need each other. We were not made to walk through this life alone. I believe that is one of the reasons that the early church gathered so frequently and so often. I believe that is why they were devoted together.   In Acts 2:42, we ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42, Acts 2:46-47, Hebrews 10:24-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Psalm 95:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keeping Kingdom Central Despite Life’s Winding Paths Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 12, 2020

All believers are stewards of the Kingdom of God. As we meander through life, we need to face the realities about keeping the Kingdom a priority while doing what we can to improve its future impact.

Keeping Kingdom Central Despite Life’s Winding Paths (Acts 20:22-36) 1, Life can be filled with amazing coincidences. 2. Stephen and Helen Lee had just gotten engaged when they made a shocking family discovery. While looking through family photos during their engagement party in New York, they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:22-36

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Change For Good

Contributed by Greg Laurie on Nov 29, 2006

I suggest we don’t always know as much as we think we do. And sometimes we miss the obvious. Here in John 3, Jesus reveals something that that is an ESSENTIAL truth of life. So much so, that to miss it is to MISS EVERYTHING. If you don’t get this one rig

“How to Change for Good” John 3. There are certain things we ALL KNOW in life. You don’t Tug on Superman’s cape. You don’t Spit into the wind. You don’t tug on the mask of the old Lone Ranger AND? I suggest we don’t always know as much as we think we do. And sometimes we miss the obvious. Here ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-26

Cool To God, Not So Cool To Us Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 10, 2003

God’s Idea of Cool Sometimes Surprises Us. Sometimes what is cool to God is not so cool to us. We must learn to understand God’s way of thinking and adjust our minds to tune in with His revealed will. Let’s note three qualities that are so essential t

Cool To God, Not So Cool to Us (Luke 18:1-14, Matt. 20:1-16) INTRO 1. It amazes me how little has changed in the teen world since I was a teen. I reached the age of 20 in the Fall of 1976, by the way. 2. The music doesn’t sound much different, except for rap---which is not new; it is simply old ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-14, Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Can God's Love Toward Us Change?

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Aug 27, 2021

There is a quote going around that essentially says, "No matter how good we try to be God cannot love us more and no matter how bad we are God cannot love us less." What does God's Holy Word say about that?

Can God’s Love Toward Us Change? Please stand with me as we go over our current memory Scripture: Matthew 5:9-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 5:8, Exodus 20:4-6, John 14:23-24, John 15:5-8, 2 Timothy 2:11-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Fruit Of The Holy Spirit: Love, Joy And Peace

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Jul 25, 2024

Prayer is an essential part of our daily lives and sharing prayer is an ideal way to grown in faith. The Church has a manifold resource of prayers from which we can use and adapt and indeed grow in faith. The Revised Common Lectionary collect for the 9th Sunday after Trinity is one such prayer.

Collect for Trinity 9 Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy and Peace The Holy Spirit is available to whisper to us thoughts of love and joy and peace and patience every moment of our lives. Our collect for today is a beautiful prayer and so full of meaning and purpose – an ideal prayer for our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:105, Romans 12:9-12, Matthew 13:52

Joy Of The Lord In Every Situation

Contributed by Donnie De Loney on Dec 3, 2014

This sermon looks at five essentials for joy: 1. Look at life from God’s PERSPECTIVE 2. Live life with God’s PRIORTIES 3. Seek God’s POWER to live on 4. Live a life of God’s HOPE 5. Find God’s PURPOSE for your life

Joy of the Lord Philippians 1:12-26 Scripture: Philippians 1:12-1:26 (add scripture) A. Most people don’t really enjoy life – they endure life. 1. Most people go through life with no real sense of joy. Life becomes a series chores and obstacles that one must go through – just ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

15) We Believe In Prayer! Series

Contributed by Brandon Max on Jan 17, 2022

The Bible teaches that Prayer is essential for every Child of God. This introductory study about Prayer considers 5 important questions in light of the Scriptures: 1) What is Prayer? 2) Who Should Pray? 3) Where Do We Pray? 4) When Should We Pray? 5) Why Should We Pray?

15) WE BELIEVE IN PRAYER! An Introduction To The Important Questions About Prayer TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Introduction Ok - so we are talking about: “...Those things most surely believed among us”, This is something talked about and readily recorded for us Luke 1:1. Now as part of our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

Hear I Am Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jul 29, 2015

How are we supposed to know when God is speaking to us? How do we know when we are hearing from God or it is an idea from our own brain? 1 Sam 3 has four essential truths of guidance for us in answering this very important topic of hearing God’s voice.

“HEAR I AM” 1 SAMUEL 3:1-21 INTRODUCTION… http://dailyjokes.co/index.php?cat=21 “Four guys are driving cross-country together — one from Idaho, one from Nebraska, one from Florida, and the last one is from New York. A bit down the road the man from Idaho starts to pull ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sin Is Love

Contributed by Ovidiu Radulescu on Jul 31, 2010

The essentially positive nature of biblical law is seen in Jesus’ dealing with the rich young ruler: "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Jesus met him on his own ground, saying, “Don’t do this and don’t do that... But if you are

The Conflict of the Ages series of books begin and end with the words “God is love.” That is the central issue in the great controversy. That is the issue that needs to be demonstrated to the universe. That is the core of God’s character. That is the core of all upright character. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-22

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Generous Grace

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 14, 2011

In this decree, four essential components reminded Peter’s audience of the reality of God’s "Generous Grace" to all believers: 1) Divine Power (2 Peter 1:3a), 2) Divine Provision (2 Peter 1:3b), 3) Divine Procurement (2 Peter 1:3c), and 4) Divine Promises

In Manitoba this week, the citizens have literally been deluged by flooding. Spring rains mixed with melting snow have overwhelmed flood preparations. The Government called in the army to assist residents sandbag and do whatever possible to mitigate damage. The question everyone had before a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4

Denomination: Other

Why Do We Withhold Life-Giving Words?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 14, 2005

This message focuses on the importance given to encouragement biblically and provides a few ideas for where to do it.

- Imagine a life or death medical situation and you know the answer and you don’t speak those life-giving words. - every day around us are people needing the life-giving words that we have. . . and too often we withhold them. - talking about words of encouragement. - sometimes we withhold them ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist