Sermons on Focus:

Sacred Community Series

Contributed by Allen James on Nov 6, 2009

God desires to create sacred communities who are wholly devoted to Him.

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: ARRIVING TO FIND THINGS MUCH WORSE THAN EXPECTED INTRODUCTION: As Ezra returns from Babylon to Jerusalem he discovers the people have a serious SIN PROBLEM. Rather than becoming a SACRED COMMUNITY they had become a COMFORTABLE COMMUNITY who had wandered from the words of ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 7:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

A Thankful Hope Series

Contributed by Allen James on Nov 6, 2009

A sermon series in Colossians tracing the word "Eucharisteo = to give thanks." This message reveals Paul’s thankfulness for the hope of the Colossians.

A Thankful Faith • Colossians 1:3-8 SERIES INTRODUCTION: meaning of “eucharist = to give thanks” INTRODUCTION: Often times when we give thanks, we focus upon the blessings we have RECEIVED which are often times TEMPORARY. In this passage, Paul gives thanks for the blessing OF OTHERS which are ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

Revival-The Praying Series

Contributed by Robert Rhodes on Nov 19, 2009

It takes prayer to get the power for real revival.

Several days ago I was walking and thinking about the pain of so many people. addiction-divorce-joblessness-financial difficulties and even some are homeless At that time I knew of two different families with no income and about to be evicted. The stress, depression and pain are everywhere. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Kind Of House God Lives In

Contributed by Chip Monck on Nov 28, 2007

Message exploring the call to be a "House of Prayer".

Opened with dramatization of the scene in Matthew 21 - overturning tables. 2,000 year old scene that set the stage for anger vs. sin debate. What motivated this outburst? (Read Matthew 21:12-13) Quoting the Prophet Isaiah (Read 56:6-7) What angered Jesus? What the temple had become, or it not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-13

Denomination: Wesleyan

Top Of The List?

Contributed by Brett Thomasson on Jan 24, 2007

Those wacky Corinthians!

I love the Corinthians. If they didn’t exist, I’d have to invent them. If there were no Corinthians, then every time I wanted to tell my church about one of our problems, I’d have to say it was one of our problems, rather than say, “Can you believe what those wacky Corinthians did this time?” This ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Denomination: Methodist

Measuring Greatness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 24, 2015

God's way of measuring greatness differs greatly from ours. God measures with love and service and not accumulation, accomplishment and attainment"

Matthew 18:1-9 “Measuring Greatness” INTRODUCTION For millennia the Season of Lent has been a time for Christians to reflect on their relationship with God and on Jesus’ call to discipleship, in anticipation of Easter. These forty days preceding Easter were first used as a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

A Strong Tower

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Jun 2, 2018

The Name of the lord is the strong tower. Not the tower itself that contains the strength and poer. The righteous run into the Nme of the Lord

A Strong Tower “The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe” Proverbs 18:10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe.” When we read this verse we seem to focus on the big strong tower that is a fortified place to hide from ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:1-10

Denomination: Methodist

Journey Of Aging With Grace And Purpose. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 20, 2024

I want to write about a topic that affects many of us is contentment with ourselves. Many people go to great lengths to hide their age, from cosmetic procedures to fashion choices.

We struggle to be happy with the way we are, the way we look, and the way we are aging. We live in a world that constantly bombards us with messages telling us we need to be younger, prettier, stronger, and more successful. In today’s society, there is a prevalent trend of attempting to reverse ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:14, Proverbs 16:31

Why Me, Lord?

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Feb 4, 2005

A look at the trials in our lives, why we have them, how we should use them, and keeping a proper perspective as we go through them.

How many of us have found ourselves with burdens that affect our lives? In reality, we all have our hardships, don’t we? Have you ever wondered why God lets His children suffer such unpleasantries? Let me give you a little hint. It has to do with our huge egos that think we are the ones in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-3

Denomination: *other

Rejoicing In God's Lagniappe Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Oct 8, 2011

Paul wanted the Philippians to know how wonderful it was to serve Christ and praised their efforts to be the servants God called them to become...

Sermon Brief Date Written: October 6, 2011 Date Preached: October 9, 2011 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: A Series from Philippians Sermon Title: Rejoicing In God’s Lagniappe Sermon Text: Philippians 4:10-20 [ESV] Introduction: Here as Paul concludes his ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Let Us Throw Off Everything That Hinders Series

Contributed by Dennis Marquardt on Oct 18, 2000

#1 in "Let Us" Series

#1 "LET US THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS" TEXT: Hebrews 12:1-13 INTRO: (Having just concluded a series on God’s promises to us, we are going to look at a series now calling us to respond to God’s love for us, it is the "LET US" series...each message comes from a passage that is a call to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Money Trap Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 3, 2002

What is it about money that could cause Christians to cripple their faith and witness?

OPEN: Many years ago a Chicago radio station, WKOX, offered $10,000 to the individual who could devise the most outlandish way to get the money. More than 6,000 people responded to the challenge. The eventual winner was Jay Gwaltney of Zionsville, Indiana, who consumed an 11-foot birch sapling - ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Prayer, Treasures And Worry

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jun 11, 2006

Jesus got to the heart of the matter in regard to prayer, treasures and worry.

INTRO.- ILL.- Dr. Clarence Bass, professor at Bethel Theological Seminary, early in his ministry preached at a church in Los Angeles. He thought he had done quite well as he stood at the door greeting people as they left the church. The remarks about his preaching were complimentary. That is, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Asking The Right Question Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Nov 8, 2005

Third in a series in the book of Nehemiah. This message explores the "why" (motivation) of vision, versus the "how" (process of fulfilling) the vision. Emphasizes that the "how" is for God to handle, and the "why" will keep us focused on the vision.

(Prior to this sermon, utilized a Bible "Jeopardy" game with three volunteers from the congregation. Helped bring into focus the idea of asking the right question.) There is a great similarity between success at Jeopardy, and success in seeing the current vision for your life come into focus. To ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8

Denomination: Wesleyan

The State Of The Church 2005

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Jan 13, 2005

In this message discover 7 characteristics of healthy churches.

The State of the Church 2005 (part2) You can also find this sermon at www.praiseag.org - visit "The Path" sermon finder and click on "New Testament Sermons." INTRODUCTION: On New Year’s Eve, 2004 moved forever into the history books and 2005 opened with the days as blank pages to be written; ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God