Sermons on Optimistic:

Interpreting Life

Contributed by Chris Talton on Jan 19, 2002

When tempted to ask "why" to God, remember to interpret life in light of some things that you already know to be true just as Joseph did.

November 7, 1999 Genesis 40 ¡§Interpreting Life¡¨ Key verse: ¡§Do not interpretations belong to God?¡¨ Genesis 40:8 INTRODUCTION Yesterday afternoon, our family went up to the mall for a little while, and I was very surprised to see that the Christmas decorations were already up. People ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 40:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Building A Bridge Of Love Series

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Feb 11, 2002

1 Corinthians 13:13 states the greatest is love, so how well are we doing building a bridge of love both inside and outside the Christian Community?

You might have heard the statement, “If you love someone set her free, if she comes back, she’s yours, if she doesn’t she never was.” The Pessimist would say, “If you love somebody. Set her free…if she ever comes back, she’s yours, if she doesn’t, well, as expected, she never was.” The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13, John 13:34

Denomination: Pentecostal

I Am Not Leaving You Series

Contributed by Scott Mathews on Mar 22, 2004

Second in the Series "Before Christ" (B.C) A look at Malachi, and what was going on in the heart of God before Immanuel.

Adventure Christian Church of North Natomas Malachi 2 - 3:1 (p. 665) Series: Before Christ (B.C.) Title: “I Am Not Leaving You” “The memory of any stretch of years eventually resolves to a list of names, and one of the useful ways of recalling the past two millenniums is by listing the people ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 2:1-17, Lamentations 3:20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Attitude Is Everything

Contributed by Chris Coker on May 4, 2004

Attitude is everything when it comes to following God.

I think that explains what Steve Martin is gray head? But if you think about it we can relate to that can’t we? Kids are screaming, bad day at work, getting bad news from the doctor, and the never ending bills, someone cutting you off on the Interstate, all these things and 1,000 can cause us to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Keys To Happiness--Key #2 Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Sep 21, 2005

Mourning our sins brings the comfort of Christ, and also leads us to others who mourn.

The Keys to Happiness Key #2—Compassion Matthew 5:1-2, 4 Ten rules for happier living: 1. Give something away (no strings attached) 2. Do a kindness (and forget it) 3. Spend a few minutes with the aged (their experience is a priceless guidance) 4. Look intently into the face of a baby (and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Methodist

How Do You React To Suffering

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

How Do You React to Suffering? - Rom. 8:18

How Do You React To Suffering? - Rom. 8:18 Illustration:Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does God Say When People Pray (Part 2)

Contributed by James Wilson on Mar 2, 2001

How Does God Respond to our Prayers?

What Does God Say When People Pray (part 2) Acts 12:12-17 For thirteen extraordinary days in October of 1962, the world stood on the brink of an unthinkable catastrophe. Across the globe, people anxiously awaited the outcome of a harrowing political, diplomatic and military confrontation that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Grasshopper Faith

Contributed by Scott Weber on Mar 23, 2001

Will we live by faith or by calculation? Joshua and Caleb demonstrate faith that focuses on what God can and promises to do.

"Grasshopper Faith?" Numbers 13,14 Names are really interesting. Parents often spend countless hours deciding what to name their children. We know names are important. In some countries and cultures, names carry significant meanings intended to shape the character of the child. In some ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Ninety And Nine

Contributed by Nathan Robertson, Jr. on Nov 10, 2000

Ministry to the Church

Life has taught us to look for the superstars. When we go to the movies, we look for the stars: Denzel Washingtons, the Tom Hanks, the Haley Berrys, the Danny Glovers, and the Samuel Jacksons. We do not look for the lighting director of the movie Forest Gump or the costume director of the movie ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Hope When The Night Stays Long And The Wind Blows Cold

Contributed by Michael Blankenship on Dec 24, 2000

A Sermon of encouragemnet for the Christmas Season

1 Peter 1:13-21 Hope when the night grows long and the wind blows cold. Jellico First Baptist Church, Jellico Tennessee. Web Site: www.jfb.faithsite.com/default.asp Bro. Michael Blankenship: Pastor Sunday Morning December 24, 2000 When Christ our Savior came as a baby to the manger at Bethlehem, he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Rewiring The Desire To Acquire Series

Contributed by James Stewart Jr. on Dec 17, 2003

Intro; The message deal’s with the area of Greed. This is the Fifth message in the series.

Intro; Today’s message is dealing with the area of Greed. Greed is another one of those sins that you can’t see but the people around you can see it in you. Perhaps you with the mentioning of the word greed a face popped up in your mind. Could be your wife or husband. Greed says many things but ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-31, James 4:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Effective Leadership Requires The Right Attitude Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Mar 16, 2005

A look at the necessary building blocks for effective leadership.

An optimist has been defined as a person who, falling from the top of a forty-story building, says on the way down, “All right so far!” You do not need to ignore or overlook the facts to be able to look upon the bright side of life. Realism is necessary. But for the Christian, God must figure in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Faith That Doesn't Give Up No Matter What Series

Contributed by Brad Robertson on Sep 17, 2007

3rd message in the "Pay-off of Perseverance" series.

Series: The Pay-off of Perseverance Message #3: Faith That Doesn’t Give Up No Matter What – September 16, 2007 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what was promised…my righteous one will live by faith…we are not of those who shrink back… Hebrews ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:36-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Lord Got Me Out Of That Mess

Contributed by Charles Jones on Oct 21, 2008

When you come out of a bad situation God puts a new song in your mouth.

Psalm 40:1-3 Today we are allowed a peek into these verses which leads into the heart of King David. Scholars think that this Psalm was written during the time David was running and hiding from Saul. In the text David is speaking about a time in his life when he felt trapped in a helpless and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joy Part 1 - These Chains Are Wings Series

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Mar 31, 2011

Joy Genome is a Lectio Continua through the epistle of Philippians. How can we have joy...always?

Philippians 1:12-21 12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed