Sermons on Outward Focus:

Is The Pastor Eligible?-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 18, 2010

Part 1 of a 2-part sermon. Paul told Titus that the focus of his work on Crete was to bring order to the churches & appoint qualified elders. Pastors must meet certain qualifications. But What are they? Pastoral eligibility is measured by...

IS THE PASTOR ELIGIBLE?-I—Titus 1:5-9 Attention: The churches of Crete were saved but were lacking the finesse necessary to accomplishing their mission. They were not yet organized for ministry. A pastor by the name of Titus, was charged with the fortunate task, of straightening out those aspects ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Forget The Bread

Contributed by Mark Jones on Dec 11, 2002

The Essence of The Lesson The “leaven of the Pharisees” is the spirit of this world that will blind the hearts of both evil men AND Christ’s followers, and keep them from the proper focus on the spiritual realm! Prelim thoughts, key concepts: “Leav

Don’t Forget The Bread A Lesson from, Mark 8:11-21 parallel in Matthew 16:1-12 The Essence of The Lesson The “leaven of the Pharisees” is the spirit of this world that will blind the hearts of both evil men AND Christ’s followers, and keep them from the proper focus on the spiritual realm! ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:1-12, Mark 8:11-21

Denomination: Methodist

A Mindset For Miracles Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Aug 30, 2005

The fourth in a five part series on miracles, focusing in on spiritual deliverance, physical healing, and relational restoration. This sermon utilizes a series of in-character monologues to testify to God’s healing power.

(This sermon opens with four in-character monologues. I did NOT use full costume. Just some simple prop to draw the listener’s eye to the character (i.e. a sword for the centurian). This sermon was extremely well received, and had a higher than usual attention level!) SCENE 1: Have you ever ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:1-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Gift Of Hope Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on May 16, 2017

The birth of Jesus gives us hope that extends to every aspect of my life - past, present, and future.

Advent This morning is the first Sunday of Advent. Most of us are probably familiar with that concept, but for some of us our familiarity may be limited to those calendars with little windows that open up revealing a gift or treat for each day of the month leading up to Christmas. The word ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

Rejoicing In Our Inheritance, Despite A Horrible Job Market

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Jun 8, 2011

As unemployment is still rampant, some of us struggle to make ends meet, needless to say provide an inheritance for our next generation. However, through any frustration and hold-up in life, we are called to REJOICE in our promised inheritance in Heaven.

Rejoicing in our Inheritance, Despite a Horrible Job Market Sterling C. Franklin Glorious King Jesus Christian Church June 5, 2011 (Sunday) Man, this job market is HORRIBLE! Many men in their 60s and 70s who have talked with me on the topic are saying that they’ve never seen such hardship in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unity Is Oneness, Not Sameness

Contributed by Christopher Roberts on Oct 29, 2003

Jesus prays for unity in the Church that is to come. Yet, His prayer indicates He knows we will struggle. As long as we keep our focus on God we will overcome our denominational differences and find our oneness in Christ.

Ruth Bell once said, “If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary” She went on to say, “If two people agree on everything, they double their chances of being wrong.” Now, Ruth Bell was not referring to the diversity of thought in the Christian church, she was instead talking ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-23

Denomination: Methodist

God Knows Your Heart

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Jan 11, 2010

How can I have a heart like David’s rather than like Saul’s? Let’s learn what the Holy Spirit does as he works in our hearts through Baptism and God’s promises. A. The Lord’s not fooled by outward appearance B. The Lord’s Spirit changes us to the core

Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Theme: God Knows Your Heart A. The Lord’s not fooled by outward appearance B. The Lord’s Spirit changes us at the core Season: Epiphany 1 Date: January 10, 2010 Web page: http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/God-Knows-Your-Heart-1Samuel16_1-13.html Grace and peace to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

The Song Of Christ Jesus Series

Contributed by Timothy Mills on Sep 23, 2002

Exegetical, verse-by-verse exposition; revealing the revelation of God which Jesus is; focus on the person and work of Christ; closes with an invitation to know Him as Savior and Lord.

INTRODUCTION: Solomon said: “But will God indeed dwell upon the earth?” (1Kings 8:27). God indeed dwelt in both the Tabernacle & Temple; but He departed in Ezekiel. Verses 1-18 are the introduction to John, & must be understood in order to understand the rest of the book. The introduction to John ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18, 1 Kings 8:27

God's Special Love

Contributed by Tim Zingale on Jul 22, 2002

A Sermon for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 12 A Sermon on the Second Lesson Romans 8:26-39 The sermon focus is on Romans 8:35-39

10th Sunday after Pentecost Proper 12 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Romans 8:26-39 God’s Special Love 35* Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36* As it is written, "For thy sake we are being killed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-52

Denomination: Lutheran

Treasure In Heaven Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Apr 10, 2005

Jesus warned: 1. Don’t store up treasure. 2. Guard your heart. 3. Focus your eye. 4. Have only one Master

I read a recent magazine article about a pastor and his encounter with some unbelievers while having breakfast. Here is how he tells the story: “My wife and I were vacationing in Estes Park, Colorado, and had breakfast in a coffee shop. It was empty except for four men at another table. One was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Methodist

New Year's Resolutions

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jan 5, 2004

In Phil. 3:12-16, Paul offers three principles to follow as we enter the new year: Forget your Past, Focus your Priorities, and Function in the Present.

New Year’s Resolutions Scott R. Bayles, preacher There is an old story about a happy little boy who went out into the field wearing a baseball cap. In one hand he carried a baseball, and in the other his trusty bat. His face bore a look of tremendous confidence. Cocking his bat, he tossed the ball ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Christian Church

The Abortion Controversy

Contributed by Carl Kolb on Jan 29, 2004

Abortion is the most widely debated issue of our time. The focus of this message is to cause individuals to think through their position. (Originally preached 1/1999; updated 1/2003)

The Abortion Controversy Exodus 20:13 and Exodus 21:22-25 (Topical) Abortion is the number one killer in the United States: Here are some statistics from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Murder by firearms: 17,000 Suicide: 32,000 Auto Accidents: 42,000 AIDS: 42,000 Other ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Never Invite God To A Pity Party

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Sep 1, 2004

When we’re tempted to focus on everything that’s wrong in our lives, God directs us back to him and leaves us no room for self-pity.

July 11, 2004 — Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson 1 Kings 19:14-21 Never Invite God to a Pity Party I. He Won’t Agree with You II. He Won’t Let You Wallow III. He Won’t Leave You Alone Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Noah's Seed

Contributed by Dwight Jones on May 22, 2005

The three sons—the three branches of the human race—now became the focus of Scripture so in this prophecy you see the three people groups that remain unto this day.

Noah’s Seed Genesis 9:25-29 (KJV) 25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. 26 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:25-27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Grace

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on May 25, 2005

In the previous chapter Paul’s focus of attention has been on earthly, physical experiences in the gospel. In order to avoid exalting himself he describes these experiences in the third person.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: To seek to earn, merit, or purchase salvation is to insult the Giver. Imagine yourself invited to a banquet in the White House by the president of the United States. You are seated at a table that is filled with the choist foods. Every effort is made to give you a most ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Baptist