Sermons on Outward Focus:

When Bad Things Happen To Good People

Contributed by Doug Humphrey on Nov 18, 2009

The purpose of this sermon is to help people trust God in the midst of life’s suffering and trials. Rather than focus on the "Why" question, I encourage them to focus on the "Who" question. For behind life’s trials stands a God who is good, loving and sov

When Bad Things Happen to Good People Acts 9:32-43 Introduction: The Bible teaches that we live in a fallen world. This is not the world as God originally created it. It is not the world as it will be one day. But when Adam and Eve sinned everything changed. The Bible says that creation itself ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:32-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Greeting Of Grace Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 31, 2016

Although Paul was imprisoned, he sought to encourage the church at Philippi. He urged them to focus on Christ and His grace. Like Paul, we need to encourage others while keeping our focus on the Lord. He must be central to all we do.

A Greeting of Grace Philippians 1: 1-2 Today as we begin to move through this precious epistle, verse by verse, I want to remind us of the context in which it was written. Paul is bound in a Roman prison, awaiting trial, facing accusations regarding his faith. He is no longer free to go and come ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

How To Handle A Sanballat

Contributed by Brady Cook on Jan 6, 2022

Usually, when we talk about Nehemiah, we focus on the wall. But what about the conditions he built it in -- namely, discouragement? - How are you supposed to focus on doing God's Work when others are trying to constantly tear you down?

https://hillsidechurchofchrist.com/how-to-handle-sanballat-and-tobiah/ Usually, when we have a sermon from Nehemiah 4, we fixate on a single verse: “The wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” (Neh. 4:6) We then dissect this verse and what it means to have ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You Devoted To Prayer? Series

Contributed by Jason Cole on Feb 22, 2004

People today are not committed and devoted to many thigns. As we read about the early church in the book of Acts we see that they were devoted to prayer, are we devoted to prayer.

“Are You Devoted to Prayer?” Introduction: Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer That calls me from a world of care And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known In seasons of distress and grief My soul has often found relief And oft escaped the tempters snare By thy ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:24-47

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Forget Your Change Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Sep 14, 2008

Communicate clearly the truth of the Bible

DON’T FORGET YOUR CHANGE WE NOW HAVE GOD’S TRUTH Romans 1.16 S: Bible C: Evangelism Th: Never the Same Again Pr: CLEARLY COMMUNICATE THE TRANSFORMING TRUTH OF THE BIBLE. ?: How do we accomplish this communication? KW: Practices TS: We will find in our study of Scripture four practices that will ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16

Denomination: Baptist

Create In Me A Clean Heart

Contributed by Mark Baker on Apr 27, 2007

The born again man, or spirit man is spotless in the eyes of God, but our outward man has to be renewed, and reprogrammed to think and act like the Word of God says to think and act.God looks at our heart and sees things that no one else sees...

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. How does God do this? Is it automatic? The born again man, or spirit man is spotless in the eyes of God, but our outward man has to be renewed, and reprogrammed to think and act like the Word of God says ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Beneficial Effects Of Persecution 

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Persecution has a way of accomplishing God’s greater purposes despite outward evidences. Luke wrote, "At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the regions·" (Acts 8:1) Discorda

1. Persecution has a way of accomplishing God’s greater purposes despite outward evidences. Luke wrote, "At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the regions·" (Acts 8:1) Discordant factors have a way of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Are The Blessings On Those Who Are Poor Or Weak?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Jan 18, 2014

The ‘blessed ones’ are the so called experts to whom many people go to for advice; seeking fame, riches and beauty as outward signs of God blessing them; but secretly they want others to kowtow to their success. Jesus could sort them out.

Summary: The ‘blessed ones’ are the so called experts to whom many people go to for advice; seeking fame, riches and beauty as outward signs of God blessing them; but secretly they want others to kowtow to their success. Jesus could sort them out. Micah 6:1-8 1 Corinthians ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal

Blameless Living Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 16, 2021

Peter called his readers to fortify their testimonies with two crucial aspects of righteous living: 1) a personal, godly discipline that is inward and private 1 Peter 2 :11), and a 2) personal, godly deportment that is outward and public 1 Peter 2 :12).

1 Peter 2:11-12 [11] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Other

Axubah To Hephzibah - Second Epiphany - Newness, Joy And Community

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jan 12, 2016

Scripture: Isaiah 62:1-5; John 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Theme: New Life, New Joy, New Community Proposition: Epiphany 2 C passages speak to us of God's power to create New Life, To Bring Forth New Joy and to create a New Community

Scripture: Isaiah 62:1-5; John 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Theme: New Life, New Joy, New Community Proposition: Epiphany 2 C passages speak to us of God's power to create New Life, To Bring Forth New Joy and to create a New Community INTRO: Grace and peace from God our Father and the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 62:1-5

Denomination: Nazarene

“i Have Fallen But I Refuse To Stay Down!”

Contributed by James Lee on Dec 16, 2016

The problem for so many of us is we are looking backward in our relationship with Jesus, instead of forward. We tend to focus on the stuff that tripped us up and knocked us down. We focus on what we did that caused us to lose hope and feel abandoned.

“I Have Fallen BUT I Refuse to Stay Down!” Lk 22: 60, 62 & Mth 27: 5 Did you know that EVERY one of the disciples of Jesus fell down? Jesus told them, on the night He shared the “Last Supper” with them in; [Mat 26:31 NIV] “…"This very night you will all fall ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:60-62

Denomination: Baptist

A Difficult Plan For Your Life

Contributed by Paul Decker on Sep 7, 2008

Passionately pursue full devotion to Jesus.

A DIFFICULT PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE: WE NOW FOLLOW JESUS EXCLUSIVELY Matthew 16.24-25 S: Following Jesus C: Commitment Th: Never the Same Again Pr: PASSIONATELY PURSUE FULL DEVOTION TO JESUS. ?: How? How do we do it? KW: Instructions TS: We will find in Matthew 16 three instructions that show us how ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Prepare To Meet Thy God

Contributed by Rick Kallstrom on Jan 27, 2003

Today, we live in a world full of sin and corruption. It is a world that seems to focus more on the pleasures and material things that surround us than on the spiritual things of God!

Today, we live in a world full of sin and corruption. It is a world that seems to focus more on the pleasures and material things that surround us than on the spiritual things of God! All across this wonderful place called planet Earth, a land created for us by God, men, women, boys and girls, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:8, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Boastful

Contributed by Jon Daniels on May 23, 2004

This sermon underscores the need for believers to focus their lives totally on God b/c He is the only reason to boast.

“BE BOASTFUL!” Jer. 9:23-24 INTRO – 2 young boys got into a bragging match about their fathers. “My daddy is stronger than your daddy.” “Well, my daddy can run faster than your daddy.” “Well, my daddy can beat your daddy up.” “So what, my mama can beat my daddy up!” (illus. from sermon by ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Seeking God First Series

Contributed by Deontaye Ford on Nov 23, 2002

This sermon is short but simple. Its main focus is to let people know that they should seek God first in everything.

In order to keep things real with God, you must first be real with your self by knowing that with God, all things are possible but without him you can have nothing. People often say that God does not supply their needs when what they really mean is that he does not give them everything they want. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33, John 18:4, Acts 2:38

Denomination: Pentecostal