Sermons on Ideas And Reality:

Manipulation By Guilt Vs. Straightforward Requests Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 26, 2016

Manipulation is a dishonest method to control others, get our way, or make others think an idea was theirs; it stands in contrast to making honest straightforward requests. Manipulation by guilt is perhaps the most common form of manipulation.

Manipulation by Guilt Vs. Straightforward Requests (topical) 1. A lot of persuasion — even in church — can be based upon emotion and a lack of logic. “Pastor Smith was winding up his sermon about the dangers of alcohol and the need for temperance. He shouted, 'If I had all the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Unquenchable Series

Contributed by David Ward on Jun 22, 2016

Big Idea: God don't want no worthless worship, so let's make our worship worth His while. Points: Worship is worthless to God when it isn't reverent, repentant, or real.

INTRODUCTION: Comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who died in 2004 at the age of 82, made a living making fun of himself and the difficulty of getting what we all desire: a little respect, please. Some of his best lines: • "I tell ya I get no respect from anyone. I bought a cemetery plot. The guy ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Refining Looks Like

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Aug 2, 2018

Many people are entering into wilderness seasons in their lives. Most have no idea what is happening as the Spirit of God gently leads them into the wilderness, just as He led the Israelites through Moses thousands of years ago.

Because we know so many are entering times of refining, we need to really understand what refining is, what it does and what it may look like. That way we will recognize it when it shows up, and work WITH God and not against Him in the process. If you work against Him, you will only be in the ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

From The Upper Room To The Streets Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Oct 11, 2011

In this brief study we will take a walk through the book of Acts highlighting some of the more significant verses and ideas presented by Luke. I have drawn some material from "Act Normal" by Scott Wilson.

Act Pt2- From the Upper Room to the Streets Homework/Last Weeks Challenge Worked on verse from Joel? Someone recite? Homework last week- read Act 1-4, record one thought. Review/Recap Continue our study of Acts- The Acts of the Apostles. That name is significant- demonstrates both the- work of the ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

Possessor Of Life Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Oct 18, 2011

In this brief study we will take a walk through the book of Acts highlighting some of the more significant verses and ideas presented by Luke. I have drawn some material from "Act Normal" by Scott Wilson.

Acts Pt3- Possessor of Life Last weeks Challenge -continue- read Acts- turn a verse into a prayer for yourself/church- share verse prayed. Review/Recap Looked at- miracle of Pentecost/birth of- early church. The church had a strong sense of fellowship/unity. The HS unifies people around the ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

Devotion And Service Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Jan 6, 2012

In this brief study we will take a walk through the book of Acts highlighting some of the more significant verses and ideas presented by Luke. I have drawn some material from "Act Normal" by Scott Wilson.

Acts Pt4- Devotion and Service Opening Comments P Tony, K Malone, P Mario- challenged us- offerings. Review/Recap Gospel of Luke, Acts- both written by Luke- Luke- living picture of Christ as seen in history Acts- picture of work of HS- Jerusalem/nations. Acts- beginning of the life/mission of the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-10

Denomination: Charismatic

Receive The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Jan 6, 2012

In this brief study we will take a walk through the book of Acts highlighting some of the more significant verses and ideas presented by Luke.. I have drawn some material from "Act Normal" by Scott Wilson.

Acts Part 6- Receive the Holy Spirit Review/Recap Continue our series on the book of Acts. Scott Wilson wrote a book called- Act Normal. To paraphrase Scott Wilson- We will stand out in the world as we fit into God’s pattern for the normal Christian life. Stories of- lives of men/women we see in ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

Devotion And Service Part 2 Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Jan 6, 2012

In this brief study we will take a walk through the book of Acts highlighting some of the more significant verses and ideas presented by Luke. I have drawn some material from "Act Normal" by Scott Wilson.

Acts Pt5- Devotion and Service 2 Review/Recap When- angel freed the Apostles- he instructed them to- Act 5.20 God is the source of life, Jesus is life itself- (Rom 6.23) Jn 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-10

Denomination: Charismatic

The Simplicity Of The Gospel

Contributed by David Scudder on Apr 25, 2011

If we are not careful, we can be so tangled up in a long string of religious ideas and rules that we wind up confused and discouraged. Many things about Christianity and the Bible are very complicated, the Gospel is not complicated.

Purpose: To explain the meaning of the Gospel. Aim: I want the listener to commit (or re-commit) his life to spreading the Gospel and rejoicing in the resurrected Christ. INTRODUCTION: Life can get very complicated. An illustration of this is a traffic sign at an intersection of two superhighways ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Psalm 8 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 28, 2018

Jesus told the chief priests and scribes that it would be a good idea if they would read the scripture so that they would understand why the children were praising Him with shouts of ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’ (Matthew 21:19).

Thursday, February 10, 2014 Tom Lowe Psalm 8—Repair of man comes through man. Title: To the chief Musician upon Gittith. A psalm of David. Theme: A messianic psalm emphasizing the humanity of Christ and His ultimate victory as man. 1 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

A Good Listener

Contributed by Sunitha Justin on Sep 27, 2022

We live in a world where we have more ‘speak-ers’ than ‘listen-ers’. Everyone wants to be heard. Give opinions. Suggest an idea. Give counsel. Make recommendations. But no one wants to listen.

We live in a world where we have more ‘speak-ers’ than ‘listen-ers’. Everyone wants to be heard. Give opinions. Suggest an idea. Give counsel. Make recommendations. But no one wants to listen. How many times you’ve desperately wanted to blurt your heart out to someone, but there was no willing ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:12, John 9:31

Denomination: Charismatic

Kingdom Keys - Amos Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Aug 14, 2023

Justice is based on the idea that every human has been created by God, carries the image of God and is special to Him. Therefore the true worship of God should always lead to justice, righteousness and loving our neighbor.

So maybe you’ve heard it said, ‘read your bible’ so you tried and failed. Our hope as leaders is that all of us will pick up God’s word and come to understand the true nature of God. After all, the bible is God’s Word curated over centuries detailing His nature, His will, the meaning of life and ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:21-24, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 25:40-41, Micah 6:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In Health As Your Soul Prospers

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 6, 2020

"Soul Prospering" is the key to health and all other forms of prospering.This truth upholds the idea that it's God's will for all to be healed and it explains why many are not healed.

IN HEALTH AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS 3 Jn. 2 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: OUTBOASTING TEXAS 1. A Texan was visiting Niagara Falls. The New York tour guide said, “I know you have a lot of big things in Texas, but I bet you haven’t got anything like that in Texas!” pointing to the Falls. 2. The Texan ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2, Matthew 8:17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Does It Mean That Jesus "takes Away The Sin Of The World"?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 18, 2020

A look into the idea from the Day of Atonement of the "scapegoat." Jesus doesn't just forgive our sin - He removes our sin, like a goat being taken away into the desert.

JOHN'S PROCLAMATION: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. - John 1:29. - This is an Easter truth that we love to proclaim – and rightfully so! - Jesus takes away the sin of the world. - Tell a story that emphasizes only the forgiveness part, not the removal part. - But what if we don’t ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29

Denomination: Baptist

I Want An Apple... I Don't Want A Seed!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on May 6, 2020

Take heed to finish the work before you. Often we pray God give me the finished product... God has a better idea. Invest your blood, sweat and tears and God gives the increase.

I WANT AN APPLE… I DON’T WANT A SEED… By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I LOVE TO PRAY. I lay my petitions down before the throne of God. I see many living far below our potential and privilege. 39 ½ years in the full time ministry has taught me many things. So I pray the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:19, Philemon 1:2, Jeremiah 12:5, Colossians 4:17

Denomination: Assembly Of God