Sermons on Freshness:

The Sower's Diagnosis

Contributed by Kyle Meador on Nov 13, 2000

In this simple parable the great physician offers listeners a straight-forward heart exam.

(A note to those reading this material: This manuscript follows the presentation of the material as it was originally given. What may be difficult to tell by just reading the original text is the presence of a thick, southern accent – deliberately used in the introduction to make the material more ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:2-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Practicing What We Preach

Contributed by Dan Erickson on Nov 25, 2000

The charge of hypocrisy, of not being sincere and genuine, of not practicing what we preach, is a charge that continues to plague the church

Once there was a pair of identical twin brothers; one was a pastor, and the other was a physician. It was almost impossible to tell the two men apart. A woman approached one of them on the street and asked, "Are you the one who preaches?" "No," came the answer, "I'm the one who practices." ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

How To Serve As An Effective Sender - 3 John 1:7,8

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 7, 2002

Many Christians are missing out on some of the greatest blessings available in the New Testament and they do not even realize it. In our passage this morning, John recognized missionaries as co-laborers worth investing in.

How to Serve as An Effective Sender - 3 John 1:7,8 Quote:If the world were a village of 1000 people, next year’s population would be 1018. Twenty-eight people would be born, but 10 would die: three from lack of food, one from cancer, two in birth, one from war or crime, and three from natural ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:7-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Genuine Article Series

Contributed by Scott Heine on Feb 27, 2001

Second in a series on the Ten Commandments, focusing on knowing God as he really is, not merely as we might imagine him.

Some of you have participated in “Twelve Step” programs at some point in your life, as part of your effort to break an addictive behavior. There are plenty of these programs out there — Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Sexaholics Anonymous, and more recently Internet ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Live The Alternative - Part 1

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 9, 2001

An exhortation to live a truly alternative lifestyle.

Live The Alternative! Part 1 Galatians 5:16-25 In previous years, Americans have seen the flappers, zoot suiters, beatniks, hippies, punkers, and gangs. Now we have the Goths. Each generation has its group of people seeking an identity that is away from the mainstream. They scoff at society’s ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-25

Denomination: Baptist

Where Are The Pastors?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 22, 2001

So you think you want to be a pastor. or So you think you know how to call a pastor.

Where Are All The Pastors? 1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (KJV) In a Dallas/Fort Worth Heritage article, Ron Rose asks, "Where are all the pastors? That is exactly the question I heard in 1977 when I surrendered to preach. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1

Denomination: Baptist

Encouragement In A Dark Hour

Contributed by Ted Sutherland on Mar 11, 2002

David was encouraged by a friend in one of his darkest hours.

Encouragement in a Dark Hour II Samuel 15-17 In his fine little book Fully Human, Fully Alive, author John Powell relates a true story. It didn’t happen to him but to a friend of his while he was vacationing in the Bahamas. What attracted the friend’s attention was a large and restless crowd ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Dancing With Jesus

Contributed by Darren Ethier on Mar 22, 2002

Jesus doesn’t care if you’re ugly. He doesn’t care if you’re fat or thin. He doesn’t care about the horrible sins and crimes you’ve committed - that’s why He died on the Cross. He simply loves you and wants to dance with you. If you will let him lead he w

DANCING WITH JESUS Matthew 16:21-25 ILLUSTRATION: Listen to one man’s remarkable discovery at Smokey Mountain near the Philippine capital of Manila:"A gigantic man-made mound, perhaps 100 feet high, ran on before us for a mile or more. Wisps of smoke rose from fissures all over the sides and top ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Running With Endurance"

Contributed by Mike Hays on Apr 6, 2002

Like disciplined athletes we are called to cast off everything that would prevent us from running with endurance the race set before us.

“Running With Endurance” Hebrews 12:1-3 On Monday of this past week I went to Bishop McGuinness High School where Nate was running in a track meet. There were 7th-9th grade boys and girls from all over the state who left their homes early in the morning to make their way to the track. I sat ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Conduct Cross-Cultural Research

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 13, 2001

The decisions we make are only as good as the information we based them on,’’ said a famous man. If we are trying to catch fish it makes sense that we will want to know something about the animal. What type of fish are we looking for? What are his feedin

HOW TO CONDUCT CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH Learning Objectives 1. Analyze why we should conduct cross- cultural research? 2. Learn the components of research. 3. Discover the Biblical basis of research. 4. Describe some of the errors to avoid in research. 5. Understand how to overcome some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Out With The Old - In With The New"

Contributed by Mike Hays on Aug 19, 2001

We need discernment so that we can know when to let go of things of the past to enthusiastically seek the blessings God has in store for us in the present. Because of their clinging to the Temple the Chosen People of God missed out on the promised Messia

¡§Out With The Old -- In With The New¡¨ Hebrews 8:1-13 When we are confronted with all of the problems of the present, we are often tempted to reminisce about the days of old and how wonderful things were back then. If we experienced the ¡§good old days,¡¨ then the tendency to cling to the past ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How You Can Have The Power Of God Series

Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Dec 4, 2002

God wants to fill our powerless lives with His power and strength.

Danny Simpson, a 24-year-old Canadian, was sentenced to 6 years in jail for robbing a bank in Ottawa, Canada of $6,000. The gun he used in the robbery, however, ended up in a Canadian museum. The .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic turned out to be an antique made in 1918 by the Ross Rifle Company of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-40

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Essence Of Worship

Contributed by Jim Grinnell on Dec 10, 2002

What does it mean when we worship Him in spirit and in truth?

The Essence of Worship 9/12/99 Open your Bibles to John 4 where Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. While you’re turning there I’ll tell you the subject of this morning’s message - The Essence of Worship. (John 4:21-24) Jesus said to her, “Woman believe Me, an hour is coming ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Just Missed It, Now What Series

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Dec 20, 2002

The sermon deals with having missed the rapture, what is waiting for people during the tribulations period.

I Just Missed It, Now What NLF 12/15/2002 Matthew 24:3-25 Revelations 13:1-18 In our last message, we met Tyrone. He was the young man who lost his job because he was not ready when the bus came. From there we discussed the ten virgins who were to be prepared when the groom ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 13:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How A Church Can Change For The Better

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Jan 6, 2003

In this message, we explore five paradigm shifts that a church can make to have a better future. This is a kind of "halftime" talk from a pastor/coach to the congregation/team.

To compete for a championship, during a game a great team has to make some adjustments. I sometimes think of the New Year as a kind of halftime. My personal internal calendar starts in August when the kids go back to school. The first semester is over. Now, it’s the halftime before the second ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Denomination: Baptist