Sermons on Focus On The Message:

Never Invite God To A Pity Party

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Sep 1, 2004

When we’re tempted to focus on everything that’s wrong in our lives, God directs us back to him and leaves us no room for self-pity.

July 11, 2004 — Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson 1 Kings 19:14-21 Never Invite God to a Pity Party I. He Won’t Agree with You II. He Won’t Let You Wallow III. He Won’t Leave You Alone Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Table Crumbs, And More

Contributed by William Mouser on Feb 28, 2005

This sermon has a strong focus on "little-c catholic Christians," focusing their attention on the words of a Canaanitish woman which found their way into Western Christianity’s eucharistic liturgy.

Second Sunday in Lent Matthew 15:21-28 If one were to pick episodes out of the Gospels in order to introduce Jesus to someone who does not know him, I’ll bet that the gospel lesson appointed for today is exactly the one they would never pick. There is, of course, much in the Bible that would ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Treasure In Heaven Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Apr 10, 2005

Jesus warned: 1. Don’t store up treasure. 2. Guard your heart. 3. Focus your eye. 4. Have only one Master

I read a recent magazine article about a pastor and his encounter with some unbelievers while having breakfast. Here is how he tells the story: “My wife and I were vacationing in Estes Park, Colorado, and had breakfast in a coffee shop. It was empty except for four men at another table. One was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Methodist

God Is An Awesome God!!!

Contributed by Charles Banks on Feb 1, 2005

This sermon parallels an in depth focus between the Goodness of GOD and the Greatness of GOD by praising Him for His Goodness, worshipping Him for His Greatness, and celebrating Him for His Awesomeness!!!

“GOD Is An Awesome GOD!!!” Psalms 113:3 “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.” Goodness Greatness GOD woke us up this morning! GOD made the morning for us to behold! We are able to see the sunlight! GOD made the sun to shine! We feel ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 113:3

Denomination: Christian Church

Noah's Seed

Contributed by Dwight Jones on May 22, 2005

The three sons—the three branches of the human race—now became the focus of Scripture so in this prophecy you see the three people groups that remain unto this day.

Noah’s Seed Genesis 9:25-29 (KJV) 25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. 26 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:25-27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Grace

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on May 25, 2005

In the previous chapter Paul’s focus of attention has been on earthly, physical experiences in the gospel. In order to avoid exalting himself he describes these experiences in the third person.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: To seek to earn, merit, or purchase salvation is to insult the Giver. Imagine yourself invited to a banquet in the White House by the president of the United States. You are seated at a table that is filled with the choist foods. Every effort is made to give you a most ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

From Stumbling Stones To Stepping Stones

Contributed by Doyne Cantrell on Sep 16, 2006

This sermon will focus on events in the lives of three people from Scripture that illustrate how God takes the stumbling stones of our lives and turns them into stepping stones to Him.

FROM STUMBLING STONES TO STEPPING STONES Romans 8:28 Introduction Often, events come into our lives that seem to be almost unbearable. Events that we may or may not know are direct attacks against our faith in and walk with God. It is in these times that we are able to see more clearly Gods ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Denomination: Baptist

Seeing The Grace Of God In Repentance

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Oct 6, 2007

This morning I want to focus on the Grace of God as our Savior who offers us the gift of repentance. And what a glorious gift repentance is for without it we are destined for destruction.

Seeing the Grace of God in Repentance (Acts 17:30-34) “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:30-34

Denomination: Baptist

No Ordinary Building

Contributed by Vinnie Cappetta on Feb 11, 2006

This was no ordinary building project. It is an illustration of humankind’s tendency to focus our unity on building monuments to our own greatness instead of using it to follow God’s plan.

No Ordinary Building Babylonian tablets confirm the story of the tower of Babel Tower built several generations after the flood Westward movement of man to Mesopotamia See what you notice . . . when you read verses 3,4 (“Us” syndrome). The people were only concerned about themselves and not ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Word Becomes Flesh Series

Contributed by Todd Leupold on Dec 28, 2007

A focus on the incarnation of Christ really means. The emphasis being that He became one of us not only to save us, but also that we may become more like Him.

The Eternal Word Becomes Flesh THE WORD: BECOME FLESH John 1:14 Rev. Todd G. Leupold Perth Bible Church Sunday, 12/23/07 AM INTRODUCTION: Video Clip: “God Grew Tired Of Us” (Wing Clips) Perhaps, the more real question is: Have we grown tired of God? Even, especially, during this ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14

Denomination: Baptist

A Wounded Savior For A Wounded People

Contributed by Doug Koehler on Feb 21, 2009

This particular Lenten sermon, is a good example of what Lent (Ash Wednesday) is all about. We focus not on what we do but, on what Jesus did for us.

Ash Wednesday A Wounded Savior for a Wounded People Joel 2:12–19 Text “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-19

Denomination: Lutheran

Christ Reigns In The Church Year

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Nov 22, 2009

Let’s see how the changing seasons of the church year keep our focus on Jesus, our King. Parts: A. The King Comes. B. The King Conquers.

Text: Selected Text Theme: Christ Reigns In the Church Year A. The King Comes B. The King Conquers Season: End Times 4: Christ the King Date: November 22, 2009 Web page: http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Christ-Reigns-In-the-Church-Year-SelectedText.html Welcome to St. John’s Lutheran ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:15

Denomination: Lutheran

Reasons To Rejoice!

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 15, 2010

If we will learn to focus on the Lord instead of our circumstances, we will find many reasons to rejoice! Mary recognized the character and faithfulness of God which prompted her praise.

Reasons to Rejoice! [Background to Mary’s Praise] Luke 1:26-45 26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Consider Christ

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Sep 1, 2010

In a day when so much is vying for our attention, the Scriptures tell us to look to (to fix our focus on) Jesus Christ... "Looking unto Jesus!"

1. THE CROWNED CHRIST • Christ = Messiah – “anointed” – Position of the Administration & the Power of the Office • Matt 3:17 – He Pleased the Father • Matt 28:18 – He is Full of Power • John 1:14 – Because He Came • Phil 2:9-11 – He is exalted – HIS NAMES… • Rev 5:12-13 – He is the Crowned ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Foundation For Joy Series

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jan 19, 2015

What is the foundation for Joy? - Joy & rejoicing found in Philippians 18x. - Paul's focus is upon Christ 38x in Philippians - Certainly it can't be a servant/slave?

- The Coming Global Storm - Jesus prophecies are about to be fulfilled - NASA, NOAA Proclaim 2014 Hottest Year On Record - Senseless violence (NYPD Shooting, France, Belgium, Boko Haram in Nigeria) - Deadly Shooting At Florida Mall - A young Bonnie & Clyde running wild across state lines - New ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1

Denomination: Baptist