Sermons on Joel Osteen:

Finicky Faith Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 28, 2025

John, while in prison, sent representatives to Jesus to ascertain whether or not he is the one - Jesus provided proof and then affirmed John’s ministry, sinners repented, Pharisees rejected/scoffed, Jesus confronted the finicky faith of the generation

During World War II, a congregation in London faced bombings nightly. In the midst of fear, their pastor encouraged them to gather for prayer. One night, after a particularly intense bombing, he found a soldier praying with fervor. When asked why he prayed amidst such chaos, the soldier replied, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-35

Denomination: Baptist

Unexpected Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 5, 2025

Jesus faced some things that we may see as unexpected as he dined with a Pharisee and welcomed a motley group of followers.

There are a variety of ways in which we set expectations. Sometimes cultural norms - like a handshake or a hug - set certain expectations. Sometimes we have expectations based on tradition - for example how to set a table or what you do on holidays. You may have performance expectations set by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Has The Listening Sheep In His Hands

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 8, 2025

Jesus is the Good Shepherd to speaks lovingly to his sheep, holding them in His hands.

5.11.25 John 10:22–30 22 Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 So the Jews gathered around Jesus, asking, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Do You Hear? Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 12, 2025

How do you respond to what you hear from the Word of God?

Do you hear what I hear? Noel Regney was born in France in 1920. He studied music in conservatories in both Paris, France and Strasbourg, Germany. Though being French, he was drafted into the Nazi army during WWII. He did not like the what the party stood for and secretly worked as a part of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:4-21

Denomination: Baptist

Fear Or Faith Factor Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 19, 2025

As Jesus crosses Galilee, facing a storm and interacting with a demon-possessed man, some people respond to Jesus in fear and others in faith.

From 2001-2006, the reality-TV game show Fear Factor brought contestants and viewers alike face to face with fears that they did not know they had. From death-defying stunts, to eating gross concoctions and so much more, contestants faced their fears in order to win challenges in the hopes of ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33, Matthew 28:20, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:16-17, John 10:10, Luke 8:22-39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Tale Of Two Kinds Of Wisdom Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 3, 2024

James focuses on the leaders of the church as he calls into question the source of wisdom - essentially noting that wisdom from God is drastically different than wisdom of the world.

There are decisions that all of us make on a daily basis. Some of those are minor and relatively inconsequential, others are major and potentially life altering. Some impact only us (or so we think), where others reap ramifications on our families, church, workplaces, school, community, and more. ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18, Galatians 5:22-23, James 1:2-8, James 2:14-26, James 3:1-12, Colossians 3:2, Matthew 11:29, Hebrews 12:2, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:21-22, Isaiah 9:6, John 17:4, John 10:10, John 3:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

This Is War Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 9, 2024

As we continue to pursue the "true religion" that James encourages us to embody, we come face to face with a war that we face. Sure, there are battles with culture, but this war is within.

One of my favorite bands is the group “Switchfoot.” While I like their sound (it is unique and often very easily identifiable), what I like most is their lyrics. Switchfoot is a band that is made up of Christians. Their lyrics and songs have made their way onto both Christian and secular charts ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-12, Luke 16:13, Matthew 7:7-8, Exodus 34:14, Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 37:4, Matthew 5:3-4, 1 John 1:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Hubris Or Humility Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 16, 2024

There are so many factors that come into play when we make plans, but how often does the Sovereign will of God affect our plan making? In this passage, James challenges us to avoid hubris and embrace humility by submitting to God’s sovereignty in making plans.

Mistakes along the way? In February of 1995, nearly 30 years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a clear way that has impacted the course of my life - and yet it has not been without mistakes and missteps. He urged me to go to the church the Danielle grew up at and help out with the youth ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, Acts 16:6-10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Luke 22:42-44, Luke 12:16-21, Proverbs 16:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Partiality, Patience, Presence Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 23, 2024

Jesus could return at any time, therefore we should be just in our dealings and patiently endure injustice.

On the night before Jesus was crucified, He told his disciples John 14:3 ESV And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Jesus went to the cross, leaving them hope beyond the cross, hinting at the resurrection and eternal ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-11, John 14:3, Matthew 24:36-44, Genesis 4:10, Proverbs 13:22, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Matthew 6:19-21, James 1:27, Hebrews 11:36-40, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Covenant Community Communicates Clearly Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 30, 2024

As James closes his letter to exiles, he concludes with instructions on three different topics - communication (oaths), prayer, and care. This sermon looks at the first of those in the context of a covenant community.

In the run up to the 1988 Presidential Election, Vice President George H.W. Bush famously said “Read my lips: no new taxes.” He was running on a platform of consistency. He sought to take the policies and success of the Reagan years into a new term. He, in essence, swore an oath, made a promise ...read more

Scripture: James 5:12, Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 5:34-37, Matthew 23:16-22, Matthew 19:22, Zechariah 8:14-17, Psalm 32:3-4, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Covenant Community Prays Fervently Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 7, 2024

One of James' final instructions to the exiled believers is on the topic of prayer.

Introduction In his profound book on the importance of prayer in the life of a congregation, John Onwuchekwa shares this quote - which is attributed to several different people including Martin Luther: To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

What Is The World To Me?

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Oct 11, 2024

Naaman had a deadly disease, but he was freed from his disease freely and graciously. How did he respond? How do we respond? How did Gehazi respond?

10.13.24 2 Kings 5:14-27 When you get to be in your middle ages you need to start making appointments with the dermatologist, because you start to notice bumps and moles on your skin that are flaky or have potential for cancer. So the doctor or practitioner will come in with a little wand ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:14-27

Denomination: Lutheran

A Covenant Community Cares Faithfully Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 22, 2024

As James concludes his letter to exiles, he does so with one final exhortation regarding how a Christian community should care for those who have fallen away from the faith.

Paul Confronts Peter approx. AD 40 Peter was eating with a group of Gentile believers - maybe a church picnic. He had shared the gospel with Gentiles and had received confirmation from the Holy Spirit that salvation is for them too. Some guys from James came to the same picnic - these guys where ...read more

Scripture: James 5:19-20, Psalm 119:11, Galatians 2:11-14, 2 Samuel 12:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Call Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 22, 2024

Psalm 66 is a corporate Psalm of Thanksgiving or Praise in response to the work of God in the lives of the people of Judah. This introductory message looks at the first four verses and the summons to praise - reflecting on the context of praise, the command to praise, and the content of our praise.

Psalm 66:1–4 ESV Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:1-4, Exodus 14:21, Joshua 3:14-17, Philippians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, James 2:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Birth Pains Are Worth It

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Oct 25, 2024

Be careful! Be on guard against false teachings and teachers. These are warnings Jesus makes as we wait for Him to come again. Luther fought against the false teachings of his time, and we must within ours as well.

10.27.24 Mark 13:5–11 (EHV) 5 Jesus began by telling them, “Be careful that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. . . . These are the beginning of birth pains. 9 But be on your guard! People will hand you over to councils, and you will be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:5-11

Denomination: Lutheran