Sermons on Open Hands:

The Splinter

Contributed by Norbert Garcia on Dec 25, 2020

Why did Christ come to earth? What message did he leave us?

During the 1000 years between the time of Constantine, the Emperor of Rome, who declared Christianity the religion of the realm and the Reformation and rise of Protestantism an avalanche of religious fervor overtook the European Continent. The rulers of the various countries and city-states ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-7

Denomination: Adventist

To Make Wise Decisions, Connect The Dots

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jan 9, 2021

This sermon is centered on Proverbs 27:12 and the ability to make wise decisions. It also involves a breakdown in the American Political process and the rioting in the Capitol Building.

To Make Wise Decisions, Connect The Dots 1/10/2021 Joshua 24:14-24 Philippians 3:7-14 How many of us have ever made a decision that we later regretted? How many of us have said, “If I had known then, what I know now, I would have chosen a different path?” When you make a poor choice, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:12, Joshua 24:14-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Bold In Witness Series

Contributed by Rev. Timothy Porter on Jan 12, 2021

It's interesting to me when you think about it, most of the time when we make New Year's resolutions, most of them are more self centered in nature.

SELFLESS WK. 1 - BOLD IN WITNESS PASTOR TIMOTHY PORTER TEXT: MATTHEW 16:24 INTRODUCTION: I love this weekend because it's the first weekend of a new year. How many of you have New Year's resolutions, you have goals, you want something to be different this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Just Do Something - Sit There

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 12, 2021

Sometimes we need to get alone, be still, and listen to God. Then other times we need to put ACTION to our prayers.

If I asked you what your favorite part of the Sunday morning worship is, I would probably get answers like, “I like the song service, I like the special music, I like the prayer time, and so on. One pastor actually asked some of his congregation that question and one person said it was the prelude ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:28-38

Denomination: Baptist

"We Minister And Belong To One Another”

Contributed by Barnabas Park on Jan 17, 2021

The Church is the family of God. Each member ministers to one another and belongs to one another. But, if members overestimate themselves, they would damage the church and church ministry rather than edify. God called us as church to practice the love of God among ourselves and to the world.

“We minister and belong to one another” (Romans 12:1-10) I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-10, 1 Corinthians 12:7, Exodus 3:10

Denomination: Baptist

Washing Feet Reveals The One Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 25, 2021

When it came right down to it, Jesus was the one who paused to wash everyone's feet before the Passover meal. What does this action reveal about those who were there and what should we learn from this event? Consider these thoughts from Scott Jewell, our Family Minister.

When I graduated from the seminary in the 90s, I was given two reminders that day. The first was a diploma, to show that you’ve completed their training to lead. The second was a towel to remind you that to lead is to serve. To further reinforce that idea for all students, they placed a ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Disciples Of Jesus Employ The Strategy Of Multiplication Series

Contributed by David Owens on Feb 1, 2021

The Great Commission is not about making converts. Rather, it is about making disciples and that task is not completed until each new disciple is enabled to obey everything Jesus commanded, including the command to go and make disciples. This leads to multiplication.

A. Today, I want to talk about the strategy of multiplication. 1. Let’s start with a riddle and a joke. 2. What do you call a hen that can add, subtract, and multiply? A math-a-ma-chicken. 3. In the days of Noah, when the animals left the ark, Noah told them to go forth and multiply. a. After ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22, 2 Timothy 3:10-14, 1 Timothy 4:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Happiness Through Hunger Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 11, 2021

Men become desperate when they hunger and thirst, and all the energy of their being is concentrated on one goal-to satisfy their need. This sounds like misery, and it is, but it is in the spiritual realm another example of the paradoxical misery that leads to happiness.

A woman leaving church said to the pastor, "Thank you for that sermon, it was so helpful." The pastor said, "I hope it was not as helpful as the last one." "Why what do you mean," she asked. "Well," he said, "that last sermon lasted you three ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Successful Suffering Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

The lesson on how to suffer successfully involves the whole of one's spiritual life and relationship to God. In learning this lesson we will learn that which is necessary to be a complete and entire Christian.

Imagine the testing of the body in such a sport as football. To be on your feet and seconds later brought to the ground hard and fast. Then to get up and do it again, and again, and again, but constantly moving forward. All of that falling is not what wins the game, but whether or not you win ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

The Reversal Of Revenge

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

Revenge may be sweet for awhile, but it turns so bitter that it is never a long range value. This reversal of revenge, however, can add sweetness to life that lasts for time and eternity.

Aaron Burr could have been a great name in American history. He was elected to the U. S. Senate, and in 1800 he was a candidate for President of the U. S. Thomas Jefferson won that election, and Aaron Burr became Vice President. His future was bright, but then he was insulted by another famous ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

The Gentle Encourager Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 16, 2021

Jesus intended to conquer, but not like any other conqueror who had ever lived. His method was sheer folly to the world and still is today, but Jesus goes on reigning while the mighty mock him and then disappear into the dust of oblivion.

Harry Reichenback in the book World's Most Spectacular Hoaxes tells of his grand deception in promoting Francis Bushman. Bushman was a small time actor in Chicago, but Reichenback was able to get his salary raised to a commanding figure. He took Bushman to New York and carried 2000 pennies in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:9, Matthew 12:15-21

Love Is Not Proud Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

When Jesus came into the world He did not come in pride to dominate, and to have His own needs met. He came in love to serve and meet the needs of others

Ignorance may be bliss, but it is a fools paradise when others are in the know. General Motors learned this the hard way back in the early 60's when they launched a campaign to sell their new compact, the Chevy Nova, in Mexico. It was a flop, and the sale figures were appalling. That is when ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4

The Pleasure Of Praise Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 18, 2021

One of the things God is most pleased with is the praise of His people. If they feel pleasure in Him, and rejoice in thanksgiving for His goodness to them, He feels great pleasure.

In the movie, Chariots Of Fire, the great runner Eric Liddell was talking to his sister about going back to China as a missionary. Jennie was so pleased with his decision, but then Eric said, "I've got a lot of running to do first." When her look of happiness vanished, ...read more

Persistence In Prayer Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

We fail in prayer as we do in every other area of life, and we are often frustrated, but Jesus says that we are to never give up, but keep trying and keep learning. Persistence will make you a winner in the long run.

A fisherman's experiment is described in a tract. It tells of how he caught a large black bass and instead of putting it in the frying pan he put it in a glass tank. Each morning he would bring a minnow to the tank and drop it in. The bass would make a dash for the minnow and soon finish him ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Science & Faith: Does God Exist? Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 20, 2021

Truth is under attack today. In fact it’s suggested that we live in a post-truth culture. But I don’t believe that’s true. Truth is by it’s very nature exclusive.

Truth is under attack today. In fact it’s suggested that we live in a post-truth culture. But I don’t believe that’s true. Truth is by it’s very nature exclusive. And that tracks with reality. Multiple contradictory truth claims can’t all be true. If 2+2=4, that is the only answer to that question. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:19-20, Psalm 14:1

Denomination: Salvation Army