Sermons on Ideal:

Religious Liberty Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 27, 2011

Without religious liberty, there can be no true worship of God.

“Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” “You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Religious liberty is not simply an ecclesiastical truth debated ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Real Reconciliation Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 12, 2011

If we want real reconciliation and healing in our broken relationships, then we must confess our own sins to one another; we must forgive those who sinned against us; but none of that is possible until we truly believe that God is in control.

Stewart Ruch, a pastor in Wheaton, Illinois, talks about the “huge gap” between the ideal and the real in our everyday lives, using a family outing as an example. You see, every fall his family likes to go apple picking. Now, for the Ruch family, the ideal day for apple picking is ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Biblical Response To Homosexuality, Pt 1 Series

Contributed by Keith Edwards on Aug 9, 2012

This two-part message offers a biblical response to the issue of homosexuality. It speaks the truth in the context of grace and love.

A Biblical Response to Homosexuality Centerpointe Church (2 Timothy 3:1–8 NLT-SE) “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 18:22-29

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Telling Your Story Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 17, 2016

God wants to use your story to give someone else’s story a happy ending.

Telling Your Story Text: Acts 26:1ff Introduction 1. Illustration: In his book, Just Walk Across The Room, Bill Hybels says, "Our affinity for stories begins at an early age, as little kids begging weary parents, "read it again, read it again.!" As we become mature, contributing members of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-32

Denomination: Methodist

Saved From Ourselves

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Dec 8, 2016

Because we have a punkish side Jesus came to save us from us.

Saved From Ourselves Text: Matt. 1:18-25 Introduction 1. “I tried to blame my behavior on the holiday traffic. The Thanksgiving weekend had turned the streets near the shopping mall into controlled chaos. I tried to blame my misdeeds on my state of mind. I was driving to my in-laws’ house, ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Daring To Imagine More Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Oct 11, 2018

Daring to Imagine More Series: Daring Faith Brad Bailey – October 6, 2018

Daring to Imagine More Series: Daring Faith Brad Bailey – October 6, 2018 Intro Today we are continuing in our Fall venture “Daring Faith.” There are lots of ways we have described the nature of faith. In the largest of ways…I have said that: Faith is how the we as finite beings enter into the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wisdom In Relating To Beauty Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 7, 2018

Wisdom in Relating to Beauty Series: Wisdom for Life (Proverbs) Brad Bailey – August 5, 2018

Wisdom in Relating to Beauty Series: Wisdom for Life (Proverbs) Brad Bailey – August 5, 2018 Intro We are continuing in our series entitled “Wisdom for Life.” Many describe our current culture as awash in knowledge but lost for wisdom. That is… we have access now to an overload of information… but ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 5:15-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Home Provided For Man Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 25, 2018

God prepared the earth for the man. The garden where He placed the man was designed to be his home, and it was apparently lush and perfect. This original habitat was a delightful shelter, containing everything the man needed.

June 28, 2013 Commentary on the Book of Genesis By: Tom Lowe Lesson I.B.1: A Home Provided for Man. Scripture: Gen. 2.8-14 Gen. 2.8-14. (KJV) 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

This Is Love

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Apr 23, 2019

This is Love Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019) – Brad Bailey

This is Love Easter Sunday (April 21, 2019) – Brad Bailey [In the following message given at Easter, the following resurrection narrative was read earlier in the service: John 20:1, 16-22 (NIV).] Intro: As we come to engage what today is all about, it will be helpful to personally consider: How ...read more

Scripture: John 3:11, John 3:13-16, John 20:16-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Great Expectations: Much Given – Much Required

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 15, 2014

The life of total commitment that God requires of us is only possible through a close relationship with Him. Our text gives us four main keys to help us develop a close relationship with Yahweh and to live a life that is totally devoted to Him.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Much Given – Much Required Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Introduction: Have you ever wondered what God wants from you? Most of us probably have given at least some thought to that question. Micah 6:8 asks the same question, “What does the LORD require of you?” His ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Martha, Martha, You're Not So Bad

Contributed by Clay Gentry on Aug 2, 2013

Often overshadowed by her sister Mary, Martha is often marginalized as an undesirable example of for disciples. However, when examined through the lens of scripture and not popular Christian books, Martha shines through as an example for all godly women.

When I survey the women of the New Testament, I find some remarkable women of faith, Mary the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) is the first to come to mind. But, there are others, such as Joanna, Susanna and Mary Magalene (Luke 8:1-3). Later on, I read about Priscilla who, along with her husband, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-44, John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:6-12, Mark 14:3-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: *other

The Cause And Cure Of Divorce

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

Where lust is in power divorce will rise. Where lust is controlled by love divorce will subside. There is a direct connection between lust control and divorce.

Jo Fleming in her book His Affair reveals that almost every sinful emotion and action known to man is kindled by lust that is not controlled. Her husband of 26 years went to the apartment of a woman he worked with to return some books. This was an action he could have avoided, but he chose not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32

Sensitive To The Spirit Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 23, 2021

If we can be sensitive to the Spirit, and see how our job is a mission and a service for Christ, we could do it with greater joy and love.

George Burns said, "There will always be a battle between the sexes because men and women want different things. Men want women and women want men." This is, of course, what God intended, but like all good things that are carried to excess this too becomes an area of life where the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-26

The Covenant Remains!

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Sep 15, 2023

Ever notice how when a man and a woman want to get married, they go to God and have a church wedding? But when they want a divorce, they go to man? They go to church to say, "I do", but they go to court to say, "I quit!" Does God accept that?

Ever notice how when a man and a woman want to get married, they go to God and have a church wedding? But when they want a divorce, they go to man? They go to church to say, "I do", but they go to court to say, "I quit!". They go to a judge, who is a man or a woman, whatever the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:6, Matthew 19:1-10, 1 Corinthians 7:12-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Week Four The Church Series

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 28, 2023

A SHORT COURSE IN ECCLESIOLOGY

THE CHURCH OR A SHORT COURSE IN ECCLESIOLOGY I. INTRODUCTION This lesson addresses the importance and history of the church. Doctrines are often misunderstood or abused, and the doctrine of the church is no exception. Differences in understanding church membership and its importance can be ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33, Matthew 16:15-18

Denomination: Baptist