Sermons on Ministry To The Poor:

Christ’s Most Remarkable Convert

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Apr 19, 2011

Every conversion was unique and each was remarkable in its own way, but perhaps the most remarkable convert in Jesus’s earthly ministry was the thief on the cross. 1) It was based on a remarkable prophecy; 2) the thief prayed a remarkable prayer; & 3) Jes

Christ’s Most Remarkable Convert Chuck Sligh April 16, 2000 (Skeleton of this outline comes from Preach for a Year #3, pp. 63-64. The meat on the skeleton is mine alone and should not be held against the author of Preach for a Year. :-) TEXT: Luke 23:32-43 – “And there were also ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From Failure Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 26, 2009

When we fail in ministry, our failure need not be fatal. Rather, if our failure teaches us to depend on Christ and care for people, we can move on from failure to impact our world like Jesus’ original disciples did.

A CEO has taken on a new job, and the outgoing CEO says to him, “Sometimes you’ll make wrong choices. You will. You’ll mess up. When that happens, I have prepared three envelopes for you. I left them in the top drawer of the desk. The first time it happens, open #1. The second time you mess ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Our Agenda Vs God's Agenda

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Dec 29, 2024

Jesus has a vision for his ministry and the people have another, a different vision. The people’s own expectations have deafened them to the fulfillment of the scriptures. They are so caught up in their own agenda they cannot hear, let alone participate in, God’s agenda.

“What’s your plan for the day?” It’s a question I often ask my wife; usually on the weekend. But sometimes in the evenings after work I’ll say, “What’s your plan for this evening?” What’s your plan for the weekend? They seem like innocent enough questions and often they are. I’m really interested ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:21-30

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Psalm 34:18-19 - Part 7 - Are You Brokenhearted Or Crushed? Deliverance From Afflictions Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 5, 2025

Hurting people? Yes the world is full of them. Verses for today speak of those who hurt, the broken heartedness and sorrow; of those who are crushed by circumstances and the world. Jesus’ ministry is to the downtrodden. The Lord delivers those who are afflicted, and gives them hope.

PSALM 34:18-19 - PART 7 - ARE YOU BROKENHEARTED OR CRUSHED? DELIVERANCE FROM AFFLICTIONS We are nearing the end of our study of Psalm with just two more to go. The second half of the Psalm deals with practical issues like teaching and commands. Today the issue is very practical and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, Acts 4:11-12, John 14:6, Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18, Psalm 147:3, Isaiah 57:15, Matthew 11:28, 2 Timothy 3:11-12, 1 Peter 2:19-20, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Psalm 9:13, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 119:50, Psalm 119:92, Revelation 21:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Kingdom 101

Contributed by Johann Neethling on Aug 27, 2003

The Kingdom of God was the #1 topic of all Jesus’ ministry. He told us to seek first God’s Kingdom and righteousness, and in a world filled with so much bad news, we need to hear and focus on the Good News of the Kingdom so as not to live our lives withou

The Kingdom 101 Introduction: • Coming to the US from South Africa certainly had its cultural challenges. Even though we also grew up speaking English, some words meant very different things there from what they do here. • A lady friend of ours, newly from South Africa, was driving along the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34

Denomination: United Methodist

What Is Your Calling? Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jan 9, 2009

Not only does God give to each of us spiritual gifts by which the body of Christ is supported and sustained, He also gives us all that is needed to carry out those functions vital to the health and ministry of His body, the church. With those gifts, God g

Opening illustration: In September 2001, Lisa Jefferson had an unexpected opportunity to be used by God. Her now well-known 15-minute conversation with a passenger on United Flight 93 forever changed the direction of her life. In her book Called, she emphasizes that her listening skills and her ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Judgment Day Surprise - Matthew 7:21-23 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 26, 2021

How can you be sure you're not among those who have impressive, Christ-centered ministries and yet will hear those dreadful words, "Away from me. I never knew you"?

Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

He Is Able To Deliver You

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 4, 2003

Why do you suppose so many people are unwilling to engage in new ministries? Could it be that they somehow have not grown in their knowledge, faith and intimacy with a God who promises to deliver those who trust in Him

He is Able to Deliver You (Matt 4:1-12) Why do you suppose so many people are unwilling to engage in new ministries? Could it be that they somehow have not grown in their knowledge, faith and intimacy with a God who promises to deliver those who trust in Him? Even Jesus was willing to be led ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Transformation In Progress: Brief Sketches Of The Twelve Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 17, 2002

From Christ’s intense ministry with the Apostles, we can see that God looks beyond what we are to what we can become. He wants us to enter the process of transformation and to continue on in that process.

Transformation in Progress: Brief Sketches of the Twelve (Matt. 10:2-4) I included this hand out in the bulletin: The Calling of the Disciples There are several different "calling" of Jesus’ disciples, and it can be difficult to sort them out. Let’s take a look at at least three of them. 1. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:2-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Where Are The Nine?

Contributed by Dr. C. David White on Nov 20, 2002

This passage demonstrates the principle of the church in the church. That is, there are only a few (remnant) who are grateful enough to show it. Some people call this the pareto principle - 20% or less do 80% or more of all ministry.

Where are the other nine? LUK 17:11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. LUK 17:12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance LUK 17:13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Lay Up For Yourself Treasures In Heaven

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 13, 2001

Give stragetically and tactically so that your gifts will be multiplied by the many ministries of Christ’s church around the world in fields that are ripe for the harvest. How to Lay Up for Yourself Treasures in Heaven Matt 6:19

How to Lay Up Treasures for Yourself in Heaven - Matt 6:19,20 Illustration: Ritual Requirements Mary and Joseph Fulfilled at the Temple. First, there was circumcision, which is the mark of the covenant God made with Abraham. It is then that a male child receives his name and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Preparing Your World To Meet Jesus-1 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 17, 2004

Jesus’ ministry expansion began with a mission briefing. What must a mission briefing cover to prepare the world to meet Jesus? 22 principles to prepare your world for Jesus. Part 1 of a 5-part sermon.

PREPARING YOUR WORLD TO MEET JESUS-I —Luke 10:1-16 See 9:1-9—The 12’s commission Need: It takes much more than one ‘lone wolf’ to bring down the prey. A lot of basic Christian tenets in this section! Jesus ministry expansion began with a mission briefing. Preparing your world to meet Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Graduation Day

Contributed by Robert Fox on Jan 12, 2006

The central text talks about how, when you are young, you are "no more than slaves". Students can certainly relate to this! But then comes graduation day... Student ministry PowerPoint format.

[Graduation Day] Slide Graphic – student in cap and gown Slide Text – Children who are under age are no better off than slaves Galatians 4:1a In the service this morning, we will be honoring our high school and college graduates. How many of you are graduating from high-school or college this ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Recipe For Sainthood

Contributed by William Mouser on May 16, 2005

After the resurrection, Jesus still had ministry to perform on His disciples, to equip them for the work he set before them. What he did for them still bears fruit in the lives of saints today.

Isaiah 43:1-12, 1 John 1:1-4, Luke 24:36-49 A recipe for sainthood The Apostles of Christ pose a puzzle for us, one that many do not solve very well. On one hand, we have scenes throughout the gospels similar to the one in the gospel lesson for today: the Apostles full of fear, full of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-49

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

A Virtuous Cycle Series

Contributed by Kevin Purcell on May 24, 2005

This sermon focuses on Acts 4 but covers chapters 2-4 as it shows how the Christian life goes in a cycle from Spiritual Fulfillment to Ministry to Opposition to Decision whether to quit or continue on back to Spiritual Fulfillment.

A Virtuous Cycle Acts 4:1-31 Introduction During Superbowl XXXVII, FedEx ran a commercial that spoofed the movie Castaway, in which Tom Hanks played a FedEx worker whose company plane went down, stranding him on a desert island for years. Looking like the bedraggled Hanks in the movie, the FedEx ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-31

Denomination: Baptist