Sermons on Opening Minds:

Counter Attack Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on May 12, 2013

There is a major battle going on for your heart and mind for whatever has your mind, has you. After Jesus sought to be baptized signifying his yielding to God’s call upon his life, he immediately came under attack. In our Scripture today, we see that the

Angels & Demons: counter attack There is a major battle going on for your heart and mind for whatever has your mind, has you. After Jesus sought to be baptized signifying his yielding to God’s call upon his life, he immediately came under attack. Matthew 4 and Luke 4 share Jesus’ time ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Pentecostal Power

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jun 8, 2003

Pentecostal power comes when we recognize: 1. The Christian life is not about keeping rules, but about knowing Christ. 2. The Christian life is not just about salvation, but about transformation. 3. You overcome apathy with zeal.

John Wimber was a product of the Jesus movement in the 60’s. He met Christ in a dramatic way, and began reading the New Testament, beginning with the Gospels and then on to the book of Acts. He was excited about what he was reading, but when he went to a church he was disillusioned. The polite ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13, Acts 2:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

Pray For Discernment: Fight The Confusion

Contributed by Kelly Durant on Jan 21, 2017

So many people, even Christians, are confused on what is right and wrong because of the current climate of the flood of lies being spread by all news sources. We must hold to the Holy Spirit and God's Word to illuminate us with the truth of God.

Pray for Discernment: Fight The Confusion Capt. Kelly Durant Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 5:20, Isaiah 14:33

Denomination: Salvation Army

20-20 Vision

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 21, 2023

The reward of knowing the mind of God, the reward of living in the will of God, is freedom. Fear of people keeps us imprisoned; fear of God sets us free.

At the Alpha conference I went to a few weeks ago I had a very interesting conversation with a colleague on the more liberal end of our denominational spectrum. It was particularly interesting in that the Alpha program is for evangelism, and I was surprised to see someone on the other end ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Corinthians 2:12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Epiphany

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 9, 2017

Be open to epiphanies

Epiphany of the Lord, Sunday January 8, 2017 In literary terms, an epiphany is that moment in the story when a character achieves a realization, awareness or a knowledge of something, after which, events are seen through this prism. 1). One epiphany is in verse 2, the Magi ask the question, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:2-12, Matthew 60:1-6

Denomination: Catholic

Happiness Through... Series

Contributed by Ed Sasnett on Mar 16, 2016

Happiness is the product of practicing certain disciplines that make us like Christ.

Series: Be Happy Title: Happiness Through… Text: Psalm 103 Truth: Happiness is the product of practicing certain disciplines that make us like Christ. Aim: To encourage the church to practice these disciplines to experience God’s happiness. INTRODUCTION Ruth Graham, the wife of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Practicing The Presence Of God

Contributed by Daniel Keeran on Mar 13, 2018

Spiritual Mindfulness is described.

Practicing the Presence of God: Spiritual Mindfulness by Daniel Keeran, MSW, College of Mental Health Counselling www.ctihalifax.com Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Walk In The Dark

Contributed by Bruce Gebbeken on Nov 11, 2006

A camping trip opens up to me the powerful insight of the opening words of John.

A Walk in the Dark John 1:1-9 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Perplexing Problems And Their Solutions From Romans 8

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Thank God He has given us multiple ways of solving all of our problems through His word, His Spirit and His will. You cannot force a solution to a problem to come to mind. But you can keep your mind open so you can recognize possible paths to solutions wh

Problems and Their Solutions for Life’s Most Reoccurring Problems from Romans 8 Illustration:If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. Abraham Maslow, Eating Problems for Breakfast by Tim Hansel, Word Publishing, 1988, p. 54. Thank God He has given us ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-38, Romans 8:38-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When We Open The Door Of Our Heart And Let Jesus In.

Contributed by Kevin Shelton on Nov 3, 2008

What happens when we open the door of our heart to Jesus

Revelation 3:20. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Will you open the door of your heart and let him come in? When we open the door of our heart and let Jesus in. 1. “Our Sins are taken ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:20

Denomination: Baptist

4 Ways To O-P-E-N The Gate Of The Promised Kingdom!

Contributed by Herbert Armstrong Bosantog on Nov 6, 2012

Jesus CHRIST fulfilled the Prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2), in Luke 4:18, using KJV, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To PREACH the GOSPEL to the POOR; He has sent Me to HEAL the BROKENHEARTED, To proclaim LIBERTY to th

O – Overview of CHRIST’s AUTHORITY! P – Preparation for the CONQUEST! E – Edification & Strengthening for the BATTLE! N – Navigation towards the PROMISED KINGDOM! INTRODUCTION: Jesus CHRIST fulfilled the Prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2), in Luke ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 13:30, Leviticus 13:25-32

Denomination: *other

Why Does God Allow Some Doors To Close And Others To Open?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 6, 2009

In this time when many are losing their jobs, their homes and their 401Ks let us learn why God uses closed doors to open others.

Why Does God Allow Some Doors to Close and Others to Open? (Acts 16:6-32) In this time when many are losing their jobs, their homes and their 401Ks let us learn why God uses closed doors to open others. Our God is the one who opens doors that no man can close and opens other doors that no man can ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time- The Opening Up Of A Relational Space By Forgiveness.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 11, 2022

Forgiveness is a conditional gift offered that opens a relational space that expects a reciprocal response.

There used to be a sign in the Princeton University Book Store basement which said: "Love your enemies—it will drive them crazy." Clever but love of enemies and forgiving, commanded by Jesus in our Gospel this Sunday, is not hoping that the other person will change or trying to be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: Catholic

Playground Or Battlefield

Contributed by Ed Taylor on May 15, 2002

The Christian is engaged in a spiritual battle and the weapons of our warfare are spiritual.

In his book, Fuzzy Memories, Jack Handey writes, "There used to be this bully who would demand my lunch money every day. Since I was smaller, I would give it to him. "Then I decided to fight back. I started taking karate lessons, but the instructor wanted $5 a lesson. That was a lot of money. I ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-14, Ephesians 6:11-18, Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Leader's Philosophy

Contributed by David Ibeleme on Jun 20, 2008

Appreciating the fact that we are born for success

The Leader¡¦s Philosophy (I’m Born for Success) Is. 40:1-5 The responsibility of leadership is often viewed as difficult. It is common to hear leaders complain about how difficult their job is. The expression "it ain’t easy" overweighs "it is well" or "it can be done". Many look at leadership ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible