Sermons on Great Shepehrd:

Playing Favorites Series

Contributed by Josh Reich on May 12, 2007

All of play favorites. It has become so common place that nobody raises an eyebrow to it. In fact, if you don’t play favorites, you stand out.

For many of us, when we think of high school we have moments when we cringe. Maybe it is when you see a picture of yourself of what you looked like. The picture from prom. Or a picture form your air guitar band. You knew that was coming back. Maybe though, you can remember the feeling of ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Do You Want To Be Free Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 15, 2007

This is a complete Good Friday service, with Scripture and readings and songs.

Good Friday Service – April 14, 2006 Welcome; instructions Invitation to worship; time of silence “Message of the Cross” “A Dark Passover” – Kids’ sketch Lazarus: John 11:37-44 37But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 19:16-27

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? Series

Contributed by Josh Reich on May 19, 2007

Wisdom is something we would all like. In this pivotal passage in James, which is often tied to wisdom, I think is really about the peace of God. And how God’s wisdom leads to his peace.

Life constantly lays choices before us. Many are mundane and ordinary: If we say yes to fish at a restaurant, we also say no to chicken, beef and every other meat. To order one dessert is, in a way, to reject the other desserts. Some are bigger. When you get married, as your vows say, you ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus?

Contributed by Dr. Tracy W. Marx on May 31, 2007

Why do Christians emphasize the importance and centrality of Jesus? Why is there no compromise?

INTRODUCTION: It’s been said: Why do you Christians place so much emphasis on Jesus? Why are you so “intolerant”? Why can’t you be more accepting and admit that other religions can also know God? Why can’t you Christians believe that people from other religions can be just as morally good as ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Avoiding The Mistake Of Revenge Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 5, 2007

Seeking revenge ends up hurting us more than anyone. Look at how that truth is discovered in Haman’s situation.

Introduction: A. When I was growing up, my favorite cartoons were the Warner Bros “Looney Tunes.” 1. There was Bugs Bunny “What’s Up Doc?”, Daffy Duck, and Elmer Fud. 2. There was Tweety Bird “I taught I saw a Puty Tat”, Sylvester the Cat, and Granny. 3. There was Pepe Le Pew, Marty Martian, and ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Treating Parents Right Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jun 5, 2007

4 of 6 messages on building a Godly home. This message examines what it means to obey the fifth commandment from the vantage point of an adult.

HomeBuilders Treating Parents Right June 3, 2007 The Fifth Commandment Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20;12 I read somewhere recently that the 10 Commandments are really God’s 10 principles for preventing pain. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dying In Order To Live Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jun 17, 2007

True release comes from a relationship with Jesus, not from rules.

Dying in Order to Live Romans 7:1-6 Rev. Brian Bill 6/17/07 www.pontiacbible.org This past Sunday I preached at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park. Beth and I spent about 10 years at Calvary and were supported by them for three years when we were missionaries. For the last several summers I’ve ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Walking In Daddy's Shoes Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Mar 26, 2007

Just like a young son wants to imitate his father, Christians are to imitate our Heavenly Father.

1. An imitator of God walks in love (5:2-7) a. Have loving relationships—purity of the body (3) b. Use loving speech—purity of the tongue (4) c. Maintain loving fellowship—purity of the church (5-7) 2. An imitator of God walks in light (5:8-14) a. Expose the will of God—examine the Scriptures ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Fear This!

Contributed by Keith Manry on Mar 29, 2007

Part IV in the series - 24. This is a first person narrative account from the perspective of Pilate. The preaching idea: Jesus’ faith, unlike the religious people of his day, was genuine. How about yours?

Introductory Remarks… Over the past three weeks we’ve met three characters who were present during the final hours in the life of Jesus Christ. We began this unique series of sermons with a visit from a man who purportedly owned the house in which the Last Supper took place. Two weeks ago we met ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

The Prodigal Son

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Apr 1, 2007

When we hear this passage, we usually picture ourselves as the son who transgressed our loving Father through our sinful lives. Whatever our own particular sins may be, we relate to, we long for, we even expect, a loving God who’ll throw his arms out wide

Additional Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14) (The Slave – Captured) A 16-year-old boy was captured by ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

A 'good Enough' Sermon Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 13, 2007

Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican - The church is full of ’good people’ who need to know the difference between self-righteousness and God’s righteousness. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

A Good Enough Sermon Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18:9-14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GoodEnough.html You get to write the introduction to this sermon. I need help, and this is just the right crowd to assist me… Honestly, in your own words, write a brief answer to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

How To Respond When Mistreated

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Apr 14, 2007

When a person mistreats you or performs evil against you, what is a positive way to respond? Why is it important that we respond this way?

Nineteenth century Russia was a nation in turmoil. But that was nothing new. The nation had actually been going through a period of unrest for a couple hundred years. But finally it seemed to be coming to a head. On the one hand, there was the Russian nobility who resisted any change. On the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Wesleyan

Confessing The Son Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 17, 2007

John gives us four tests to see if we are spiritually on the right track.

Introduction: A. How many of you like or liked taking tests at school? B. There’s a story told about a college student who was taking the course in ornithology (or-nith-ology) which is a study of birds? 1. This class in ornithology had the reputation of being the most difficult class in the whole ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader Series

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Apr 25, 2007

The first of five sermons. This message deals with child-like faith. Children believe that God is real, powerful, and present. Am I that smart?

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Mark 10:13-16 We are beginning a new series this morning. The sermon and series are based on the show "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" Now, let me give you some background. In the show they ask adults questions that they would have learned in fifth grade ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You Smarter Than A Disciple? Series

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Apr 25, 2007

Second sermon in series. It looks at the way God uses simple, ordinary people to do his will.

Are you Smarter than a Disciple? Luke 6:12-16, 9:1-6 Please turn to Luke 6:12-16 We are continuing our series this morning entitled, “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” Today, we are asking the question, “Are you smarter than a disciple?” And I’ve got to tell you, it doesn’t take much. While ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ