Sermons on Living Now:

Offenses And Forgiveness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2024

Are children welcome in our churches? Are they tolerated? Is any part of the service of interest to them? What would Jesus say? Can we learn anything from watching them? Let’s find out in Matthew 18.

Are children welcome in our churches? Are they tolerated? Is any part of the service of interest to them? What would Jesus say? Can we learn anything from watching them? Let’s find out in Matthew 18. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How The Holy Spirit Enables Us To Communicate Across Social-Cultural Barriers

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom to communicate according to peoples' social-cultural perspective.

1. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom to communicate according to peoples' social-cultural perspective. Every person has a social-cultural perspective developed through years of conditioning. The Spirit of God helps us learn how to best appeal to the aspects of each person's perspectives according ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jehoiakim Hears The Word

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: When God speaks, everyone should listen.

Thesis: When God speaks, everyone should listen. Intro.: 1. Illust. Do you remember that old brokerage firm commercial by E.F. Hutton? A bunch of people are in a swimming pool at a fashionable resort. Two men are talking while others are diving, swimming, and so forth. One man says, "Well my ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 36:20-24

Going To Every Nation

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Today we consider how God gathers and then sends out His church into the world.

Introductory Considerations 1. (Swing yoyo around in circle). As I swing this yoyo there are two forces at work on it. A cetripetal force - is force acting on yoyo to draw it to center and stop it from flying away. A centrifugal is force that pulls it away from the center - as goes around tries to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Sower

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Kingdom of heaven is like seed being sown. This includes seed sown is us to yield a harvest and us being sown as well.

Introductory Considerations 1. How could anyone not understand? The message of salvation is a simple one. The story of God’s great persistent love for us and the story of our rebellion. 2. And yet there are times when we try to share what it means with others and somehow they don’t understand - ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Recognize And Utilize Treasure As Jesus Did

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Jesus said, "The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.

1. Jesus said, "The kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Feel Encouraged Despite Your Discouraging Circumstances

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Remember the famous old hymn, "Do you have any rivers you think are uncrossable? Do you have any mountains you can't tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible.

Remember the famous old hymn, "Do you have any rivers you think are uncrossable? Do you have any mountains you can't tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible. He does the things others cannot do! Sometimes people feel depressed, disheartened and frustrated when those around them ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus Wants Every Believer Involved In Helping To Plant And Grow His Church

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Jesus gave believers a promise when He said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.

1. Jesus gave believers a promise when He said, "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it." (Matt. 16:18) Christ is actively working to help people plant and grow His church in every nation of the world. The Lord knows that His body will have the greatest opportunity to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Carved His Own Pathway

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Few successful people accomplished great things through ordinary methods.

Few successful people accomplished great things through ordinary methods. Jesus did not fit peoples’ idea of a "Jewish Messiah". Most Jews expected the Messiah to overthrow the government and set up a kingdom that would dominate all facets of religion, commerce and culture. When Jesus did not meet ...read more

Scripture: John 1:46

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Helped His Disciples Overcome The Problem Of Procrastination

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Jesus knew that peoples' fear often leads them to procrastinate.

1. Jesus knew that peoples' fear often leads them to procrastinate. The Lord Jesus said, "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest?' I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35) Ask the Lord to help you surrender your fears to the Lord and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Avoid Being A Loser - Using The Spirit's Power

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

In order to capitalize on the chances we are given we need to ask the Spirit of God to control every part of our mind, will, and emotions. Ask the Lord to help you avoid missing out on any good thing by asking God to fill every thought with the Lord’s des

1. Many Christians fail to realize they must keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit if they do not want to be a loser. Paul wrote, "Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which ...read more

Scripture: John 5:8-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Used Healing In His Ministry

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Many people fail to understand God's greater purposes for physical suffering.

Many people fail to understand God's greater purposes for physical suffering. Instead of allowing the disciples to drag Jesus into a complicated discussion about sin and suffering, Jesus stated an important fact about sickness when He said, "This blind man did not sin nor did his parents. But he ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus Wants Us To Do The Things That Are Not Easy Through His Power

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Jesus wants us to apologize and seek forgiveness both from God and from those we have sinned against through His power.

1. Jesus wants us to apologize and seek forgiveness both from God and from those we have sinned against through His power. (Mt. 5:23,24) 2. Jesus wants us to withstand criticism, false accusations, and misunderstandings for His purposes with His support. (Mt. 5:11,12) 3. Jesus wants us to humble ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Managed To Always Come Out A Winner

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Occasionally people wonder how they can possibly make the most of adversity.

Occasionally people wonder how they can possibly make the most of adversity. Most of us feel like giving up. Consider Jesus Christ who experienced betrayal from one of His closest companions, Judas Iscariot. No doubt Jesus felt angry and tempted to lash back for such improbity. However, Jesus knew ...read more

Scripture: John 17:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus Expects Us To Be More Like A Farmer Than A Bumblebee

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Jesus equated the ministry of the His kingdom with farming in Mark 4:1-20 where He said, "The farmer sows the seed along the path, where the word is sown.

1. Jesus equated the ministry of the His kingdom with farming in Mark 4:1-20 where He said, "The farmer sows the seed along the path, where the word is sown. Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational