Sermons on Ortberg:

Hold You Peace

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Aug 8, 2022

A message on Jesus gift of peace.

Title: Hold your Peace Text: John 14. (Romans 8:6) Big idea: The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. (Rom 8:6) Subject: Where do we find genuine peace? Complement: In relationship with Jesus and his people. Introduction: The elusive(!) pursuit of peace is described in modern day ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-27, Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 5:10, Romans 8:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Under The Sun Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 19, 2023

If you want to find any significance in an otherwise insignificant life, look above the sun.

The movie Antz begins with an ant named Z talking to his therapist. Take a look. (Show Antz (1998)—You Are Insignificant scene). All my life I've lived and worked in the big city…. I always tell myself there has got to be something better out there. Maybe I, maybe I think too much. I think ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Spiritual Disciplines, Worship Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Oct 30, 2022

Worshipping God, privately and publically, draws us closer to Him and strengthens our relationship with Him

This ladies and gentlemen is a picture of a paradoxical frog. It is native to the eastern parts of South America. And what makes it a paradox is the fact that while a full-grown specimen is about 7.5 cm in length, when it’s a tadpole it can reach up to 25 cm in length. It literally is four times ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Wesleyan

Groaning For Glory Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 3, 2025

If you want the confidence to move forward in times of trouble, see the unseen. Specifically, see your future body, your future home, and your future reward as you live your life to please the Lord.

Note: put a $20-bill up your sleeve for later use. In The Polar Express, a boy, who has his doubts, boards a magical train on Christmas Eve, which is headed for the North Pole. As the train ascends a particularly steep hill, the boy, a girl, and the conductor are climbing from the top of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, 2 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Revelation 20:11-15, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Kingdom Will Still Be The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Sep 29, 2024

Even in times of political tension, we can rest assured that God's kingdom is eternal and unshakable. Jesus is Lord over all earthly powers, and our true citizenship lies in His kingdom—a kingdom not defined by political leaders but by humility, servanthood, and ultimate allegiance to God.

#### **Introduction** Video Ill.: Kingdom Minded — The Skit Guys If there is any one thing that brings drama and division to our world, it is politics. It feels like unprecedented times — such division and discord over political views and opinions today. There is so much tension in our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 145:13, John 18:34-37, Matthew 18:2-5, Matthew 22:16-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

No Publicity Stunt: Missing God In Plain Sight Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Oct 16, 2024

How do you explain that when people want to curse, they don’t say, “Muhammed,” but they swear by saying the words “Jesus Christ”? Why do Muslims, Sikhs, Mormons, Unitarians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Deists all find a way to incorporate Jesus into their religion?

Have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t bet the farm on that if I were you?” There are a lot you cannot of people you cannot count on. But there’s one you can bet the farm on, and His name is Jesus. Find John 7 with me, if you will. Jesus finds Himself poked and prodded by the public in every ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-36

Denomination: Baptist

The Unstoppable Invitation Of Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Oct 23, 2024

Jesus pops up to speak in the middle of everyone on a major holiday with seemingly nowhere to go. Why would He risk His life? Why would He place Himself in such a dangerous position? Jesus risks everything to give us a gift that changes everything.

Have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t bet the farm on that if I were you?” There are many things in life we CANNOT count on. You CANNOT count on a politician’s promise. You CANNOT count on the weatherman’s forecast. And you cannot count on the pastor when he says, “I’ll be just one more minute.” ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-52

Denomination: Baptist

Manure And The Problem Of Evil Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Aug 27, 2025

Jesus’ answer to the problem of evil—Repent or perish. Then demonstrate that repentance in your own life before God’s patience runs out.

The movie Forrest Gump addresses a lot of life’s issues including the problem of evil. Take a look (show Lt Dan against God; www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc374YQAjJg, stop at 48 second mark right before Lt. Dan starts using foul language). Lieutenant Dan had lost both legs in Vietnam and was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9, 1 John 1:9, Leviticus 19:23-25, 2 Peter 3:9-10, Romans 5:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Three Vital Commitments

Contributed by Louis Bartet on Jan 5, 2003

This sermon calls hearers to make three vital commitments: 1) To A Person; 2) To A Purpose; 3) To A People.

TITLE: Three Vital Commitments SUBTITLE: You Present You TOPIC: Commitment TEXT: Romans 12:1-2 [Adapted from a sermon by John Hamby, A Call To Commitment, which can be found on Sermon Central.] I want to introduce you to a hypothetical church member that we will call Kenny. § Kenny began his ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Covet God's Approval Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Apr 17, 2005

As Christ-followers, we should only be concerned about pleasing an audience of One.

(adapted from Southeast Christian Church’s series: “Living a Life of Integrity”) SERIES: “WORDS OF WISDOM FOR KINGDOM LIVING” TEXT: MATTHEW 6:1-4 TITLE: “COVET GOD’S APPROVAL” INTRODUCTION: A. I read about a person who went to a concert at a beautiful old art-deco theatre. At ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Slowing Down Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 28, 2008

Every moment is scheduled in our lives. The Bible tells us that all this hurrying has dramatic negative effects on us. So how can you slow down? The strategies I’m going to share with you today to slow down your life to a more rational, reasonable pace a

Slowing Down When You’re Running On Empty Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 John Ortberg tells the story of calling a wise friend to ask for some spiritual direction not long after moving to Chicago. I described the pace of life in my current ministry. The church where I serve tends to move at a fast clip. I ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:4-8

Denomination: Methodist

Keeping Faith When Friends Fail You Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 2, 2008

What friends should do and what they shouldn’t do. Sermon ends with a focus on Jesus as Job’s faithful friend.

Keeping Faith When Friends Fail You Job 1-37 Rev. Brian Bill 3/2/08 After speaking with someone this week who is suffering severely, I received this email: “These last four weeks have been some of the most difficult that I have ever faced. There have been points of agony, doubt, despair, and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Perseverance In A Dry Place

Contributed by Noel Atkinson on Apr 29, 2010

This sermon looks at how God honours our prayers and dedication even when we are spiritually dry. When we do not 'feel' like serving him but serve him anyway. It encourages perseverance, stretching out, prayer and faith that God can do 'big things'.

Perseverance in a dry place John Ortberg from Menlo Park Presbyterian Church recalls A man I'll call Paul (because that's actually his name) told me he recently started going to church. In his mid-seventies, with no faith background, he woke up one morning with a sudden urge to hear the pope, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Let's Be Honest About What We Believe

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jul 20, 2007

This message deals with aligning our actions with what we claim to believe. You can see it and hear it at www.glenvillenewlife.com

Let’s Be Honest, What Do We Really Believe Genesis 3:1-14 James 2:14-26 Let me introduce you to Rakay. Rakay believes a man is responsible for his actions. He believes a man should do all that he can for his community and his church in order to build it up. He believes that a man should ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Freedom From Fear-Get Out Of Your Shell!

Contributed by Donnie De Loney on Oct 27, 2012

God"s way to live without fear in your life

FREEDOM FROM FEAR – Get Out of Your Shell! 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJ) For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. INTRODUCTION: ILLUSTRATION: John Ortberg writes in his book, If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God