Sermons on Opening:

The Christmas Card Series

Contributed by Tom Doubt on Jan 3, 2004

Each year God sends us the same Christmas card inscribed with His message of love; when we open it and read it we know what His one & only Son did for us.

Dr. Tom Doubt, Senior Pastor Four Mile Creek Baptist Church Richmond, VA THE CHRISTMAS CARD BACKGROUND: A. Sending of Christmas cards is a 163 year old tradition 1. It began in England in 1840 a. The first cards showed people drinking & partying b. Christns complained, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Never Give Up

Contributed by Brian Barrett on May 5, 2003

This is a very open outline to help incourage people not to give up in their walk with God because he sees our affliction, he hears our cry, and he knows about all our sorrows.

NEVER GIVE UP! Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. To you who have been serving God for a long time, never give up To you who are physically tired and to those who are mentally tired from the journey.... To you who are just starting ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:7-8, Isaiah 40:29

Denomination: Pentecostal

Spirt Led Helps In Managing Conflicts

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 4, 2004

Wearing a mask that shows everything’s fine Says that life’s struggles are not God’s design; But when we’re open, transparent, and true, People will trust God to meet their needs too

Spirt Led Helps In Managing Conflicts I Cor 2:7-10 - "We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began...but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit." Illustration: We were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:7-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Truth Detectors 1.1: Why You Need To Know The Truth Series

Contributed by Geoff Baggett on Apr 20, 2004

This is the opening message in a series that focuses on knowing and understanding the truths of basic Christian doctrine. It lays a biblical foundation for seeking God’s truth. Future messages will deal with specific doctrines. (04-18-04)

*Outlines, fill-in-the-blank sheets, and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations are available. For more information, please contact pastorgeoff@bellsouth.net. Truth Detectors [Episode 1] Message 1 “Why You Need to Know the Truth” Ephesians 4:11-16 Opening Illustration There was once a certain ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

7 People Who Ought To Pray

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 14, 2006

Of course, we all ought to...but these specific categories are full of eye-opening truths that will bring us all to our knees! Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Template.

7 People Who Ought To Pray I Sam. 12:23 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."--Jer. 33:3. Moses cried out to God, and God spared Israel from judgment. Joshua’s prayer made the sun stand still. Hannah’s prayer was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:23

Denomination: Baptist

Gates Of Heaven

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Feb 24, 2008

Jacob wrestled with issues of faith. Would he take the God of his father and grandfather to be his God? As Jacob was running from his brother Esau, God opened up to him the gates of heaven.

Introduction Look at story of Jacob’s dream- general sense/what is God saying/doing in the earth now, here at COTR. Jacob’s Dream Gen 28:10-22 Gen 28:10 (who were Abraham, Isaac, Esau?) Jacob- on a journey by himself, alone, apart from family, running for his life. Jacob- deceiver- facing the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Charismatic

"Joshua's Learning Curve"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on May 27, 2008

A miracle happens when the Supernational supersedes the natural! Joshua had learned that the God who was standing in the open field with a sword in his hand, is also the same God who sits upon the throne of the universe!

Title: “Joshua’s Learning Curve” Text: (Josh 1:9) Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Introduction: Joshua is the commander and chief of the nation of Israel. God ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 10:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Savior Of The World Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 31, 2008

The woman’s bold witness opened the way to Jesus. That stage of belief is only introductory. They needed a personal encounter with Jesus. The magnificent climax is that the Samaritans come to settled conviction & acclaim Jesus as the Savior of the World.

JOHN 4: 39-45 THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD [1 John 4:7-17] The revival or great harvest among the Samaritans is noteworthy. It is evidence that because of the rejection by Israel (1:11) Jesus moves into a wider ministry. These few verses also indicate two necessary and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:39-45

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed By God Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 1, 2008

God wants us to experience an abundant, blessed, happy life. The Psalmist gives us direction on how we can be open to God’s blessings in our lives and be like trees planted by water.

Psalms 1:1-6     “Blessed by God”INTRODUCTIONThe Bible often talks about joy and happiness. Jesus talks about being happy, or blessed, in the Sermon on the Mount. One of the fruits of the Spirit that Paul lists in his letter to the Galatians is “joy.” Psalms, like this psalm, talk about being ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Contributed by Charles Newman on Mar 14, 2009

In our message this morning, we will see how three miracles, (Jesus walking on water, Peter walking on water, Storms/winds cease) open our pathways to a bridge over the troubled waters of life.

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS Matthew 14:22-33 In our message this morning, we will see how three miracles, (Jesus walking on water, Peter walking on water, Storms/winds cease) open our pathways to a bridge over the troubled waters of life. Jesus has just got done with one of His famous miracles, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33, Matthew 14:22

Denomination: Methodist

Crossing Over To Zion - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Mitch Davis on Jun 23, 2007

A good word study not only increases your knowledge of God’s word, it opens your mind of faith to see the true (spiritual) light of God’s word, not the limited shadows that are left to the flesh.

Crossing Over to Zion (1) Theme: Christians living the true life of a Hebrew INTRODUCTION A. Word studies for studying the Bible are great for several reasons: 1. They serve to help a person to better understanding the true meaning of a word. 2. A true understanding of the word usually gives a ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fighting For Your Rights

Contributed by David King on Apr 23, 2008

This is to open the believers’ eyes to the great opportunities and blessings available to them in Christ Jesus. By the process of creation, and of course, recreation, we have inalienable rights because of our joint-heirship with Christ. If the enemy has

FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS Some years ago I was on a flight from one city to another in the company of my senior Pastor. It was an evengelistic trip and also my first flight ever. I was hungry before we boarded the flight but I had no time to get anything to bite for two reasons--one, I did not ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

David: A Man After God's Own Heart

Contributed by Dr. George Calhoun on Nov 1, 2008

When we understand that the Lord desires for us to come to Him with “unveiled faces,” completely open, honest, and unvarnished, a wonderful transformation begins to take place and we begin to see things as they really are.

A college student had two problems common to many: low grades and no money. Knowing that her parents wouldn’t look kindly on her dilemma she devised an ingenious plan to soften the blows of reality and wrote this letter: Dear Mom and Dad, Just thought I’d drop you a note to let you know how I’m ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Tragedy Of Unrepentance-3

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 7, 2011

3 of 4. Cain’s lack of repentance & subsequent grudge, ended in his brother’s murder. Willful unrepentance opens the door to tragedy. What is the tragedy? The tragedies of unrepentance are a Lost...

THE TRAGEDY OF UNREPENTANCE-III—Genesis 4:1-24 Attention: Repentance is vital to a true Christian. Repentance is necessary to anyone really seeking God. Need: Why don’t I have the relationship to God that others seem to have? Where is the power of God in my life?....Does God even ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Boldly Seeking The Kingdom Series

Contributed by James Parker on Mar 6, 2011

This week we are going to look at Boldly seeking the Kingdom. What do I mean by seeking the kingdom? Lets consider that this morning. Please open your Bibles to Matthew 6 verses 25-34

Boldness A-Z Boldly seeking the Kingdom Matthew 6: 25-34 We are still considering the a-z of Boldness. Last week we looked at how we should be Bold about Jesus. We talked about being bold about His Identity, who he is... We discussed who the world may say He is. We looked at what the written word ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist