Sermons on Optimizing:

Faith In Action

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Sep 18, 2007

We all have it. Some more than others. Some people want more of it, while others try to deny having any of it at all. We rely on it to get us through each day, and it’s our key to eternal life.

Other Scripture used: Genesis 15:1-6 Hebrews 11:1-3(4-7)8-16 Luke 12:32-40 Psalm 33 or 33:12-15, 18-22 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:32-40

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

A Sustained Commitment

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Apr 9, 2006

In order to have a sustained commitment, you need to: 1. Focus on the goal. 2. Focus on fact, not feeling. 3. Focus on growth.

The backdrop for this day on the Christian calendar, which we call Palm Sunday, is the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem during the Passover Feast. Jesus has come riding into town from the Mount of Olives on a small donkey. Crowds are following him and shouting in excitement. The Bible says, “The ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-8

Denomination: Methodist

When God Asks For Your Isaac Series

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 17, 2014

God asked Abraham to lay down his Isaac. His story is an incredible picture of the Cross and how God loved us enough to surrender His Son, Jesus, for our sin. Do we love Him enough to surrender our Isaac today?

It has been said that Christians are like tea bags……they always do best when they get in hot water. In Genesis chapter 22, we find Abraham in the hottest water of his life as God tries his faith. The Bible teaches three key truths about trials in the life of a believer: 1) Trials come to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Of Whom Shall I Be Afraid Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 17, 2014

We all deal with fear, and in the time in which we are now living, fear is multiplied over and over. The warning to “fear not” is frequently repeated in Scripture. Fear is described as bondage, torment, and a snare.

Of Whom Shall I Be Afraid Psalm 27 Written 9-11-06 First message in a series called “The Overcoming Life.” Introduction What makes you afraid? Darkness? But the Lord is your light. Danger? He is also your salvation. Lack of a basic need? He is your strength. Then why be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Remember Your Creator

Contributed by Hans Krause on Nov 11, 2018

Two men think about life as they face the end of their journey on earth. Has life been meaningless or relevant? Do they look forward to a joyless process of degradation, a painful descent towards the valley of death, or to something more glorious beyond the horizon?

[Sermon preached on 11 November 2018, 25th Sunday after Pentecost / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] A man of about my age—sixty, give or take a few years—sits down, takes up pen and parchment, and starts to write. Or perhaps he calls his secretary and starts to dictate. He senses that his life is ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Crossing The Threshold-3

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Sep 18, 2018

3 of 4. Amos declared God’s strained relationship with His people. Thus a failed relationship with God evokes His wrath. What specifically does a failed relationship with God evoke(bring about/cause)? A failed relationship with God evokes...

CROSSING The THRESHOLD-III—Amos 1:1-2 Attention: Hushers: Six-year-old Angie & her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Mom had gone to the bathroom, so taking advantage of the moment, Joel giggled, sang, & talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had enough. ...read more

Scripture: Amos 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

The Problem With ‘what’s Best For Me’

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 19, 2018

A look at God's call to be concerned for the vulnerable.

Our Starting Point: “What’s best for me?” - We usually end up with a self-centered mentality. We look out for ourselves. And that is certainly encouraged within our society. We are a “winner-take-all” place where everyone looks out for themselves. - What responsibility do we have to those ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Living An Abundant Life

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Aug 11, 2014

One might think living an abundant life would be about having a surplus of money, things, power, etc. But the abundant life that Jesus promises in John 10:10 is not about that. Let's see what living an abundant life in Christ is all about.

LIVING AN ABUNDANT LIFE 1) Jesus came to offer us the fullness of life. John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus starts out by talking about the thief-who is Satan. And Jesus reveals what Satan ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Light To A Dark World Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Sep 1, 2014

Jesus, the light of the world, came to give us hope.

Light To A Dark World Text: Jn. 1:6-13 Introduction 1. Illustration: As Craig T. Kocher in his commentary on our text states, "Christian hope is fundamentally different from optimism. Christian hope locks its steely eyes on the devastation of the world around it, and readily acknowledges that ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-13

Denomination: Methodist

Why Are You Weeping?! Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jun 27, 2014

Tears of Joy at Easter. The tomb is empty.

Why are you Weeping? April 20, 2014 John 20:1-18 Whether we want to admit to it or not . . . we all have dreams. We set out at a young age, with dreams. Oftentimes they’re little boy and girl fantasies. And sometimes they become realities. We dream about fun and exciting stuff, glamorous ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Honor Your Parents Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Jun 28, 2017

A teaching about honoring your parents even if they were not the best examples

Honor Your Parents CCCAG June 25th, 2017 Scripture- Exodus 20:7 When I was in basic training, we mostly were trained by the drill sergeants and other noncommissioned officers. However, we were officially commanded by a 2nd lieutenant that we only saw when there was an inspection or if you got ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Successful Suffering Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

The lesson on how to suffer successfully involves the whole of one's spiritual life and relationship to God. In learning this lesson we will learn that which is necessary to be a complete and entire Christian.

Imagine the testing of the body in such a sport as football. To be on your feet and seconds later brought to the ground hard and fast. Then to get up and do it again, and again, and again, but constantly moving forward. All of that falling is not what wins the game, but whether or not you win ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

The Great Supper Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 26, 2021

The story begins with a great supper prepared, and many guests are invited. It is agreed by all that this represents God's invitation to enter His kingdom.

An ancient Eastern story tells about a prince who fell in love with a very beautiful girl. All of the people rejoiced to see them united in marriage. The whole life of the prince revolved around this girl of rare beauty, but one day she sickened and died. So great was his grief that he became ill ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

David: A Man After God's Heart (4) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Dec 20, 2020

The Bible tells us that David was a man after God's heart, yet he commited a terrible sin when slept with Bathsheba and killed Uriah. In 2 Samuel 11, we discover that David had a selfish heart, scheming heart, and sorrowful heart.

David: A Man after God’s Heart (4) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 3/13/2016 The Bible is full of heroes. These biblical heroes don’t wear colorful capes or costumes, but they instill us with hope, optimism, and faith. They were men and women who overthrew kingdoms, stood ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:22

Denomination: Christian Church

Afterlife: Hades Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on May 21, 2019

This series explores what the Bible says about the afterlife. In Luke 16, Jesus describes the prison, paradise, and parting of Hades, the realm of the dead.

Afterlife: Hades Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 5/17/15 On January 18, 1989, around 11:45 a.m., thirty-nine-year-old Larry Donald Piper’s Ford Escort collided head-on with a semi-truck. EMTs arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced him dead at the scene. Unconscious in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Christian Church