Sermons on Mary Ann Bird:

Come And See

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 24, 2008

It’s risky, but sharing faith with friends and families is the most important and effective way to bring people to Christ.

Introduction: Last week we studied Matthew’s account of the beginning of Jesus’ formal ministry when he was baptized by John the Baptist. Today we turn to the account of John the Gospel writer. The story begins with John the Baptist witnessing to Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” Two of John’s ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-42

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Seeing Things In A New Light

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 14, 2008

When we see in the Transfiguration that Jesus is fully human and fully divine, listening to Him takes on great power.

Introduction: Our scripture passage took place six days after Jesus asked the disciples who people thought He was, and Peter recognized that He was the Messiah. Still the disciples didn’t really understand. As Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem, He was transfigured in front of Peter, James and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Word We Hate The Most

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 19, 2008

The word we hate the most is "no" and yet practicing Lenten disciples of fasting, praying, and giving can enrich us when we say "no" to the world and "yes" to God.

Introduction: The passage we will read tonight is the traditional reading for Ash Wednesday. It focuses our attention on the three disciplines of Lent: Praying, Fasting, and Giving. You will hear each one described. Tonight we’re going to discuss how to practice those disciplines. Hear now the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Renewed In The Wilderness

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 19, 2008

The power of Lent is in the wilderness of letting go and disengaging with the world so that we can reconnect to God.

Introduction: The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is a pivotal event in His life. It is recorded in Mark, Luke, and Matthew. This week we read Matthew’s account. It comes right after Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan and before His formal ministry begins. Hear now the word of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

He's Waiting At The Well

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 27, 2008

Like the woman at the well, we are thirsty for salvation, and Jesus waits for us with living water at the well.

Introduction: Our reading today is so completely rich with meaning that I am going to go through it verse by verse. I hope in this way to open the text that it might address us where we are, for Christ always comes to us no matter where we are. Prayer: Lord God, we come thirsty. We live in a ...read more

Scripture: John 9:5-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Memory Fails

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 15, 2009

When we can’t remember who we are, our baptism connects us to Jesus and each other, gives us our identity, and gives us a vision of eternity in difficult times.

When Memory Fails Genesis 1:1-5; Mark 1:4-11 Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, January 11, 1009 Introduction: The baptism of Jesus is a text read and proclaimed every year. The account from Mark is simple and powerful. Mark 1:4-11 John the Baptizer appeared in the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

You Want Me To Follow You Where?

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Jan 19, 2009

Jesus wants us to follow Him to the places where we need to grow. It won’t be easy, but the reward is great.

You Want Me to Follow You Where? Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, January 18, 2009 Introduction: Our scripture lesson today is found in the end of the first chapter of the gospel of John. You may remember that John’s Gospel begins with ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51, 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Who's The Authority?

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Feb 4, 2009

We live in a culture where vacuous celebrities are given amazing amount of authority. We need to look to the real authority, Jesus, who will lead us to right decisions.

Who’s the Authority? Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Mark 1:21-28 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, February 1, 2009 Introduction: Before I read the story, I’d like to explain a few things that will make the passage clearer. We’re still in the first chapter of Mark and we will stay ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Enemies

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 4, 2009

Our greatest enemies are the traits within us that cause us to sin. We see those traits in others, can’t control others, and can find healing only in Christ.

Enemies Mark 1:9-13; Psalm 25:1-10 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, March 1, 2009 Introduction: Today’s scripture lesson is one of David’s psalms. In it he pleads for help from God against his enemies. Listen to how he describes the forces against him. Psalm 25:1-10 To ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dancing With God

Contributed by Anne Benefield on Mar 5, 2009

Dancing with God begins when we realize that God chooses the music and the dance, but most importantly, God leads.

Dancing with God Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21 The Reverend Anne Benefield Geneva Presbyterian Church, Ash Wednesday February 25, 2009 Introduction: The passage we will read tonight is the traditional reading for Ash Wednesday. It focuses our attention on the three disciplines of Lent: Praying, Fasting, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Harmless As Doves

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 5, 2021

Jesus can find some good for illustration in every creature He has made. This would be an interesting study, but for now we are limiting our attention to the last of these creatures--the dove.

A small boy sat by the side of a pool fishing. "What are you fishing for," asked a man who passed by. "Sharks," replied the boy. "But there are no sharks in that pool my little man," said the stranger. "There ain't any fish in this pool at all," ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16

Harmless As Doves Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 9, 2021

The wings of the dove came to mean detachment from the world, and from the weight of flesh. To be sanctified and separated from the world was to rise with the wings of the dove.

A small boy sat by the side of a pool fishing. "What are you fishing for," asked a man who passed by. "Sharks," replied the boy. "But there are no sharks in that pool my little man," said the stranger. "There ain't any fish in this pool at all," ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16

The Blessed Life #7: Overcoming Worry Series

Contributed by C Jordan on Nov 16, 2008

Are you a worry wart? Worrying doesn’t do anything to help you, in fact, it often makes things worse. Jesus gives us three keys to overcoming worry in our lives: Refuse to worry, meditate on God’s love, and put first things first.

THE BLESSED LIFE #7: OVERCOMING WORRY INTRO: We are living in a world where people are worrying about everything from the economy to the threat of terrorism and war. Yesterday on news: “Global financial crisis!” The world’s solutions to worry: Think positive, watch movies, take pills! ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: *other

Am I A Messy Christian? Series

Contributed by David Selleck on Oct 26, 2006

Series of four sermons using Micheal Yaconelli’s book "Messy Spirituality" God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People

Template Oct 1, Messy Spiritualism Series 1 2006 World Communion Sunday Messages adapted from Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli. Felt Need: Does God accept me with all my baggage, shortcomings, sins? Desired Outcome: To understand that God always is seeking and loving the least of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-56

Denomination: Methodist

"The People Factor" Series

Contributed by Lance Hostetter on Apr 8, 2013

This sermon is part of a series that looks at how Jesus prepared his church for his ascension. Most of the text will focus on the early days prior to and directly after the ascenion.

Series How Jesus Grew the Kingdom of God Title: The People Factor Text: John 20:17-18; 21:15-20 Introduce the Series: In the next six weeks we are going to at the days between the resurrection and. the ascension to heaven. It is during this time that Jesus lays the ground work for his church ...read more

Scripture: John 20:16-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ