Sermons on Open Up:

Being Seen Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Oct 30, 2025

We are called to be like Jesus—to look up, to see the lonely and lost, to extend radical acceptance, to invite ourselves into people’s messy lives.

Title: Being Seen Intro: We are called to be like Jesus—to look up, to see the lonely and lost, to extend radical acceptance, to invite ourselves into people’s messy lives. Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Reflection Dear Friends, There is something about being seen, really seen, that changes ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Other

Justification Controversy

Contributed by Bruce Landry on Mar 10, 2002

We will look at the Justification controversy beginning with Martin Luther and look into some things that are held up by the opposition as given by J.D.G. Dunn.

Justification Controversy New Testament Synthesis By: Bruce Landry I. What is the Controversy over Justification Page 1 II. The Biblical Texts of this Controversy Page 5 III. Conclusion Page ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Pity Party - Prodigal Son / Brother

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 28, 2004

It’s a sad tune because the only instrument in the band is your own drum which you are beating on incessantly - Very "Phunny" opening poem, then the CURSE, CAUSE, AND CURE of Self Pity. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Pity Party Luke 15:25-32 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PityParty.html It’s a sad tune because the only instrument in the band is your own drum which you are beating on incessantly. It’s not fun to listen to and no one taps their foot. But you are certain it makes you feel better to beat it out ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

"What Must I Do..." By Dr. E. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Jun 2, 2004

Can you remember back when you gave your heat to Jesus? Exciting time wasn’t it! But, have you given any thought to the events that led up to that moment? Didn’t think so. Everyone upon careful examination could discover the wonderful events that led up

Introduction I. illus. I remember the wonderful answer I got from a close friend when I asked her, "How did you get saved.." and her answer was, "Like everyone else..." How true, everyone does "get saved" in the same way, through Jesus Christ! A. However, you will have to agree that we all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:30

Denomination: Baptist

Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out

Contributed by Karl Perry on Dec 31, 2006

It’s good to know that it does not matter how many times we get knocked down, just as long as we get up again? And the good thing about this is the fact that when we do get back up, we may not have our full balance and composure, but just the mere effort

“KNOCKED DOWN, BUT NOT KNOCKED OUT!!” II CORINTHIANS 4:8-9 8. We may be troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. In the sport of boxing there are all kinds of ways that a boxer can be ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trick Questions - Probing Answers Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Nov 26, 2006

Jesus’ opponents try to trip him up, but his answers back reveal much about the human character and how many of us "play" church.

In a way this chapter is a direct attack against Jesus’ authority as the King and Messiah He has just claimed to be. They were not engaging in a verbal dialogue to discern the truth, they were engaged in verbal warfare in a public relations game to discredit Jesus and eventually kill him. Verses ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:1-47

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

"Keep The Unity Of The Spirit” Part 2 Series

Contributed by George Yates on Sep 26, 2006

Unity with diversity of gifts, talents, experiences. Purpose of diversity and unity is for the body to do works of service and the building up the body to become the fullness Christ intended.

EPHESIANS 4:1-16 September 17, 2006 New Covenant EPC “KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT” Part 2 Body Life - The Book of Ephesians I. Last week we began this passage “Keep the Unity of the Spirit” A. (vs 1-3) Live up to your calling - humble, gentle, bearing with one another, keep unity of spirit bond ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Endure Mistreatment

Contributed by Bala Samson on Sep 1, 2019

The subject “endure ill-treatment” is passé! People pick up their baggage to leave at the drop of a hat and over a small rift, no endurance, patience or tolerance.

Endure –ill-treatment Hebrews 11:25”…choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin..” The subject “endure ill-treatment” is passé! People pick up their baggage to leave at the drop of a hat and over a small rift, no endurance, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Elisha!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Mar 26, 2014

God allowed/permitted/organized/orchestrated Elisha to see Elijah being taken up into heaven! This was not for curiosity, thrill or personal gratification – but for a higher purpose!

Elisha saw Elijah being taken into heaven! 2 King 2:11,12”….Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 And Elisha saw it…….” Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

How To Be A Externally Focused Church Series

Contributed by Chris Kelly on Oct 26, 2006

A study on the 7 model churches as described by Jesus in the book of Revelation. Learn why the church is so important, and your part in what He’s up to in these last days.

How to Be and Externally Focused Church Series: Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? Oct.15, 2006 Read Rev.3:7-13 In the past few weeks, we’ve been looking at the Church as Jesus comes to her and gives her an evaluation. As we’ve seen, there’s a difference between what Jesus died for His church ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Wesleyan

Undying Love - 1 Peter 1:22 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 7, 2024

Use your recollection of the purpose of your salvation to enable you to keep going in those times when you are tempted to give up on love.

1 Peter 1:22 Having purified your souls by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, "All men ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22

Freedom

Contributed by Jeff Ruth on May 25, 2003

Freedom in it’s most basic form is the choice . Every morning Adam and Eve woke up they had the freedom to choose to obey or disobey God.

Freedom. What is freedom? Is freedom being able to come and go as you please, do or don’t do as you please, say anything you want? Yes If we go back to the beginning, God created Adam and Eve, gave them dominion over all of creation. They could go where they wanted, do what they wanted. They ...read more

Scripture: John 8:30-32

Denomination: Baptist

Streets Of Gold Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Mar 22, 2005

4th of 5 messages leading up to Easter on Death, Life after Life and the meaning of the resurrection. This message focuses on the Holy City and Streets of Gold.

What will Heaven be Like? We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. If this fallen world in all of its brokenness can be so wonderful, what must heaven be like? T. S. Elliot 9 But as it is written ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The First Church Of The Potpourri

Contributed by James May on Sep 5, 2004

Jesus can take a dried up flower petal, a dead stick, and a bunch of useless material and give it new life to become a part of the Bride of Christ.

The First Church of the Potpourri By Pastor Jim May Oh what a difference the Spirit of the Lord makes in the life of a man or woman who has come to know Him as their Lord and Savior! Victory Temple, we are a part of the Body of Christ, part of the Bride of Christ, washed in the Blood of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sparks

Contributed by Christopher Carlton on Aug 4, 2001

This patriotic sermon shows that we all have the potential to start fires. The only difference is whether or not we warm things up or burn things down.

Romans 7: 15-25 Matt 11 16-19, 25-30 The Fourth of July is probably my favorite of the non-religious holidays. Part of this is because I grew up in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia far, far off the beaten path. Virginia also has some of the strictest fireworks laws in the country. This ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15-25, Matthew 11:16-30

Denomination: Methodist