Sermons on Opening Gates:

When Excuses Fall Short Series

Contributed by Tony Dicostanzo on Jan 22, 2003

How can we open the window to the future that God desires for us, a future filled with fulfilled promises instead of fallen dreams? We do that by throwing away our excuses. What can some of those excuses be?

Permission is granted to reproduce the following Sermon Outline for corporate worship distribution. The manuscript, which follows the outline, contains the text needed to complete the handout. For further sermon resources or help, contact Pastor Tony S. DiCostanzo at adicostanzo@pastors.com. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Gift Ready To Be Recieved Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

I’d like to suggest tonight that the all-time best gift that has ever been given is Jesus Christ. And, once you open this gift, you will never want to return it, and you will never be the same!

A Gift Ready to Be Received A little girl is sitting on her grandpa’s lap rattling off her long Christmas list. The grandfather recognized that this was “a teachable moment,” and so he said, “Honey, it’s more blessed to give than it is to receive.” To which the granddaughter replied, “I know ...read more

Scripture: John 1:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

(Resurrection) Life Is Full Of Surprises

Contributed by Michael Pahls on May 19, 2001

Peter’s explanation of the events leading to the conversion of Cornelius (a Roman soldier and Gentile) bears witness to the surprising and yet familiar ways of God and points us to the new possibilities for surprise that the Resurrection message opens in in our lives.

Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year C May 13, 2001 Acts 11:1-18 1st CENTURY PALESTINE: A WORLD WITHOUT SURPRISES This passage is all about the surprising works of God but to get the surprise you must have the back story. Hang in there, the payoff in this passage for your life is worth the extended ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Servant

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 19, 2004

In the opening verses of this letter Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome. When he wrote this letter he had never been to Rome, so naturally he gave a brief description of himself and his special status in the church.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: John Kenneth Galbraith, in his autobiography, A Life in Our Times, illustrates the devotion of Emily Gloria Wilson, his family’s housekeeper: “It had been a wearying day, and I asked Emily to hold all telephone calls while I had a nap. Shortly thereafter the phone rang. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Lord What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jul 27, 2005

LORD WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO I. The Question Acknowledges The Lordship Of Christ II. The Question Is An Expression Of a Surrendered Heart III. The Question Was The Begining Of A New Career IV. The Question Opens The Door To What The Will Of God

Sun. Sept 12/93 Acts 9:1-9 LORD WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO Ten Deep Questions Of Life 1. When sign makers go on strike is anything painted on their signs? 2. Why do television stations report power ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Horoscope Of Jesus

Contributed by David Smith on Jan 8, 2007

What must Mary have thought when she first opened the door and found a group of Iranian astrologers, there to celebrate the birth of her son? These characters seem so inappropriate in the Christmas narrative, but maybe that’s the point?

The Xmas season is over! We’ve wished each other a Merry Xmas AND a Happy New Year, and now the festive season is PAST. The holidays (for most of us) are over. The time for singing carols and wishing peace and goodwill to all is finished. The presents have been handed out. The cards have all been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

An Invitation To Worship Series

Contributed by Todd Leupold on Jan 16, 2008

Part 1 in series about living lives of worship. Focus of this opening message is a powerful reminder that God has invited us to live and participate in Him - it is up to us to how we may respond and what that may mean.

INVITATION TO A LIFE OF WORSHIP Part 1 in series, “LifeSongs*: Lives of Worship” Rev. Todd G. Leupold Perth Bible Church Sunday January 13, 2008 AM * Title inspired by the name of the song and album by “Casting Crowns.” Overall series inspired and, to some degree adapted, from the writings of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

Dying To Self

Contributed by Christopher Nerreau on Jan 25, 2008

Growing in intimacy with God is more than external works of prayer or love, it is dying to our agendas, fleshly desires and ego’s. Today we will look at how dying to oneself opens the door to a new life of intimacy with God.

“Dying To Self” Romans 6:4 01/27/2008 by Dcn. Chris Nerreau READ PASSAGE “Dying To Self” INTRODUCTION: May the words of my lips and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight, giving praise, glory and honor to Your name our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen! Have you ever asked ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:4, Romans 6:4-6

Denomination: Orthodox

"(Stretching Forth) Withered Hands

Contributed by Mark Mccool on May 25, 2007

Open honesty is essential for conversion. Conversion is essential for saint & sinner alike. Many times complete conversion is never manifested in one’s life simply because they have hidden shame, & witheredness, that has never been healed.

“(STRETCHING FORTH) WITHERED HANDS” Mark McCool TEXT: MATTHEW 12:9-13 9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: 10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:9-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Christmas Presents From Heaven

Contributed by C Jordan on Dec 14, 2008

Our Heavenly Father loves to give generous, lavish gifts to His children. He has many wonderful Christmas presents for everyone, and you don’t have to wait until December 25th to open them.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FROM HEAVEN ILLUSTRATION: Santa Letters "Dear Santa, you did not bring me anything good last year. You did not bring me anything good the year before that. This is your last chance. Signed, Alfred." "Dear Santa, there are three little boys who live at our house. There is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: *other

The Bi-Polar Possibilities Of Motherhood

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 12, 2008

Not your typical Mother’s Day sermon. From our perspective, motherhood -- or parenthood in general -- is an open-ended proposition. But godly mothers have chosen to take the risks and walk with God through times both good and bad.

The Bi-Polar Possibilities of Motherhood (Ruth, passim) 1. Nothing is quite as sweet as the attachment most children have to their mother. 2. One evening after dinner, my five-year-old son Brian noticed that his mother had gone out. In answer to his questions, I told him, "Mommy is at a ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up. Series

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Jan 22, 2004

The first in a series on the life of Jesus through the book of John. Many things influence our perception of Jesus. This sermon attempts to open our eyes to the real Jesus vs. the Jesus we may have perceived him to be.

Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up John 1:1-18 The other day as I sat at my desk I was talking on the phone, communicating by Instant Messenger and answering email all at the same time. I also had the radio playing in the background. It was during this time that I glanced down at my Bible ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Drawing From A Deeper Well

Contributed by Lyndon Marcotte on Jun 16, 2011

We must open ourselves to God’s love and grace, fully, and let His light illuminate the dark corners of our lives and bring healing and grace to our wounded places and reconciliation to our broken relationships.

“Drawing from a Deeper Well” – John 4:5-42 We began our Lenten journey with our Adam & Eve covered in fig leaves setting out from the Garden of Eden into the world of the unknown. Last week we saw Abraham answering the call to leave everything behind and set his heart toward the ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-42

Denomination: Baptist

Doubting Thomas

Contributed by Craig Condon on Feb 18, 2015

Believing something opens to us the possibility of experiencing it, of seeing it come to pass, and of having that which we believe produce in us many kids of blessings. What will it take for us to believe? What proof are WE looking for?

One Easter Sunday morning, a minister looked out on his congregation and noticed many people who had not been there for a long time. Before he began his sermon he said, "Since this will probably be the last time I see many of you for awhile, let me be the first to wish you 'Merry Christmas' ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Anglican

Peace: Ready, Set, Go

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 27, 2010

Peace comes hard for some at Christmas. We must be open to what God wants to give, we must get down to what God wants us to be doing, and we must find meaning in our ordinary pursuits.

National Baptist Memorial Church, Washington, DC, Dec. 19, 2004 These are stressful days. There is too much going on. Too much work, too much to think about, too many demands. Stressful. We’d really like some peace, wouldn’t we? Just a moment or two of quiet – ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist