Sermons on Lifestyle Expectations:

Tending Your Garden Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 16, 2012

God created man and planted a garden for him in Eden. What lessons can I learn about what God expects of me from what God did for Adam?

Someone once wrote a poem about their garden: "Our radishes are puny things; Our peas and beans are dying; And as for the potatoes, well, those things aren't even trying And that's the way our garden grows - I tell myself, "Who needs it?" But down inside, it hurts to have it bite the hand... ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:4-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Satisfying Meal Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

Following Jesus is not easy. Sometimes what he expects of us seems too difficult; sometimes it just doesn’t seem to make sense. It is then that we need to obey.

Introduction You have heard the term Christ-figure. It is a literary term for a character in a story who is like a savior or sacred figure. Those of you who have read John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath might remember Jim Casey, a fallen preacher who helps migrant workers. It is no ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-44

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

“believers Multiplication” Series

Contributed by Rev. Reynaldo Bechayda on Aug 18, 2010

We are called to make disciples... we are born to reproduce... Someone took time to develop you become who you are now, you are expected to do the same with other believers.

“BELIEVERS MULTIPLICATION” 2 Timothy 2:1-2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Introduction: The growth of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Think She's Asleep Now

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 13, 2009

Christ has interpreted the seventh commandment by the tenth to reflect the purity expected of those who are part of the Kingdom of Heaven. Marriage for a Christian is meant to reflect the relationship of Christ and His people.

“I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”[1] The people of Newburyport, Massachusetts were scandalized in the summer of 2004 when their mayor, Mary Anne Clancy, admitted to an affair with a married gym teacher. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:28

Denomination: Baptist

God Has Plans For You Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 6, 2010

Looking forward to the coming year knowing that God has promised He has a perfect plan for each one of us. It may not be the plan we expect but it will always be the best plan.

Well we have reached the final Sunday of 2009, for some 2009 has been a time of great blessing, for others a time of trial. For some 2009 has been a time of joy, for others a time of sadness. We have rejoiced in baptism, rejoiced as people have started worshiping with us or joined the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Destructive Critics

Contributed by Ervin Kimrey on Jan 18, 2010

Recognize that when you step out on faith, follow God, and try to make a difference, you will be criticized. Expect it and deal with it through prayer, keeping the proper perspective, and being persistent.

DISTRUCTIVE CRITICS Nehemiah 4:1-23 Introduction: In a Charlie Brown comic, Linus is seated with a troubled look on his face, his security blanket over his shoulder, his thumb in his mouth. Turning to Lucy, he asks, “Why are you always so anxious to criticize me?” Her response: “I just think I ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Three Questions To Consider Concerning The Resurrection

Contributed by Shawn Rose on Apr 23, 2011

This sermon addresses three questions concerning the resurrection of Christ: "Why was the resurrection so important?", "How are we expected to respond to the resurrection?", and "What should the church do in light of the resurrection?"

THREE QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION Text: Mark 16:1 – 20 Have you heard the story about the eight-year old in Sunday School on Easter Sunday? Johnny’s family weren’t regular church attenders…as a matter of fact, they only went to church on Easter ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Why Bad Things Happen To Good People

Contributed by David Smith on Feb 26, 2008

It’s the age-old theological question - why do bad things happen to good people? Jesus, as ever, doesn’t give us the response we expect. ...

They say that philosophy deals with two sorts of questions: * Questions to which everybody knows the answer (eg. Do I really exist?). * Questions to which nobody knows the answer (eg. Why do I exist?). Religious teachers tend to deal the same sorts of questions, perhaps particularly questions ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-19

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Look Like Light, Taste Like Salt

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 20, 2017

In explaining life following Jesus (discipleship), Jesus uses two elements from everyday life to explain His expectations and the results of being a disciple. The first is salt. The second is light.

Look like Light, Taste Like Salt MATTHEW 5:13-16 #discipleship READ MATTHEW 5:13-16 [congregation reads along aloud] "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Look Like Light, Taste Like Salt

Contributed by Troy Borst on Apr 6, 2017

In explaining life following Jesus (discipleship), Jesus uses two elements from everyday life to explain His expectations and the results of being a disciple. The first is salt. The second is light.

Look like Light, Taste Like Salt MATTHEW 5:13-16 #discipleship READ MATTHEW 5:13-16 [congregation reads along aloud] "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Is Able

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Nov 15, 2016

God is able to exceed your expectation, He is able to do exceedingly above all you can ask or imagine. God is able to do the humanly impossible in our lives

GOD IS ABLE Study Text: Ephesians 3: 14 - 21 Introduction: - The word “Able” refers to the power one has by virtue of inherent ability and resources. - “Able” describes that which has sufficient or necessary power, means, skill, or resources to accomplish an ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Definition Of Marriage Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

America doesn't have a homosexual problem; we have a human sexual problem. If you consider yourself a Christian, God expects all of us to practice sexual purity.

INTRODUCTION Today I’m going to talk about “God’s Definition of Marriage.” This is the most popular trending topic today since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. However, I’m not just speaking today in reaction to this ruling. Most of you know I teach ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Go Thy Way, Daniel: When Your Questions Aren’t Answered Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Feb 1, 2020

Daniel was known for his wisdom and abilities to make things known. But when he asked a certain question of the Lord, he didn't get the answer he was expecting!

Introduction The Book of Daniel is a favorite book for many people. The story of how he stood for God in a pagan land is familiar to most believers. Some of my relatives used to read from “The Bible Story” collection stories about Daniel and his friends, many times over. I’ve never forgotten those ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham- No Child, No Problem--Or So They Thought Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 13, 2021

The LORD had promised Abram and Sarai a child. After ten additional years, and no child, they decided to help God out. The results weren't exactly what they expected.

Introduction: Genesis 15 has the story where Abram asked God a question after God had told him, “I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward (Gen. 15:1, paraphrased). Abram’s question was “What will You give me? I’m childless, and the only heir I have is Eliezer of Damascus (Gen 15:2, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Praying Through A Pandemic

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 2, 2021

The church ought to pray with great expectation because (1) God sees our trials, (2) God hears our prayers (3) and God will take care of our enemies.

Acts 12:5 “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” The graphic scene of Acts 12 is not strange to the Church. The church has always faced opposition. Since its inception, the devil has been trying to stop the church and even to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:5-25, Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36, Mark 11:17

Denomination: Methodist