Sermons on Jawbone Donkey:

Constant Cravings Series

Contributed by Jeremy Houck on Apr 30, 2005

The 10th commandment is as comprehensive as the first. Perhaps more than any other, it focuses on the interior of the human heart. It is not concerned so much with what we do, but with what we think. It is less about action and more about attitude

Constant Cravings: The Tenth Commandment Exodus 20: 1-17 I grew up in a house with one other sibling, a brother, Trae. Actually his name is Frank William Houck the Third but we have always called him Trae. He was the one that I fought with, and rode bikes with, and fought with and built forts ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Holy Innocents

Contributed by William Mouser on Jan 10, 2006

This jarring episode is just as much a part of the Christmas season as the manger scene. Though grim, the fate of the Innocents shows us how and why we share the hope they had in Christ’s second advent

Psalm 124, Jeremiah 3:15-17, Revelation 21:1-7, Matthew 2:13-18 The Holy Innocents The Gospel lesson that is read today is actually from the lectionary for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which in the liturgical calendar is celebrated on December 28 – four days ago. The Book of Common Prayer ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Fine Tuning Your Focus On God Series

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Jan 12, 2006

The unique way that Abraham’s offering of his son on Mt. Moriah parallels our spiritual journey with God.

We’re continuing the series on Second Chances by evaluating another of the times the Bible uses the phrase "second time." Our focus today is on Abraham. Abraham waited until he was 100 years old for Isaac to be born but he never gave up on God’s promise of a son. Remarkable. That’s why we still ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

Simon Peter's Dirty Feet Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jul 5, 2005

5th of 7 messages on the transformation of Simon into Peter. This message focuses on the inner change in character from pride to being a servant.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary The transformation began in Amazement… at what Jesus taught and gave to people – both healing and forgiveness Amazement led to simple obedience… even when Simon didn’t think it would make a difference Doubt became faith… that moved Simon to get out of the boat ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Birth Of Samuel Series

Contributed by James Jack on Jul 6, 2005

Samuel is chosen by God to lead his people

Great births of the Bible – Samuel Compare Luke 2:52 and 1 Samuel 2:26 Main point: the sovereignty of God in working out his plans of creation Covering the life of Samuel in 25 minutes is a major challenge: effectively one chapter per minute. I don’t think I could read that fast, so instead ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

It's A Steal, But Not A Bargain Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Jul 22, 2005

The 8th commandment forces us to look at our attitude towards possessions and our accountabilty to God

“IT’S A STEAL, BUT NOT A BARGAIN! “ (Exodus 20:15) We visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Philadelphia and nostalgia gripped us as we remembered those great covers on The Saturday Evening Post. One of my favorites pictured an encounter in a butcher shop. A woman shopper and a butcher faced each ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:15

Why Did Jesus Teach In Parables?

Contributed by William Mouser on Jul 24, 2005

By teaching in parables, Jesus simultaneously revealed truths to his disciples, and concealed truth about himself from those whose hardened hearts had already rejected it.

Isaiah 6:1-10, Romans 11:1-11, Matt. 13:1-3, 10-16 Why Parables? In preparation for today’s homily, I went to Amazon on the internet and punched up all the titles they had with the word “parable” in them. I got about a thousand hits. Next, I requested a listing of all the titles they had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:10-16

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Be Patient! Stand Firm! Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Sep 28, 2005

12th in series on James. Here, he tells us how to respond correctly when we are treated unjustly. He suggests four specific attitudes - two we should adopt and two we should avoid.

How do you cope with the pressure of hurtful situations? In a former pastorate I had a week when I met one day with a young father whose family has disintegrated through a divorce he did not want. On that Monday I listened to the director of the local child treatment center tell of their work with ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Whose Image?

Contributed by William Mouser on Oct 25, 2005

Giving to God what is His requires we recognize what bears His image and, thus, a duty toward Him.

Whose Image? Matt 22:15-22 The gospel for today has a saying of Jesus that is probably better known than anything else he ever said, with the possible exception of his words to Nicodemus about being born again. The odd thing about Jesus’ words in today’s gospel is this: were not answering the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Reflecting Images Of Rebellion Series

Contributed by Darryl Klassen on Nov 6, 2007

God is just like any parent; his heart breaks when his children rebel. These are the images of his hurt and what he planned to do about it.

REFLECTING IMAGES OF REBELLION Someone has defined rebellion this way: “Reserving for myself the right to make the final decision.” Are you a rebel? How many of us think that it’s okay to go 110 km/h on the highway? As the pirates like to say, “It’s not a rule per se; it’s more like a ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:1-31

Denomination: Mennonite

Away In A Manger Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Nov 21, 2007

Christmas

AWAY IN A MANGER (LUKE 2:1-21) The second last day of our 2003 summer vacation in Canada was a disaster. Our plan was to visit Doris’ alma mater in Kingston and then head to Montreal and Quebec, but we had no hotel reservations beyond Toronto. My wife had said, “Let’s not plan. Let’s make it an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

People God Uses Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Nov 23, 2007

I preach expository messages, and this is the 23rd in my series on the Book of Acts.

“People God Uses” Acts 12:25-13:3 November 11, 2007 “People God Uses” – Even as I gave this message that name, I had this thought: God uses whomever He pleases! He used contrary kings and evil empires. He used murderers like David and doubters like Moses, confused people like Samson, liars ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Christ The King

Contributed by Stephen Becker on Nov 24, 2007

Using the Nicene Creed (in addition to Luke 23:27-43), we look at Christology and Who Jesus is, how He saves us, and how He and the Father are one. The sermon is Christological in nature, but also looks at the Trinity.

CHRIST THE KING Luke 23:27-43 Stephen H. Becker, M.Div. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church—Elk Grove, CA Christ the King Sunday, November 25, 2007 Grace and peace to you my friends, from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ! Today is Christ the King Sunday. Most of us Christians have often ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:27-43

Denomination: Lutheran

Connecting With Others Series

Contributed by Michael De Rosa on Oct 9, 2006

to teach the congregation some Biblical priniciples on connecting with others for Christ’s sake

Introduction: Bring in the newspaper, and at the very beginning of the sermon, take it out, open it up and ask, “Would anyone mind if I preached today’s sermon while reading the paper?” If others say no, then suggest that we really need to work on finding more appropriate ways to engage in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-23

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Openness Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Apr 1, 2007

1. Jesus’ arms are open as an act of invitation 2. Jesus gives an open invitation to a life of fruitfulness.

It must have been quite a scene as Jesus rode into Jerusalem. First, he is not riding a warrior’s horse, he is riding on the colt of a donkey. His head is bobbing as the colt takes its awkward steps. And all around is a motley crowd. Former prostitutes, shouting children, people who had been ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-42

Denomination: Methodist