Sermons on Nearness To God:

Running A Faith Race

Contributed by Neil Olcott on Jun 29, 2004

This is a sermon about our life of faith with an outline somewhat borrowed from Chuck Swindoll.

Intro: The New Testament often describes the Christian life as a race to be run or a fight to be fought. These metaphors stem from the literal reality of the athletic events that were conducted in ancient arenas. Physical training was an important part of Greek education and centered in the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Rev It Up, Hop It Up, Tone It Up, Tune It Up

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Oct 21, 2003

Some things need to be revved up.

INTRO.- ILL.- One lady said, “I always do my exercises regularly every morning. Immediately after waking I always say sternly to myself, “Ready now. Up. Down. Up. Down!” And after two strenuous minutes I tell myself, “OKAY, NOW TRY THE OTHER EYELID.” ILL.- Mark Twain once said, “The only way ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Falling Into Satan's Trap

Contributed by Rick Kallstrom on Jun 9, 2003

Paul’s time on earth was coming to an end. He had fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. Soon, Paul would be a victim of Nero’s chopping block. Now one of his closest disciples, Demas, has left him.

This morning I want to talk to you about falling into Satan’s Trap. As we examine our scripture this morning, we find that the Apostle Paul is writing his final letter to Timothy, his son in the Lord. Paul is writing to Timothy from his jail cell in Rome. I suspect that it is wintertime when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Recognizing (And Recovering From) Spiritual Abuse

Contributed by Jim Miller on May 18, 2003

Spiritually abused Christians and spiritual abusers are more prevalent than you may think. This sermon identifies spiritual abuse and offers some remedies.

INTRODUCTION I am a victim of spiritual abuse. And, chances are, if you have been a member of a church or religious organization for any length of time, you are too. Spiritual abuse surfaces in an assortment of forms: sometimes in-your-face flagrant; other times behind-your-back subtle. It emerges ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Tale Of Seven Churches: Pergamum Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Mar 5, 2003

This is the third in an eight part series on the seven churches of the Revelation

It was the third of seven. The city of Pergamum, or Pergamos as it is called by some translations (It’s the same name simply the masculine and feminine forms) didn’t have the beauty of Smyrna nor the commerce of Ephesus however it was still a great city in it’s own right, a city of culture and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

A Servant Attitude: Key To Success In Relationships

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 8, 2005

The key to success in most jobs and ministries is "Knowing how to get alone with people." 3rd John is a study in contrasts between Gaius and Diotrephes.

“A Servant Attitude: Key to Success in Relationships” Matthew 20:25-28 3 John 1-12 The Carnegie Foundation discovered that to be successful on the job, relational skills are far more important than knowledge. It’s research found that only 15 percent of a person’s success is determined by job ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:1-12

Denomination: Free Methodist

On Judgement

Contributed by Rick Hope on Mar 1, 2006

What is judgement and is it always wrong to condemn something?

Matthew 7:1 is perhaps one of the most memorized and most quoted verses in the Bible? It is true! For instance, I am going to make a few statements. Let’s see if you agree with me. 1. Homosexuality is a sin. Homosexuals need to repent of this sin in order to be right with God. 2. All ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Specks And Planks And Pigs

Contributed by Joseph Daniel on Jan 19, 2007

Are we truly never supposed to judge anything? Is this what Jesus was saying?

SPECKS AND PLANKS AND PIGS (Matthew 7:1-6) (Judging Others) The Scripture reading for tonight is from Matthew chapter 7, verses 1 through 6. The message is entitled “Specks and Planks and Pigs,” and we’ll be talking on the subject of judging others. If you have a red letter edition of the Bible, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Forward Thinking: Living For Christ's Return

Contributed by Jordon Leblanc on Oct 16, 2006

How can we be people who effectively live for Christ’s return?

This evening, I want to look in the Gospel of Matthew, starting in chapter 24 in verse 36. Tonight, I want us to spend some time contemplating the return of Christ. More specific than that, I want to use our passage in Matthew to help us to be people who live for the return of Christ. So, if ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

Band Of Brothers Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Jun 18, 2007

Memorial Day Sunday message comparing military sacrifices on the battlefield and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Leads into Lord’s Supper observance.

*ILL>The story is told of three elderly sisters who, in their last years, lived together in a shared home. One day sister #1 stopped midway on a staircase and asked one of her sisters, "Was I going up or coming down?" Sister #2 shook her head and told her, "You were going upstairs to go to bed." ...read more

Scripture: John 15:13

Denomination: Baptist

The Resurrection Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 10, 2007

The resurrection makes a difference in what we think about Jesus and how we live our lives today.

A. Once a singing group called The Resurrection was scheduled to sing at a church. 1. Unfortunately, a big snowstorm postponed the performance, so the minister fixed the sign outside the church to read, “The Resurrection is postponed.” I’m sure that created some alarm! 2. Aren’t you glad the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Family Ties: My Big Fat Greek Wedding Series

Contributed by J John on Dec 20, 2007

I am Greek. And if you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll have seen some of my relatives - including my mother, who is a travel agent for guilt trips. (Recently, she returned the Christmas presents that my wife and I bought for her.)

--note-- 2002: IFC Films Directed by Joel Zwick Nia Vardalos as Toula John Corbett as Ian Rated PG for sensuality and language - - - - - I am Greek. And if you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll have seen some of my relatives - including my mother, who is a travel agent for guilt trips. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: *other

Sour And Sweet Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 22, 2007

Parables for Stewards, Pt. 7

SOUR AND SWEET (MATTHEW 21:28-32) More than a decade ago, Robert Haft trumpeted this famous commercial to financial success: “If you paid full price, you didn’t buy it at Crown Books.” Robert was the son and heir apparent of the Dart Group founder, Herbert Haft, who made his fortune in real estate ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Invisible. Inspiring, Instructing Icon

Contributed by Mack Armstrong on May 16, 2008

Three adults in John’s Gospel are the product of a very dedicated and devout mother. Although never named in the Bible, this mother cast a big shadow.

John 11:1-5 INVISIBLE, INSPIRING, INSTRUCTING ICON I. IDENTITY: A. Invisible. B. Industrious. C. Influential. II. ISSUES: A. Imitators. B. Inclusiveness. C. Inspiring. III. IMPACT: A. Immeasurable. B. Immortal. C. Imitational. My Mother’s Day sermon is different from any ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

Leaving A Legacy To Our Neighbor Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on May 30, 2008

This message looks at the life of Barnabas and how we might leave a legacy to our neighbor

Leave a Legacy for Your Neighbor To Leave a Legacy for Your Neighbors Sacrifice for Others (Acts 4:36-37) Be Slow to Judge Others (Acts 9:26-27;15:36-39) Spiritually Influence Others (Acts 11:22-24) Work for the Success of Others (Acts 11:25-26) Slide 1 Jim -------- Illustration. A couple of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:36-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational