Sermons on Local Church Purpose:

Getting Out Of The Rut

Contributed by Martin Wiles on May 8, 2002

Sometimes, we just need to get out of our spiritual ruts so that we can get on with God’s work.

INTRODUCTION Have you ever felt as if you were in a rut? About two years ago, my brother,daughter and I went hiking on the Appalachian Trail on the North Carolina, Tennessee border. It is an area called the Bald Mountains because you actually walk over the tops of the mountains. It is grasslands ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Have We Left Our First Love? Are We Still Saving Lives?

Contributed by Rev. Saeed Richardson on May 23, 2002

As we look at our church today are we about our Father’s business-saving live? Or are we not?

THE LIFEBOAT STATION , by Theodore Wedel On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur there was once a crude little lifesaving station. The building was just a hut, and there was only one boat, but the few devoted members kept a constant watch over the sea, and with no thought for ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Growing People For Jesus

Contributed by Jeff Armbrester on Jul 9, 2002

This sermon casts the vision for a spiritually mature church and mature Christians.

We recently completed a series on Growing in Faith. If we are to grow in our faith, then we, the church, are to provide opportunities and an environment for people to grow. We are to be Growing People for Jesus. Growth is common metaphor used in the New Testament – 47 times. One thing is for ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Methodist

Preach The Word

Contributed by Steve Hereford on Jul 18, 2002

Paul instructs Timothy to Preach the Word. Join Pastor Steve as he shares what that involves.

This morning we are looking at the mandate for all preachers. It is his privilege, his calling, his directive from the King! Timothy is to "preach the Word!" That is to be the content of his preaching. He is to preach it "in season and out of season" (v.2). He is to preach when it is accepted and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

This Is Your Invitation Series

Contributed by Brian Moon on Aug 22, 2002

Part 2 of this series designed to stir up a passion for investing in other peoples lives and then inviting them to church.

Invest and Invite Part 2 “This is Your Invitation” Brian A. Moon Story – My wife one time told me a story about this girl she wanted to invite to church when she was in 7th grade. The girl was a bit of a bully and Cheryl was very nervous about asking her to go to church for obvious reasons… One ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:3-8, Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Strength Of Fellowship

Contributed by Christopher Smith on Aug 25, 2003

Why is it so important to go to church and have christian friends? Beacuse of the strength we gain from them.

This week is perhaps one of the most important topics that I’ve discussed so far, although it may not seem like that to most. It is the importance of church, more specifically the fellowship we gain from it. As it says in verse 9 of the reading, “Two are better than one…”, but how much better ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

That The World Would Know Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on Aug 26, 2003

Jesus said that we should be one, so that the world would know: 1) God’s harmony (unity within diversity) and 2) God’s heart (His love).

John 17:20-23 – That the World Would Know A book that has changed my life is What’s So Amazing About Grace? In it the author, Philip Yancey quotes Mark Twain. Apparently Twain used to say he put a dog and a cat in a cage together as an experiment, to see if they could get along. They did, so he ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-23, Hebrews 10:25

Denomination: Baptist

Sunday School - What's It All About?

Contributed by Howard Mcglamery on Sep 10, 2003

A Sermon dealing with the four basic fundamentals of the Sunday School. - REACHING - TEACHING - CARING - EVANGELIZING

Sunday School – What’s It All About? Deut. 6:4-9 and Matt. 28:19,20 Intro. Years ago one of the greatest programs of the Southern Baptist convention was the Training Union. It was the discipleship training ministry of the church. It declined over the years and died a slow death. WHY? – ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

Those Who Oppose Us

Contributed by Richard White on Sep 13, 2003

How mighty is the Army of God. Do we cower at opposition or do we see the salvation of the Lord?

Those who oppose us Acts 13:44 to 14:7 How do we look at opposing forces? There are those who oppose the Christian message of Salvation through Jesus Christ alone. There are those who willfully and some not so willfully subvert the message. How do we stand against them? Do we stand in ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Chicken Little And The Great Church Exodus From The City

Contributed by George Alves on Sep 16, 2003

We can point fingers as much as we want but the state of the city falls squarely on the shoulders of the church. Our retreat from the city has allowed the enemy too much victory. We are not called to success but to faithfulness. The sky isn’t falling!

Do you Remember the story of Chicken Little? The little chicken who became terrified that the sky was falling when an acorn fell from a tree and hit her on the head? Chicken Little convinced Henny Penny, Cocky Locky,and Goosey Poosey that the sky was indeed falling and they should go and report ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 11:11, Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Brethren

Why On Earth Does The Church Exist ? Part 2 Series

Contributed by Mike Turner on Sep 21, 2003

This is the second message in a series of five seeking to answer the question....."Why On Earth Does The Church Exist ?"

Why On Earth Does The Church Exist ? Part 2 Acts 4:31-35 Last Sunday we began a five part message on Why Does The Church Exist ? The first word we used last week in a effort to answer our question was....”glorify”. The church exists to glorify God. This morning I want us to look at another ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:31-35

Denomination: Baptist

God's Prevailing Power Sets You Free Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Sep 22, 2003

1st of 4 sermons on the stewardship of Life: God’s Prevailing Power creates freedom and opportunity. In God’s plan for your life you become successful in life beyond belief – having all you need to do more than you could ever imagine.

Slide 1 God’s Prevailing Power Will Set You Free photo of hand holding a rock God’s Prevailing Power creates freedom and opportunity. In God’s plan for your life you become successful in life beyond belief – having all you need to do more than you could ever imagine. On the way in this morning ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34, Matthew 11:28-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

First Christian Church Has A Fantastic Future

Contributed by Michael Luke on Sep 23, 2003

Utilizing Jesus’ words following the Good Confession, we study the whys and hows of being a great church. Material in the first section comes from a sermon by Darryl Dash.

TEXT: MATTHEW 16:13-19 (Don’t read yet) TITLE: “FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH HAS A FANTASTIC FUTURE!” INTRODUCTION: A. Human beings are not very good at predicting the future --Just listen ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Careful About The Family Name Series

Contributed by Dennis Lawrence on Sep 29, 2003

As we must be careful about our family names, we must be careful not to bring dishonor to God’s family name.

Why? Purpose Driven Life #7 Montreal/Cornwall September 13, 2003 How much do you value your name? Do you have a good name? God tells us, in Proverbs 22.1, that to have a good name is better than great riches. I think my mother must have taken this passage literally as she often reminded my sister ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:36, 1 Peter 2:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Ministry Of Vision

Contributed by Keith Crouch on Aug 19, 2004

If a church is to grow it must have vision from God and Jesus is our best model for this.

A Ministry Of Vision Mark 8:1-10 I. Vision Comes Out of Concern (V. 1-3) A. Concern for Our Community (v. 1) 1. It is a Matter of Obedience (Acts 1:8) 2. It is a Matter of Foresight (Gen 12:1-2) B. Concern for The Empty (v. 2) 1. It is a Matter of Compassion (v. 2a) 2. It is a Matter of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:1-10

Denomination: Baptist