Sermons on Handling Critics:

Recentering The Sabbath

Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 9, 2009

Last week, we discovered Chapter 10 is the most critical chapter in Nehemiah. There is no better way to put it; it is the chapter of commitment. The Israelites have gathered to recommit their lives to God and they do so through four vows. Today, we see th

[Re]centering the Sabbath Nehemiah 10:31-39 Have you ever had to reboot your computer? I came into the Office two weeks ago and Tina’s computer had crashed. She tried to re-start it but it got stuck in that mode. We were reminded how dependent we’ve become on the computer and when it doesn’t work, ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 10:31-39

Denomination: Methodist

4 Steps To Guiding The Prodigal Child Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

There are few challenges more difficult or more common than dealing with a wayward child. It’s frustrating, tests our limits emotionally, drives us to prayer, and can even leave us feeling like a failure. How can we handle this?

The Challenge of Prodigal Children There are few challenges more difficult or more common than dealing with a wayward child. It’s frustrating, tests our limits emotionally, drives us to prayer, and can even leave us feeling like a failure. Many parents experience feelings of shame and regret when ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:20

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret Of Spiritual Strength

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 6, 2017

2 Chron. 16:9 gives a critical requirement for God's willingness to intervene: our full heart-commitment. King Asa is God's example for having it -- and NOT having it. The outcomes are striking and should make us sit up and take notice.

THE SECRET OF SPIRITUAL STRENGTH 2 Chron. 16:9 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: HE’LL BE THERE WAITING 1. A preacher who had suffered extremely strained relations with his congregation was finally appointed chaplain at the state prison. 2. Excited to be rid of him, the people of the congregation came ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Torched By An Angel

Contributed by Joe Jones on Jan 21, 2002

Though Matt and Mark give us info on the birth of Christ, I really like the way Luke describes it…Luke takes the approach of a NYC entertainment critic as he gets into the meat of the story

“Torched By an Angel” Dec 9, 2001 Though Matt and Mark give us info on the birth of Christ, I really like the way Luke describes it…Luke takes the approach of a NYC entertainment critic as he gets into the meat of the story The way Luke tells it, events surrounding Jesus’ birth resembled a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Youth Minister's Message For The Ages

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Paul wrote, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity show yourself to be an example to all the believers." There is something powerful in a godly example that silences all critics.

Illustration: During the seven years I worked as a Youth Pastor in southern California the Lord showed me the importance of abiding by the truth in I Timothy 4:12. Paul wrote, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity show yourself to be an example ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:52

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Great Is Your Love

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 18, 2003

Love is an uncommon force that copes with suffering. By enduring the pain, sorrow and anger we are exhibiting God’s unconditional love. People who are mature in love endure the pain of selfish, critical and immature scoffers.

How Great is Your Love - I Cor. 13:4-7 Illustration: One evening while appearing on CNN’s Larry King Live, Jack Kemp, the honorable congressman from New York, made an insightful comment about the religious right when he said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith In Politics Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on May 28, 2011

When it comes to the believer's involvement in politics, this principle should guide us: God calls us to submit to all human authority because of Christ, because of our critics, and because we are free in Him!

Deborah Horn, of McLeansboro, Illinois, was brushing her 9-year-old daughter’s hair on a Sunday morning when she began to pepper her mother with a lot of questions. Mom was doing her best to answer them until her daughter looked up and asked, “Are we Christians or Republicans?” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Anatomy Of A Worshipper

Contributed by Charles Jones on Dec 16, 2010

Worship isn''t an entertaining showcase for a talented soprano or a lecture on textual criticism or a pleasant weekly reunion of friends and family. Instead, true worship is a joyous celebration of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ

THE ANATOMY OF A WORSHIPPER by Bishop Charles C Jones 2 Samuel 24:18-24:25 Our focus in this message is to explore the exercise of worship. There is a book out that is entitled ’ Worship is a verb’, in this book the author states that Worship isn''t an entertaining showcase for ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:18-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Marks Of An Effective Minister Series

Contributed by David Welch on Feb 14, 2011

16th in the series dealing with Paul's example of an effective ministry. From his testimony about himself I draw several critical elements that should characterized any effective ministry of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians Series #16 “Marks of an Effective Minister” Eph 3:1-13 REVIEW I. Our Wealth and Worth In Christ 1-4 A. Paul blessed God for blessing us with every spiritual blessing 1:3-14 B. Paul prayed for their enlightenment 1:15-23 Hope of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Every Time The Church Doors Open

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 11, 2010

Preached 1985. What merits our coming to church frequently? We need to come with the expectation that God will meet us in the presence of His people. And then we will respond with prayer for the church, not mere criticism or complaint.

They tell the story about the fellow who on one Sunday morning woke up, struggled out of bed, shuffled downstairs for his breakfast, and then announced to his mother, "Mother, I’m not going. I’m just not going to church today. I don’t feel like it, they don’t care for me down there, I don’t need ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 122:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Listening To Unchristian America

Contributed by Jay Robison on Nov 1, 2007

Christianity has an image problem. What can we learn from how those outside the church see the church today. I use Jesus criticism of religious leaders to cause us to think.

I have used sermoncentral along with other resources in this message. James White’s Critical Times email was a starting point. I also referred to Kinnaman’s book. LISTENING TO UnCHRISTIAN AMERICA October 28, 2007 Jay Davis Robison MATTHEW 15:1-12 The Church in America HAS AN IMAGE ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Out Of The Salt Shaker & Into The World!

Contributed by John Gaston on Jul 11, 2016

Our response to criticism by the world is to withdraw into our Christian subculture: Christian radio, colleges, books, TV, church, etc. Jesus tells us we must be the Salt of the Earth. What does that mean?

OUT OF THE SALT SHAKER & INTO THE WORLD! Matt. 5:13 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: QUITTING 1. A man was shoveling snow from his driveway when two boys carrying snow shovels approached him. 2. “Shovel your snow, Mister?” one of them asked. “Only two dollars!” 3. Puzzled, the man ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Importance Of God's Family Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 21, 2016

Jesus offers a definitive spiritual truth that being a part of God's family is critical. It shows the world who we belong to, and if we belong to God, we will hear and do what He says.

The importance of God’s Family John 8:31-47 Introduction - Conversations continue: people to Jesus to the people - They’ve questions on validity of His power - Read John 8:31-47 / Pray ∆ Point 1 – Importance of Family - Abraham doesn’t save -- V32 ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-47

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Body Of Christ In Cabbagetown

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Jan 27, 2013

It’s critical to realize that we’re not just random people coming to church every Sunday and throughout the week. We’re a body. We’re Jesus’ body, and we’re on a mission,

Church is a funny thing. I don’t mean funny, ha-ha, funny. Although, often it is that, because we’re human and humans are hilarious. Church is kind of peculiar, kind of wonderful, kind of a mystery. I know a lot of people have a lot of issues with church. I know that a lot of people don’t do a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Zophar’s Second Attack On Job Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 10, 2017

How we respond to people who are hurting STILL matters. Our ability to show grace, compassion, and love to those around us is critical, and it's something we see quite clearly in these conversations.

Zophar’s second attack on Job Job Sermon Series, Part 10 Introduction (Job Slide) - We are continuing to examine Job’s conversations with his friends -- Re: These men came in Ch. 2 to sit with him and mourn his loss - They appear to come to comfort … but quickly their real motives are ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational