Sermons on Intentional Practice:

Church Growth Principles #2 "It's A Seed Problem" Series

Contributed by Ryan Peters on Mar 18, 2009

So many churches out there today desire to change the world, the only problem is that they do not desire to change themselves first. In order to change the fruit of the ministry you must first check your roots!

• Focusing on Church growth what would you say that it is instituted or measured? o In Numbers? o In Evangelism? o In Money? o In a beautiful facility? o In a parking lot filled with new and expensive cars? o In the church with a plethora of ministries? • Too often churches and people when focusing ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:14-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

Church Relationships

Contributed by Richard Cook on Aug 25, 2009

This sermon teaches us how to act and interact with people within the church.

Imagine that we are putting together a 1,000 piece puzzle. In turn we each put pieces into place; slowly the beauty of the picture begins to take shape. As we continue putting the puzzle together we talk about what it would be like to be a part of the scene before us. As the final pieces are being ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:6-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Biggest Problem Every Church Faces

Contributed by Bradley Kellum on Sep 3, 2009

What’s your church’s biggest problem? Can you name it? Paul names it in Philippians 2:19-23

It was an eye opening experience. I was in the 9th grade in high school and I was playing on the Men’s Varsity Soccer Team. My best friend in my 9th grade class was a guy named Matt. Matt had an older brother named Nathan who was in the 11th grade. Before their seasons starts, every sports ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Striving To Be A Church Of Christ

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 8, 2009

Principles to insure that we are indeed a church that belongs to Jesus.

Introduction: A. I love the old story told of the man who was shipwrecked on a beautiful, deserted South Pacific island. 1. Years later, he was discovered by a passing a navy ship. 2. Upon their arrival at the shore they were met by the shipwreck survivor. He said, “I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Catering To The Rich And Influencial Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 16, 2009

Problem of catering to rich and showing respect of persons is addressed.

Catering to the Rich & Influential James 2:1-13 6-1-08 Intro Have you ever been in a church that catered to the rich? There was a mega church back west where a pastor was leading a corporate prayer meeting. His prayer went something like this, “Lord, send us successful people. Send us the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Charismatic

Living For Christ

Contributed by Michael Bolin on May 16, 2009

a church in a rut

In our scriptures this morning, Paul is really ripping them up one side and down the other or so it seems. He wants to know why they fill pressed to air their dirty laundry out in front of everyone, especially the nonbelievers. He brings to our minds this morning the impact that we have as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-20

Denomination: United Methodist

The Praying Church

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jun 19, 2009

Jesus called the temple a "House of Prayer". Is the church a house of prayer today? Do we believe prayer is still powerful? Nothing is more powerful than a church that prays together.

“A Praying Church” Acts 4:23-31 May 17, 2009 Today I would like to share with you about what is probably the most important activity of each Christian and the church as whole, prayer. I know for a fact that some Christians only pray at meal times and it’s often a repetitive, shallow one. Maybe ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

The Characteristics Of A Spiritual Church

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jun 25, 2009

A Wednesday evening devotion which teaches us from the 1st Century church in Jerusalem, we can discern some of what it means to be a Spiritual Congregation.

The Characteristics of a Spiritual Church Acts 5:12-16 * One of the most sobering passages in all of New Testament scripture (at least for me) is found in Acts 5:1-11. To remind you, this is the story of Ananias and Sapphira. When they lied about their gifts to the church, they were struck down ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:11-17

Denomination: Baptist

Communion With Christ

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Apr 12, 2009

Lord’s Supper message

1 Corinthians 10:16 Communion With Christ Ogden Baptist Church April 12, 2009 Introduction In 1 Corinthians 10:16, Paul wrote, Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

Poured Out Series

Contributed by David Rumley on Apr 16, 2009

Do we train ourselves and fill ourselves in life so that we are ready to be poured out? Or are we always looking to be poured into? We must come to church to learn how to "be the church" not just attend a building somewhere.

Poured Out … ready to be poured out Coming to church ready to be the church Colossians 3: 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Cup Of Cold Water

Contributed by Susan Babb, Osl on Apr 17, 2009

Sharing the love of God in a simple, practical way.

A Cup of Cold Water Matthew 10: 40-42 I. Intro Story A. Jared and Dad playing catch when Jared asked, “Dad, is there a God?” B. Joe (Dad) – same hopeless feeling he experienced before 1. on high school baseball team, lost sight of fly ball in blazing sun 2. didn’t know ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Methodist

Ilife, Part 2

Contributed by Dino Rizzo on May 5, 2009

In this sermon, Dino Rizzo explains and projects his vision for the ministries of Healing Place Church, showing how God’s will for the church has played itself out in their church’s history.

I’m excited about this series. I’ve been looking forward to this Sunday because we’re going to do something we have never done before. We’re gonna to look back and we’re going to give you a gift that I think is gonna bless you. But we’re going to enter into a series called iLife. And we’re gonna ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Can Our Church Survive And Thrive?

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 17, 2011

1. By spreading the good news about Jesus (vs. 36-41). 2. By studying God’s Word (vs. 42). 3. By seeking more reverence for God (vs. 43). 4. By sticking together (vs. 44-46). 5. By sharing what God has given to us (vs. 42-47).

How Can Our Church Survive and Thrive? Acts 2:36-47 Sermon by Rick Crandall Adapted from message preached at McClendon Baptist Church - Sept. 5, 2010 BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION: *Over the last few years, at least four Southern Baptist Churches around here have shut their doors forever. Five to ten ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:36-47

Denomination: Baptist

Life Is More Than Blank

Contributed by Ricky Maye on Dec 19, 2010

The Disciples would tend to focus on things that did not have much to do with why Jesus "sent" them out. How can we relate to this today, are we going off track? What is the focus of the church supposed to be?

In the book of John Jesus says this phrase, “I have come that you may have life, and more abundantly.” The word abundant in Greek is “per-ee” and accurately translates to exceed, the mind goes to wander and ask, “to exceed what about life?” money? Happiness? No, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Church’s Context Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 23, 2010

When times are tough, pray in faith, because you are fogiven. Persevere with hope, because God is faithful. And provoke one another to love, because Jesus is coming. These core values of faith, hope, and love will keep the church on track.

Not too long ago, a real estate listing in Dallas had the simple headline: “Converted Church.” In other words, what had once been a church facility is now somebody’s house. The listing under the heading had this description: “The altar has been adapted for use as a granite and stainless steel ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free