Sermons on Optional: showing 346-360 of 11,397

“three Ways To Run The Church” Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 16, 2015

A look at the three primary church government structures.

- There are a number of ways that we could handle the passage this evening. We could talk about qualifications for pastors or for deacons (this would be especially helpful for a church entering into a pastor search process). We could talk about whether it’s necessary to be “called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

How To Handle Your Guilt Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 22, 2019

Many today want to put aside any mention of shame as inappropriate. Paul, though, speaks of godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. What's the distinction and how can sorrow be a good thing?

SMILEY RELIGION: “God wants me to be happy.” - 2 Corinthians 7:8. - Today so many presume that God’s job is to make them happy. The only way they think about God is that He is there to answer our prayers and bring good things into our lives. - Biblical ideas like carrying your cross, losing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rewriting Your Life Story Series

Contributed by Marty Baker on Mar 10, 2003

This messages encourages you to move on with your life. Stop living in the past; press on to a new future.

Rewriting Your Life Story www.stevenscreek.net Dr. Marty Baker / January 26, 2003 The human brain is composed of over 12 billion nerve cells, with the analytical ability of a room full of Pentium-equipped computers. The brain indiscriminately receives and stores every kind of information thrown ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, Exodus 14:8-12

Denomination: Church Of God

The Paradox In God's Greatness Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Jan 28, 2004

God’s plan of salvation for us is great.

THE PARADOX IN GOD’S GREATNESS I Corinthians 1:26-2:5 (I Corinthians 1:18-25) S: Salvation Th: Live the Difference Pr: GOD’S PLAN FOR SALVATION FOR HIS PEOPLE IS GREAT! ?: How? How does it happen? KW: Options TS: We will find in our study of I Corinthians 1:18 – 2:5 three options God does not ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Is Church Attendance Necessary

Contributed by Neal Gracey on Jun 25, 2001

If you have forsaken the assembly of Christians, we encourage you to take these steps.

Is Church Attendance Necessary? Considering the lax attitudes of many religious people today, it would be easy to conclude that church attendance is optional or perhaps only for those who are very religious and extremely dedicated to their faith. Membership rosters in most churches, compared to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Chapter Five Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Mar 20, 2014

1 John: Chapter Five Three Tests

1 John: Chapter Five Three Tests: Doctrinal – Do you believe; Social – do you love; Moral – Do you obey (1-5) John has used the term begotten ten times in the epistle. I think he does so because of the strong stance he takes on the necessity of obedience. He wants to give ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Financial Tips From A Failing Thief

Contributed by Chris Talton on Mar 4, 2003

We can learn financial tips for dealing with problems from anyone - even someone who exercised wise financial principles selfishly.

March 2, 2003 Luke 16:3-14 “Financial tips from a failing thief” INTRODUCTION “There once was a man who went on an ocean voyage carrying a large bag of gold coins. The bag represented his entire net worth. A terrible storm blew up, and the call came for all hands to abandon ship. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:3-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Matter Of Interpretation Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 5, 2014

In this sermon, we discuss the things we have to contend with that make interpreting the Bible challenging, then we discuss a method for interpretation, including the matter of the silence of Scripture.

Introduction: A. How many of you enjoyed Jay Leno’s “Headlines” segment on the Tonight Show? 1. Let’s begin with some actual headlines collected from local, national, and international newspapers that are rather ambiguous. a. It’s clear what the writer was trying to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Will You Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 8, 2012

All of us have our comfort zones. Some of us surround ourselves with them. Some of us live in them. Some of us visit them. And some of us have learned to ignore them. Will you step out of your comfort zone?

Will you step out of your comfort zone? This month as part of our Fresh Fire Series we have been considering the teachings of Jesus on the Holy Spirit. And this evening I want us to start with some verses from John 14. John 14:6-17 6Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Assignment Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Jul 5, 2022

Filters are important because without them things don’t operate properly. Are you living life unfiltered?

No Filter Pt. 4 - Assignment In an age where things that are not real are promoted as reality it would serve to reason that in church, we would tell you to live with no filter since we are taught by our Savior to live authentic and genuine lives. However, I want to tell you that filters are an ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Jeremiah 20:7-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Christian And War

Contributed by Darrell Coats on Sep 19, 2006

A sermon that explores three different views of war that Christians have traditionally advocated: The Christian Pacifist View, the Augustinian "Just War" View and the Christian Realist View (advocated by the author).

Fourth Sunday After Epiphany James 4:1-4 A Sermon The Christian and War "War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always evil. -Jimmy Carter I very reluctantly find myself addressing a situation that like you, a few months ago I wouldn’t have ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

Identity Crisis

Contributed by David Dewitt on Sep 20, 2006

The world around us is busy trying to steal the identity of Jesus from the church

Identity Crisis Matthew 16:13-20 April 2, 2006 Morning Service Introduction Let me tell you about a guy that I know who was a church planter. It seems that in everything He did, He never gained any popularity. In fact, he was told that he was not well liked. In fact, after he finished one of His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Church Of God

When Hope Seems Gone Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 28, 2010

Despair makes hope seem an empty dream as we snap awake to reality and we begin to believe the lie, “there's no way out.”...Our lesson today is one of “how” and “what”. “How” can I move from a spirit of despair to a life of hope?

DARE TO BELIEVE – “When Hope Seems Gone” Jonah 2:1-10 This picture (person sitting against a wall, very dark room, small light in the window) is, to me, a powerful image of despair. It creates a sense of aloneness where an overwhelming gloom settles into your spirit and there's ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Exercise - Physical And Spiritual

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 25, 2013

America is crazy with physical fitness and wellness in this life, but, what about fitness for a godly life here on earth and the continuation after death?

What a crazy week this has been! The terrorist bombing in Boston during the Boston Marathon leaving 3 dead and nearly 200 injured. The fertilizer plant explosion in the town of West, TX. Up to 15 dead and an unknown number injured. In the past week there have been as many as four earthquakes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Denomination: Nazarene

What Does It Takes To Enter God's Kingdom Series

Contributed by Rule Digal on Aug 11, 2008

Jesus made a shocking statement to the religious leaders who were around Him. He says: “The tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.”

What Does It Takes To Enter God’s Kingdom Matt.21: 28-32 Note: Some materials of this sermon are taken from sermoncentral.com This morning, we will study the parable of the two sons. The Lord addressed this parable to the religious leaders who were around him that time to find reasons to accuse ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational