Sermons on Hawk:

A Model For A Memorial Or Funeral Message

Contributed by Don Hawks on Oct 16, 2002

This is a generic model for a funeral message for someone who died after struggling with an illness, using the autobiography of Morrie Schwartz who died of ALS to craft the message.

MESSAGE FOR A MEMORIAL OR FUNERAL SERVICE ___________________________ I’ve been in a funk for a couple of weeks now. But I think I’m coming out of it now. Strange that I could say that on the occasion for which we have come together here. It all started a couple of weeks ago as I anticipated ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8, Philippians 1:20-21

Denomination: Methodist

Touch And Remember--An Easter Lesson

Contributed by Don Hawks on Mar 30, 2002

It has been said that we should forget our mistakes, but remember the lessons they taught us. The women at the tomb learned this simple truth that first Easter morning.

(Graphic Slides are available to accompany the Biblical stories in this message from Lumicon Digital Production: Lumicon.org) A reading from the good news of Jesus Christ according to Luke from the Message translation: At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-8, Luke 24:34

Denomination: Methodist

Touch And Remember--An Easter Lesson Outline

Contributed by Don Hawks on Mar 30, 2002

This outline is for the congregation to follow to accompany the full text of the message by the same title.

TOUCH AND REMEMBER The 2002 Easter Lesson Pastor Don Hawks Bethany Church (All Bible readings from The Message Translation unless indicated) Luke 24:1-8: At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

Getting A Faith Lift

Contributed by Don Hawks on Aug 14, 2007

No matter what you face if you allow God’s Spirit to work within you, it will ultimately come out all right--God wants to share his divine grace with everyone

One thing I have learned and still am learning is this: An uplifting faith in God will take care of you no matter what you face or what a loved one faces. When you don’t think you have any strength left, if you put your prayers to work for you, if you allow God’s Spirit to work within you, it will ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-10

Denomination: Methodist

Lessons From Humpty Dumpty

Contributed by Don Hawks on Aug 14, 2007

If some area of your life is falling apart, and you need help, you why waste time and energy calling on the king’s horses and the king’s men? Think first–of the King call on the ultimate help and power – call on God. God will put you back together again

SERMON OUTLINE AND NOTES Bridgewater United Methodist Church Lessons from Humpty Dumpty Pastor Don Hawks 1 Peter 2:1-5, 21-25 This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. (v. 21) "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25

Denomination: Methodist

What Does God Have To Say

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jan 4, 2005

Thoughts and suggestions in response to Christmas Tsunami 2004

(Sources listed below) SLIDE 1 WELCOME, ATTENDANCE, PRAYER Hear us Lord as we lift dark circumstances into your holy and perfecting light: (Lift up local concerns and thanksgivings) For all victims of natural disaster, especially those who lives were swept away in the Tsunami in the Indian ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

E.a.s.t.e.r.--What Does It Mean For Me?

Contributed by Don Hawks on Mar 23, 2008

What difference could it make in your life if every day you knew, without a doubt, that you were a part of something that is much bigger than yourself? What could Easter mean for you this year?

E.A.S.T.E.R. What does it mean? What could it mean for you this year? A Sunday School teacher asked her class to write one sentence each on "What Easter Means to Me." One pupil wrote: "Egg salad sandwiches for the next two weeks!" The first words of Jesus Christ were, “Did you not know that I ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Methodist

The Heart Of A Servant Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 12, 2007

Service is a critical tie that binds us to one another in love, and is one of the most vital ways that we can nurture greatness in both ourselves and our community. So how do we go about serving in the loving way that Jesus encouraged?

When you think about serving others—why do you do it? Because I have to is the common response. What if I told you today that you could serve because you want to not because you have to? Serving from the heart is the theme of the study that we are looking at during Sunday School for the next few ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Methodist

Put God To The Test Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 30, 2007

The ist in a series of sermons on guidelines to living a more abundant life that God wants us to live. Put God to the test by tithing and observing the benefits of the practice.

Today I am talking about a subject that people don’t like to hear about—I’ll say that up front. Preachers don’t like to talk about tithing and money because we don’t like people’s eyes glazing over or people getting fidgety or you start flip through the hymn book or something. Church members ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:10

Denomination: Methodist

Service With A Smile Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 22, 2007

Service with a smile—it makes a difference not only in the person who is served but also in the one who serves.

When you go to a restaurant to eat does it make a difference to you if the server offers a smile or not? I think most of us respond better to service with a smile. One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Johnny was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:25-28

Denomination: Methodist

Salvation Sunday

Contributed by Don Hawks on Feb 17, 2008

Salvation is more than words or concepts. Understanding salvation is a matter of experiencing it.

I. Today I have a new sermon, but I have an old message-- the message of salvation. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus - where, he says to Nicodemus— "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." II. What do these words mean—how do you explain ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

The Way Of The Cross

Contributed by Don Hawks on Mar 17, 2008

A Confirmation sermon for Palm/Passion Sunday

SERMON OUTLINE AND NOTES The Way of the Cross Matthew 26:36-46 (Jesus): “I am deeply grieved, even to death… My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Vv. 38 -39 "This sorrow is crushing my life out... My Father, if there is any way, get me ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Methodist

David And Goliath Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 22, 2007

With God’s help it is possible to take on all the giants of life that I face.

(Answers to Blanks at end of outline) INTRODUCTION: • The story of David and Goliath illustrates how to take on the giants in your life. • These favorite Bible stories we have been reading and discussing are more than just children’s stories; they have powerful messages for all of us in our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-51

Denomination: Methodist

Jonah And The Whale Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 22, 2007

Despite his tendency to do all those human things—to run away, to try to avoid responsibility—eventually he gets a new life.

Read Jonah 1:1-17; 2:1, 9-10 from "The Message" God says GO! Jonah says NO! God sends a storm to remind Jonah who is in charge. Jonah is thrown overboard by the others on the ship. Jonah makes the choice to keep trying to run from God. And you know what happens when Jonah is thrown ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Steps To Living Life At Its Fullest Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 22, 2007

DOES GOD DESIRE THAT I HAVE AN ABUNDANT LIFE, THAT I LIVE LIFE AT ITS FULLEST?

Sermon Outline and Notes Bridgewater United Methodist Church October 15, 2006 John 10:9-11 …. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” DOES GOD DESIRE THAT I HAVE AN ABUNDANT LIFE, THAT I LIVE LIFE AT ITS ...read more

Scripture: John 10:9-11

Denomination: Methodist