Sermons on J D Vance:

What Jesus Wanted Us To Remember

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

When Jesus said "remember me" what did he have in mind?

20000420p Matthew 26.17-30 - What Jesus Wanted Us to Remember • Remembering and forgetting is a fine art. An experienced husband is one who remembers his wife’s birthday but forgets which one it is. Things we want/need to forget; remember. • We’re all in danger of “forgetting” even the things we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Personal Morality Isn't

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

This sermon builds a case against the myth of "personal" morality, showing our moral responsibility.

20000813a - Why Personal Morality Isn’t (Ephesians 4.17-5.2) “Private Lives” matter because of the biblical measures of morality. Isuzu commercial: "The world has boundaries. Ignore them." * Outback Steakhouse: "No rules. Just right." * NFL video game: "No refs, no rules, no mercy." * Comedy ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What To Pray For Your Leaders

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A call for church members to commit themselves to pray for the joy of their leaders.

Pray for the Joy of Your Leaders 20000910a - Based on Galatians 6.9 SCORRE • Every one of us can uplift our teachers and leaders by praying for the joys of teaching to be theirs… (what joys?…) Opening Weariness is the problem. (text) We become weary in well-doing… • fruit takes a while • lack ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Burning Bush: Attentive Hearts

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A sermon based on the Burning Bush story which looks at what it means to have hearts that are attentive to God.

20000326a - Exodus 3.1,f. The Burning Bush Attentive Hearts Story of a native American in NYC hearing cricket; crowd hearing coins drop. The point is not just listening; it’s WHAT! / TRUTH! Turn Aside [3.1-3] Moses’ first step was a detour. It was a decision to pay at-tention. (We get so ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Small Stuff Or Big Deal? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jul 5, 2007

This is about the problem of spiritual indifference, and God’s promise, "return to me and I will return to you."

Main Idea: The problem with spiritual indifference. God’s Promise: Return to me, and I’ll return to you. HOOK A quote from David Hansen (The Power of Loving Your Church) about being ’at war’ with God sometimes but at least not ambivalent. (The strong wording of the quote gets one’s attention ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Is Justice Blindfolded? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

God’s passion for justice and mercy was a big part of our evangelical heritage, and ought to be part of the way we live our faith as well.

Is Justice Blindfolded? - Amos Intro Amazing Grace movie looks great to us – but Wilberforce at the time… People with burdens sometimes seems to BE burdens! You People ever bother you about what you ought to do? Some things you would honestly rather not think about? Imported problems? You’re ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Judgment Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

How is seeing God as judge good and life-giving, and what does it mean for us to "rend our hearts"?

20070506a – Joel – The Truth About Judgment Opener Humorous story of piled-up disappointments (good news/bad news, etc) You Been mowed down ever? Disappointments piled up? Where’s abundance? How do you feel with that kind of storm hits? God Joel’s people wave after wave of ‘locust ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blind Spots Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We’ve all got blind spots - how can God help us to overcome them?

WE (intro) Professor poll: How may were… valedictorian, salutatorian, class president, yearbook editor, multiple-letter athletes, youth group leaders…bigger sea. 2 percent below average in leadership ability / YOU Ever realized something about yourself that you seemed to be the last to know? How ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What In The World Is God Doing? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

How do we get on board when we don’t understand what God is doing (compares Jonah with Pentecost)?

20070527 – What in the world is God doing? (Jonah/Acts 2) INTRO– How many of you like surprises? Think, now… Jonah is full of surprises – or God is… • Tomorrow morning you’re going! • Nineveh • The fish is a surprise – oh no you don’t • And Nineveh holds still more surprises – Jonah is sick of ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Power Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We all crave power, admit it or not; so how can we make sure we don’t abuse it?

The Truth About Power – Micah (6.8 key vs) Main Idea: We’re to use power, not usurp it. Like Jesus, our Glorious One! INTRO What’s the truth about power? We all have trouble with power, even when we feel powerless. Motorcycle stuck in sand illustration… freedom, grounded. You [Need] We all ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Just Tenting Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

Also drawing from 2Cor5.1-5, this Fathers Day sermon challenges us to let others see that we regard this life as "tenting."

HOOK Story of an influential teacher... and the legacy that we all might leave. Post-exile emerging generation… What kind of legacy would they leave? Question for every generation. YOU The desire to leave an impact on kids, have them turn out, etc... Identify with the desire to see kids thrive ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Compelling Compassion

Contributed by Doug Vance on Sep 11, 2006

It’s easy to ignore the needs of others and excuse ourselves. This sermon challenges us to stop and make time for the people God puts in our lives

Compelling Compassion Text: Luke 10:25-37 Theme: God’s compassion compels him to act on our behalf Doctrine: Attributes of God: Compassion Need: God gives us compassion to meet the crisis Image: Forrest Gump on the first day of school Mission: Have compassion for those who are in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Grace...an Idol? Series

Contributed by Dave Vance on Jan 20, 2019

What is idolatry and how does grace become an idol?

There are times in our lives where God calls us into the tension of life…to go deeper in wrestling with who He is and what He has done for us…These moments can be wonderful moments, but not easy moments. A professor of mine called it “Blessed Despair” (Discovery yet limited). When you get in the ...read more

Messy Grace Series

Contributed by Dave Vance on Jan 20, 2019

When Grace Meets Our Mess

What makes grace unmerited, undeserved, and unearned? Though sin and grace have separate chapters in most systematic theology texts, I’m convinced they are so closely related that we can’t understand one without the other. And because the word sin has fallen out of favor (Sin Is Out of Style), it ...read more

Immature Grace Series

Contributed by Dave Vance on Jan 20, 2019

How does grace help you grow?

One of the gifts of God is this progression of life…We all know that there is this progression of life…there is an expectation that when young you are going to grow up… Baby in the womb…infant wanting to walk…child wanting to be a teenager, a teenager wanting to be an adult… Do you remember…Did ...read more