Sermons on Metaphors:

The Successful Christian

Contributed by David Shipman on Dec 4, 2004

Being a Christian means something. There are promises in the Bible and if we are not experiencing the promises it is hard to make a case that we are successful in our Christian walk.

I want to talk this morning about being a successful Christian Many people would define being a successful Christian as being a Christian that makes it to heaven. Do you know what the definition of success is in our dictionary? “Desirable Outcome” or “one that succeeds” I want you to think ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Blessed Hunger Pangs

Contributed by Rob Woodrum on Apr 22, 2003

Being hungry and thirsty for righteousness isn’t about fufilling obligations, it’s about an ardent desire to be right with God.

MATTHEW 5:6 "Blessed Hunger-Pangs" (This message begins with an opening video "The Fast" from Highway Video’s Classics collection. www.highwayvideo.com) Being hungry is never pleasant. In fact, hunger can inspire bizarre behavior in us as humans. When we’re hungry, we sometimes do foolish ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6, Isaiah 55:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Way, The Truth, And The Life Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Jul 17, 2003

This is part 6 in a 7-part series I did on the "I Am" statements of Jesus in John.

June 22, 2003 John 14:1-7 “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” Intro I’ve got some good news and some bad news this morning. Let’s start with the good news! In The Gallup Guide: Reality Check for 21st Century Churches, author D. Michael Lindsay concludes, “Surveys record an unprecedented ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Defeating The Darkness Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Jan 8, 2009

This continues in my expository series through the book of Acts.

The metaphors of darkness and light are widely used in the world of literature. Dylan Thomas wrote, “Do not go gentle into that good night; rage, rage against the dying of the light.” One of the most often repeated image patterns in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet involves the interplay of light ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:8-20

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Life Is Like A Sandcastle Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jan 11, 2009

2nd in a series from Ecclesiastes. Even though life "under the sun" is fleeting, we can still enjoy the journey.

Over the years, many of people have come up with metaphors to try and describe what life is like. Perhaps you are familiar with a few of these. Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. • Forrest Gump Life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a-ticking whether you ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

Denomination: Baptist

Is Hell Real?

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Mar 4, 2007

Our vision of a loving God makes the idea of a punitive Hell very unnerving for us. Jesus speaks of God’s love, but he also tells us in the Gospels about God’s punishment for sinners.

Additional Text: Genesis 15:1-18 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14) Is Hell Real? Our vision of a loving God makes the idea of a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:22-35

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Give’em A Brake

Contributed by Doane Brubaker on Mar 30, 2007

We suffer relational wrecks when we drive carelessly. Highway safety tips provide spiritual parallels for navigating relationships. One of my guys with the public works department set up some signs on the platform for this one.

“Give ‘em a Brake” Colossians 3:1-15 A news story out of St. Louis last year began… "He was a loving father and loved his grandkids," Linda Heath never imagined Wednesday would mark the first time she referred to her husband of 31 years in the past tense.” On April 26, 2006 Henry Heath was ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-15

Denomination: Mennonite

Just Win, Baby! Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Jul 13, 2008

Purposefully keep pressing toward the goal.

JUST WIN, BABY! Philippians 3.12-4.1 S: Christlikeness Th: Toward the Goal Pr: PURPOSEFULLY KEEP PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL. ?: How? KW: Reminders TS: We will find in our study of Philippians three reminders of how to keep pressing toward Christlikeness. CV: “We will passionately pursue full ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by John Boquist on Jul 25, 2008

Our lives, individually and corporately, can display the power of the gospel.

Text: Colossians 1:1-14 Title: The Power of the Gospel Most of the time, when we’re speaking or writing, we tend to put the most important information at the front end then move on from there. At the beginning of this letter, Paul and his partner Timothy give a warm greeting in the first verses, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Invisible Hand Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Mar 30, 2009

The "invisible hand" of a sovereign God guides Paul (and us!).

“The Invisible Hand” Acts 22:22-23:11 July 27, 2008 From Wikipedia: “The invisible hand is a metaphor coined by the economist Adam Smith. In The Wealth of Nations and other writings, Smith demonstrated that, in a free market, an individual pursuing his own self-interest tends to also ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Lord, My King Series

Contributed by Mark Armstrong on Jun 2, 2009

The absolute supremacy of Christ means we are safe in his arms.

We all like to feel safe and secure. When I was a young lad, I had this dream that has stayed with me for 45 years. I dreamt about a large house with a flight of external stairs. For some reason I was scared, I couldn’t work out why. Then I felt compelled to climb the flight of stairs—step by scary ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Is Jesus First Place In Your Life? Series

Contributed by Danny Rogers on Jan 16, 2008

Much of the false teaching taking place in Colosse had to do with the minimizing of Jesus. Many people thought He was important but not essential. They had given Him a place in their lives, without recognizing that He demands first place. Jesus was promin

Intro: There was an article in a national news paper a few years ago that featured a denomination that wanted to radically reach those who feel alienated from church. Using market research and focus groups, this denomination has designed weekly services that deliberately de-emphasize Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Apostolic Ministry Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 7, 2008

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul brings to a conclusion the arguments he has been making since chapter one, as he seeks to bring unity to the divided church at Corinth.

Introduction: A. There’s an old fable that goes like this… 1. A servant had two large water pots that he carried on either end of a pole slung across his shoulders. 2. One of the pots had a crack in it, so every day as he carried water to his master’s house, he arrived with one full pot and one ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Reality Choice Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Feb 11, 2010

The first choice is the Reality Choice... I acknowledge that I am spiritually bankrupt. I am powerless to overcome my tendency to do the wrong things and I need help.

Title: The Reality Choice Text: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 Thesis: The First Choice is the Reality Choice in which I admit that I need help; that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that I need ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Steps In Order To See God At Work

Contributed by Gerald Steffy on Sep 3, 2009

God works in mysterious and miraculous ways when we take the proper steps to allow Him to do His work.

STEPS IN ORDER TO SEE GOD AT WORK Luke 1:5-25 Proposition: Objective: My purpose is to challenge people to look to where God is at work in our lives, our church and our community. INTRODUCTION: Illus: A missionary went to a remote Indian village in Peru. If you were to visit the main ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Baptist