Sermons on Manipulator:

Better Late Than Never Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 18, 2007

Jacob, Pt. 3

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER (GENESIS 28:10-29:13) A Chinese fable tells of the owl’s flight to the east to escape its neighbors, who were increasingly tired and vocal of the bird’s incessant noise in the night. As it was packing, the owl met a pigeon, which asked: “Where are you going? Why are you in ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Family Ties: My Big Fat Greek Wedding Series

Contributed by J John on Dec 20, 2007

I am Greek. And if you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll have seen some of my relatives - including my mother, who is a travel agent for guilt trips. (Recently, she returned the Christmas presents that my wife and I bought for her.)

--note-- 2002: IFC Films Directed by Joel Zwick Nia Vardalos as Toula John Corbett as Ian Rated PG for sensuality and language - - - - - I am Greek. And if you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll have seen some of my relatives - including my mother, who is a travel agent for guilt trips. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: *other

Finally—getting People To Do What You Want Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 1, 2008

God uses our praying together to change the world.

Scripture Introduction I often remind my family of a profound truth I have learned from living: you cannot make people do what you want. Even if it is in their best interest, even if they should do it, matters little. You cannot make people do what you want. You have tried. You have shown your ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:30-33

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Not All Who See, See (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 8, 2008

God’s work cannot be seen by those who are proud of their spiritual sight.

Scripture Introduction My sister sent me a newsletter from Timberdoodle, a supplier for homeschooling families. The article noted a problematic teaching in a Children’s Study Bible used in Sunday school. Referring to Matthew 3.12, the footnote said, “This means that Jesus will come to separate ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sifted ... But Saved

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Aug 15, 2007

Satan would like nothing more than to destroy you and your witness for Christ. But, even if you fail, Jesus has prayed for you and wants you, out of the failure, to strengthen others when you recover.

There are several events that have shaped the course of my life. Some have been quite dramatic. And because of the nature of the drama surrounding those events, they remain vividly etched in my memory. My wedding day, although over twenty five years ago, remains a fresh memory on the landscape of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

Deal... Or No Deal?

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jun 16, 2007

Our lives are defined by the nature of our choices.

Title: Deal… or No Deal? Text: I Kings 21:1-10 (11-26) Thesis: Our lives are defined by the nature of our choices. Introduction Perhaps you are familiar with NBC’s Deal or No Deal game show? Howie Mandel is the host. There is a bevy of beautiful young women on a stage, each is holding a brief ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

And You Call Yourself A Christian? Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jul 6, 2007

The danger that confronts religious people is that they rely on their performance to gain right standing with God.

Scripture Several years ago I was pulled over by a police officer for running a red light. “Why did you do it?” he asked. “Well, Officer,” I explained. “I am a pastor. One of the members of our church is about to have open heart surgery at Harrisburg General Hospital. I got off to a late start ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:17-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sweet, Sweet Spirit Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 28, 2008

Why does a successful church do what it does? Is it because they do everything right... or is it something else?

OPEN: Sesame Street has been a popular children’s educational show for years. With the exception of a few “human” actors, the show revolved around the learning experiences taught by hand puppets called “Muppets”. Kermit the Frog, The Cookie Monster and Bert and Ernie have all been favorite ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Money Matters Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

Your wallet reveals what is important in your life. What is in your wallet?

What’s In Your Wallet? Part 3 – Money Matters What’s in your wallet? I have mentioned to you that what you have in your wallet reveals what is important to you. Last time we dealt with family and in particular our children. I told you that in order for us to protect our nest we must cover our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:2-38

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Power Of Kindness Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 22, 2008

We all need the healing kindness of God because it’s rare to find it in the world around us. However, when you see God’s loving kindness working through others, it causes you to stop and take notice because it provides a glimpse into heaven and makes the

Opening illustration: For 30 years, Randy Murphy drove without a traffic incident, without being stopped by the police, and without a driver’s license. Then, the 46 year old Knoxville, Tennessee native’s luck ran out. On his way home from work as a dishwasher, he increased the volume on his radio. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Do You Serve? Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Mar 2, 2008

We are destined to serve somebody or something. Do you really serve the true God?

TEXT: ACTS 16:16-34 TITLE: “WHO DO YOU SERVE?” OPEN: A. A preacher meets an old friend from Bible college while at the North American Christian Convention. The old friend asks the preacher, “How many members are in your congregation?” The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why It Matters Exactly Who Jesus Is Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Mar 4, 2008

God gives eternal life and joy to those who die “in the Lord.”

Scripture Introduction The relationship between Jesus and the religious leadership continues to deteriorate. By refusing to acknowledge their importance, his ministry threatens their power and prestige. Therefore, they turn on him: attempted arrest, entrapment, theological tests, dismissing his ...read more

Scripture: John 8:21-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Shift - Creation Care

Contributed by Tim Hedberg on Oct 18, 2007

Could it be that Jesus’ resurrections was meant to not only give hope to humanity but also to the rest of his creations?

I want to begin this morning in John 20. John 20 is text that we most commonly read on Easter Sunday. It is John’s account of Jesus’ resurrection. In John chapter 20, we have Mary Magdalene going to the tomb where Jesus was buried early in the morning to anoint the dead body of Jesus with burial ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is There Anyone Who Thinks He Can Whip Both Of Us? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 30, 2007

Is it possible to exist without God’s Presence? What is it like to live with His presence?

OPEN: A couple of years ago I read a true story about a young man who had just entered into boot camp. On the 1st morning, the unit was dragged out of bed by the drill sergeant and made to assemble outside. As is often the case in boot camp, the drill sergeant’s first objective is to instill ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Who Serves

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Aug 17, 2010

To God the Church is fundamentally God's sent Children obediently carrying out God's mission, which began in the Garden of Eden, was completed in the resurrection, and is now left to us to tell the sotry both in content and by our way of life.

God Who Serves Gen 3:21 Aug 15, 2010 Intro: I want to begin by thanking Randy for preaching last week, a good message from John 14. I had been at Gull Lake Camp with some of our young boys, and the first morning we were there I went to the 7:30am leaders meeting and heard the general ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Baptist