Sermons on Mature Thinking:

Jumping Out Of The Box Series

Contributed by Jake Kircher on Nov 13, 2006

Think about the question, is there a right way to apporach Jesus? For many, the answer is yes and we all have a different opinion. If that is the case, who is right and which does Jesus prefer?

***Open with skit – Adaptation of “A Day in Court” from The Idea’s Library: Drama, Skits, and Sketches pg. 32-33*** (The prosecutor and the defendant are seated at the front on opposite sides.) Narrator: The following are the closing statements from a very important case that has been going on ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't You Get Weary, Children

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 30, 2010

Revised for use at the Chapel of a retirement complex: Life is burdensome if it is merely obligation and not love, or if we think our work means nothing. Christ's victory shows the power of a meaningful life.

Riderwood Village Chapel, Silver Spring, MD August 8, 2004 In May our son got married. He and his bride passed out little bottles of soap to be used instead of the traditional rice, so we all celebrated at the end of the wedding by blowing bubbles. Well, my daughter’s child, his niece, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

A Search For The Authentic Jesus Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 16, 2011

Think about how we would describe Jesus, based on what we know. All we have are snapshots of His life, not a full biography. Who is Jesus Christ?

One day a little girl was drawing a picture, and even skipped recess because she was so focused upon it. Her teacher asked what she was doing and she said she was drawing a picture of God. “Oh honey, you can’t do that...no one knows what God looks like.” She held up the picture ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-17

Denomination: Christian Church

This Life...that Life

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Aug 3, 2010

We can live the new life in Christ by continually working at three changes: in our thinking (our minds), in our doing (our bodies), and in our being (our spirit).

THAT LIFE...THIS LIFE August 1, 2010 Colossians 3:1-17 (NRSV) 1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How Can I Ask God?

Contributed by Bledar Valca on Dec 24, 2008

Some people think that is wrong to ask God for troubles that come our way. While it is wrong to complain, this sermon argues that you can approch God with a right attitude to understand.

How Can I Ask God? Psalm 13 “If God is a God of love, how can He allow bad things to happen?” This is a question asked often by non-believers and believers alike. At times this is more likely an excuse rather than an honest question. Other times this is a heart-felt question. Children of God ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Satan's War Against God's Creation I Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Feb 2, 2009

Having taken the scroll from the Father, the Lamb now begins to open the seals. As each seal is opened, (think of it as different chapters in a book) a new judgment comes upon the earth.

Part I Revelation 6:1-2; 12:1-2,6a Purpose: To show Satan’s true nature. Aim: I want the listener to see Satan as he really is and avoid his allurements. INTRODUCTION: Having taken the scroll from the Father, the Lamb now begins to open the seals. As each seal is opened, (think of it as ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Because Mama Says It Doesn't Make It Right"

Contributed by Ken Harris on Jul 12, 2009

The purpose of this sermon is to motivate the hearers to affirm to others that adult Christian children are to pay attention to the advice of Christ-like parents and think twice about the guidance given by unbelieving parents.

12 July 2009 Pentecost Sunday U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris Fortress Chapel Contingency Operation Site (C.O.S.) Sykes Tall-afar, Iraq BIG IDEA: Adult Christian children are to pay attention to the advice of Christ-like parents and think twice about the guidance given by unbelieving ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:16-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

Annas And Caiaphas: Stuck In Responsibility Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 20, 2010

We feel stuck in responsibilities, trying to maintain something just because we’ve inherited it, and are tempted to think of leadership as image. In a relationship to Christ, responsibility is transformed into freedom.

He was tired to the bone, but rose to go trim the wicks and boost the light again. How many times had he been to these lamps tonight? How many times had he wanted just to give it up and go to bed? How many times had he hoped that some magic answer would swoop in his open window and land on his ...read more

Scripture: John 18:12-32

Denomination: Baptist

A Mutual Assurance Company

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 23, 2010

In order to feel fully at home in the church, we begin with praying for one another, we learn both to receive and to give to one another, and we abandon top-down thinking.

Isn’t it astounding, the power of the group? Isn’t it amazing that an otherwise normal, there, healthy, together person can be in a group and feel so wrong? Have you ever been in a group that was sending out such negative vibes that you just wanted to get out of there? Somehow you even felt ashamed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:8-17

Denomination: Baptist

Simple Truth Series

Contributed by Allen James on Apr 6, 2010

The fifth message in a 7-Part Series, Shift - A New Way of Thinking. Today's message from Matthew 5:33-37 explores a follower of Christ's responsibility to tell the truth.

Simple Truth • Matthew 5:33-37 • March 20-21, 2010 INTRODUCTION: Billy Joel Song – Honesty Ex. Children – cross your heart… hope to die… stick a… Email half-truths… (snopes.com; truthorfiction.com) Matthew 5:33-37. Simple truth. Stand. Read. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

God Is Love Series

Contributed by Allen James on Apr 6, 2010

The final message in a 7-Part Series, Shift - A New Way of Thinking. In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus challenges His disciples to follow His example and love their enemies.

God Is Love • Matthew 5:43-48 • Easter Weekend INTRODUCTION: God is not focused on MODIFYING BEHAVIOR by His laws. He wants to TRANSFORM LIVES by His love. This is the power of the resurrection! I. God loves without DISCRIMINATION. (v. 43-45a) Many read Jesus’ words here and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Baptist

Top Ten American Idols Series

Contributed by Ray Geide on Mar 7, 2012

Do Americans worship idols? Isaiah 40:18-28 provides a powerful message against idol worship, the thinking that goes along with it, what causes it, and the solution.

Top 10 American Idols Isaiah 40:18-28 18 To whom, then, will you compare God? 19 How can you compare anything like Him to an idol that is formed by a craftsman, overlaid with melted down gold, and decorated with chains of melted down silver? 20 If people are too poor to make such a contribution, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:18-28

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Is The Judge Unjust?

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 19, 2011

Why does a just God delay justice? How can a loving God allow evil? Why do we think we can judge God by our standards?

Have you ever felt that God was just like the judge in Luke’s parable? Perhaps you have a problem, a need, a pain, a burning question; you bring it before God, and - nothing happens. You remember what Jesus said about persisting in prayer, so you go on battering at the heavenly gates - for ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Living The Good Life

Contributed by George Mclaughlin Jr. on Nov 15, 2009

In Philippians 4:4-9 Paul gives us 5 tips for experiencing an authentic, satisfying Christian life, such as what we envision when we think of the Pilgrim fathers.

Intro. Tell of the old New England tradition of setting five kernels of corn on the plate, on Thanksgiving day and of Governor Bradford giving thanks to God when, one winter, times were lean. Five pointers towards an authentic Christian life. I. Set your sights on God, 4. A. The point is Rejoice ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Prayer + Faith = Healing Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2009

When should we pray for health? When should we confess our sins? James compels his readers to think about their relationship to one another as a cause of their discomfort.

JAMES 5:13-16a PRAYER + FAITH = HEALING “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist