Sermons on Motivating People:

Strange Blessings Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

Failing to make time for God during strange times might cause us to miss His blessings and instead find frustration instead.

As we see the birth of Jesus, we see Mary’s immediate assistance coming from her faithful husband and unfailing God in the time of her distress. They had to make time for God; God had made this a unique time for them. We too might miss God’s help if we’re too busy with the details of life to see ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

What Can We Learn From Mary Magdalene?

Contributed by Carla Powell on Jan 2, 2002

Investigates some common misconceptions about Mary Magdalene. We can learn how to love Jesus from Mary’s persistence, sincerity, and enthusiasm.

Today is the day when we honor Mary Magdalene, dedicated follower of Jesus. Legends about Mary Magdalene abound. In fact, Mary Magdalene is probably most well-known for false details and unproven facts in her life. Often she is identified as a former prostitute, but there is nothing in the Bible ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

The Nicodemus Question

Contributed by Carla Powell on Jan 2, 2002

What does it mean to be born again? How can we be saved?

Second Sunday In Lent (Year A) Many people attend sporting events carrying signs labelled JOHN 3:16, the promise that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. I heard of a sporting event recently, where the announcers began to snicker and gawk at a sign one of the spectators held that ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Trust In God's Protecting Care

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 4, 2002

Like Joseph, the foster father of our Lord Jesus, may we trust in God’s protecting care...with a faith like Joseph’s that listens...with a faith like Joseph’s that obeys.

A boy was given a part in the Christmas program at his church. He was asked to play the part of Joseph—the foster father of Jesus. The day before Christmas Eve, when the children were suppose to have their program, the boy became sick. His mother was very concerned about him missing the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Lutheran

"Stephen: The 1st Christian Martyr"

Contributed by Danny Moss on Jan 5, 2002

This message examines the life and influence of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

STEPHEN: THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MARTYR Text: Acts 6:8-15 "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Lib- ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

God's Call In Stars And Dreams

Contributed by Greg Nance on Jan 8, 2002

In the dim light of a Star and the witness of dreams wise men were guided by God to find and worship Jesus, how much more ought we who have the plain Word of God to do so!

When God Speaks Through Dreams Matthew 2:13-23 What do you think about dreams? The Greek words for dream occur only 9 times in the New Testament; six times in Matthew, where every one of them has a message from God. Acts 2:17 and Jude 8 contain the other three. Acts speaks of the evidence of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Tale From The Cript

Contributed by Roger Carson on Jan 9, 2002

Story of Lazereth

It was so dark, and so cold. He had no idea where he was, how long he had been there or what he was supposed to be doing. The last thing he remembered was being at home in bed. He had been sick; nobody knew what to do or even what was wrong. The doctors had come and gone leaving behind potions and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Song Of A Pregnant Teenager

Contributed by Jason Patrick on Jan 12, 2002

Often times we find it difficult to submit to God’s will, but Mary serves as an inspiring example of how we can submit to God even when God’s plan is an utter mystery to us.

The Song of a Pregnant Teenager / Luke 1:47-55 Third Sunday of Advent, Year A; Downsville Baptist Church; 16 Dec. 2001 She was the last girl anybody expected to fall under this kind of disgrace. Fourteen years old, a freshman at Jerusalem High School with a straight A average, Mary always ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:47-55

Denomination: Baptist

Keeping Grace In Bounds?

Contributed by Jason Patrick on Jan 12, 2002

Arrogance destroys our walk with Christ because any notion of self-sufficiency pertaining to righteousness distorts the power and necessity of God’s grace in all of our lives.

“Keeping Grace in Bounds” / Luke 19:1-10 Proper 25, Year C, Downsville Baptist Church (4 November 2001) As Mr. Zachary Allens walked into Main Street Baptist Church a couple of minutes late last Sunday evening, he was greeted by scowls and low whispers. Nobody liked Zach Allens, and everybody ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Mary – A Symbol Of Trust

Contributed by Jeremy Houck on Feb 5, 2005

Mary can teach us to trust God with reckless abandon

– adapted from Caught in a higher love by Carolyn Baker Alexander the Great, one of the greatest military generals who ever lived, conquered almost the entire known world with his vast army. One night during a campaign, he couldn’t sleep and left his tent to walk around the campgrounds. As he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Man With The Foot Shaped Mouth And The Cross Shaped Heart

Contributed by Chanon Mullens on Feb 11, 2005

Peter, In all His faults was still worthy to serve Christ

1. WHO WAS THIS MAN SIMON? • He was the third disciple called by Jesus (VS 42) • Andrew 1st and John 2nd • Peter was Andrews brother (VS 40) • Jesus recognized Simon before he was officially introduced • He immediately recognized Simon’s leadership qualities and changed his name • This was ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-42

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen The Witness And Martyr Series

Contributed by Tom Mccrossan on Feb 21, 2005

Stephen is a model for us of a Holy Spirit directed witness.

Stephen the Witness and Martyr Acts 6:8—8:1 Intro: There is a Conspiracy of Silence in so many churches… Thinking that we can merely live good Christian lives as our witness, without telling people the why: telling about Jesus Christ. God’s acts have always needed explanation to be clear. ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Philip The Evangelist Series

Contributed by Tom Mccrossan on Feb 28, 2005

Witnessing in the power of the Spirit

PHILIP THE EVANGELIST Acts 8:1-25 Intro.: What is evangelism? What is an evangelist? (Wait for answers) Jesus said in His final words, “Go, be my witnesses here and everywhere,” “Go and make disciples of all nations.” To evangelize is to tell the good news of Jesus. “Gospel” = “evangel” = ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Don't Be A Judas

Contributed by Mike Turner on Mar 5, 2005

A sermon on Judas, and his road to betrayal

Don’t Be A Judas John 13:1-30 Leonardo Da Vinci, the noted Italian artist, painted the Last Supper. It took seven years for him to complete it. The figures representing the twelve Apostles and Christ himself were painted from living persons. The life-model for ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Judas:you Betrayer Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Mar 7, 2005

To show how betrayal is in us all and but it need not be the end of a relationship with God

JUDAS: YOU BETRAYER JOHN 13 V18-30 I don’t know anyone who has called their child ‘Judas.’ That name is synonymous with betrayal and treachery. We sometimes hear people being called ‘Judas’ and it is not a term of endearment. Sometimes football fans will shout it at a former player or manager. ...read more

Scripture: John 13:18-30

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican