Sermons on Great Gain:

Not Who You Think He Is Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

Being a Christain means confessing that Jesus is the Messiah, but our views of what a Messiah should be doesn’t always fit Jesus.

As I as watching a Lakers game this last week, I saw Kobe Bryant put on an amazing shooting performance. Kobe set an NBA record by making 12 three point shots during the game, nine of the shots he made in a row. It was truly amazing to watch. I was excited, the fans at Staples Center were excited, ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Carry Each Other's Burdens Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 18, 2003

When we walk alongside those who are weary or wiped out, we’re acting like Jesus did. If we truly care for others, we’ll care enough to confront sin and carry burdens.

Carry Each Other’s Burdens I’ve not watched a lot of the American Idol TV show, but I’ve seen enough to know that Simon Cowell, one of the talent judges, enjoys tearing down the talentless. Here are some of his cutting comments: “If you lived 2,000 years ago and sang like that, they would have ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Pains Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

God’s Word provides growth in our lives and our faith must be lived out in the context of relationships. When Jesus comes back, find your joy in Him and in the changed lives of your friends.

Growing Pains A small factory had to be shut down because their most important piece of machinery had stopped working. The company mechanic couldn’t get it running, so they called in an expert. The man looked over the machine for a few minutes. He then picked up his hammer and gently tapped it. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

How To Return To God Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 4, 2003

Prodigals still exist. These individuals rebel, stepping away from God’s blessings, indulging in reckless living and ruining their lives. But God runs to meet those who are at the point of total desperation and who are willing to repent and return home.

How to Return to God Luke 15:11–24 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION The parable in this passage focuses on the character and nature of the God of the Bible. It’s usually called the parable of the Prodigal Son but I prefer to call it the parable of the Loving Father. Jesus uses this story to teach ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Misery Of Spiritual Mismanagement Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 10, 2003

Jesus entrusted us as His servants to do His work and be obedient to the truth we’ve received. If He came today, what kind of servant would you be?

The Misery of Spiritual Mismanagement Luke 12:40-48 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION According to Luke 12:40-48, Jesus is telling us we are all to be managers of important resources. Some people do a good job, and others are poor spiritual managers. Which kind are you? Beginning in verse 35, Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:40-48

Denomination: Baptist

Taking Time To Give Thanks Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 15, 2003

When we think of God’s work in the lives of other believers, we should be moved to thankfulness for the faith, hope, and love that we see demonstrated in Christ followers.

Taking Time to Give Thanks Several weeks ago, when we were organizing our file cabinet, I came across some love letters from Beth that I’ve kept ever since we were dating. When I found this folder, I immediately stopped working, sat down in the middle of the floor, and started browsing through ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-8, Colossians 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Four Promises Of Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Apr 18, 2003

One of God’s favorite words is “forgiveness.” As we look at the first words of Jesus on that last day, we can’t help but say, “God really thinks this is important.”

But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you not seven times, but seventy-seven ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:34, Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Sensitivity Of Grace Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

This morning, we’re going to encounter someone who was in desperate need of grace. She came face-to-face with her sin ­ and with Jesus ­ and drank deeply of the “Sensitivity of Grace.”

The Sensitivity of Grace If you’ve been with us for the last four weeks, you’ll know that we’re in the middle of a series called, “Grace Encounters.” As we look at how Jesus interacted with people, we’ve been learning about how grace can change our lives. In the first message entitled, “The ...read more

Scripture: John 8:2-11

Denomination: Baptist

Dreaming A God Sized Dream Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on May 7, 2003

50-DAY SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE - PETER Don’t let yourself get penned in by the fences of your mind. Let God set you free to dream His divine daring dream!

In the movie, Chicken Run, dozens of chickens are held captive in the prisoner-of-war-like camp at Tweedy Farms. Ginger is the chicken mastermind who keeps devising new plans to help her fellow chickens escape. Ginger knows that when a chicken’s egg production is down they will face the chopping ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Peter 3:8-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Have A Marathon Marriage Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 16, 2003

In order to understand how to have a marriage that lasts, you must follow God’s instruction manual.

How to Have a Marathon Marriage It’s interesting to find out what kids think about marriage. When asked how you decide who to marry, Kirsten, age 10 answered this way: “No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Why Do Bad Things Happen? Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 30, 2003

It’s easy to think that bad things happen because God is out to get us. That’s not true. The Bible establishes some reasons why things don’t turn out they way we’d like – personal sin, corporate sin, and evil influences. While we can’t insulate ourselv

Why Do Bad Things Happen? Brian Bill 4/22/01 I like puns. Here are two are my favorites. Two boll weevils grew up in South Carolina. One went to Hollywood and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in the cotton fields and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally, became ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:33

Denomination: Baptist

Refocusing Our Priorities Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 11, 2002

The diagnosis, consequence and solution to misplaced priorities coinciding with an all church focus of stewardship.

In the Jules Verne novel The Mysterious Island, the author tells the story about five men who escape from a prison by hijacking a hot air balloon (www.PreachingToday.com). As the balloon rises into the air, the wind blows it toward the ocean. As the hours pass, the surface of the ocean draws closer ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lessons From St. Patrick

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 27, 2002

Patrick role modeled for the Christian community what it means to be a hero of the faith. His attitude in life showed us how to over come in this world. The key was draw closer to God. He also taught us that we have to follow the call of God because it wi

Lessons from St. Patrick Opening Illustration: Video of Ireland played with Celtic worship in the background. Thesis: Patrick role modeled for the Christian community what it means to be a hero of the faith. His attitude in life showed us how to over come in this world. The key was draw closer to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:15-18, Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Difference Resurrection Peace Makes

Contributed by Bob Hunter on Apr 2, 2002

The words "Peace be with you" explored and applied to everday life. This Easter Sunday message will not only challenge the seeker, but encourage the believer. Written invitation offered at the close.

"The difference Resurrection Peace makes" Easter Sunday 2002 (Recommended Drama: "These Parts" by Judson Poling 1991 Willowcreek.com) Today I want to talk to you about this! Something of what you just saw acted out. No surprise, today we’re dealing with the topic of the Resurrection. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Denomination: Holiness

The Parable Of The Prodigal Father: A Parable Of Extravagant Love Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Apr 21, 2002

“Prodigal” means extravagant, lavish, unrestrained, and even to the point of being what some would consider being wasteful. Watch the father in this story. It was the father who threw himself into the prodigal land of extravagance and unrestrained love fo

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: In Luke 15, Luke gives a series of three parables in response to the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus received unbelieving people and even ate with them. Evidently, His love and vulnerability attracted lost people from all classes and lifestyles. He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32