Sermons on Joy And Meaning:

When You Really Need God To Show Up

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jun 5, 2016

The story is Elijah's proposed show-down between God and Baal at Mount Carmel. God doesn't want just part of us. He wants all of us, and he will tolerate no substitute, because he knows nothing else will satisfy in his place.

1 Kings 18:20-39 When You Really Need God to Show Up Today’s story might be called, “The Great Show-down at Mount Carmel.” It is an ultimate, winner-takes-all kind of challenge, Yahweh God vs. Baal. Which one is real? Which one will come through for his people? But why all the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-39

Denomination: Baptist

Offering My Time Series

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 7, 2016

We do no one any service when we take them from their family or their spouse in order to serve the needs of the church instead of serving the needs of their family first.

Offering my time - Exodus 18:15-27 Did you know that in Arab countries they learn to tell time by measuring the length of their shadows. It proved to be a fairly accurate way to determine the hour of the day. The Bible tells us that our Heavenly Father has measured out our days in a more perfect ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 18:15-27

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Challenge Through Discipleship Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 15, 2016

Being a genuine disciple of Christ is a very tall order. We are to live in such a way that reflects His character and grace. How is that possible? We must pattern our lives after Christ. We are challenged to imitate the Lord we serve.

The Challenge through Discipleship 2 Timothy 1: 12-14 As we consider discipleship, and our responsibility to follow Christ while investing in others, the Lord Himself stands as the great example. He was fully surrendered to the Father’s will and spent much of His time investing in the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Command In Discipleship Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 15, 2016

I fear many fail to consider the seriousness of Jesus' command to make disciples. As followers of Christ, we are all commanded to make other disciples. Thankfully, our Lord provided insight to His great command.

The Command in Discipleship Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8 After several weeks of discussion and consideration, I hope to conclude our series on discipleship. Hopefully we have been enlightened regarding discipleship, having a greater knowledge of what is expected, and how to be better equipped as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

True Faith Is Practical Faith

Contributed by David Mcnally on Feb 9, 2014

True Christian faith is not just an abstract, theoretical, thing but something which affects our thoughts, words and actions, and not just on Sundays, but every day of the week

Hebrews chapter 11 verses 1 - 3 and 12 verses 1 - 3 True faith is practical faith, with examples Everyone, even the most committed Atheist, has faith of some kind, and that faith always has some practical outworking. Theoretical faith is OK up to a point but is not much good if it has no ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A World Condemned: Pt. 2. When God Says Enough. Series

Contributed by Larry Wilson on Feb 12, 2014

God is a God of grace and mercy. He delights in pursuing sinners! What could make this God give up on a man and hand him over to his sin? Our text begins the answer to this question. A holy God must judge sin.

Salvation: Why? and How? or, SALVATION: ITS NEED AND PROVISION Romans Chapters One to Five Calvary Baptist Church Series Begins Sunday, September 30, 2012 Sermon 5: When God Says "Enough" November 11, 2012 Romans 1:24-27 INTRODUCTION: • In our 1st three sermons, we were in the section of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Life Of Abraham, Part 12: Abraham's Witness Ot Abimelech Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Feb 13, 2014

How good a witness was Abraham to the pagans? How well do we witness?

The Life of Abraham, Part 12: Abraham’s Witness to Abimelech Genesis 20:1-18 Introduction Last week we learned of the terrible destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their gross wickedness. From the destruction, the LORD graciously delivered Lot and his two daughters. The ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 20:1-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Do Children Who Die Go To Heaven?

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 16, 2016

The recent growth in Calvinistic doctrine & teaching on original sin has reignited the debate on whether children are guilty of sin & where they go if they die. This looks at that & gives 5 reasons why I believe they go to heaven.

DO CHILDREN WHO DIE GO TO HEAVEN? Mt. 19:14 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. 2. Because of hectic schedules, it was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Advancing In The Midst Of Adversity Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

The difficulties associated with our modern day are reaching new levels of intensity. The majority is not interested in the Word or worship. As difficult as it may be, we remain obligated to serve the Lord and reach others. We can advance for Christ.

Advancing in the Midst of Adversity 1 John 2: 24-29 Take a moment to consider the great challenges John spoke of in our last study. He warned the spirit of antichrist was already among us, seeking to undermine the church and hinder her ministry. He reminds us that we are living in the last time, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Need For Spiritual Discernment Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

Man is designed to be a spiritual being. He will worship something, even if it's a false god. The truth has been diluted and compromised by many, and we live among many who are confused. There is an urgent need for spiritual discernment in our day.

The Need for Spiritual Discernment 1 John 4: 1-6 I am sure we’ve all been warned about believing everything we hear. The same caution should be applied for what we see as well. It is foolish to believe everything we are told and much of what we see. Lies and deception were used to tempt ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Witness Of Christ Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 24, 2016

Many are skeptical of the church and the Gospel. In times of difficulty, we must abide in the truth, rather than shying away from it. The faith we have in Christ will sustain us in times of need. We must be faithful to proclaim Jesus to others.

The Witness of Christ 1 John 5: 6-12 As I read these verses I was reminded of the difficulties of that day. John lived during the early days of the church, while she was yet in her infancy. The Gospel was being shared and many were saved, but false doctrine and heresy abounded as well. Many ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

God’s Spirit~ Alive And Well!

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jun 29, 2016

Today’s text reveals that there are only two ways to live life. Paul draws several contrasts between existence ruled by the flesh and the new life of the Spirit.

God’s Spirit~ Alive and Well! Romans 8:1-11NASB The late baseball legend Gil Hodges told this story. Once, when he was managing the Washington Senators, he discovered four of his players had broken curfew the previous night. Immediately, he called a team meeting and said, "I know who you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Abiding In Liberty

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 3, 2016

As Americans we enjoy specific liberties associated with being a citizen of this great country. Believers also enjoy great liberty in Christ. Such liberty requires restraint and comes with great responsibility.

Abiding in Liberty Galatians 5: 13-18 Tomorrow we celebrate a special day in America – Independence Day. While many may not pause to reflect on the significance of the holiday, it stands in remembrance of a special event that separates America from other nations. We celebrate the day we ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Believing “out Of Yourself” And Into Christ Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Aug 28, 2015

Seeing is not always believing. The Jews who witnessed Jesus' miracle of feeding the 5,000 did not understand the truth about Jesus-that He was the manna from heaven in the flesh.

"Believing “Out of Yourself” and Into Christ:" John 6:22-34 John 6 contains 71 verses and includes 2 days in the ministry of Jesus. After Jesus fed the 5,000, He sent His disciples out ahead of Him while He spent time alone with His Father. Last week we had the privilege of ...read more

Scripture: John 6:22-34

Denomination: Baptist

A Christian Is... A Brother And Sister Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Aug 17, 2015

How does God want us to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ? (Material adapted from Bob Tinsky's book, A Christian Is... God's Answer to Man's Question, chapter 4, pgs. 55-65)

HoHum: On the playground one day, some girls were insulting an adopted girl. Finally, the adopted girl responded and said, “My parents chose me. Your parents got stuck with you." WBTU: Many of us have brothers and sisters. We did not choose them. They became our brothers and sisters ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:14-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ