Sermons on Opportunities Wasted:

The Deceptive Power Of A Good Excuse

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 29, 2024

Excuses can rob us of God's best. They are an enemy of great faith and accomplishment. In this examination of Luke 14:15-24, we learn from Jesus's story about those who excused themselves from a great feast. Those people missed the opportunity of a lifetime.

Intro We take as our text today Luke 14:15-24. Follow with me as we read that passage. “Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, ‘Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God! 16 Then He [Jesus] said to him, ‘A certain man gave a great ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-24, Matthew 22:1-14, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, Philippians 4:13, Luke 6:1-11, Proverbs 26:13, John 4:1-29, John 3:16, Matthew 7:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

How To Avoid Being A Loser - Using The Spirit's Power

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Many Christians fail to realize they must keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit if they do not want to be a loser. Paul wrote, "Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s

1. Many Christians fail to realize they must keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit if they do not want to be a loser. Paul wrote, "Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus Wants Us To Be Initiators Instead Of Remaining As Passive Recipients

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

The Lord expects us to initiate opportunities with the power of the Spirit to bring others to a saving and growing faith in our Lord Jesus. It is not enough to passively receive what He gives freely. "Freely we have received, therefore, freely give."

Illustration: We love because He first loved us. (I JOhn 4:10) Illustration:John Wesley traveled 250,000 miles on horseback, averaging twenty miles a day for forty years; preached 4,000 sermons; produced 400 books; knew ten languages. At eighty-three he was annoyed that he could not write more ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Get Ready For A Turnaround Because Your Victory Is In Your Praise!

Contributed by Charles Jones on Jul 31, 2005

Everytime you and I praise God it is giving God an opportunity to Get us Ready For A Turnaround. Are you ready to confuse the enemy? Are you ready for a complete turnaround? Are you ready to get back what the enemy stole from you?

Get Ready For A Turnaround because your Victory is in your Praise! 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 V.22 Text by Bishop Charles Jones D.D. Here we read that the Moabites and their allies(the Ammonites and Edomites) have declared war upon Judah(Praise),and word has reached Jerusalem that a vast army ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, 2 Chronicles 20:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

New Year's Commitment

Contributed by Jonathan Falwell on Apr 27, 2005

The greatest challenge of the new year . . . new beginning. A new year gives us an opportunity to start over. A new job means a challenge to do better than the last job. They don’t know your past weaknesses, and failures.

A. NEW YEAR’S COMMITMENT 1. The greatest challenge of the new year . . . new beginning. A new year gives us an opportunity to start over. A new job means a challenge to do better than the last job. They don’t know your past weaknesses, and failures. a. A new year is a chance to live better ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Carpe Diem

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Oct 18, 2004

Carpe diem, seizing the opportunities of this day, is a great piece of advice. We human beings only have a precious little time which God grants to us here on planet earth. We should be putting that time to good use.

THE WINDOW Bible Teaching Ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC ----------------- October 3, 2004 ----------------- While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. 12But when Peter saw this, he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:11-26

Denomination: United Methodist

The Ten Lepers Series

Contributed by John Covell on Oct 17, 2001

Everything I have can be traced back to an opportunity or an event that I never could have orchestrated or created; every good thing I have going on in my life finds its source in a gift of God’s grace

Beginning a few Wednesday nights ago and for the next several weeks, we’re talking about the issue of Grace. And as I said last time, the way we define grace is that “Grace is getting a gift you don’t deserve.” Now mercy is when we don’t get a punishment we do deserve; but grace is getting a gift ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living Hope Series

Contributed by Mark Elkins on Jan 27, 2011

I am truly discovering that life’s obstacles are truly opportunities for God to show just how awesome He really is. Obstacles give us God stories! Do you need a God story today?

LIVING HOPE 1 Peter 1 My son asked, “If Sea World really loves animals, then why do they keep them captive?” What a deep question. Maybe you can relate. If someone loves you, then why are you still held captive? If people in your world love you when why do they keep you captive? ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

When Did We?

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jan 31, 2010

This message helps the church ask why we do the acts of mercy we do? What is our motive? Last in a series of 4, we are reminded that all opportunities of service are to be done as though we are doing them for the Master Himself!

Introduction Today, we end our study of preparation for the Vision of our church for the year 2010. We’ve talked about: 1. Recognizing the Open Doors (Rev. 3:7-8) 2. Effective Prayer (Col. 6:2-6) 3. Effective Giving (2 Cor 8:1-15) And now today the question, “When Did ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40

Denomination: Baptist

Article 23: Lawful Oaths And Vows. Series

Contributed by Aubrey Vaughan on Feb 5, 2010

This sermon unpacks lawful oaths and vows and we see it implications upon our lives who we are meant to be and also shows the opportunity we have if we step out in boldness and honour God by taking it for His honour and glory.

Article 22: Lawful Oaths and Vows. “Let Your Yes mean Yes and Your No mean No.” 1. Firstly what is a vow? A vow is a solemn and promise made to God. We see marriage couples on their wedding day making their vows to love and cherish one another these aren’t simply vows made to each over and the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

Part 10 - Matthew 8:18-34 - When Jesus Skips Out On Church, You Know Someth Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Mar 3, 2010

It's interesting to me that Jesus called His disciples to leave the crowd and His disciples and they experience some spiritual warfare as they cross to the other side of the lake. Why would Jesus miss this opportunity, when He had a crowd gathered?

Part 10 - Matthew 8:18-34 - WHEN JESUS SKIPS OUT ON CHURCH, YOU KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG! I remember as a young student Pastor being invited to a Church for afternoon tea. They said they wanted to pray for me. What I didn't realise is that they wanted to pray for me to be their Pastor. At the end ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:18-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Supernatural Walk

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Dec 13, 2010

Jesus commanded the disciples to go ahead in another ship while he prayed upon a mountain. The disciples encountered contrary winds in the midst of the sea. But the contrary wind was actually an opportunity for the Lord to reveal his great power. Jesus la

Intro: There was a feeling of victory by the apostles after the miraculous feeding of 5,000 men. After moments of spiritual blessings and victories, we are to take heed and be watchful. Jesus commanded the disciples to go ahead in another ship while he prayed upon a mountain. The disciples ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-32

Denomination: *other

The World Is Saved By Its Good Looks

Contributed by Rob Guenther on Jun 26, 2007

Even though we once looked hideous to God in our sin, when we look to God and to Christ in faith, we look perfect and holy. Now we look for opportunities to hold up Jesus to be clearly seen by others.

The World is Saved by Its Good Looks Sermon based on Isaiah 45:22 Sunday, June 24, 2007 – Pentecost 4C (Evangelism 4) A church member canvassing the neighborhood came to one door and asked the attractive woman who answered if she was saved. “Yup,” the woman answered, “I sure am.” “Well, how do you ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:22

Denomination: Lutheran

The Good Covid Samaritan

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Aug 24, 2020

Is the opportunity to do good being hindered by the need to social distance? Should we be cautionary or should we take the risk in order to help our fellow man? The story of the Good Samaritan might give us some insight into that.

THE GOOD COVID SAMARITAN Luke 10:30-37 In the sermon last week I shared Gal. 6:9-10, focusing on our need to do good to the family of believers. This week I was thinking about the beginning of vs. 10, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people". My thoughts went to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:30-37, Galatians 6:10, Luke 6:9, James 2:8-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Concept Of Labor

Contributed by Guy Glass on Mar 12, 2010

Here we are at the Labor Day Holiday, the theoretical end of summer and the vacation season. The last opportunity to take a vacation and get away before the school year starts. Well, in honor of Labor Day, and the fact that most of us will spend the hol

THE CONCEPT OF LABOR SELECTED PASSAGES INTRODUCTION: Here we are at the Labor Day Holiday, the theoretical end of summer and the vacation season. The last opportunity to take a vacation and get away before the school year starts. Well, in honor of Labor Day, and the fact that most of us will ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:17-19

Denomination: Baptist