Sermons on Negativity:

Apple Talk Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 5, 2017

In any context in which we must work closely with people, we can expect conflict, irritation, inconsistency, and aggravation. It takes discipline to handle them well.

Apple Talk (Proverbs 25:8-14) 1. There is a constant debate between computer users: Is Apple (Mac) better than Windows? 2. For people who work with graphics, the Mac will win by and large. 3. But for the rest of us, the matter is debated — especially taking into account the cost difference. 4. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 25:8-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Patriot

Contributed by Pastor Randall Timblin on Jun 22, 2017

We can be Patriots without offending our God! We need only to put God first!

Who were the first Patriots? To answer the question, we must first determine what the word means. Google and Webster define it this way: a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors. Some may ask: then what is the difference between ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8, Matthew 6:33, John 15:13

Denomination: *other

Anointed For Mission [lectionary 3c]

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 30, 2018

Leave the success of your life to a power greater than you. Just do the things you were anointed for. Let a power greater than you take care of the ‘how.’

The theme in our Readings this Sunday is that the ‘opening of the Scriptures’ is consonant with ‘the opening of the eyes’. The use of physical seeing as a metaphor for spiritual insight is commonplace. Those that are blind(ed), are unable to read the Scriptures. E.g. Two young fish are swimming ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:2-10, Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Catholic

Nature Of Prayer Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jan 21, 2019

Prayer is relationship. Essence of Christianity is our relationship with God. Prayer was a defining necessity of Jesus. He prayed at all times, in all places, with all methods, about all topics, for all reasons.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Prayer is commanded, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). 2. Jesus’ example of prayer. “Christ . . . is your example, you must follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21, NLT). 3. Disciples wanted to learn prayer from Him. “Once Jesus was in a certain place ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1, 1 Peter 2:21

Denomination: Baptist

Get Behind Me, Satan

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 29, 2018

Jesus says that the Son of Man MUST suffer greatly...

24B. Talk about anti-climactic: Peter’s inspired answer that Jesus is “The One,” (the Messiah), through whom God will accomplish all that he promised is followed by the rebuke of, “Get behind me, Satan.” e.g. A married lady went out shopping one day and when she returned home she brought with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:24-35

Denomination: Catholic

The Omega Man

Contributed by Elmer Towns on May 20, 2016

The Omega Man is the last person to receive Christ before the end of time.

I. Who Is Omega Man? 1. The word Omega means last in the Greek alphabet, i.e., Alpha to Omega. Definition: Omega, Gr. 1. Last of the Greek alphabet, 2. Ending, conclusion, to be concluded, stop, cease, i.e., to run out, 3. Short lived, 4. A negatively charged elementary particle that has a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:23-36

Denomination: Baptist

Paying The Temple Tax Lesson 19 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 15, 2016

We must do what we are commanded to do even though we are not able to do it. God will do through us and begin only what only God can do.

A. INTRODUCTION: THE DILEMMA “On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, ‘Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?’ ‘Yes, he does,’ Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

Ambition

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Apr 4, 2017

James and John wanted to to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom - is this raw ambition? or is there something else here we can learn from?

Ambition Matthew 20:20 - 28 Today we see two of Jesus' closest disciple being ambitious, the request to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom. Ironically in Mark’s gospel it is James and John who actually come to Jesus with this request. In Matthew, today's gospel, it is their mother… ambition. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

How To Accomplish A Big Hard Scary Job Lesson 11 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 7, 2017

When you don't know where to start

A. SIZE UP BIG JOBS WITH A BIG OVERALL PERSPECTIVE: JOSHUA 10:16-43 1. Why big jobs defeat us? a. We’re scared of failure. b. We don’t know where to start. c. We’ve failed at big jobs before. d. Lack of motivation. e. Worthy goal, but not with my limitations. “God led Israel to cross the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 10:8-43

Denomination: Baptist

Gate Is A Metaphor For Leader, Guide.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Apr 20, 2017

This is NOT the voice of the Shepherd, "I told you so," "You're just like your mother!" "Can't you do anything right?"

Easter 4A Our Responsorial Psalm today from Psalm 23 is very personal. There are no references to "we" or "us" or "they," but only "my" and "me" and "I" and "You." This is David's testimony, his personal experience with God. “He guides me in right paths,” the second part says. In our Gospel we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Catholic

The Significance Of Christ's Resurrection.

Contributed by David Radcliff on Apr 22, 2017

The French philosopher Albert Camus once said, “I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live as if there isn't a God and to die to find out that there is.”

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION. 1 Corinthians 15: 12-23 The French philosopher Albert Camus once said, “I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live as if there isn't a God and to die to find out that there is.” HERE the apostle reasons ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-23

Denomination: Baptist

"God’s ‘text’ For Graduates"

Contributed by Ian Humphrey on Nov 6, 2015

"God’s ‘Text’ for Graduates"

Proverbs 3:1-6 "God’s ‘Text’ for Graduates" 1. The Consideration Of Wisdom - 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: Notice the Fatherly tone of the book of Proverbs –Wisdom Pilots Our Paths - 2. The Consolation Of Wisdom - (a) The ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-6

Denomination: Holiness

Thanking Hard

Contributed by Craig Benner on Nov 27, 2013

Sometimes it does not make sense to be thankful. But it is always the will of God. If we can thank God in the hard times, and keep a right attitude, He will reward us with blessings that we never expected.

Thanking Hard Mark 6:34-44----Central Text Hard times---the disciples treasury only had 200 pennies (possibly the value of $32 in today's economy) and only one boy out of 20,000 people had any food on their person. It would have been a miracle to have bought food for 20,000 people for that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:34-44

Denomination: Pentecostal

Names Don’t Define You!

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Dec 28, 2013

Can you imagine what it must have felt like to know your name meant…Sorrow or Pain? The one who is suppose to be your biggest fan, biggest supporter, the one who is suppose to take up for you, is in fact putting you down!!

1 Chronicles. 4:9-10-Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Why Did The "Sinners" Love Hanging Out With Jesus?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 30, 2013

It's a fact worth pondering: the tax collectors and sinners LIKED being with Jesus. That's not usually how the lost feel around us. What did Jesus have that we don't?

AN IMPORTANT FACT: The tax collectors and “sinners” liked hanging out with Jesus. - Matthew 9:10. - It’s easy to rush past verse 10 and get to the rest of this story, but it’s worth settling for a moment here and thinking about its implications. The tax collectors and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-10

Denomination: Baptist