Sermons on Open Hands:

Loving Others Through Hospitality Series

Contributed by Anonymous Contributor on Sep 5, 2006

Encouraging the church to love our neighbor by our hospitality to guests using Abraham as an model.

Practical Exercise during worship: After singing have congregation greet at least two people they do not know, or have not greeted in a long time (hint: encourage them to get out of their pews if they have to). Give extra time for this. Last week our focus was on how we can live out the second ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of Prayer

Contributed by Richard Wafford on Sep 9, 2006

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to ones to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty." 2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pra

The Power Of Prayer script. James 5:16-18 (NIV) 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain ...read more

Scripture: James 5:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritually Gifted Ministry Series

Contributed by Brien Sims on Sep 19, 2006

A person’s place in the Body of Christ.

Every human being desires to feel needed and wanted. Feeling that we need to be in someone’s life or doing a certain job makes us feel important. It gives purpose and meaning to our lives. Sometimes just the fact that others rely on us can keep us going even when we want to quit. You may hate your ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Deepening Our Desires Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Sep 22, 2006

THE PURSUIT OF TRUE PLEASURE IN LIFE.

Recently I’ve had a desire to do catch-up between my soul and God. In part because I’ve wanted renewal as a pastor to grow in the depths of my own experience with God. But also because in a very short time I’m going to be fathering a young life. I realize it’s more than “how to’s” but what we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Homecoming 2006

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Sep 22, 2006

Wht hapends when the kid of the past comes home to the church family as a pastor. Churches all build the body of Christ.

Homecoming – Whoa, what an honor, to be invited to speak to you for your.. …Well … MY….Our homecoming celebration. After all it is me that was missing. I thought it a little odd to be invited to come to speak to you in 2001, Ken asked me at one of the Big preachers’ meetings when he learned ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-10

Denomination: Congregational

Nothing Else Matters Series

Contributed by James Jack on Sep 24, 2006

Philippians 3 challenges us with the truth that everything else in our lives is rubbish compared to what we have in Christ.

In the end, nothing else matters except God. In the end, nothing else matters except God. What do you think when you hear that? In my year seven classes at school we’ve started the Christian Studies programme by looking at the theme, "What’s important in my life", and ultimately seeing where God ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11, Philippians 3:1

Denomination: Anglican

Avoiding Costly Mistakes At All Costs - Tolerance Series

Contributed by Don Jones on Sep 24, 2006

The fourth message in the series deals with tolerance. It focuses on inconsistent behaviors that tell others we are "not of God"

Avoiding Costly Mistakes At All Costs - Tolerance Acts 15:1-29; Galatians 2:11-14 Pastor Don Jones West Glendale Baptist Church We live in a world today that expects tolerance; tolerance of alternate life-styles, tolerance of other religions, and tolerance of others habits and sexual preferences. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-29

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Closer To Our Divine Father Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Sep 25, 2006

It would seem natural that we would long to be close to God, our heavenly father…for every child wants to know the security of being close to their parents: …the familiarity of their faces, the security of their strength, the assurance of their words. T

It would seem natural that we would long to be close to God, our heavenly father…for every child wants to know the security of being close to their parents: …the familiarity of their faces, the security of their strength, the assurance of their words. This is a good model for our relationship with ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Foundation For Missions

Contributed by Ron Murphy on Oct 2, 2006

The purpose of this sermon was to increase missions awareness and concern within the church.

Introduction I. As I was preparing this weeks message, a thought came to me. II. I cannot remember hearing very many, if any sermons preached from 2nd Corinthians. A. I have heard verses quoted here and there. B. I am sure, I must have heard at least one or two messages based on some text, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Denomination: Methodist

#7 -- Joy Series

Contributed by Derek Melanson on Nov 17, 2006

Having joy is not dependent on circumstances but comes from God, is Jesus-specific, and something that we are called to practice.

Introduction: A Joyless World As we continue listening to these songs for the road, we come to a song of joy. To begin I want to read a couple of quotes about joy. C.S. Lewis once said this: “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Your Purpose & Value

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Nov 26, 2006

This sermon explains why God put us here, what our purpose is, and what value God puts on our lives.

Why are we here? Is there a reason we are sitting here this morning, in the house of God? What would be our purpose as a Christian? We have touched upon it before, and I think all of us have wondered at one time or another just what our purpose is. I think the two most asked questions about our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37, Matthew 22:37-39

Denomination: *other

The Wise Men

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 28, 2006

The story of the Wise Men is a story of mystery, for it presents questions that we cannot answer.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER THE WISE MEN TEXT: Matthew 2:1-12 The story of the Wise Men is a story of mystery, for it presents questions that we cannot answer. "Where did they come from?" We don’t know. "How many were there?" We really ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Awesome Power Of God

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Apr 24, 2002

The power of God is available to those who will allow faith to work in their lives.

Human beings are always impressed with power. A. At an Air Force base....... when there is an air show...no matter what one feels about the military and warfare...you can’t help but be impressed with the awesome power of these air machines. 1. When I was in the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Tooting Your Own Horn Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Apr 26, 2002

Are actions without the right attitude and motives pleasing to God?

INTRODUCTION • In a small college town a tavern frequented by students ran the following ad in the campus paper during the days before Parents Weekend: "Bring Your Parents for Lunch Saturday. We’ll Pretend We Don’t Know You!" The ad was soon challenged by the college chaplain, who posted a revised ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Truth And Justice For All Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on May 1, 2002

Justice isn’t necessarily a desirable thing. Better to receive God’s grace than to have justice applied to our lives.

I haven’t watched much of the winter Olympics this last fortnight, but I did happen to be watching the night there was all the controversy about the figure skating. I saw the Russian pair do their thing, then watched as the commentary team analysed their performance in slow motion showing all the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-16

Denomination: Anglican