Sermons on Outward Focus:

Our Response To The Unexpected

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Aug 15, 2024

This message is about how we respond to the unexpected events of our lives. As children of God, our core responses should always focus our attention on the One with the answer, not the problem before our eyes.

Our Response to The Unexpected Scripture: Mark 4:35-41; First John 3:21-22; Second Chronicles 20:1-29 Good morning Strangers Rest. The title of the message this morning is “Our Response to the Unexpected.” I am going to open with a story recorded in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus and His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41, 1 John 3:21-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Do You See What I See PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 18, 2023

The sermon's main point is to encourage believers to shift their focus from their own human perception to God's divine perspective, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and living out the teachings of 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Good morning, family! Isn't it a joy to gather together in God's house, where we can learn, grow, and encourage one another? Now, we've all heard the saying, "Perception is reality," right? But let me ask you, whose perception are we talking about? Our own or God's? Today, we're going to dive deep ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:18, Matthew 7:3-5

Topics: God's Perspective, Seeing As God Sees

Life Through Jesus Series

Contributed by Ron Auch Jr on Dec 29, 2024

“Life Through Jesus:” this statement speaks of a theme that of which believers of Jesus focus on love, connection, and living as followers of Christ. The verses we are going to be looking at this morning emphasize love as the foundation of life in Jesus.

“Life Through Jesus” “Life Through Jesus:” this statement speaks of a theme that of which believers of Jesus focus on love, connection, and living as followers of Christ. The verses we are going to be looking at this morning emphasize love as the foundation of life in Jesus. 1. The Command to ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:11, 1 John 4:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Servant Who Hears God's Voice (Isaiah 50:4-11) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 13, 2025

Sermon's focus is on listening to God. The servant is part of the group of disciples who hear God's voice. The servant suffers, but is confident that he suffers innocently, and that God will vindicate him.

Our passage today is commonly called the third of the four servant songs in Isaiah 40-55. The other three, famously, are in Isaiah 42, 49, and 53. I've said before that over a century ago, a scholar named Bernard Duhm split off these four songs from the rest of Isaiah 40-55, and treated ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-11

Beyond Limits: Embracing The Divine Call To Go Further

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Jul 21, 2025

Today, I want us to focus on a powerful truth: God’s mercy, our faith, and His divine call for us to step into a new season of going beyond what we’ve known.

A remarkable example of boldness in prayer through Abraham’s intercession for Sodom. Abraham stands before God and asks, “Will You sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” His boldness and persistence reveal a heart aligned with God’s mercy—a heart that believes in the possibility of change and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:20-32

Denomination: Methodist

What About Faith And Good Works? (Part 1)

Contributed by Tony Miano on Apr 2, 2001

This morning our focus is going to be on verses 14-17, in chapter two. In this section of the passage we find an assumption (v.14), an analogy (vv. 15-16), and an application (v.17). Included is a historical looks at the relationship between James and Paul.

What About Faith and Good Works? An Answer to the believer James 2:14-17 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano Pico Canyon Community Church April 1, 2001 Introduction: We’ve spent the last couple of weeks tackling an issue that many people, present company excluded of course, would like to avoid. We ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-17

Denomination: *other

I've Got Joy?

Contributed by Carla Powell on Dec 22, 2007

This sermon was preached on Gaudete (Joy) Sunday (3rd sunday in Advent). I wasn’t feeling very joy-filled, though I felt called to preach on joy (and used that hesitancy as part of the sermon focus). It’s my best "grumpy sermon on joy" ever.

It’s been a rough couple weeks for me. My wallet was stolen last Wednesday. My step-grandfather died – two days ago. I woke up feeling sick and lost my voice - yesterday. Almost got stuck in the snow last night. Had to park around the corner and traipse home in the deep snow with the wind whipping ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

A Fool And Mischief. Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Aug 16, 2021

When you grow up in Christ you get a sense of satisfaction from doing His will. You no longer take pleasure in the foolish things you once did, but you rather focus your time, talents, and treasure on things of eternal significance.

“A fool and mischief. Proverbs 10:23-32 Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible. Prov.10:23 “The term ‘living wisely’ is relative. Some may think they are living wisely, even though we might disagree.” That’s true, so to be clear, the wisdom Solomon ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 10:23-32

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Be Still And Know Series

Contributed by Thomas Cash on Jan 2, 2010

This Kyle Idleman message begins in silence. Sometimes we talk too much. To hear God, we need to be where He speaks, confirm His voice, avoid distractions, & respond with obedience. (34 PP slides/posters are available on request)

Sermon Notes Be Still and Know 1 Samuel 3:1-18 (Sermon notes courtesy of Kyle Idleman, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY) NOTE: This is most effective if the speaker begins the message in silence, holding up 34 different posters for the congregation to read, making the point that many are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dare To Stand Firm Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 17, 2019

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you know that God has called you to be different in your attitudes and your actions. I want to encourage you to Dare to stand firm in your attitudes and actions.

Our preaching theme for this year is Dare to be Different and it is a theme that will cause each of us to examine ourselves. This evening I want to I want to encourage you to Dare to stand firm in your attitudes and actions. If you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you know that God has called ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 1:6-10, Galatians 3:1-3, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Peter 1:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Following Christ Means Change Series

Contributed by John Baggett on Oct 29, 2005

Following Jesus meant for His disciples and means for us. (1)Change of FOCUS (2)Change that brings FORSAKING some things (3) Changing POWER into our lives. Part of a series but can be preached alone.

This sermon is part of a series called Back to the Future. The sermon is easily adaptable to be preached individually without any serious flow change. ** Following Christ Means Change Mt 4 ** How many of you rode into church this morning on a horse? I know there was a day some of you did come ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Supersize Me!

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Mar 12, 2006

In order to avoid the trap of self-indulgence, we need to: 1. Reject the spirit of entitlement and embrace a spirit of gratitude. 2. Reject excess and move toward moderation. 3. Reject the temporal and focus on the eternal.

Two years ago Morgan Spurlock created a film documentary called Supersize Me, which won several international film awards. It was based on an experiment to see what would happen if he would eat nothing but McDonald’s fast food for one month. He had three rules for this experiment: 1. During the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-11

Denomination: Methodist

Mind Your Own Business

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 29, 2003

After pubicly re-instating Peter, Jesus wants Peter to focus on following Him, and get his eyes off what Jesus is going to do with John ... Peter has his own cross to bear.

“Mind Your Own Business” John 21:18-23 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our series on the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus. Last week we saw The Disciples at the Sea of Galilee, waiting for Jesus to appear to them. Instead of waiting idle, they decided to go fishing. Jesus fixed breakfast ...read more

Scripture: John 21:18-23

Denomination: Baptist

Almost Ain't Good Enough

Contributed by Larry Brincefield on Feb 2, 2003

I was going to "launch the shuttle of revival" today (2/2/03) With the tragic loss of the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia...I focus on how important revival is...we cannot let it become routine.

Larry C. Brincefield larkayb@earthlink.net February 2, 2003 Sunday Morning Title: Almost Ain’t Good Enough Text: Acts 26:28 Introduction Have you heard the saying, "Almost ain’t good enough"? I’m not sure where it originated... but in high school, if someone said, "well, I ALMOST made ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:28

Denomination: Nazarene

False Teachers – False Hopes

Contributed by Ralf Bergmann on Jun 27, 2002

Everywhere we look people seem to always focus in on things that are different about each and every one of us. Sometimes we use this difference as a point of superiority in order to call ourselves better or above others.

Sermon Title: False Teachers – False Hopes Sermon Text: Jude 1:3-5 Sunday Evening, August 13, 2000 Scripture Introduction: There is much to be said for the saying that good things come in small packages, as is in this case with the small epistle of Jude. This letter in it’s beginning intent was ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3-5

Denomination: *other