Sermons on Outwardness:

Struggling With Sin Within During Suffering

Contributed by Gerald Steffy on Aug 24, 2009

Proposition: When you are suffering, it is easier to agonize over the loss of God’s outward blessing and proper relationship to God Himself, than keep an upbeat attitude and keep from sinning in one’s inward spirit.

STRUGGLING WITH SIN WITHIN DURING SUFFERING--Job 23:1-7, 15-17; 24:1, 4-6; 42:3-4 Proposition: When you are suffering, it is easier to agonize over the loss of God’s outward blessing and proper relationship to God Himself, than keep an upbeat attitude and keep from sinning in one’s inward ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

How To Worship God In Spirit And In Truth

Contributed by Monte Brown on Jan 30, 2009

Our study of worship reminds us that the effectiveness of all that we do in the church is not to be found in outward activity or service, but in the One who stands behind it. The One whom we serve. The One deserving of our worship.

How to Worship God in Spirit and in Truth John 4:22-24 Monte T. Brown February 1, 2009 Sunday Morning Heart O’ the Hills Introduction When Lawrence of Arabia was in Paris with some of his Arab friends after World War I, he took them to see the ...read more

Scripture: John 4:22-24

Denomination: Baptist

Essentials For Growth Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Dec 12, 2006

There is no truer indicator of a Christian’s level of spiritual maturity than their prayer life. Paul’s outward ministry reveals so much about Paul, but his prayer life gives us a glimpse at his soul.

Essentials for Growth in Godliness Philippians 1:9-11 Intro As we have started our study of the book of Philippians, we have already learned that Paul was a man that did not find his joy in the circumstances of the world, but rather in God. I think we can all agree that Paul had a great passion ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Thanksgiving Turns Us Inside Out Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on Apr 17, 2008

When our mind is set up on the things of the Spirit, we will be “outward focused.” When our mind is set upon the things of the flesh, we re “inward focused.” Thanksgiving directs our attention toward God.

1. Review of Inside Out a. We are selfish, self-centered and self-absorbed. b. We turn to meeting our own needs and our own wants all too easily. c. God doesn’t want us to be that way. i. How do I know that? Because that is what is at the core of what we call sin – self. ii. If you think about this ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5

Denomination: Baptist

Your Home A Safe Place: Daily Sharing Time With You And Your Mate Series

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Aug 30, 2007

Working on our core relationship with God moves us outward and has its effects on those closest to us. And who is closer than your spouse? WE NEED TO HAVE A DAILY TALK TIME WITH OUR SPOUSE.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME Your Home A Safe Place Daily Sharing Time for You & Your Mate EPHESIANS 5:21-33 Five Safety Builders There were two men out on the golf course, at the fifteenth green, when they see a funeral procession drive by. One man pauses, takes off his hat, and places it over his heart, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33

Denomination: Methodist

One More Time

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jun 10, 2012

At birth Samson was called into a Nazirite vow. It consisted of never tasting alcohol, staying away from the dead, and never cutting the hair. (A lifestyle of outward consecration.) 1. Love God. 2. Loving our neighbor.

One More Time Judges 16:28NKJ Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!” At birth Samson was called into ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:28

Denomination: Pentecostal

Will He Really Come? Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 15, 2021

Is revival the result of the outward things we do such as elaborate programs and new flashy buildings? Or is it the result of the inward man and what is happening inside us spiritually? What must happen before God’s presence will come?

If you have ever seen the Universal Studios movie “Field of Dreams” then you will more than likely recall that unforgettable scene where Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Costner) is standing in the middle of a cornfield when he hears a voice say to him, “If you build it, he will come.” Ray then ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

How The Holy Spirit Can Lead You As He Led Abraham

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

The Holy Spirit gave Abraham great hope, buoyant expectations and an upbeat attitude about God’s will for His life, regardless of the outward circumstances. The Bible says, "Abraham was waiting expectantly and confidently as he looked forward to the city

How the Holy Spirit Will Lead You as He Led Abraham (Gen 15:1-20) Illustration: Into the shell of an oyster a tiny grain of sand finds its way. "The intruder, though microscopic, is a source of irritation and pain to the soft body of the oyster. Unable to rid itself of the unwelcome pebble, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fellowship: The Power Of Friendship Series

Contributed by Andy Payne on Oct 13, 2010

As believers we need to fight the urge to become insular and ward by only relating to our own kind – other believers. We need to be outward focused – developing a concern for those who are disconnected from the Father

Fellowship 1 John 1:3 Fellowship with other believers Fellowship with (or communion with) God the Father and his Son Jesus Two English words for fellowship 1. from Latin communio (sharing in common). 2. in Greek is κοινωνία, which is often translated as ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Finding The Lost Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Oct 9, 2007

This is the fourth sermon in a series of five to help my congregation become more outward focused. It is based on the church outreach program titled - "Outflow". God wants us to seek the lost, rejoice when the lost are found, and keep looking.

Finding The Lost – Overflowing Outreach Over the past few weeks we have been looking at how God wants to give us an overflowing life – an abundant life. A life so full of His joy, His peace, and His love – that it spills over into the lives of those who are around us. In John ten – ten it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Can Do Everything In 2013

Contributed by Clarence Weaver Sr on Dec 31, 2012

Life in the spirit appears in the activities of man, transforming the outward into an inward life, and bearing witness to spiritual power, which is more significant than all material power because it alone to fulfills the character of a person. You can ma

You Can Do Everything In 2013 Philippians 4:12-13 Elder Clarence E. Weaver Sr I. Introduction Satan my brothers and sisters, does not attack believers in such a way that we should recognize him as being who he is. Instead, he comes disguised as the voice behind the theologian from the best ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:12-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Be Corrupted - Unleavened Vs. Leavened

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Aug 27, 2015

To show that we need to live lives in an unclean world. James 1:27 (Amplified Bible) External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care

I. EXORDIUM: Are you leavened or unleavened? I'm unleavened because I walk by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 2 Corinthians 5:7 (Amplified Bible) For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Women Quit Looking In The Mirror

Contributed by John Gaston on May 8, 2019

Some women gave up their mirrors so the bronze Laver could be built. What remarkable women, what a remarkable sacrifice, what a remarkable change of heart; abandoning the outward image of Eve to develop the inner image of Jesus.

WHEN WOMEN QUIT LOOKING IN THE MIRROR Ex. 38:8 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THEY CAUGHT A MERMAID 1. Three guys were out fishing one day when, out of the blue, they caught a mermaid who said she’d grant each of them a wish if they’d set her free. 2. “Okay,” said the first guy, “double my IQ.” The ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 38:8, 1 Peter 3:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Inward Intimacy With Christ

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Mar 2, 2024

Samson is a story of a man who had an outward consecration but was missing an internal intimacy. Our number one charge as believers is to maintain an inward intimacy with Christ and to work "with God" (instead of "for Him).

Being strong is important. King David told Solomon to “be strong, and show yourself a man” (1 Kings 2:2 ESV) when he gave his final exhortations to him before he passed away. Being strong is part of what we have to do in order to fulfill what God has called us to do. It is true that God has ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:2, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 7:21-23, Proverbs 9:10, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

The Heart Matters Most - Lessons From Matthew 15 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jun 12, 2025

GOD cares more about the condition of your heart than the traditions you keep. GOD desires genuine inner purity and authentic faith, not religious performance. True righteousness comes from a transformed heart, not outward tradition.

2025.06.15.Sermon Notes. The Heart Matters Most – Lessons from Matthew 15 When Religion Misses the Point William Akehurst, HSWC Reminder: It’s Father’s Day Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalms 51:10, Psalms 139:23-24 INTRODUCTION: JESUS confronts the religious leaders for honoring ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-39, Isaiah 29:13, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational