Sermons on Holy Ambition:

When Crying Isn't Enough Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Aug 27, 2001

Instead of being satisfied to feel "sorry" when we miss God’s mark, we should press on to produce change in life to please Him.

Introduction Israel lamented that God’s help was missing (7:1-2). They cried about it for 20 years (7:2). Yet, they never felt the need to do anything about it other than cry and be sad for their lack of spiritual happiness during all this time. After all, no one else was any closer to God. At ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 7:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Oppose Yourself

Contributed by James Groce on Aug 28, 2001

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves;

------------------------------------------ 2Tim 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

House Of Priority

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Aug 29, 2001

Three ways we can "consider our ways" in making sure our "temples" are being built properly in body, mind, and spirit.

NEARLY 2,521 YEARS AGO, ON AUGUST 29, 520 B.C., THE PROPHET HAGGAI DELIVERS A STERN MESSAGE OF IMPENDING JUDGMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH WHO WERE NEGLECTING THE TEMPLE OF GOD. FRESH OUT OF BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY THE PEOPLE HAD BECOME CONTENT IN THEIR FREEDOM. EVEN THOUGH THE KING OF PERSIA HAD GIVEN ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-15

Denomination: Free Methodist

2 Steps To The Door

Contributed by Lynn Loe on Aug 29, 2001

Addresses the need for repentance in order to turn the tide within the church. So as to attract rather than repel new visitors and converts.

2 Steps To The Door Ps 51:10-13 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 {Then} I will teach ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:10-13

Denomination: Methodist

Peace With God Series

Contributed by Craig Simonian on Sep 4, 2001

How can we find peace in this world? This sermon seeks to provide some answers.

Peace With God June 10, 2001 Story of retired couple in early 80s alarmed by threat of nuclear war - Seriously studied all the inhabited places of the world to determine which would be least affected by a nuclear war… a place of ultimate peace & security. - They not only studied, but traveled ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-9

How Did Jesus Remain Holy Without Acting Like The Pharisees

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

"Be holy as I am holy." Practical ways that we can be obedient to the divine command.

How to be Holy as Jesus Commands us To Be - Matt. 6:26,27 Illustration: Quarterback cum ESPN commentator Joe Theismann, allegedly explaining to his soon-to-be-ex second wife why he had an affair: "God wants Joe Theismann to be happy." Source Unknown. A holy life will make the deepest ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:26-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Directed His People Toward Excellence

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Excellence is found in Christ Jesus for every dimension of our personal life, relationship and activities.

How Jesus Directed His People Toward Excellence Matt 5:48 Illustration:Serious critics sometimes argue that the standards in art are always relative, but all artistic masterpieces give them the lie. John Gardner in The Art of Fiction: Notes of Craft for Young Writers. The only thing most ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:48

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Directed His People Toward Excellence

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Jesus knew that excellence could only be measured in terms of the heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus did not make the mistake of letting His standards be measured relative to his cultural context. Instead, Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly

1. Jesus knew that excellence could only be measured in terms of the heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus did not make the mistake of letting His standards be measured relative to his cultural context. Instead, Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:48) ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:48

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Is Your Mind Set?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Where Is Your Mind Set? (Rom. 8:6-8)Attitude determines so much about a person. Here are some tips in setting your mind on being an overcomer.

Where Is Your Mind Set? (Rom. 8:6-8) Quote:Let the mind of the master be the master of your mind. Illustration:Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: To choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way. Viktor Frankl, concentration camp survivor. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:6-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Have A Clean Conscience

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

The trouble with the advice, "Follow your conscience" is that most people follow it like someone following a wheelbarrow--they direct it wherever they want it to go, and then follow behind.

Conscience - A moral sense of right and wrong that affects one’s behavior. Illustration:Conscience tells us that we ought to do right, but it does not tell us what right is--that we are taught by God’s word. H.C. Trumbull. Illustration: Throughout his administration, Abraham Lincoln was a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Problems Of Counterfeit Goodness

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Many people practice counterfeiting without actually realizing what they are doing. A counterfeiter tries to make an imitation of something genuine to deceive, defraud or pretend something to be what it is not in reality. Ananias’s lie to the Holy Spirit

1. Many people practice counterfeiting without actually realizing what they are doing. A counterfeiter tries to make an imitation of something genuine to deceive, defraud or pretend something to be what it is not in reality. Ananias’s lie to the Holy Spirit was probably the crowning act of a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Consequences For Spiritual Hypocrisy

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Why do some people think that they can benefit from pretending to be something that they are not? Dishonesty is a serious sin against God. Ananias and Sapphira offered to sell their property and give the proceeds to the church, but they lied about giving

1. Why do some people think that they can benefit from pretending to be something that they are not? Dishonesty is a serious sin against God. Ananias and Sapphira offered to sell their property and give the proceeds to the church, but they lied about giving all the money to God while keeping ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discerning Good And Evil

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Dec 13, 2001

Seven questions that new Christians can ask themselves in helping to discern good and evil.

As Christians, we are zealous to serve the Lord that paid for our Salvation with His very life. We want to please Him in all that we do. However, if we are new in the Faith, we realize that our knowledge of the Christian walk is lacking. In our day-to-day life, determining what is right and what ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 5:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Now Act Like It! Series

Contributed by Guy Caley on Dec 15, 2001

Having spelled out the benefits of salvation, Peter calls on the Church to act like the special people they are.

Now Act like It! Text: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 Introduction The Owner’s Manual of my car gives special instructions for the type of fuel & oil and how to operate my vehicle Now I can operate my car without following the guidelines in the owners manual but I do so at my own peril. The Bible is the ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Beyond The Fear Of Infection Series

Contributed by Paul Kallan on Feb 15, 2003

The courage of solidarity leads us to stand above the fear of infection and touch the other in his suffering and to lift him out of exclusion, loss of relationship and death. Then we become witnesses to the power of God in the world.

The gospel passage Mark 1.40-45 shows how God relates himself to the human infirmities of body and mind. The story shows the possibility of human suffering under physical and mental infirmities. The story brings us clarity through the two opposing behaviours. God tries to bring healing into such a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

Denomination: Catholic