Sermons on Outward Focused:

Overcome By Paying Attention To Your Heart Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Oct 22, 2021

The iconic statement is our consideration this morning: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Pay Attention To Your Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Introduction A few years ago Forbes Magazine published an article by Ty Kiisel about how appearances impact our work lives. In the studies he looked at he noted that people who are tall are generally paid more. More, those who are blonde, who work ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Rapture Ready--Living With Authentic Faith Matthew 23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Sep 14, 2025

To be rapture ready, we must move from empty religion to authentic relationship with CHRIST. JESUS condemns hypocrisy and calls us to authentic faith expressed in humility, obedience, and servant leadership. Outward show can’t replace inward surrender. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be ready.

2025.09.14 Sermon. RAPTURE READY_LIVING WITH AUTHENTIC FAITH_WOE TO HYPOCRISY, YES TO HUMILITY Matthew 23 William Akehurst, HSWC Scripture Readings Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 1:22, Philippians 2:3, Luke 12:1, John 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:5, Micah 6:8, Matthew 15:8, 1 Samuel 16:7, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:1-3, 2 Peter 3:9, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Matthew 24:44, Matthew 23:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 23:39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Becoming A F.a.t. Christian Series

Contributed by Rick Adams on Mar 30, 2004

Discovering the Champion in You Part 2. This message focuses on three characteristics a Christian needs to exhibit to edify the local church and strengthen their walk with Christ.

INTRODUCTION Two weeks ago we began a series entitled, “Discovering the Champion in You”. As we looked at Philippians chapter 4, we found four practices every champion must exercise in order to maintain a winning attitude. Just as a review we must practice the “praise principle”, right praying, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

12 Steps To Recovery Part 8 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Apr 11, 2008

Step 8 focuses on our making of list of those we have hurt during our addiction and being willing to make amends.

Twelve Steps To Recovery Part 8 Scripture: Exodus 22:10-15; Leviticus 16:20-22; Matthew 18:23-35 Introduction To date in this series we have discussed the first seven steps in the twelve steps to recovery process. We began by admitting that we were powerless over our dependencies and that ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 22:10-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Role-Model Saints" Romans Pt. 14 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 14, 2007

Paul in chapter 12 tells us that we must be role models saints for this world and not act worldly but instead act like living sacrifices to Jesus. This in turn will make us a hero in the eyes of Kingdom of God.

“Role-model Saints” Romans pt. 14 Opening Illustration: Role model video Illustration from Blue Fish TV – Cassie Bernell Thesis: Paul in chapter 12 tells us that we must be role models saints for this world and not act worldly but instead act like living sacrifices to Jesus. This in turn will ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living In The Kingdom Part 3 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Oct 22, 2021

In Part 3 of this series, we examine what Jesus said about those who are merciful, pure in hear, and the peacemakers.

Living In The Kingdom Part 3 Scripture: Matthew 5:7-9; Ephesians 5:1-2; First John 3:1-3 This is part three of my series “Living in the Kingdom.” So far we have examined what Jesus said about those who are poor in spirit; who mourn; are meek; and have a thirst and hunger for righteousness. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:7-9, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 3:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Narnia: Sharing The Gift Of Healing Series

Contributed by Philip Grose on Jan 9, 2006

Sermon#1 of a four part Series focusing on the gifts the children received while in Narina and how those gifts relate to the Gifts we recieve as Christians. This sermon focuses on the "Juice of the Fire-Flower" our calling to use God’s Gift of healing.

C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is now a major motion picture playing at theaters all over our area. Lewis wrote this series of children’s stories to provide chidren the opportunity to understand the truths of the Bible. Each book in the series, “The Chronicles of Narina” tells ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Denomination: Methodist

Let’s Not Miss The Harvest! (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Dan Proctor on Aug 22, 2016

Jesus was too concerned about the souls of people to get distracted with minor, unimportant matters. If we aren’t focused on Christ, we can become self-absorbed and inwardly focused like the Pharisees, and we’ll miss the harvest.

Let’s Not Miss The Harvest! Matthew 9 – Part 2 Introduction: 1. Did you know that religious people can be very mean and cold-hearted? People who are religious, but aren’t truly walking with God can be some of the nastiest people you’ve ever met. 2. In Jesus’ day, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-38

Denomination: Bible Church

Believe Series

Contributed by Tim Melton on Mar 1, 2021

At times in life, we need to stop or at least pause and get back to the basics.This sermon series focuses on the “Basics of the Christian Life, Believe, Belong, Abide, and Bear Fruit.“ Today we will begin by focusing on the role of belief in our Christian lives.

At times in life we need to stop or at least pause. Maybe life has become too hurried, busy or stressful. Maybe we have over-committed or made things more complicated than they have to be. Maybe it is the virus, the snowstorm, or balancing work and home. It just becomes too much. This can also ...read more

Scripture: John 6:47, John 3:16, Matthew 16:15-17

Prayer Power Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jun 3, 2024

A sermon "putting it all together," prayerfully going through each piece of the armor together.

Stand: The Sword of the Spirit Ephesians 6:18-20 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams 6-2–2024 F-16 Fighting Falcon This is a picture of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Its wingspan is 32 feet and it measures 49 feet long. The top speed is 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude). Its range is more than 2,000 miles ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist

Living The Mission: Grace In Action PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 29, 2025

True faith is shown by serving others with love in everyday life, trusting that God values our simple acts of kindness and compassion.

Some of us walked in today with a smile on our face and a storm in our chest. Others came in with questions that kept us up last night. We wonder, Do I measure up? Is God tired of me stumbling? Can simple, ordinary me really please a holy God? Friend, take a deep breath. Your Father is not frowning ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:6

Topics: Grace, Action

The Flow Of Mercy Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on May 28, 2008

God’s favor rests on those who live in the flow of His mercy. I. The Downward Flow of Mercy: Mercy Offered. II. The Inward Flow of Mercy: Mercy Received. III. The Outward Flow of Mercy: Mercy Extended. IV. The Reciprocal Flow of Mercy: Mercy Rewarded.

Living in the Father’s Favor: The Flow of Mercy Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. I. The Downward Flow of Mercy: Mercy Offered. II. The Inward Flow of Mercy: Mercy Received. III. The Outward Flow of Mercy: Mercy Extended. IV. The Reciprocal Flow of Mercy: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Truth Or Tradition? Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 30, 2007

Guess who’s come for a visit? It’s the big whigs from denominational headquarters. Isn’t it sad that Jesus had more problems w/ the religious than the lost? They made it all an outward matter and not an inward experience. Link inc. to text, audio, and Ppt

Truth or Tradition? Matthew 15:1-20 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/TruthOrTradition.html Guess who popped in for a visit? It’s the scribes and Pharisees … the big whigs from denominational headquarters in Jerusalem. They are likely part of the Sanhedrin, the heavy hitters if you will. They have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Character Of Faith Series

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Sep 5, 2011

What is it that you really deserve today? Is it mercy we deserve because we've shown mercy to others. Or are we judges with evil thoughts who discriminate against others. Are we ones who judge by the outward appearances...or do we reflect the glory..the

THE CHARACTER OF FAITH JAMES 2:1 13 A Chinese man and a Jewish man were eating lunch together. Suddenly, without warning the Jew gets up, walks over to the Chinese fellow and smashes him in the mouth, sending him sprawling. The Chinese man picks himself up, rubs his jaw and asks, "What in the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

What Kind Of Savior Was Jesus Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jun 26, 2015

ONE IMPORTANT TRUTH FOR US TO REALIZE AD EMBRACE IS THAT WHO WE ARE IS BASED ON WHAT WE ARE. IN OTHER WORDS THE OUTWARD US IS BASED O THE INWARD US. JESUS ALLUDED TO THIS WHEN HE TAUGHT THE DANGER AND REALITY OF SIN BEING IN OUR THOUGHTS, NOT IN OUR ACTIONS.

WHAT KIND OF SAVIOR WAS JESUS PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 INTRODUCTION: ONE IMPORTANT TRUTH FOR US TO REALIZE AD EMBRACE IS THAT WHO WE ARE IS BASED ON WHAT WE ARE. IN OTHER WORDS THE OUTWARD US IS BASED O THE INWARD US. JESUS ALLUDED TO THIS WHEN HE TAUGHT THE DANGER AND REALITY OF SIN BEING IN OUR ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist