Sermons on Openings:

Even Now

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 8, 2025

This sermon explores the story of Lazarus as a picture of God’s timing, power, and resurrection hope. We are called to hold on when God disappoints, to look beyond what we can see, and to open the door to His transforming power.

Introduction You know that feeling when the repair guy says, 'We’ll be there between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.'? So you cancel your plans, sit at home all day, peek out the window every time a truck drives by… and then 4:59 p.m. rolls around and still nobody’s shown. You start thinking: Where is ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Quest For Power Vs. The Call Of Christ

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jan 5, 2025

Epiphany is not just a moment of clarity; it’s a summons to transformation. Let’s walk through this text with open hearts, asking, What does the birth of Jesus teach us about power, greed, and the true call of leadership?

Sermon Title: The Quest for Power vs. The Call of Christ Text: Matthew 2:1-12 Church, it’s the first Sunday of a brand-new year, and God has a message for us: Pay attention. Paying attention to what’s right in front of us—what’s under our noses—can be a life-changing act. We just wrapped the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: United Methodist

The Beauty Of God’s Presence Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 4, 2025

The beauty of God’s presence is an invitation to experience His love, peace, and transformation. As we seek His presence through prayer, worship, and the Word, we open ourselves to the profound beauty that comes from a close relationship with Him.

THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S PRESENCE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 27:4 “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.” Supporting Texts: Exodus ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:4, Exodus 33:14-15, Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 63:9, Matthew 18:20, John 14:23, 1 Chronicles 16:27, Psalm 84:10-11, Revelation 21:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Fruitful Branches”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 23, 2024

Opening story: 230 old vine at Hampton Court. And an illustration of running on empty when we are not connected to the vine of Jesus. How to imitate Jesus and let Him produce fruit on our branch. Illustration from Dallas Willard

In Jesus Holy Name April 2, 2024 Text: John 15:1-8 Easter V “Fruitful Branches” In Hampton Court, near London, there is a grapevine that is reported to be the oldest living vine in the world. It is over 230 years old. It was planted in 1768. This grapevine has one root which is 12 feet ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8, Ephesians 5:1, Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Unleashing The Power Of The Almighty SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

No matter the magnitude of the problem that has led you astray from God's path, He is capable of turning things around. If we open our lives and affairs to Him, He will transform us and respond when we call.

Introduction: Listen to what God says in this passage. He is asking this question of Israel, but it is certainly one that we must consider as well. This is a question that goes on even in the hearts of Christians. We often respond with "Well, no...but...". All of us struggle, at different levels, ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:27

Topics: God's Power, Faith

Freedom Isn’t Free

Contributed by Steven Platt on Jun 7, 2002

Memorial Day Sermon. It opens honoring those who gave their lives for our country, but ultimately honors those who gave their lives for our King. It closes with the ultimate Memorial Service for us as Christians, the Lord’s Supper.

Freedom Isn’t Free October 12, 2000. To some people, this may be a loved ones birthday. To others, maybe the day they bought their first new car. October 12, 2000. Undoubtedly, mothers were busy making Halloween costumes or perhaps even a few were beginning to buy Christmas gifts ...read more

Scripture: John 15:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A "Fast" Message - Fasting - Prayer

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 25, 2005

"God’s 9 Main Purposes for Fasting" from Is. 58 make for a great outline and eye-opening sermon for your committed crowd. Also, Biblical admonitions on the Benefits and Dangers to consider when fasting. Free Powerpoint at website.

A Fast Message From God Is. 58:6-8 PowerPoint at: http://www.gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FastMessage.html I. Definition of Fasting Fasting=a voluntary withdrawing from food and/or drink, or other fleshly appetite, for a specified period of time. 3 most basic types of fasting mentioned in the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Graves That Couldn't Be Shut

Contributed by Dennis Cocks on Apr 2, 2006

In our text we see the singularly most important and impressive truth of the resurrection is a cemetery filled with graves which men were powerless to close. These graves were opened at the time that Jesus died; but those inside the graves would not come

EASTER: THE GRAVES THAT COULDN’T BE SHUT TEXT: MATTHEW 27:50-54 INTRODUCTION: Let me begin by reviewing the sermon that I gave two weeks ago titled “Was Jesus Crucified On Good-Friday?” If you still have your chart, please take a look as I remind us of the timeline. We learned from Lev. 23 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:50-54

Denomination: Baptist

It Says What It Means! Does It Mean What It Says? Series

Contributed by James Mccullen on May 9, 2005

Please read all the introduction before judging this sermon. It is my desire to preach the Bible during the entire sermon. Please note all points and sub-points are tied to the scripture. This sermon is expository in style, you will have to open, and k

It Says What It Means! Does It Mean What It Says? James 5:13-15 (13) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. {14} Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-15

Denomination: *other

When You Are New In The Church Series

Contributed by James Mccullen on May 12, 2005

This message will guide us when we are new in A church. It is my desire to preach the Bible during the entire sermon. Please note all points and sub-points are tied to the scripture. This sermon is expository in style, you will have to open, and keep

WHEN YOUR NEW IN THE CHURCH Gal 1:18-24 NASB {18} Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. {19} But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. {20} (Now in what I am writing to you, I ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:18-24

Denomination: *other

Disobedience And Defeat Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on Jun 1, 2005

Today’s message is one of warning. It is a cautionary lesson from the Bible that I pray you will listen to very carefully with a mind and heart that is open to God’s Spirit. Though this is not a message of joy, it is one of great consequence for your fu

Disobedience, Defeat, and Discipline Text: Joshua 7 Several weeks ago I began a study in Joshua’s conquest of Canaan, drawing lessons for our own advance into the place of abundant blessing in the presence of God! Are you taking your promised land, moving into a life that is filled with the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Time For Choice Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on Jun 1, 2005

The daily choice whether we will open the door of our life or ignoring His request to fellowship with us is ours to make! God, in spite of his great love for us and his vast power, will never kick in the door to our hearts.

A Time for Choice! With this message, we close this series from Joshua, about possessing our Promised Land, moving into God’s provisions for your life. I pray that you have realized that God has prepared a phenomenal life that stretches from the ‘now’ into the ‘forever’ for each of us. And, I ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Thessalonica And Berea Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Oct 25, 2005

Paul centres his message on the historic Jesus, arguing from Scripture that he’s the Messiah. He persuades people by careful argument, opening the Scriptures to allow people to discover the truth for themselves. And he works as a leader of a team, includi

It’s interesting that we think of Paul as someone who stands out on his own. He’s the great apostle to the Gentiles, a man who stands head and shoulders above the rest. Yet in reality he was a man who loved to work as part of a team. He started out with Barnabas, then joined up with Silas, then he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Denomination: Anglican

Parable Of The Friend At Midnight Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 7, 2007

Putting persistence in our prayers--When Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, He said they need to ask, then seek, and knock until the door opens. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Parable of the Friend at Midnight Luke 11:1-13 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FriendAtMidnight.html INTRODUCTION 1. In studying the parables of Jesus, we have seen how He used the parabolic method of teaching on different subjects.... a. Mostly on the theme of the kingdom of heaven b. But ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Prepare For Battle

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Feb 17, 2008

Today in Canada we see a nation that is ever more secular and less and less Christian. In fact in our Provincial Legislature the current Premier Dalton McGuinty wants to abolish the practice of reading The Lords Prayer at each opening session.

Prepare for Battle Ephesians 6:10-20 We last looked to Gods word and studied the Beatitudes that Jesus gave us from the Sermon on the Mount. We covered a broad list of attitudes and characteristics that we as Christians are called to reflect in our lives as Gods children. It is not a list that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed