Sermons on Ortberg:

Who Is Keeping Score? Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 4, 2026

The fact of the matter is “Life is unfair” and we have to learn to accept that it is! We need to quit spending valuable energy trying to change something that will not change in this sin filled world. We must learn to expect it and be willing to push through unfair situations with God’s assistance.

Theme: Time Management Introduction to Theme: Benjamin Franklin said, “Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff that life is made of.” The world we live in knows the importance of Time Management but where they miss the mark is on what they prioritize - which usually is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16, Matthew 19:27, Romans 9:15-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Contentment - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Jun 3, 2003

Our Society is summed up in the words of a U2 song - "I still haven’t found what I’m looking for." This sermon explores why we have such a drive for more...

I Still Haven’t Found What I’m looking For 1 Timothy 6:6-10 While your turning to our passage, I want you to listen to a few words from a song by U2. (Play song) I hope you caught that. Bono the lead singer of U2 is singing the words, “I have climbed the highest mountains. I have run ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-16, 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Humility Series

Contributed by Rick Thiessen on Mar 4, 2003

Pride is more than bragging... it’s seeing ourselves in God’s spot.

SE111702 CHARACTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION 3. Humility INTRO: I’M NOT GOD Vince Lombardi - one of the greatest coaches in NFL history - apparently had an large ego. One day he came home to bed after a great win but wife was already asleep. When his feet touched her legs she said, God, your feet are ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:1-22, Daniel 2:1-49

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Clues To Contentment Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Aug 29, 2006

This is the final in a series of sermons based on Paul’s letter to Timothy as a guide to how the church should behave. This message explores living in contentment with our material condition.

(Opened message with showing of U2 “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” Music Video) Even though that song is now pushing 20 years old, it may more than any other song continue to describe our culture today. A culture littered with people who are searching, running, scaling, looking for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-9

Denomination: Wesleyan

Confused Yet Saved

Contributed by Bradford Robinson on Oct 28, 2005

This is a sermon that honestly looks at how even as Christians, we still struggle with the things we know we should and should not do.

One of my things as a pastor is that I try to be as transparent as I can be. I tend to share stories that show my faults as much as my strengths. It’s kind of like the pastor who was told by his church, “Preacher, we’ve always heard our pastors say they were sinners just like us, but you are the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-24

Denomination: Methodist

Living The Worry Free Life Series

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Apr 18, 2005

This message from the Sermon on the Mount deals with the cautions againts, consequences of, and cures for worry.

Living the Worry Free Life Turn to Matthew 6:25-34 Perhaps you’ve seen the little flyer that says, "So far today, God, I’ve done alright. I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper. I haven’t been grumpy or nasty or selfish. I’m really glad of that. But in a few minutes God, I’m going ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Life's Too Short To...play It Safe Series

Contributed by David Flowers on May 4, 2005

Part 1 in a series that examines things life is too short for.

Life’s Too Short To. . .Play It Safe, prt. 1 Life’s Too Short To, prt. 1 Wildwind Community Church David Flowers 4/3/05 [video clip – “carpe diem” from Dead Poets Society] It seems kind of depressing, but I’m convinced that the only way we can get our lives into proper perspective is to realize ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

Imperfect People; Perfectly One Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Nov 24, 2004

We are all imperfect, yet Jesus prays for us to perfectly one. Here are some insights on how we can live in a more perfect oneness.

When we go to Alabama to see Maryanne’s family every summer, I often go to People’s Shoe Store. They sell Johnson and Murphy shoes at greatly reduced prices. The catch is that they sell their shoes “as is.” It’s a way to say that “these are damaged goods.” They sell Johnson and Murphy shoes ...read more

Scripture: John 17:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus To The Rescue! When? Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Nov 11, 2004

Peter in his second letter the last chapter reminds all the believers to make sure they keep their thinking wholesome and to not give up on Jesus’ return because it is coming and when it comes it will quick like the flash of lightning.

2 Peter 3 – Jesus to the Rescue! - When? Thesis: Peter in his second letter the last chapter reminds all the believers to make sure they keep their thinking wholesome and to not give up on Jesus’ return because it is coming and when it comes it will quick like the flash of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Ultimate Endgame Series

Contributed by Steve Bond on Oct 31, 2007

Nobody’s perfect. The words are both true and of some comfort. But as Christ followers the Good News is far better. Jesus is perfect. and if we pursue him passionately, that rubs off on us in this life.

Introduction Billy Graham is now in his late 80’s and he suffers from Parkinson’s disease. His worldwide evangelism ministry has spanned more than sixty years. Awhile back, Billy was invited to speak at a luncheon in North Carolina. After many wonderful things were said about him, Billy stepped to ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Pray For Others Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Sep 28, 2008

65th in a series from Ephesians. Paul’s prayer request helps us learn how to pray for others more effectively.

In his book, Everyone’s Normal Until You Get to Know Them, John Ortberg tells the story about a man who wanders into a small and cluttered antique shop. As he walked up and down the aisles browsing, he saw the usual furniture, lamps, vases and oil paintings common to every antique store. Then he ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Doubt Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 7, 2008

When you have a bout with doubt, remember that doubt doesn’t disqualify you.

Christmas Questions: Doubt Luke 1:34 Rev. Brian Bill 12/7/08 Can you tell me who said the following? This person was asked if he believes that after he dies, he will hear God say to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ After a long pause, he responded, ‘I hope so.’ (Billy ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:34

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From Failure Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 26, 2009

When we fail in ministry, our failure need not be fatal. Rather, if our failure teaches us to depend on Christ and care for people, we can move on from failure to impact our world like Jesus’ original disciples did.

A CEO has taken on a new job, and the outgoing CEO says to him, “Sometimes you’ll make wrong choices. You will. You’ll mess up. When that happens, I have prepared three envelopes for you. I left them in the top drawer of the desk. The first time it happens, open #1. The second time you mess ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Good Example Of A Bad Example

Contributed by Ed Sasnett on Jun 2, 2010

We are to resist the influence of the world in the church.

Title: A Good Example of a Bad Example Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17 Truth: We are to resist the influence of the world in the church. Aim: to identify and correct worldly behavior in the church. Life ?: What’s the evidence of the world in the church? INTRODUCTION In 1989 the unthinkable ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Helping Those In Need Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 10, 2009

Secret service results in rewards.

Helping Those in Need Matthew 6:1-4 Rev. Brian Bill 5/10/09 Video: “Why She Gets a Day” (www.tangle.com). I know my mom loved me when I was unlovable – actually I think I’m still unlovable. I want to mention at the beginning that this sermon will not be a “typical” Mother’s Day message. Several ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

Denomination: Baptist