Sermons on Mixed Responses:

Finishing Touches

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 9, 2001

Funeral message for Mrs. Betty Parker, a member of our church who had known for some time that she would die, and who had carefully thought through her relationships, her responsibilities, and her faith.

FINISHING TOUCHES (Philippians 1:3-11) I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Some tasks are never finished. No matter how much effort you put in, they are never finished. There is always more that could be ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

Immediately Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 5, 2001

This was done as a dramatic monologue, as if I were Mark; and costumed according to Mark 14:51-52! It makes use of one of Mark’s favorite words, "immediately", and argues that Jesus expects immediate response to His call.

What’s happening? What’s going on here? I came as quickly as I could. If you linger, you will miss Him. He waits for no one. He acts immediately. He is the most urgent person I’ve ever known. He just does not wait for anything. He acts immediately. So, again, what’s happening here? What ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-12, Mark 14:51-52

Denomination: Baptist

The End Of Christianity

Contributed by Simon Rundell on Sep 7, 2001

A response to Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor’s statement that Christianity had been “all but eliminated” as a source of moral guidance in people’s lives, and that people were ‘indifferent’ to Christian values. Mission: the essential role of the Church

Sermon: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time; 9th September 2001 Text: Luke 14:25-33 “Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” In the name of the +Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. BBC News, last Thursday. The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

How To Avoid Internal Divisions

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Every family, organization and movement struggles with the problem of internal divisions. Many internal conflicts result from a struggle over control. If everyone learns to give the Lord control for whatever they are responsible for, many internal divisio

Every family, organization and movement struggles with the problem of internal divisions. Many internal conflicts result from a struggle over control. If everyone learns to give the Lord control for whatever they are responsible for, many internal divisions can be minimized. In Judges 9, we are ...read more

Scripture: Judges 9:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Call Of Abraham

Contributed by Victor Nazareth on Apr 14, 2002

God’s call to Abraham and his response are important as it is alluded to in Scripture over and over again. It is an emblem for all subsequent calls. The Bible calls Abraham the father or all those who believe (Rom 4:11).

Introduction: God’s call to Abraham and his response are important as it is alluded to in Scripture over and over again. It is an emblem for all subsequent calls. The Bible calls Abraham the father or all those who believe (Rom 4:11). As we study his call we can examine our own call to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3

Denomination: Charismatic

Lost…at Home Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Apr 15, 2002

In Luke 15, Luke gives a series of three parables in response to the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus received unbelieving sinners and even ate with them. Today, our focus is on the second of these stories – a lost coin that had value and

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: How many of you chronically lose or misplace things? You never notice that something is lost until you need it and it’s always in the last place you look. Have you ever noticed the intensity with which you will search for an inanimate object when you need it? Your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:8-10

When Prayer Goes Unanswered Series

Contributed by Greg Hanson on Feb 19, 2007

Why doesn’t God answer all our prayers? And when he doesn’t, what should our response be? Part 4 of a series inspired by Philip Yancey’s book "Disappointment with God."

Back when I was a student at Bethany Bible College in Sussex, NB, I lived in one of the dormitories. They’ve since renovated the dorm, but when I was there we had two pay phones in the dorm… one on the second floor, and one on the third. The one on the third floor worked fine, but the one on the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 59:1-3

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Chance Of A Lifetime Series

Contributed by Andy Almendarez on Dec 11, 2006

God gives His children many opportunities to not only manage what has been given, but to be generous in return. God expects us to be faithful in our stewardship and generous in our response – as He is generous in His rewarding!

The Chance of a Lifetime Matthew 25:14-30; Proverbs 3:9 God gives His children many opportunities to not only manage what has been given, but to be generous in return. God expects us to be faithful in our stewardship and generous in our response – as He is generous in His rewarding! I. The Lord ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Holiness

Quality Leadership

Contributed by Brien Sims on Dec 22, 2006

Deciding eldership and deaconship is not to be taken lightly: Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:22 not to hastily select leaders. “Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others;

Have you ever felt unheard or as though you can’t find an ear to listen to your concerns? Have you ever left after speaking to someone feeling as though they didn’t hear a single word that you said? Israel had a problem with this as well. Moses had basically been given control of all the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Here Comes The Bride

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Nov 27, 2006

Father Abraham spoke to his “oldest servant of His house, who ruled over all…” This servant was his most reliable and faithful. Father Abraham gave to this servant the complete responsibility of finding the bride for his son.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Perhaps the story of how you and your sweetheart met and fell in love is similar to mine. When it comes to meeting, dating and marrying that special someone (in our American culture) – we don’t do. Things quite like they did in Genesis 24. Actually our parents (probably) had ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-87

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Doesn't Expect Us To Do Everything Ourselves

Contributed by David Haun on May 16, 2004

F"olk often face the frustration of feeling they must do everything themselves and at the same time feeling that they often are the only one who can. This sermon attempts clarify leadership and our responsibility as Christ’s leaders.

GOD DOESN’T EXPECT US TO DO EVERYTHING OURSELVES Exodus 18:13-24, I Cor. 12:14-27, Matt. 9:1-38, Acts 6:1-7 Dr. David L. Haun Hope Christian Church, May 9, 2004 Have you ever had an inspector climb down from your attic or up from the foundation of your house with the dreaded news, “You’re ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-27, Exodus 18:13-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Zechariah And Mary, And Spiritual Shock Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 4, 2004

Can we be walking with the Lord, be strong in some areas and horribly weak in others, or does spiritual maturity mean we have grown evenly?Let’s contrast the responses of Zechariah the priest and Mary and then return to this question.

Zechariah and Mary, and Spiritual Shock (Luke 1) Here is a bulletin insert I wrote to add to the sermon, which follows: Zechariah the Priest and Father of John the Baptist The Christmas narrative really begins by setting the stage for Jesus’ coming through explaining how his forerunner, John the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-60

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"What Turned The Crowed Against Jesus?” Palm Sunday

Contributed by David Yarbrough on Apr 14, 2003

. Too many people do this still today, they run to God’s grace desiring eternal life in heaven, but quickly pull back from God at the first hint of obligation or responsibility to this grace we freely enjoy.

Intro: A little boy was sick on Palm Sunday and stayed home from church with his mother. His father returned from church holding a palm branch. The little boy was curious and asked, "Why do you have that palm branch, dad?" "You see, when Jesus came into town, everyone waved Palm Branches to honor ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Servant Of God

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Sep 9, 2004

I want you to know that the assurance you have is that Christ is your example. And as Christ as our example, you do have a calling from our Heavenly Father to be responsible for your brothers and sisters in love and in deed.

Opening: This evening I want us to do a little reflecting on what is taking place in our lives. Some of you may have found yourself adjusting to being in a church that is without a Pastor. This may be nothing new for some of you. Maybe some of you have been through this before. I have found ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"I Have Seen Jesus: Have You?” Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 11, 2007

when I imagine the story of Mary, and how weeping Mary turned into surprised Mary turned into responsive Mary, I see the power, the potential, the possibilities that come from lives that are lived in relationship with the living Lord Jesus.

“I Have Seen Jesus: Have You?” – Series: Seeing Jesus Apr 15, 2007 John 20:11-18 Intro: Christ is Risen! It is true, it is gloriously true – Christ is Risen! So, now what? The greatest story, our most important story, has just last week reached its climax. Our Lord, crucified, but then ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18

Denomination: Baptist