Sermons on Gift Wrap:

Serving Others Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Apr 3, 2024

Jesus cleaned the feet of those who would run from him.

John 13 – Serving Others April 7, 2024 John 13:3-5 NIV Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured ...read more

Scripture: John 13:3-5, Matthew 6:1-4, John 13:34-35, Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Legend Of The Little Drummer Boy

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Nov 7, 2006

This fictional narrative imagines what that first Christmas might actually have looked like through the eyes of the Little Drummer Boy.

The following is a work of fiction. Please feel free to use it in a spoken inspirational context (i.e., as a Reading or Meditation presented orally at Christmastime.) Please do not reproduce or republish by email or on the web without the author’s permission. (c) 2003 J. K. Twitchell The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:1-4, Luke 21:1

Denomination: Nazarene

Because He Lives...

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 3, 2001

Easter message focusing on the facts of the resurrection

“Because He Lives…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-20 (Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001) Introduction Most of you don’t know this, but I have been living with a painful childhood memory that has impacted my impressions of Easter. It happened during a family trip. I don’t know where we were going, or how old ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-20

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Benefits Of Presence Not Presents

Contributed by Dana Visneskie on Jan 14, 2005

I talk about the benefits of Jesus presence in our lives during the Christmas season. Everyone loves to get presents during the holidays, but we should all love the abiding presence that Christ provides, I show why and how this can be accomplished.

Title: The Benefits Of Presence Not Presents Text: Matt 1:18-23 Pray!!! Read Text!!! Introduction: An American Express survey about Christmas gifts found that the fruitcake was chosen most often (31%) from a list of "worst" holiday gifts. It even finished ahead of "no gift at all." When asked ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Kind Of Church Will We Be? Series

Contributed by Glenn Newton on May 28, 2003

My heart aches for a glimpse, for a taste of what that Day of Pentecost was all about. And you know what, I have Hope that we will experience it, here, in our church, in our town, in our own families, with our own friends, with our neighbors.

AC 2:36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." AC 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" AC 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:36-47

Denomination: Nazarene

Found Faithful

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jul 18, 2006

A sermon to be used at the beginning of a pastorate.

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NRSVA) 1Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:2

Denomination: United Methodist

Prayer-Care-Share: My Bookmark Story Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Feb 8, 2006

#4 in a series. God is pouring out a whole new level of city-wide cooperation amongst churches and church leaders. Prayer-Care-Share is a concentrated effort focusing on "Building Bridges to our Community"...loving our communities to Christ.

PRAYING FOR MY CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE: MY STORY By Intern Pastor Dave Doyle I’ve been excited by the whole concept of churches in Cedar Rapids coming together in prayer. Think about it. Jesus said that wherever two or more are gathered in His name, He is there as well. Now try to imagine the power ...read more

Scripture: John 9:31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let The Attitude Of Gratitude Elevate Your Altitude

Contributed by Johann Neethling on Feb 14, 2006

The attitude of gratitude is a conscious choice the Believer makes to the greatest event our world has known - the death and resurrection of Christ. That attitude enables us to live as overcomers irrespective of our circumstances.

LET THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE ELEVATE YOUR ALTITUDE Philippians 4:4-13 1. The cartoon by Mike Baldwin on the cover of your bulletin this morning (cartoon shows a long line of people at the "Complaints" window and none at the "Gratitude" window)is an apt description of and sad commentary on the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Between Death And Resurrection

Contributed by Ronnie Smith on Jul 16, 2005

What about all those people who died before that debt was paid? The Bible teaches us that there was a place in the heart of the Earth called Paradise.

Ephesians 4: 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:9-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Have A Mary Christmas Series

Contributed by Aaron Bryan on Dec 8, 2004

Like Christmas, Jesus was to the house of Martha. This contrasts our worship and works for the Lord in our service this time of year.

“Have A More Mary Christmas” Luke 10:38-42 1Co 7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. In the holiday season our problem in America is we have too much. Too much ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

A Right Focus Series

Contributed by Alan Tison on Dec 7, 2005

We may not have a perfect Christmas, but we can have a right Christmas when we focus on Jesus, this is #1 in a four part series - "I’m dreaming of a right christmas"

Introduction: The Christmas pageant at FIRST CHURCH was always a highlight of the holidays for the members of the church. The director took great pains to make sure everything was perfect for the performance. Lines were memorized, costumes were created and everything was just right for the annual ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What I Want For Christmas

Contributed by James Tetley on Dec 18, 2005

Joy at Christmas is the coming of Christ not the birth of Jesus, this joy should be the thing we most desire at Christmas

What I want for Christmas – Matthew 2:1-12 Big Idea: Joy at Christmas in the coming of Christ not the birth of Jesus Big response: When reflecting on Jesus to know joy and share that with others If I am going to answer this question of “What I want for Christmas” – we first need to think about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Message To The Romans Series

Contributed by Anthony Pratt on Jan 25, 2007

This is the introduction of Paul to the Romans through letter. Paul reveals that he is a servant and apostle called by God. He wants to be encouraged and encourage others at the same time while sharing the Gospel of Christ.

The Gospel: Paul’s Message to the Romans (Romans 1:1-13) Intro: This morning I want to begin our study in the book of Romans. As I was praying about what to begin preaching about, God placed this book on my heart. I found it purposeful for us to start from the beginning. This will be a fairly in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Man With Some Pretty Big Shoes To Fill Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Oct 3, 2008

The message looks at Solomon’s rise to the throne of Israel.

Folk sayings are easily remembered, but not always understood. People talk about "walking the walk" and "following in the footsteps" of others, about "taking a stand," "standing firm," and "standing tall." These sayings, along with many traditional proverbs, are all commonly expressed folk wisdom ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 1:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Forgiveness: It's A God Thing - Pass It On! Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Sep 17, 2008

This is part of a series of messages about the life of Joseph. We are challenged to "imitate" Jesus by forgiving those who have caused emotional harm. Some thoughts come from Sermon Central - John Hamby "Dealing With Forgiveness"

In Jesus Holy Name September 21, 2008 Series: O.T. Challenges Redeemer Genesis 42:1-9 “Forgiveness: It’s A God Thing! Pass It On” Our series of messages through the book of Genesis remind us of real life events. We have followed the life of Joseph. He ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran