Sermons on outward focus:

Future Focus Present Faithfulness - Uprooting Bitter Roots Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jul 28, 2018

Message continuing to address the problem of bitterness.

Future Focus Present Faithfulness Series Pt 10 “Uprooting Bitter Roots 3” Hebrews 12 identifies three deadly infections that contaminate the Christian community and disrupt the unity God instructs us to pursue, promote and protect. These three infections also prevent the pursuit of the three life ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-9

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Future Focus Motivates Present Faithfulness Pt 13 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jul 28, 2018

Final message n this series continuing the discusion of checking our value system as kingdom kids.

Future Focus Present Faithfulness Pt 13 “Recalibrating Our Values 2” Review The Bible warns against three deadly viruses that threaten the effectiveness of the church of Jesus Christ. ? Guard against failing to appropriate God’s amazing enabling grace; available and sufficient. ? Guard against ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Encouraged To Endure Sermon Vii: Focus On The Wonder Of It All Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Feb 7, 2020

When feeling discouraged about schemes of the wicked in a world of disappointments and discombobulation, focus on God's Grand Scheme for His people --- and the wonder of it all will be therapeutic and elicit praise.

The Wonder of It All Is Worthy of Praise by All! Widely known as the leading theologian of the 20th Century, Karl Barth was asked to summarize years of research and volumes of writings, and he responded: “Jesus loves me, this I know, ...read more

Lent 2021 - Mary's Singular Focus Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Mar 13, 2021

Jesus was anointed at least twice in His ministry with the last time being just days before His crucifixion. What do we see in these accounts that is often overlooked?

Mary’s Singular Focus Please stand with me as we go over our current memory Scripture: Matthew 5:3-5 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” And our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:1-9, Luke 7:36-50, John 12:1-11, Titus 3:3-5, Romans 12:1-2, Jude 1:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Visionary View: When Your Vision Is Out Of Focus Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 10, 2023

Our vision can become blurred by various distractions and challenges, but through God's Word, we can regain our focus. Let's delve into Scripture for guidance.

"Visionary View: When Your Vision is Out of Focus" Today, we explore a topic that affects us all at some point in our lives: "Visionary View: When Your Vision is Out of Focus." Our vision can become blurred by various distractions and challenges, but through God's Word, we ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Matthew 14:22-33, Matthew 14:30-31, Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 15:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

If Not Disputable Matters, What Should Our Focus Be On? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 31, 2023

This sermon is the conclusion of the "How to Disagree" sermon series. In this message, we look at what we should be focused on instead of arguing over secondary issues.

A BIGGER VISION: Are we thinking of denominational correctness or of the expansive kingdom of God? - Romans 14:17a. - [Note: focus here on the Kingdom; leave the other for the second point.] - So often we get down into the weeds on all these disputable matters that we’ve been discussing for the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

Simon: The Zealous Disciple Lesson 11 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 12, 2023

Inward obedience is reflected in outward actions.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto man.” Colossians 3:23, KJV “Whatsoever your task is, put your whole heart and soul in it, as work done for the Lord, and not merely for men knowing your real reward will come from Him.” Colossians 3:23, Philips A. WHY JESUS CHOSE ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:23, Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Clarifies Some Scripture For Us

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Feb 17, 2019

Jesus teaches us by expounding the interpretation of Scripture by emphasizing and contrasting our outward vs inward (spiritual) obedience.

Weekend Message/Devotion February 17, 2019 Matthew 5:21-24, 27-30, 33-37 Jesus Clarifies Some Scripture For Us Jesus is actually confronting these areas of the Law and expounding the interpretation beyond that of the scribes. How and why is He doing this? The how is of great importance. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24, Matthew 5:27-30, Matthew 5:33-37, 1 John 3:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Critique Of Pharisaic Hypocrisy

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 20, 2014

To say and to do not, versus the grace of humility.

A CRITIQUE OF PHARISAIC HYPOCRISY. Matthew 23:1-12. Turning away from the Pharisees, Jesus addressed both the crowds and His own disciples (Matthew 23:1). From the outset, Jesus acknowledged the legitimacy of the Pharisees as a party within Judaism: they “sit in Moses’ seat” (Matthew 23:2). ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Give Up Giving Up Series

Contributed by David Roth on Feb 20, 2015

Ash Wednesday (B). Too often we focus on our outward behavior, our sins. But the root of our problem is not sins, but sin, our sinful nature. Joel urges us to "Turn to God and live."

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “Give up giving up” What are you giving up for Lent? Anything? Some people give up something for lent. Not with the purpose of earning ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-19, Psalm 51:5-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Consider Your Ways Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Feb 15, 2010

When the calendar turns to a new year, many of us take the time to reflect on the past. We think about the good times and the difficult times we have been through. We think about opportunities we might have missed or things we might have done better. That

Here we are at the beginning of a new year. At the Watchnight service, we talked a little bit about resolutions. I don’t know whether you make resolutions or not, but what I do know is that you have probably done some reflecting on the past year. That what we do when the calendar turns. ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Pains Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 13, 2011

The early church’s response to an internal problem teaches the contemporary church some valuable lessons.

* The dramatic growth of the early church: last count (4:4) around 5,000 men (probably around 20,000 total) * Such growth led to a “good” problem: many more needed to be ministered to than there were people to minister * The 12 did not have the ability to both effectively deliver the Word and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Starting The New Year Right

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jan 6, 2002

In this new year, we need to focus on: 1. Personal development. 2. Building relationships. 3. A life of service.

One of the positive effects of the recent tragedy our country experienced is that people appear to be shifting their priorities. People are centering their lives more on home and family rather than jobs and careers. We are looking again at the value of relationships, and even our relationship ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:10-16, Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Methodist

Five Looks

Contributed by David Radcliff on Apr 22, 2017

Looking backward, upward, inward, outward and forward.

FIVE LOOKS Isaiah 45:22 I. THE BACKWARD LOOK. 1. This is to the Seed of the Woman; Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 2. This is to the Seed of David; Romans 1:3 ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:22

Denomination: Baptist

Mary Mother Of Jesus: Good Times And Noodle Salad Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Oct 27, 2006

By all outward appearances Mary looks cursed rather than blessed by God. Our outward circumstances do not necessarily mean God is not with us.

Why Does God Do This To Me? Have you ever felt this? I’m not sure there is anyone who hasn’t felt this way. Life is going just fine. Good friends. Stable Finishing Grad School, The Future is Bright. Whatever will happen next – it will be great. Look what happened to Katie and I…. Out of grad ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational