Sermons on Open Hand:

Core 52 Week 9 - Finding Happiness Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 3, 2020

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands! Question: How do you know when you're happy? Do we even know what it means to be happy? Psalm 1 makes it all clear.

You can listen to the sermon on my podcast after 3/16 at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697261/2893594 Finding Happiness Intro: • If you’re happy and you know it… song. o But do we really know when we’re happy? • Happiness is a universal human desire. We’ll do just about anything to feel ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:4, Philippians 3:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Forced Cross Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Oct 8, 2023

The call to serve God becomes a forced cross when the going gets tough. We love smooth running of life. But through challenges we meet God’s power and miracle working hand. Let’s keep fighting for God with his help.

Compelled to bear his cross: Matthew 27:32. “And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” Cyrene was a city of Libya, in north Africa, lying west of Egypt. Cyrene had a large Jewish population, and Simon was very likely in Jerusalem for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:32

Denomination: Methodist

Message In 1peter – Number 5 – Humble Yourselves And The Monster Of Anxiety – 1peter 5:6-7 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 9, 2023

Anxiety and concern afflict us and cause worry. God does not want that for us. Peter speaks of casting our cares on the Lord, also the Psalms, and the Lord on earth spoke on the same matter in the Sermon on the Mount. Humbling ourselves under the MIGHTY hand of God is a necessity.

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 5 – HUMBLE YOURSELVES AND THE MONSTER OF ANXIETY – 1Peter 5:6-7 [A]. INTRODUCTION – STRENGTH AND DEPENDENCE The strength of youth is most evident when the body is at the prime of its physical development. How many of us have had sons in the middle teens who likes to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:5, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 46:1-2, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalm 55:22, Matthew 6:25-34, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Timothy 3:6, Romans 12:3, 1 Samuel 15:17, James 4:6, Psalm 31:9, Psalm 31:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lord, Please Send A Revival!

Contributed by Michael Bates on Jan 1, 2024

Our planet desperately needs a worldwide revival. God has the power to being revival to all the nations and He accomplishes that by using us, Christians, to be His hands/feet in the world to bring about change. But, doing that sometimes comes at a high price (martyrdom).

The scripture for today's message is from the Book of Ezra Chapter 10:1-6. Let's all read that section together; (verses are from the CSB version). 1 While Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping and falling face-down before the house of God, an extremely large assembly of Israelite men, women, ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 10:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 25 – Do Not Keep Sinning For Judgment Comes – Worthless Offerings Are Unacceptable Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 21, 2024

The efforts of sinful man to obtain his own acceptance with God is no more than sin wanting to shake hands with holiness and to say, “We are the same, just a bit different in appearance.” Judah was found wanting, wicked and ready for judgement. God gave them to Babylon.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 25 – DO NOT KEEP SINNING FOR JUDGMENT COMES – WORTHLESS OFFERINGS ARE UNACCEPTABLE PART 25 - Jeremiah 6:20-30 CHAPTER 6 [A]. THE WILFUL REJECTION OF THE PEOPLE TO GOD’S CALLING IN THEIR LIVES (a). VERSE 20 - WORTHLESS AND INSINCERE OFFERINGS ARE NOT ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:20-21, Isaiah 8:14, 1 Peter 2:8, Jeremiah 6:22-23, Jeremiah 6:24-26, Revelation 9:21, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Romans 3:10-12, Revelation 2:27, Joshua 6:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wake Up! Jesus Is Coming!

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 15, 2024

We’re look at NINE SIGNS OF THE SOON COMING OF JESUS that have never happened before. These are signs that, if we’re not braindead, ought to be like flashing lights or sirens wailing – warning us to “all-hands-on-deck” readiness for the Second Coming.

WAKE UP! JESUS IS COMING! Rom. 13:11-14 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. I heard about these two men, Archie & Jack, who’d debated their whole lives whether Jesus was white or whether He was black. Archie was sure He was white and Jack was sure He was black. 2. As fate would have it, they died ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Another Miracle (Mark 1:29-39)

Contributed by David Smith on Feb 5, 2012

After they left the synagogue, they went directly to the house of Simon and Andrew, along with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed, sick with a fever, so they promptly told Jesus about her. He went up to her, took her by the hand, a

In fact, the whole city gathered at the door. He healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons. However, he wouldn’t allow the demons to speak because they knew who he was. In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went to a deserted place and ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Shrewd Manager: Wisdom For Kingdom Living

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Sep 18, 2025

A manager's word was his bond, and his reputation determined his future. But what happens when that reputation crumbles? What do you do when you've been caught with your hand in the cookie jar, and the pink slip is already being written?

Introduction In the dusty marketplace of ancient Palestine, business was conducted with handshakes and honor. A manager's word was his bond, and his reputation determined his future. But what happens when that reputation crumbles? What do you do when you've been caught with your hand in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

The Joy Of Love Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 12, 2016

Do you want to find joy in your relationships? It starts when you open up your heart to receive God’s love for yourself. Then, in the context of that grace and love, feel the same; think the same; and do the same, promoting others above yourself.

A couple had been married for 60 years, and throughout their life they had shared everything. They loved each other deeply. They had not kept any secrets from one another, except for a small shoe box that the wife kept in the top shelf of her closet. When they got married, she put the box there and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Godly Mother

Contributed by Norman Bernad on Sep 23, 2020

Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly.

A Godly mother Psalm 58 1. Genesis 21:11- 21 2. 1 Samuel 1: 11 Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly. There was a recent ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:11-21, 1 Samuel 1:11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Who Is The Warrior? Revelation 19:11-17 Series

Contributed by Larry Hinkle on Oct 22, 2019

John sees Jesus return not as humble suffering servant but as a Mighty warrior--the greatest entrance of all time!I used Steve Harvey's introduction of Jesus Christ for an opener. www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCRW3pQft1U

There has never been such an amazing, beautiful entrance described in Revelation 19. This is the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, John called it our blessed hope, when He returns. Jesus promised, I will come back, first time he came to fulfill the prophets witness as suffering servant, this next itme ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:11-16

Denomination: Methodist

Why Missions Work Is Fishy

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on May 30, 2009

You may have felt you have served God long and faithfully in many areas of church life so why should I consider missions now? Why should I open my heart to people who may have their hearts closed to Gods message?

Why Missions Work is Fishy Right here at New St. Andrews our WMS reaches men and women, boys and girls in Canada, India, Malawi, Guatemala, Mozambique and Nicaragua as well as Eastern Europe and even Israel and Palestine. We often take for granted that such far reaching work is being ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Watchful Servants

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 20, 2018

You need the real meat that is the Holy word of God so you can discern the times and see how near the Masters coming is. You are not to fall into idleness or be defeated by being beaten down by this world of distraction. WATCH!

The Parable of the Watchful Servants Luke 12:35-48 Message: God’s plan to redeem the world to Himself involved the birth, life, death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. Jesus remains the key figure in God’s plan but many have dismissed Jesus imminent return and have allowed their hearts ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-48, Matthew 12:35-48, Matthew 5:15-16, Matthew 25:5-7, Revelation 3:3-6, Jude 1:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Devil’s Fangs For Hire – 30 Pieces Of Silver (Judas Iscariot) Part 1 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 12, 2022

Is Judas 100% responsible for his action in betraying Jesus, or was he merely fulfilling God's plan. This message opens up the sad life of Judas as portrayed by John and the other evangelists. It is one in the series "THE CHARACTERS OF JOHN'S GOSPEL". This is Part 1.

THE DEVIL’S FANGS FOR HIRE – 30 PIECES OF SILVER (JUDAS ISCARIOT) PART 1 CHARACTERS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL - - JUDAS ISCARIOT – PART 1 of 2 INTRODUCTION: The conflict with God’s will to use the evil man. A betrayer was prophesied in the Old Testament, so is Judas really to blame for the action ...read more

Scripture: John 12:3-6, John 6:68-71, John 13:2-5, John 13:8-11, John 13:18-20, Psalm 41:9, John 13:21-30, Matthew 26:23-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Apr 2, 2011

Many of us can remember him. We may have watched him....or our kids or grand kids may have. Plain sweater, white canvass sneakers, nice smile.....over the years not much changed with the show; it was always the same house-same outfit and the same opening

“Won’t you be My Neighbor?” Luke 10:25-37 Show video clip of Mr Rogers singing his opening song. Many of us can remember him. We may have watched him....or our kids or grand kids may have. Plain ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist