Sermons on J Jeffrey Smead:

What Is God Like? The Prodigal

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Mar 23, 2004

The Parable of the Prodigal is not really about the younger son; Jesus told it to illustrate what God is like, not what sinners are like.

Fourth Sunday in Lent — March 21, 2004 Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 What Is God Like? The Prodigal R________ (Rejected) R________ (Running) R________ (Restoring) W ________ (Waiting) prod·i·gal adj 1. recklessly extravagant, spendthrift 2. giving ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:1-3

Denomination: Lutheran

Help For The Overwhelmed

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Apr 2, 2004

A collection of helps and scripture for those who are overwhelmed with life’s troubles.

*We have all been at a point in our life where there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Life is just too tough, and it just seems to be getting worse. Everything you have worked for is gone; there is no way out. It may also be from hearing bad news, being covered up with the work, overrun ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, Psalm 57:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Life's New Ambitions

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Apr 5, 2004

Paul shows us godly ambition, which is focused on Christ

Fifth Sunday in Lent — March 28, 2004 Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson Philippians 3:8-14 Your Life’s New Ambitions I. Know Christ II. Pursue the Prize III. Keep Your Eyes on the Finish Line Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:8-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Where's Your Faith On Friday?

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Apr 5, 2004

A Palm Sunday sermon that explores the difference between people’s words and actions on Sunday with their words and actions on Friday.

April 4, 2004 — Palm Sunday Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson John 12:12-19 Where’s Your Faith on Friday? Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from our glorious King and Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. The Word of God for our meditation this Palm Sunday is ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Denomination: Lutheran

Will You "Mary" Jesus?

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Aug 4, 2004

The Story of Mary & Martha with Jesus is used to challenge Christians regarding their choices and God’s Word.

August 1, 2004 — Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson Luke 10:38-42 Will You “Mary” Jesus? I. Choose Love II. Sit Down Already and Listen III. ‘Til Death Do You Join Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Lutheran

Witnessing

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

. How many of us are actively going out and spreading the word? How many have you added to the kingdom this week, month, year, decade, ever? Jesus seems to be absolutely correct about us when he made the statement in Matt 9:37 that "The harvest i

*Witnessing = The spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the goal of converting the listener. *When witnessing, there are usually 3 different ways that occurs: you actively pursue the unsaved, they seek you, or they see how you live. I. We are to pursue the unsaved: The Great ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 3:23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Spot, Wrinkle, Or Blemish

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

What would we do if we were to get serious? Read the bible, pray a lot, raise our hands, dance, witness, speak in tongues in public. What would we NOT do? Cuss, drink, smoke, lie, lust, glutton, bad attitude, selfish, mean spirited, boastful, quit w

I. Matthew 25:1-13 We think we have all the time in the world, like the ten virgins. We know that someday we will get serious, but not yet. Not today. Maybe tomorrow. Definitely if I get sick, or am on my deathbed. After all, Matthew 24:43 states that if we know when we are going to meet ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13, Galatians 5:27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trusting God

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

Jesus states in Matthew that even though you worked miracles, if you do not “know” God, you will be sent away on the day of judgement. If you know Him, you will know that trusting him is the best thing for you to do, and it won’t be hard to do

Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” He only knows those who trust in him. Knowing him is quite important: see below. Matthew 7:21,22,23 (21)“Not everyone that says ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:7, Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discouragement

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

Sometimes Christians become discouraged, or lose heart, because of any number of reasons. If untreated, this can cause you to just give up and fade back into where you came from: the world.

. Sometimes Christians become discourages, or lose heart, because of any number of reasons. Some of these are listed below. If untreated, they can cause you to just give up and fade back into where you came from: the world. II. Reasons for being discouraged: A. REASON #1: Bad things are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 4:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love Of God

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

They will know we are Christians by the way we love each other, the way we treat others. As 1 John 3:18 says, show love with actions, not mere words.

They will know we are Christians by our love.” I. Love for what? Others A. They will know we are Christians by the way we love each other, the way we treat others. As 1 John 3:18 says, show love with actions, not mere words. 1. Why love each other, treating each other with compassion and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:16, 1 John 3:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fear

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

What is fear? How can it affect you in your daily Christian life?

I. What is fear? There are 3 kinds A. Greek word Eulabeia - This means to show reverence and utmost respect, we often call this Godly fear B. Greek word Phobeo - This means to be seized with fear, struck, paralyze 1. Luke 1:30 An angel appears to Mary and quickly tells her not to be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:40, Matthew 26:69-75

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Judas Iscariot

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

Judas Iscariot was a miracle-working follower of Christ. Yet in the end, he turned out to be one of histories worst sinners. How can we, as beleivers, avoid the same fate?

2 Corinthians 13 :5 “Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith.” I. Who was Judas? A. His name was Judas Iscariot, his last name meaning “a man of Kerioth.” This is significant because all of the other Apostles were from Galilee, whereas he was not. Judas was the Apostle who carried ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-15, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Basics Of Faith

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Sep 15, 2003

How do I believe (have faith) for something? Here is a step-by-step approach.

I. How do I believe (or have faith ) for something? -First: Living a clean and sinless life.(For God does not hear sinners - John 9:31) -Second: Pray for ___________. (healing, to have a need met, etc.) -Third: Confess what you believe will happen as a result of your prayer *Mark 11:23 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:24, 2 Corinthians 5:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Truth About Sex/Temptation

Contributed by Jeffrey Poms on Dec 18, 2003

This is a powerful message to both the believer and unbeliever about the truths of what happens to those who fall into temptation

The truth about sex/temptation Introduction: Today I want to talk about the trap of sexual sin. We have lots to cover so let’s get into God’s Word. The Beginnings Gen. 1:26-8 God created us a specific way male and female. One compliments the other and one is made for the other emotionally, ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Adjust Your Vision: Seeing Black And White Where The World Wants Gray

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Sep 1, 2004

The world and our sinful flesh are happy when false teachers tell us God’s Word is unclear or can be ignored. God will have none of that - his Word is clear.

August 29, 2004 — 13th Sunday after Pentecost Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson Jeremiah 23:23-29 Adjust Your Vision: Seeing Black and White Where the World Wants Gray Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. The Word of God for ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:23-29

Denomination: Lutheran