Sermons on Hard Knocks:

Christmas Treasures Worth Pondering Series

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Dec 22, 2005

There is much in “Grasping the Truths of Christmas” that is worthy of pondering, worth meditating on, and holding within the child of God’s heart. There are three truths that the Holy Spirit of God wants you to ponder on in this message.

Our key text today is Luke 2:19 Title: Christmas Treasures Worth Pondering Theme: What is so Special about Christmas Series: Grasping the Truths of Christmas Introduction: On the twenty-fifth of this month much of the United States will close their stores, business offices will be closed and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I'm Dreaming Of A Wise Christmas

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 23, 2005

Christmas 2005

I’M DREAMING OF A WISE CHRISTMAS (MATTHEW 2:1-18) I look with amusement once at Christmas e-cards prominently displayed on websites. The most frequent themes and images on the cards are Santa Claus, Snowmen, Christmas trees, stockings, reindeers, penguins, polar bears, candles, angels, tree ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christmas Presence

Contributed by Stephen Colaw on Dec 23, 2005

The presents we ofter to Christ fall short of what he wants, our presence. This sermon addresses his desire for our hearts versus our meager attempts to please him.

Scripture: Matthew 1:23 & Various Other Texts Theme: More than duty or sacrifice or religion, more than the things we can do for God, he wants our presence, a relationship with us. celebrate the birth of Christ we must let our hearts be changed by Him. Seed: Personal Study Purpose: To invite ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:23

Denomination: Wesleyan

Yes, It Really Is Really Real Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 30, 2009

Considers the reality of Heaven - evidence of it, and why that affects the way we live now

(Show clip from BluefishTV – “Spiritual tots, Colonik’s got ‘em!”) Even if they’re unsure of it, most people want to believe in Heaven, and most people have some concept of it. TIME took a poll 10 years ago, and 81% of the people they surveyed said they believed in the existence of Heaven, where ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:11-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christian Identity And Personality

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Jan 31, 2009

God has given each one of us a new identity through Jesus Christ and a unique personality.

Christian Identity & Personality In a previous sermon we have seen that we are called to produce results. We have also seen the influencing factors that impact our ability to bear fruits for the Kingdom. So if we have to produce excellent results, bear fruits for the Kingdom, we need to start at ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Holy?

Contributed by Richard Francis on Jan 31, 2009

How do you feel to "Be Holy as I am holy" up to the task, impossible? Take heart and lets explore holiness and living like Jesus and find hope in loving like Jesus

Eyes fixed on Jesus If we are honest it is difficult to live to a set of values and ideals isn’t it. Its difficult to proclaim on a Sunday morning that we want to be like Jesus yet lose it in the office on a Monday or with the family on the way back from Church. Is it just me or do you have those ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Satan's War Against God's Creation I Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Feb 2, 2009

Having taken the scroll from the Father, the Lamb now begins to open the seals. As each seal is opened, (think of it as different chapters in a book) a new judgment comes upon the earth.

Part I Revelation 6:1-2; 12:1-2,6a Purpose: To show Satan’s true nature. Aim: I want the listener to see Satan as he really is and avoid his allurements. INTRODUCTION: Having taken the scroll from the Father, the Lamb now begins to open the seals. As each seal is opened, (think of it as ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Putting God First

Contributed by S S on Feb 9, 2009

Sermon on Luke 9:57-62 - Putting God First

Luke 9:57-62 PUTTING GOD FIRST Introduction ILL -- It is well with my soul A story was told of a man named Horatio Spafford who faced many trials. He was a Christian lawyer from Chicago and a friend of DL Moody. In 1871 the Great Chicago Fire took almost everything he owned. That same year his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: *other

Better Together Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on Feb 12, 2009

This adapted sermon of Rick Warren challenges us to participate in the 40 Days of Community and join a small group.

What on earth are WE here for? That’s really the question we are asking over these 40 Days of Community. God has placed us here on this earth, in this place, and at this time for a reason, for a purpose. We are not here by accident. We are part of God’s plan. God’s #1 reason for bringing us on ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:5

Denomination: Methodist

Anguish In The Flame Series

Contributed by Matthew Grise on Feb 13, 2009

Luke 16:19-31. In this parable, Jesus describes the fate that awaits those who perish in their sins.

ONE MINUTE AFTER YOU DIE HEAVEN, HELL, & WHO WILL GO WHERE SELECTED SCRIPTURES ANGUISH IN THE FLAME LUKE 16:19-31 INTRODUCTION - Today we embark on an intriguing journey. We are going to attempt; hopefully with some success; to consider a subject that is at the very core of our existence. We are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Feb 16, 2009

What forgiveness is and what it isn’t

This Series is based upon a series by Nelson Searcy and the Journey Church. This sermon is my own however. The Challenge of Forgiveness Matthew 6:14-15 Genesis 45:1-15 Forgiving doesn’t mean we Forget People’s Sins Forgiving does mean we Remember God’s Sovereignty Forgiving doesn’t mean Justice ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moving Out In Humility Series

Contributed by Joseph Stapleton on Feb 19, 2009

This series is about Giving God room to work in our lives and in our church, each sermon talks a little about what we need to do and we need to stop doing in order to have God work in our lives.

WHEN WE MOVE OUT, GOD MOVES IN! Part 1 “Moving Out in Humility” (All my sermons use illustrations from Sermon Central and scripture is NIV unless otherwise noted) Several years ago I was the preacher of a church in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After I had ministered there for a while, I saw ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joy In The Presence Series

Contributed by Matthew Grise on Feb 26, 2009

Luke 23:39-43. Immediately after death, all believers enter into the presence of Christ, where they await final glorification.

ONE MINUTE AFTER YOU DIE HEAVEN, HELL, & WHO WILL GO WHERE SELECTED SCRIPTURES JOY IN THE PRESENCE LUKE 23:39-43 INTRODUCTION - As you know, we have been taking a glimpse at the subject of what happens after we die. There is so much that could be said concerning this topic; and indeed, we will ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:39-43

Denomination: Baptist

An Encounter With God

Contributed by John Butler on Feb 28, 2009

See from the scriptures what takes place when we have a close encounter with God.

An Encounter with God Turn to Isaiah 6:1-8 I. Something More Than A Shout (Introduction)... I’m glad I go to a church where I can lift up the name of the Lord right out loud! Amen? I love singing songs, clapping and shouting in church just as much as the next guy, maybe even more! But ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

The Spiritual Basis For Group Ministry Series

Contributed by Norman Lawrence on Mar 2, 2009

Relational Basis for Group Ministry

THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY – PART III The Spiritual Basis for Group Ministry Series Text: Acts 2:46-47 - Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:46-47

Denomination: Assembly Of God