Sermons on Optimist:

Sanctified In The Truth

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Mar 6, 2006

While no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him, it’s also clear that Christianity does not require a "leap of faith" to believe.

Sanctified by the Truth TCF Sermon March 5, 2006 In what some commentators call His high priestly prayer, in John chapter 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples, and for us. One of the things he prayed was: John 17:17 (NIV) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth Jesus asked our Heavenly ...read more

Scripture: John 17:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living As Exiles - Embracing Our Weirdness

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Jan 19, 2017

What we believe and what we practice as those who are in Christ is strange to the world. Let's embrace it

Living as Exiles – Embracing our Weirdness TCF Sermon January 3, 2016 Does anybody really make New Year’s resolutions anymore? It can be a helpful exercise, but for many of us, they just end up being a to-do list for the next week or two, that quickly falls by the wayside in the face of everyday ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:20-32, Romans 12:14-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Three Marks Of True Disciples (John 11:55-12:11) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 22, 2022

Martha, Lazarus, and Mary each model a discipleship verb. Together, they paint a picture of a true disciple.

Two weeks ago, everything changed in the gospel of John. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, in the full sight of a large group of Judeans. And when the Judeans saw this, "many" gave their allegiance to Jesus. In an instant, they moved from being stubborn, and hard-hearted, and ...read more

Scripture: John 11:55-57, John 12:1-11

The Eye Of The Tiger!

Contributed by Ronald Crandall on Jan 16, 2003

I know it sounds like an odd title God gave me this message to preach to a Youth Camp. The idea came one night while watching the movie "Rocky." God has called our youth to be champions who keep their eye on the mark of the Prize of the High Calling! We h

THE EYE OF THE TIGER By: Pastor Ron Crandall Intro: It is always fun to minister at a camp filled with young people. I love coming and seeing God challenge you to a deeper walk with him. How many of you have seen the movie “Rocky?” I love the movie because it takes a nobody and through ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Antodote For A Troubled Life

Contributed by Norris Harris I on Feb 13, 2003

I must use this period of ministry in addressing those very special saint who are experiencing UNUSUAL TROUBLE and are TROUBLED thereby. I need to address you because You and Your Experience has been Overlooked and given Too Little Attention by the minist

“Trouble in my way, I have to cry sometimes. So much trouble, I have to cry sometimes. I lay awake at night, but that’s alright; Because I know Jesus will fix it after awhile.” Here we are again. I want to use this ‘Preaching Moment’ to deal with what’s going on underneath our skin. So, WE NEED TO ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Old Gracefully

Contributed by Gene Haraldsen on Jul 15, 2004

Like it or not, all of us grow older...all of us age. Some enjoy joking about aging....but deep down inside growing old is something many dread....and fear.....and are willing to do anything to avoid.

Growing Older Gracefully Ecclesiastics 12:1-7 It seems to me that one of the things that some people joke about most in life is aging...One way we do this is by comparing our lives to our children’s lives. All of us have had our parents say things like: • In my day I walked to school up ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Confidence And Steadfastness” Series

Contributed by H. Kevin Derr on Sep 13, 2004

A look at issues of confidence and stadfastnes in the life of a believer

March 9, 2003 First Church of the Brethren H. Kevin Derr Hebrews 6:13-20 “Confidence and Steadfastness” 13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15And so ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20

Denomination: Brethren

Mapping Fault Lines In America - Memorial Day - Independence Day Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 18, 2004

Who is to blame?: CORRUPT POLITICIANS, COMPROMISING PREACHERS, COMPLACEMENT PEOPLE. Link included to Formatted Text and Powerpoint.

Mapping Fault Lines in America Micah 3:1-12 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FaultLines.html I love America, and make no apology for doing so. I enjoy her freedoms, especially in being free to worship the true and living God. I would like to continue living here if at all possible. I still ...read more

Scripture: Micah 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

How To Live Without Anxiety

Contributed by Gerald Cornelius on Mar 27, 2001

Principles for living a worry free life in Christ

HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT ANXIETY TEXT: MARK 4:26-29 In 1978, my family and I were called to a church in Texas as Associate Pastor. We excitedly began our ministry assured by the pastor that his was to be a long pastorate. In less than a year, this pastor was called to another church. That certainly ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-29

Denomination: Baptist

Handles For The Hard Times (Part 5) Series

Contributed by Rich Young on Jan 18, 2001

Fifth, and last sermon in a series of sermons on dealing with difficult times.

Handles for the Hard Times (Part 5) TEXT: Heb 12:4-11 INTRODUCTION · This is last in a series of 5 sermons on “Handling the Hard Times” · Have provided 7 handles to hold on to when the difficulties come & many of those handles have to do with the perspective we have, or the way we look at the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Faith Not To Faint, Forget, Fret, Or Fear

Contributed by Rev. K. Michael Bryant on Dec 15, 2002

A study in the strength of faith.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound. I want to start this morning with a little testimony. (I told a story about a trip to Atlanta and how I didn’t run from the Lord) So this morning when the phone rung at 6:00 AM and I was asked to preach for the Pastor at the 8:00AM service…I was reminded of the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Sneak Preview

Contributed by Philip Makari on Oct 19, 2002

There is more to the transfiguration of Jesus than the actual event.

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS is another of those major events in the Bible that speak directly to us of his divine nature and point us strongly to the truth that he was indeed God’s unique and personal revelation of himself. Transfiguration Sunday therefore, is an important day on the Church ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:29-35, Luke 9:28-36

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Over Fear Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Feb 14, 2005

This message will help the listener to discover four truths from 1st John that will help us overcome fear. It is written to help the listener understand the realationship between love and fear.

"Getting Over Fear" 1st John 4:11-18 A young five-year-old was in the kitchen as his mother was making supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn’t want to go in alone. He said, it’s dark in there and I’m scared. So she asked him again but he ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:11-18

Denomination: Baptist

The "Four F's" Of The Christian Faith

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Feb 26, 2002

The "Four F’s" of Christianity are: Fear not, Fret not, Faint not, Forget not.

The Four “F’s” of the Christian Faith Ps 37:1-7; 39-40 1 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:1-7, Psalm 37:1

Denomination: Wesleyan

Godly Enthusiasm

Contributed by Bruce Howell on Feb 28, 2002

To remind followers of Christ of the important role that enthusiasm plays in their witness.

Godly Enthusiasm Rom 12:9-12 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-12, Ephesians 5:18

Denomination: Wesleyan