Sermons on Joy And Meaning:

America The Good

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jul 3, 2013

We must resist three temptations for America to remain good.

America the Good Joshua 24:11-15 Joshua 24:11-15 11 “‘Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands. 12 I sent ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:11-15

Denomination: Methodist

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jul 5, 2013

The Ultimate Sacrifice for our sins was given by Christ Himself. God had to die for us to give us life eternal. When we are exhorted to respond to His Sacrifice for our redemption, what do we do? Do we really respond back with our very lives?

The Ultimate Sacrifice [Hebrews 9:23-28] Opening illustration: There were 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Have you considered the price they paid for putting their name on what the British viewed as a treasonous document? These 56 men who signed the Declaration knew that they ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:23-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

If They Only Knew

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Jul 7, 2013

It almost sounds like it would be an unfair advantage that we have doesn't it? While it is a tremendous advantage, its not an unfair advantage, because everyone can also have it if they choose to!

If they only knew In life there have been times, when we have all faced uphill battles When someone has a tough task to do, the first thing that they usually want is, someone to help them with it, And the more someone is willing to help the better, and that’s fine in the natural, But help ...read more

Scripture: John 17:15-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Little Cloud In A Great Big Sky

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Jul 8, 2013

This message tells us that God can take care of problems of long standing. He can give us little signs that the answer is on the way and hope in the time of discouragement.

The Little Cloud in a Great Big Sky I Kings 18:41-46 INTRODUCTION: Elijah was a prophet, a man of God, who was appointed by God to preach and to prophecy in the land. There was a drought for three years. We could relate to his by saying, “there has been a recession in the land for three ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:41-46

Denomination: Methodist

Jonah Is Us Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Jul 11, 2013

This is the conclusion of our series in the Book of Jonah. This was a hard sermon that challenged our congregation to examine how we are like Jonah, and what we should do about it.

Jonah Concluded Text: Jonah 4:5 – 11 So we’re finishing up in Jonah today… I thought after last week I’d be done with it, but as I was re-reading it… just going over it one last time to see if the Lord would have me say any more on this book. I realized that I ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God Vs Satan - The War In Your Home Series

Contributed by Daren Mitchell on Jul 18, 2013

We can judge what we see, and we typically do, but, God tells us that it's the heart of a person that matters to Him. This is why it's important for Jesus followers to live as examples of what it looks like to use the spiritual resources that God gives.

Paul teaches us that there is a spiritual war that rages for the souls of people who walk the earth. Satan is a con artist. He's the best. The reason people refuse to deny themselves to follow Jesus is because satan deceives them into thinking they don't have to. God and satan are enemies, and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Behold, I Come Quickly! Series

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Jul 19, 2013

Based on Rev 22:12-end and John 17:20-26. The invitation at the end of Revelation is made to the Great Feast, and we as a church should set aside pride and in unity reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ.

Behold, I come quickly. I was told a story long ago about a preacher preaching on the second lesson this morning from Revelation 22, and Christ’s words “Behold, I Come quickly.” A new preacher, fresh out of seminary, was so nervous about delivering his first sermon that ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:12-21, John 17:20-26

Denomination: Anglican

Hopeless And Helpless? Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 22, 2013

Too often in life, we find it easier to complain and wallow in our self pity, than to accept healing from Christ.

Hopeless and Helpless? June 2, 2013 John 5:1-14 Have you ever felt hopeless — helpless — at the end of your proverbial rope? That’s a loaded question, because we’ve all been there. In one way, or many ways, we’ve been there. When we’re there, we have options, ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Hopeless And Helpless? Part 2 Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 22, 2013

Jesus offers us healing, but will we accept His healing, or keep our sicknesses?

Hopeless and Helpless? June 9, 2013 John 5:2-8 I believe one of the hardest, most difficult things for most people --- is to ask for help. We want to be independent. In fact, we fight for our independence. Yet, at the same time, once some people have accepted help, they get stuck in a place ...read more

Scripture: John 5:2-8

Denomination: Baptist

"The High Cost Of Discipleship"

Contributed by David Henderson on Jul 22, 2013

In this message we look at the real cost of discipleship. We have watered it down for today's culture. Jesus never did that.

“The High Cost of Discipleship” Luke 14:25-35 Last week we left the disciples standing on the shore. They had just brought in such a large catch of fish that the nets were nearly breaking and when they placed all the fish in the boats they began to sink. Jesus said to them, come and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer Changes The World Revelation 8:4-6 Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Jul 22, 2013

Sometimes we think our prayers make no difference, but this is just the deception of the enemy of our souls. God hears and answers our prayers. In fact, our prayers will eventually change the world

The sounding of the first four trumpets can be understood as the destruction of much of the world through a collision with meteors. It is inevitable and will happen at some point in the future. But I’d like to focus on something else this morning. It seems that what precipitates the end of ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 8:4-6

Denomination: *other

Discipleship: 4 Essential Components Series

Contributed by Cameron Bottema on Jul 24, 2013

To be a disciple of Jesus begins with a "desire" to follow Him. Here at 4 essential components of discipleship explained.

Introduction: Pastor Randy Leckliter tells the story of a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time, suffering from a severely parched throat, he spotted a little shack in the distance. He made his way over to the shack and found a water pump with a small jug of water ...read more

Denomination: Friends

Judge Jesus Is At The Door

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Aug 4, 2013

Judge Jesus Is At The Door 1) Be content 2) Be patient

Last week we learned that our God is like the next door neighbor who loans you his lawn mower and gives you fresh snap peas from his garden. Whatever you need (though not whatever you want), he’s happy to give it to you. Just ask – even if it’s the middle of the night! But our ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Would You Be Jesus' Lawyer?

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 7, 2013

There is a difference between representing Jesus like a lawyer and identifying with Him.

Would You Be Jesus’ Lawyer? John 7:40-53 Introduction In this passage, Jesus is still at the Feast of Tabernacles. At the beginning of chapter 7, his brothers has tried to get Him to come up to the feast to reveal Himself as Messiah as the Feast of Tabernacles was believed by the Jews to be the ...read more

Scripture: John 8:40-52

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Truth Hurts, But Here's Help Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 12, 2013

John describes the universal lost condition of humankind and its cure in six short verses, what Paul in Romans takes chapters to develop

The Truth Hurts, But There's Help I John 1:5-10 Introduction Last week, we saw the importance of grounding our faith in Jesus who is both God and human. John wanted us to know that he witnessed with his eyes, ears, and hand the earthly Jesus. This experience had forever changed John, and now he ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible