Sermons on Half Hearted:

The Talented Tenth

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 16, 2009

The old Wshington-DuBois debate is mirrored in Jacob: his trouble was from his own foolishness as well as from others’ deceit. The way out was to receive God’s promise of greatness and to act now to offer concrete help to those coming after.

Almost exactly a century ago, American listened to a debate between two great thinkers, two men who had unquestionable credentials, first-rate minds, and powerful pens. Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois. In September 1895, in a speech in Atlanta, Booker Taliaferro Washington advocated ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Message Of Jesus

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Nov 16, 2009

1. Salvation is more than just me being forgiven for my sins. 2. The goal of the Christian life is not just salvation, but transformation. 3. We are transformed in order to be God’s transforming agents in the world.

Several years ago, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks did a comedy skit called “The 2013 Year Old Man”. In the skit, Reiner interviews Brooks, who is the old gentleman who has lived for over 2000 years. At one point, Reiner asks the old man, “Did you always believe in the Lord?” Brooks replied: “No. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Methodist

Living As The Hope Of Glory Series

Contributed by Allen Calkins on Nov 24, 2009

If "Christ in You" is the hope of glory, we need to realize the tremendous responsibility that is ours to represent and proclaim Christ in the world.

Living as the Hope of Glory Colossians 1:25-29 INTRODUCTION One of the most frequently used words among Christians is the word “church”. Just think about how many times TODAY you have used this word. And yet, even though we use this word a great deal, I wonder sometimes whether what we mean ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:25-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Fruit Of The Spirit "Goodness" Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Dec 4, 2009

Kindness is seen in our actions, goodness is seen in our character.

Show Vietnam video. What an amazing example of how goodness and love can overcome trauma of the past, hatred, language & cultural barriers, and bring forgiveness and immediate closeness between two people a world apart. Today’s fruit is the Apple to represent goodness. After all it’s the goodness ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

House - Part 5 - Model House Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 4, 2009

Is God’s house a building? Does His house have rules, systems, or structure? How can we be His house unless we know?

House “Model House” I. Introduction We are a part of God’s House. In fact, we are God’s house. He is establishing His home in us! Person by person He places us together and constructs for Himself a dwelling place. However, He is not obligated to live in something He hasn’t built! So we must be ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Family Ties Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 9, 2009

God’s plan is to bring us together as part of the same family – His family - A look at some family ties that hold the family of God together.

Family Ties Ephesians 2:11-22 Intro: What holds a family together? Parents? Blood? Common interests? Love? All of the above? As members of God’s family we have the privilege of sharing our lives together. When something exciting happens to one member of our church family, we can all rejoice ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Heading Toward Christmas - Thinking About Gifts Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 13, 2009

Since we’re thinking about Christmas I think we should think about the gifts we’ve been given by God. This is just a simple reminder of how blessed we are.

INTRO.- ILL.- Herb Forst in Cross River, NY, in Reader’s Digest: What not to Buy Your Wife: 1. Don’t buy anything that plugs in. Anything that requires electricity is seen as too practical. 2. Don’t buy clothing that involves sizes. The chances are one in seven thousand that you will get her ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Heading Toward Christmas - Thinking About Christ Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 13, 2009

Let’s consider Christ since He is what Christmas is all about: 1- Who He is 2- What He did 3- What we owe Him

INTRO.- Do you believe in Jesus? A better question is: Does the world believe in Jesus? And how much? Heroes & Icons (Time magazine’s top 10) Michelle Obama Chesley B. Sullenberger Richard Phillips Seth Berkley Michael Eavis Leonard Abess Hadizatou Mani Rick Warren Van Jones Somaly Mam I don’t ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Preparation By Repentance

Contributed by Christopher Martin on Dec 13, 2009

A sermon for the 2nd Sunday in Advent preached 12/6/2009 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Audubon, Iowa. It is a revision of a sermon I preached in 2003 on the same text.

Well, here we are, today is the 2nd Sunday in Advent. We’re one week closer to the big day! Christmas! You can tell its closer! Maybe you thought that this morning as you entered the church, and you noticed that the Christmas trees are now up here in the chance,, wreaths are hung outside the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Gaining Spiritual Authority Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 15, 2009

God wants us to get close to Him, using His authority to accomplish His will.

Gaining Spiritual Authority “Who’s the Boss?” Acts 19:13-20 Intro: Have you ever been caught in the middle of a power struggle? I can think of jobs I’ve had in the past when there was more than one boss to whom I was accountable. Sometimes one of them would try to get the upper hand on another of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:13-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Cross Was Always The Plan

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

Message about how Jesus affirms to His disciples during His arrest that God’s plan was going forth.

The Cross was Always the Plan Matthew 26:47-56 August 30, 2009 Me: How many people in here are planners? You plan everything out, or at least as much as possible. You plan your work day, your work week, maybe even your work month. You plan your vacation to the smallest detail, including ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:47-56

Denomination: Wesleyan

"Yup - I’m The One"

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

Message about Jesus’ declaration before the Sanhedrin after His arrest.

“Yup – I’m the One.” Matthew 26:57-68 September 6, 2009 NOTE: THE ME/WE/GOD/YOU/WE FORMAT IS FROM ANDY STANLEY’S BOOK, "COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE." Introduction: I loved comic books growing up. Especially Spider-Man and other super-heroes like Batman, Superman, and the Avengers. In fact, I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:57-68

Denomination: Wesleyan

What We Can Learn From Pilate

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

Message about how Pilate handled his opportunity with Jesus.

What We Can Learn from Pilate Matthew 27:11-26 October 4, 2009 Me: One of my favorite phrases in life is, “Been there, done that.” My favorite variation of that is, “Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.” I’m not entirely sure what the last part means, but that’s okay – it sounds cool. One ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-26

Denomination: Wesleyan

Be Happy - How To Be Joyful No Matter What Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Apr 20, 2010

We can be joyful in all circumstances, by adopting a right perspective, set the right priority, lean on the power of God, and focus on the purpose of life.

Most people don't enjoy life; they just endure it. • They think that life must be perfect for them to be happy. • So they are always looking for a change for the better. If I could just change my situation life would be great. If I could just get rid of all my problems, life would ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Cross Blessing

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 22, 2010

Today we enjoy the CROSS blessing as we don’t have to make daily burnt offerings for our sins and have been given the Holy Spirit to stay permanently till Christ returns. Let us not hesitate to pass on the CROSS blessing to others who still haven’t receiv

Opening illustration: A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing that his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 48:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational