Sermons on Open Hands:

I Believe That Because He Can Fly, I Can Fly Too

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 13, 2021

A look at Jesus' Ascension and what it means for us

5.16.21 Ephesians 4:7–16 7 But to each one of us grace was given, according to the measure of the gift from Christ. 8 That is why it says, “When he ascended on high, he took captivity captive and gave gifts to his people.” 9 Now what does it mean when it says “he ascended,” other than that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Providing Comfort During Trials

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on May 13, 2021

How do we respond to those who are enduring hardships? Do we dish out criticism and judgment, or do we show genuine compassion? The experience from our own trials can help us better minister to those in trouble and anguish.

Samuel Chadwick said, “Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn; but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort.”(1) How do we respond to those who are enduring hardship? Do we dish out criticism and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Race Run Well Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 23, 2021

We are all running towards a goal and our reward is the crown of righteousness that the Lord has promised to all those who run and finish well. However, in order to attain this imperishable crown, we need to exercise self-control in every area of our life.

A race run well The Apostle Paul writing to the Church in Corinth admonishes them this way. He says to them in 1 Corinthians 9:24 -25,“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24, 1 Corinthians 9:25

Denomination: Other

Jesus Says, Follow Me

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on May 23, 2021

What Jesus tells Peter says a lot about each of us. There may have been a time when we did pretty much as we pleased, but the time comes when that is no longer the case.

Alba 5-23-2021 JESUS SAYS, FOLLOW ME John 21:18-24 I was looking at actuarial tables the other day. They predict that for a child born this year life expectatancy for a male is 75 years. And life expectancy for a female is 80 years. But that is not the end of the story. The table continues. ...read more

Scripture: John 21:18-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Believe In God Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Beliefs fundamentally alter the shape of our lives Beliefs in and around churches go by various names such as doctrine or articles of faith. No matter the name, beliefs fundamentally alter the shape of our lives.

Series Overview Today, I begin a series of messages entitled Creed: 9 Essentials to the Christian Faith. Why Is This Series Relevant? The reason for this series is that beliefs matter. Beliefs fundamentally alter the shape of our lives Beliefs in and around churches go by various names such as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:17

Denomination: Baptist

The Gospel According To If

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on May 25, 2021

God’s representatives are a chosen people, called to be a holy people, but Christ will not be glorified unless His people glorify Him by a life lived for Him.

TITLE: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ‘IF’ SCRIPTURE: II CHRONICLES 7:14 Have you ever stopped long enough and taken inventory of the Divine ''Ifs'' that have permeated and prevailed in your life? Not a casual or surface stop, but a still moment where you took the necessary time and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Baptist

Reverse The Curse

Contributed by John Gaston on May 26, 2021

What a curse is, can they affect us, and are curses talked about in the Bible. Story of how Gehazi was healed of his leprosy (curse) and how Jesus took away the curse of the Law!

REVERSE THE CURSE 2 Kgs. 5:27; Gal. 3:13 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Doctor humor 1.PATIENT: “Will my measles get better next week, doctor? DOCTOR: “I don’t like to make any rash promises!” 2. DOCTOR: “How are you now, Mr. Gibson, after your heart operation?” MR. GIBSON: “Well, doctor, I’m fine, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:27, 2 Kings 7:9, 2 Kings 8:4, Galatians 3:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why The Church Matters Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Do you remember the story about The Three Little Pigs? The first little pig built his house out of straw. The second little pig built his house out of sticks. And the third little pig worked hard and labored diligently as he built his house out of brick.

What would things look like if Satan really took control of a city? If Satan took over a city, all the bars would be closed, pornography banished, and the city streets would be pristine with people who smiled at one another. There would be no swearing. The children would say “Yes, sir” and “No, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9-17

Denomination: Baptist

Unafraid Of An Unknown Future

Contributed by Lane Hastie on Jul 27, 2020

Life is filled with unknowns…and that’s never going to change. But there is a way to live life UNAFRAID OF AN UNKNOWN FUTURE. You see…in the unknown…there is Someone who can be known…Someone who desires to be known. Someone that when you know them…you can face an unknown future unafraid.

Unafraid of an Unknown Future I have always enjoyed getting in the car and going for a drive with no real plan or idea where I was going. (Logging Roads on Mount Rainier / Back Roads of The Ozarks) In fact…sometimes I have gotten in the car and purposely tried to get lost. I enjoy taking new ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Escaping Your Prison Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 2, 2020

As Christians we're supposed to live a different life than those around us. But how can we do that when we're surrounded with so many temptations to do things we know we shouldn't do?

Back in the 14th century, in the region we now call Belgium, there was a duke by the name of Raynald III. Raynald had a nickname – Crassus. Crassus means fat, and he was fat because he really liked to eat. He liked to EAT … a lot! In the course of time, he had a violent quarrel with his younger ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Healthy Independence-6

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Aug 29, 2020

6 of ? The prophet Jeremiah contrasted two major aspects of Independence—Independence from God versus independence from the world. Dependence upon YHWH brings independence from worldly influence. How can I be independent of worldly influence? A Healthy Independence Engages...

HEALTHY INDEPENDENCE-VI—Jeremiah 17:1-14 Jn. 15:18-19—Jesus told His disciples:—“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:8, Jeremiah 17:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Solus Christus | Christ Alone

Contributed by Jonathan Meyer on Oct 4, 2017

For October 2017, as we approach the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, we are doing a sermon series on the "solas": Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Sola Scriptura; and 2 others added, Soli Deo Gloria, and Solus Christus. This is the first of the series.

We’re beginning a new sermon series for the month of October, as we finally lead up to the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. It’s a series called SOLA! Sola is the Latin word for “alone” or “only.” It’s where we get the word “solo,” where ONLY one person is singing or performing or ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

7 Ways How You Can Make You Relationships More Spiritual

Contributed by Jan Oosthuizen on Oct 7, 2017

I believe our deepest desire for oneness and intimacy in relationships can only be met on a spiritual level. Although there is much to explore and discover on an emotional, and psychological level, the most neglected connection is a spiritual one.

I believe our deepest desire for oneness and intimacy in relationships can only be met on a spiritual level. Although there is much to explore and discover on an emotional, and psychological level, the most neglected connection is a spiritual one. Our Spiritual connection is also our eternal bond, ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It's Personal-Who Is Jesus Series

Contributed by Jim Caswell on Oct 9, 2017

Jesus is our Personal Savior!

Title: Personal-Who is Jesus? Place: BLCC Date: 10/8/17 Text: Acts 7-9 CT: Jesus is our personal savior. [Screen 1] FAS: Kara Tippetts, an author, mother of four and co-worker with her pastor husband Jason, went home to Jesus on March 22, 2015, after a long battle with breast cancer. As the cancer ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-3, Acts 9:1-19

Denomination: Christian Church

Practicing Peace Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Oct 23, 2017

This message is a challenge to live in peace with others.

Title: Practicing Peace Text: Philippians 4:2-9 Introduction Today our text begins like an episode from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills complete with: • Hair pulling. • Crazy Drama. • Packaged insanity. The Apostle Paul says, “When peace is broken… fix it!” I. When Peace Is Broken… Fix ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational