Sermons on Metaphors:

Becoming United

Contributed by Tony Dicostanzo on Oct 21, 2002

Living life with a Godly purpose can be challenging for each one of us individually, but much more so corporately. Are we up for the challenge? The rewards are certainly worth it!

Permission is granted to reproduce the following Sermon Outline for corporate worship distribution. The manuscript, which follows the outline, contains the text needed to complete the handout. For further sermon resources or help, contact Rev. A.S. DiCostanzo at ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Peculiar People

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 24, 2002

This sermon addresses the mission of Christians in the world as a royal priesthood.

THE PECULIAR PEOPLE Text: First Peter 2:2-10 The King James Version of the Bible distinguishes the wording of God’s people, calling us "a peculiar people" as opposed to other versions of the Bible. The Greek word that is used here is peripoiesis which means "possession--- purchased ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:2-10

Denomination: United Methodist

God As Shepherd

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Apr 26, 2001

Year C Fourth Sunday of Easter May 6th, 2001 Psalm 23

Psalm 23 This has been called the “pearl” of the Psalter, one of just about everyone’s favorites. The beauty of its imagery has survived many translations down through the ages. Ironically, it is the translation of a verb in the last verse which makes it difficult to classify this psalm. In verse ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Wrestling With God Series

Contributed by Tammy Garrison on Aug 18, 2001

This sermon embraces the uncomfortable ideas of wrestling with God, God self-limitation in the struggle, and change that occurs.

Genesis 32:22-32 Our Bible story needs a little prefacing this evening. Its kind of like the original Star Wars Triliogy - we’re coming in to the story at Episode VI. In recent days we’ve been taking a look at some Old Testament characters, and tonight we turn our attention towards Jacob - the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32

Denomination: Methodist

Compass, Unitard, Well Worn Boots

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

Let your congregation know the three things that a disciple of Jesus can not be without. (heart pointed to Jesus, a willingness to grapple with Jesus in relationship--get to know who he really is, and to walk in His steps. Scripture is taken from a vari

Compass, Unitard, Well Worn Boots “Compass, Unitard, Well Worn Boots” (say these three seemingly unrelated things out loud, in the tradition of Johnny Carson’s character, alluded to below, but then proceed to talk about the following material first, before giving the “question” that those ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Formula For Impacting Our World Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 26, 2006

The simple formula Jesus has given us for impacting our world is that we are salt and light.

Introduction: A. I wanted to start today’s sermon with a funny story of a science chemistry experiment gone wrong. 1. So I went on line and searched for quite a while, thinking surely there must be some great stories out there. a. I stumbled on one that didn’t have a lot of details, which would ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living Between The Advents

Contributed by William Mouser on Dec 13, 2005

Psalm 126 shows us two advents of God’s redemptive blessing of his people, and provides advice for how to between the advents.

Third Sunday in Advent 2005 Psalm 126, Isaiah 65:17-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, John 1:6-8,19-28 Living Between the Advents Psalm 126 – the Psalm appointed for this third Sunday in Advent – is one of 15 psalms grouped together in the Psalter which all bear the designation “a psalm of ascents.” ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

David Takes Jerusalem As His Capital Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Nov 17, 2003

David is first of all the Shepherd King. That is, he rules with humble loving-kindness, reflecting the love and grace of God, trusting him to bring the victories he needs. But secondly he’s, at the same time, a warrior king, using all the military prowess

Saul’s son Ish-Bosheth is dead. David is now free to assume the kingship of all of the combined nation of Israel and Judah. The reason this has come about is that two of Ish-Bosheth’s own men have assassinated their king. You’ll find the story of this murder in 2 Sam 4, where David once again ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-25

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus The Savior Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Nov 26, 2007

What did the cross mean to Jesus?

Jesus the Savior November 25, 26, & 29 2007 Jesus Who? The cross as the symbol of Christianity It is very surprising that Christians use the cross as their main symbol. I have mentioned before that the cross was not a symbol of a victorious king – it was only the symbol of a failed messiah. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-23

Denomination: *other

Sower And The Seed Series

Contributed by Tyler Edwards on Jun 13, 2011

Parable of the sower and the seed, what soil are you?

The Sower and His Seed We are back in our series through the Gospel of Luke after taking a few weeks off to do some spiritual remodeling. This series was originally designed to go through the end of the year but recently I realized that would require skipping over a lot of really good material, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15

Denomination: *other

What Is A Witness? Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jan 13, 2009

What does it mean to be a witness for Christ?

Sermon Brief Date Written: December 1, 2008 Date Preached: December 3, 2008 Where Preached: OPBC (Wed PM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: A Study of John’s Letters Sermon Title: What Is A Witness? Sermon Text: 1 John 1:1-4 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Beginning With The End In Mind

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Nov 19, 2010

This is the end that we must have in mind when we begin anything in the church. Our destination must be a congregation filled with people who are filled with Christ and who are filling the world with his love.

BEGINNING WITH THE END IN MIND Isaac Butterworth The Installation of a New Pastor November 21, 2010 John 15:1-8 (NIV) 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Way To Walk Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jul 20, 2010

To walk in the Spirit means to be active instead of passive and to allow the Spirit to lead.

A Way To Walk: Fundamentals Gal 5:16-26, July 18, 2010 Intro: I’m going to begin with a little story I wrote, sort of a parable. Like most parables, it isn’t about what it seems to be about, the message is something different. I offer this uncharacteristic preamble because we are ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: Baptist

A Messiah Who Makes A Difference Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 6, 2010

The incredible power of the Gospel ought to make a radical difference in your life and the lives of those around you.

A Messiah Who Makes a Difference Text: Matt. 13:31-33 Introduction 1. Illustration: Charles Spurgeon, known as "The Prince of Preachers," said, "The faith which saves is not one single act done and ended on a certain day: it is an act continued and persevered in throughout the entire life of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-33

Denomination: Methodist

Rearview Mirror Series

Contributed by David Rumley on Apr 16, 2009

What are you driven by in life? This sermon discusses the purpose of the rear view mirror (referencing the past; and why it is small and the windshield (focusing on the present and the future).

DRIVEN BY ETERNITY Opener: What are you driven by? 1 Peter 2: 1 So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don’t just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing. 2 You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal