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

Why Bad Things Happen To Good People Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Cox on Jan 13, 2004

So why do bad things happen to good people? They don’t; it’s as simple as that. Good things (eternal life) happen only to good people (born-again believers); and bad things (eternal punishment) only happen to bad people (sinners).

Do we have the right to complain? I. One of the main everyday sins we all commit is addressed in Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without grumbling and complaining.” A. This is based on the assumption that we deserve more than we are getting; that this bad thing shouldn’t be happening to us ...read more

Scripture: Job 10:17, Matthew 10:28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Membership Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 22, 2004

This outline was assembled from Scripture references in lessons 15 through 18 in Purpose Driven Life

INTRODUCTION: NEED: There is a very great need in our church and community life to reevaluate our expectations on membership in the family of God. America is no longer a predominantly spiritual society. Rather, our culture has become primarily secular in its thinking. Because of the secular ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22

Denomination: Baptist

Wake Up And See The Glory!

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Feb 24, 2004

We want to see what the disciples saw at the Transfiguration and say with them,"It is good to be here!"

February 22, 2004 — Transfiguration/Last Sunday after the Epiphany Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson Luke 9:28-36 Wake Up and See the Glory I. Christ’s True Nature II. A Taste of Heaven III. The Source of All You Need Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36

Denomination: Lutheran

A Place To Belong Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 25, 2004

The level of commitment you see in new members depends on how much time, prayer and intentional effort you put into their growth.

INTRODUCTION: NEED: To Develop a plan to turn attenders into members (for a similar perspective see Warren, Purpose Driven Church, Chapter 17) If our goal is to get people to come down that isle and tell us they will join this church, our plan can be rather simple. 1. Make them comfortable when ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Tie That Binds And The Lie That Blinds

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 25, 2004

This sermon was part of a series of sermons addressing the need to heal relationships in a local body.

INTRODUCTION: Luke 4:19, Matt 13:54-58, Mark 6:1-6 These are also the words of our Lord, preached in a synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth. I can imagine how full that synagogue must have been that day. Jesus was surrounded by His family, His childhood friends, and His new disciples. But, His ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:19, Matthew 13:54-58

Denomination: Baptist

Gideon On Commitment

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 25, 2004

God’s committed three hundred proved to be Brave, Selfless, and Alert.

INTRODUCTION: Humor: Adapted from Our Daily Bread, January 30, 1994. Borneo in 1964. The Elite Troops of Nepal were known as Gurkhas. In combat, they had earned a reputation as tenacious and fearless soldiers. They are probably most famous for the long forward sweeping knife that bears their ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Worship That Pleases God Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 25, 2004

The 4 main points of this sermon were taken from Warren’s Purpose Driven Life,Chapter 13.

INTRODUCTION: SCRIPTURE: John 4 “The Woman at the Well” TEXTUAL IDEA: Not all worship pleases God SERMON IDEA: Worship that pleases God is accurate, authentic, thoughtful, and practical. POINT 1: GOD IS PLEASED WHEN OUR WORSHIP IS ACCURATE REASONING: 1. Know your target - The God revealed ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Downward Spiral Of Sin

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 25, 2004

This sermon encourages people not to be desensitized to even the smallest deviant steps.

INTRODUCTION: It is rare that bad times fall on us without some indication they are approaching. The medical profession uses the term ‘acute’ to describe an illness that attacks suddenly and without apparent warning. Acute situations are rare, but because they come while we are not prepared the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 25, 2004

This sermon outlines Four Elements of Spiritual Growth.

INTRODUCTION: New Year’s Day resolutions - a waste of time and energy because they focus on the body and leave out the mind and spirit. 1. We gain knowledge but have no perspective 2. We are convicted but often lack the skills implement growth 3. We attempt change without developing our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

5 Keys To A Healthy Family

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 26, 2004

Ephesian 5 & 6 gives us 5 keys to ensuring our families stay healthy and productive.

INTRODUCTION: Attack on Marriage and Family - This is not a simple matter of rights and privileges. Insurance, parental controls, visitation rights, etc. The homosexual agenda has made startling ground in their attempt to dismantle the institution of marriage. How did we get to the point where ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revival Counter Attacks

Contributed by Jeffrey Kellum on Feb 28, 2004

This sermon addresses our need to be watchful during times of Revival and Renewal.

INTRODUCTION: READ Acts 8:1-25 NEED: Realize Satan Counter Attacks when God is moving through His people to effect revival and spiritual renewal. DIVISION I: Persecution - Acts 8: 1-3 Explain: Satan can’t attack God so he attacks His people. And he is always in the counter attack mode, always ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-25

Denomination: Baptist