Sermons on Jd Vance:

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

Take Courage! Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jul 5, 2007

Used the call to courage in Haggai as a framework for calling believers to take courage rooted in Christ against the world’s intimidation and discouragement.

HOOK/WE Used a short "bully" video clip from Bridge to Terebithia to raise issue of intimidation we sometimes feel. Sometimes physical, financial, etc. Sometimes spiritual. YOU Ever been intimidated in expressing your belief? Acting on it? If you have, you’ve got something in common with some ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Hosea: God's Scandalous Love

Contributed by Doug Vance on Sep 11, 2006

Jerry Springer would love to get Hosea on his show to talk about his scandalous relationship with Gomer.

HOSEA: THE SCANDAL OF GOD’S LOVE Introduction: You came to church to get challenged, didn’t you? 1. I’M ABOUT TO LOSE SOME CREDIBILITY HERE, I hope by the end of the sermon I can get it back: I logged onto the Jerry Springer web site to check out the kind of SCANDALOUS topics he ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

The Mountain Of Hope For The Valley People

Contributed by Doug Vance on Sep 11, 2006

An evangelistic sermon encouraging disciples to go back to valley to rescue those who have no hope.

The Mountain of Hope Isaiah 2:2, 3; Hebrew 12:22-24 I Peter 2:9, 10 1. Isaiah 2:2, 3, Hebrews 12:22-24,28-29; I Peter 2:9,10- As Christians we live in a high and exalted place. 2. We are blessed by God, we are a privileged people. We are the mountain people. 3. Today we gather to encourage each ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:22-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

One Thing Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Aug 21, 2007

This message focuses on one particular aspect of this passage - that the Lord prunes us to make us more fruitful. Practical application in this message is to consider what the Lord may be calling me to prune from my busy life, in order to do the best thi

Hook/Opening Overcommitted? Many of us feel/are. But here’s a list of busy/committed: Billy Graham and ____. James Dobson and _____. Joni Earikson and _____. Jimmy Carter and _____. Bill Bright and ______. (RCA) Betty Voskuil and _____. Gary Smalley and ______. “Our world has been greatly ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Radical Spirituality: The Mark Of Faith

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

What are the marks of true spirituality?

2000220a - 1Corinthians 8.1-13 - Radical Spirituality, the Mark of Faith Opening First Corinthians addresses the subject of true spirituality. Big debate about whether or not it was all right for a Christian to eat certain types of meat. Very Polytheistic (God of love, war, travel..) Pagan temples ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

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

Holding Ourselves Accountable

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

Investigate the ingredients of Jesus call to his first apostles, and to us.

20000430a - Holding Ourselves Accountable!!! Mt. 28 Opening: (Responsible Agents) Responsibility -- others can’t always do it for us. How about spiritual responsibility? If we have responsibility in the mundane things of life, how about the bigger things? Have you con-sidered your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

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

Blessed Is The Nation

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A call to be salt-and-light citizens.

Psalm 33.12-22 Blessed is the Nation.. It was in the middle of a very unpopular war, a conflict noted for its shabby ideology and selfish ends. Besides which, it wasn’t going well. On the night of September 13, he found himself sloshing around in a small boat on a mission: He’d volunteered to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:12-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Money Talks

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A sermon on the attitudes with which we give.

Mark 12.41-44 “Money Talks” Problem Then Giving with pretense and show. Court of the Women where the temple treasury was situated/women & men came to present their gifts. Chests called "trumpets" / shaped like trumpets. Metal coins were PITCHED into/make a loud noise. The more money ..the louder ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Devotion Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We have a tendancy to quit; not God, who has a tenacious love for you.

ME/WE HOSEA 1-3 You’re a quitter! – What would you think if someone said that to you? Yet, we are, really… when it comes to anything outside of self: • The kid with the bat. • Running away from home • Suitcase (lets not embarrass ourselves) – or under roof unplug • #1 Drivetime request – ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed