Sermons on Increased Costs:

The Day I Got The Call

Contributed by Brien Sims on Jul 3, 2008

Your faith will be tested by this world, so learn how deep it runs. How far will will you follow Jesus? What kind of follower are you?

The phone rings. I answer it only to hear something I never thought I would. Shock overtook my senses before I could even say a word. All I could say was, “What?” I will never forget that one day when the last straw fell and all the strength I had dissolved instantly into complete nothingness ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Blessed Life - Pt. 3 - The Sacrificed Life Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Feb 25, 2011

Fortune cookies, horseshoes, 4 leaf clovers, rabbit's foot . . . Luck. Athletes would often rather be lucky than good.However, living a blessed life is even better than trying to live lucky.

The Blessed Life Part 3 – The Sacrificed Life I. Introduction I have seen some things happen that could only be attributed to luck. Things like a hole in one, a half court shot at the buzzer, Julie getting me as a husband. Just joking that wasn’t luck that was divine providence! LOL. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:19-46

Denomination: Pentecostal

Rooted In A Sacrificial Life Series

Contributed by Greg Vesely on Mar 31, 2009

When we are Being rewarded for our obedience it is easer for us to be obedient, but suffer for our obedience we are usually not willing to do that.

Thesis: Rooted in a sacrificial life Title: It’s all about Cost! Intro: Let’s read out of Colossians chapter 1 verse 24-29 Vs. 24: Paul say’s he is rejoicing in his suffering. I don’t know about you, but suffering doesn’t sound fun. When I hear the word suffering, I think of being stuck in a car ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

Innocent Blood

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jun 16, 2014

Jesus died when He wasn't guilty - for us when we were guilty. The price of freedom, both civil and spiritual, is innocent blood

Innocent Blood Mark 15:15-41 • As we have worked our way through the gospel of Mark, we have learned many things. It has been more than a little interesting how we have “stumbled” on to the perfect text for the perfect day. It is no accident that we are where we are today! ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:15-41

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Just A Fan Or A Follower?

Contributed by George Durham on Jul 8, 2014

Are you just a fan of Jesus, as a good teacher? Or are you a committed disciple of Christ.

Are you Just a Fan or a Follower? Matt.4:18-22 Most common answer when I ask people, “How do you know you are a Christian? “Because I believe in Jesus!” • Hindu’s believe in Jesus + 330 million other gods! • Muslims believe Jesus was a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Denomination: United Methodist

Are You Nailed To The Cross? Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Aug 18, 2014

God calls us to surrender four central things in our life because of who He is. We must be willing to give up our self, our security, our success, and our status in order to fully submit and follow Him. So, which are you willing to commit to Him?

Are you nailed to the cross? Mark 8:34-8:38 - Our lives ought to be a living worship of Jesus Christ’s example -- Honestly, I am more and more convinced that we (all) are just not there yet - Jesus warned that not all that called upon Him will enter into the Kingdom -- If you are ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Price Of Faith Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 20, 2014

There is a price to be paid for the gift of faith, at least inconvenience.

Thursday of Easter Week 2014 Lumen Fidei Today from the Acts of the Apostles we hear a snippet of the earliest kerygma of the apostles. It’s pretty stout. Peter is preaching to people who have just seen him heal–by the power of Jesus the Messiah–a man who could not walk. And ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:11-26

Denomination: Catholic

Fan, Follower Or Disciple?

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 23, 2012

What are you? Fan, Follower or Disciple! The cost of being a disciple is very high so are the stakes. If you are so, then for starters are you being Christ’s hands, feet, ears and hands? Are you …?

Opening illustration: Watch a video clip on Follower or Disciple. Introduction: In Luke 9: 23 it says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” I think many of you will usher this word, because you are ready to move to a different level of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The Potter's Hands

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on Jul 27, 2013

Being in God's hands is, or course, a place of comfort and safety, but it's also a place in which we find ourselves to be acountable for our faithfulness. Also, since God's Hands are the Potter's Hands, being in His hands is a place of utter surrender.

Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand... He's got little bitty baby in his hands; he's got you and me, brother, in his hands; He's got the whole world in His hands... Why should I feel discouraged; why should the shadows come; His eye is on the sparrow and I know He cares for ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Hate Your Own Father And Mother Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 28, 2015

Being a disciple of Jesus is a matter of a takeover, not a makeover

Over the last decade or so, makeover TV shows have become one of the most popular genres of programs. Among the most popular and influential of these programs are: • Extreme Makeover – began airing in 2002. Individuals volunteered to receive an extensive makeover involving plastic ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:26

Denomination: Baptist

Take Up Your Cross Daily Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Aug 28, 2015

Being a disciple of Jesus is a matter of giving up that which is of little value in order to gain that which is of great value

In the movie, “A Knight’s Tale”, the main character, a commoner named William Thatcher, travels to Paris to a cathedral to attempt to prove his love for a noblewoman named Jocelyn. But Jocelyn turns the tables on him by asking William to do something to prove his love for her that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23

Denomination: Baptist

Man’s Way Or God’s Way

Contributed by Chris Beam on Apr 26, 2015

Jesus challenges his disciples, the crowd and us to surrender ourselves to what God has planned for us, rather than holding on to worldly things for our own comfort.

Series: The Book of Mark Man’s Way or God’s Way Text: Mark 8:31-9:1 What does it mean to be a Christian? Some people think that just because members of their family are Christians, then that automatically makes them Christians. Others think that just because they were baptized then ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Unavoidable Consequences When Following Christ Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jun 26, 2015

S WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES IN THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS, WE APPROACH THE END OF CHAPTER 1, AND IT IS HERE, THAT PAUL REVEALS TO US THAT THERE IS AN INEVITABLE PROCESS FOR FOLLOWING CHRIST. THOSE WHO SEEK TO SERVE THE LORD WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART CANNOT AVOID

THE UNAVOIDABLE CONSEQUENCES WHEN FOLLOWING CHRIST PHILIPPIANS 1:28-30 IN NO WAY ALARMED BY YOUR OPPONENTS—WHICH IS A SIGN OF DESTRUCTION FOR THEM, BUT OF SALVATION FOR YOU, AND THAT TOO, FROM GOD. 29 FOR TO YOU IT HAS BEEN GRANTED FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE IN HIM, BUT ALSO TO ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Taking A Stand Series

Contributed by E. True Neilson on Jan 29, 2015

Though God is never mentioned in this book, his fingerprints are all over the story of the heroic Esther and Mordecai. Study along as we discuss the ins and outs of living for God in a godless culture.

ESTHER: LIVING FOR GOD IN A GODLESS CULTURE Taking a Stand: Esther 2:19-3:15 Preached tag team style with Layperson Todd INTRODUCTION ERIK -Sunday morning Superman… -What did he stand for? -“Truth, justice and the American way.” -What do we stand for? Review: • Xerxes has ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

If You Would Be Perfect

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 31, 2015

Stewardship begins with stewardship of life--receiving the life that Jesus offers. All that we consider "stewardship" flows from this first great decision.

“Behold, a man came up to him, saying, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Baptist