Sermons on Pastimes:

The Christmas Spirit

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 26, 2000

The Christmas spirit is many things.

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Matthew 2:1-12 INTRO.- What is the Christmas spirit? It all depends on who you are. ILL.- Here’s a story called “The Christmas Spirit,” which is one of the best I’ve found. “Pardon me, Sir, I’m a stranger in town. I thought you might be able to tell me what’s going ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thanksgiving Or Complaining

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Nov 15, 2007

Thanksgiving or complaining -- these words express two contrasting attitudes found in God’s children in regard to His dealings with them.

THE SIN OF COMPLAINING - THE OPPOSITE OF THANKSGIVING Lamentations 3:39 Thanksgiving or complaining -- these words express two contrasting attitudes found in God’s children in regard to His dealings with them. The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:39, Lamentations 3:39-40

Denomination: Baptist

Why Is Church So Important?

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Sep 9, 2009

God has placed within each of us some basic needs that are met when we make church a priority in our lives.

Why Is Church So Important? Text: Acts 2:42-47 Introduction 1. Illustration: A little old lady was amazed at how nice the young man was next door. Everyday he would help her gather things from her car or help her in her yard. One day the old lady finally ask the young man, "son, how did you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Methodist

Financial Planning 101 Series

Contributed by Andy Flowers on Mar 9, 2009

Biblical guidlines for money management.

Title: Financial Planning 101 Text: Nehemiah 5 Three Keys to Successful Money Management I. Be careful how you borrow- 1-5 a. Don’t borrow more than you can afford b. Don’t borrow foolishly c. Save for the rainy days II. Be faithful in how you budget- 6-13 a. Stick to godly ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Life Is Like A Baseball Game

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 1, 2004

1- We’re on a team, so be a team player. 2- We have a coach, so listen to him. 3- We may get hurt, so what? Play anyway.

INTRO.- Everyone should have a goal in life. Goals give motivation to our lives whether it’s the game of baseball or the Christian life. ILL.- A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat: "I’m the greatest ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:14, 1 Timothy 4:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

All Day Delight

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 8, 2003

Is there a way to experience all day delight?

INTRO.- ILL.- HAPPILY EVER AFTER? Paul Thigpen wrote an article for CHRISTIANITY TODAY entitled, “Happily Ever After?” He wrote, “Down in Georgia they have a saying: ‘If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.’ It’s a reminder that one person’s moods affect the entire household, but indirectly ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Dead Dog Syndrome - A Man After God's Own Heart Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 24, 2005

Shimei suffered from a spiritual illness that can plague even the most godly man or woman. He suffered from a "critical spirit." What can we do make sure we don’t fall prey to the same sickness in our lives?

OPEN: An older couple were on a trip across country and they stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. As they got up to leave, the woman forgot and left her glasses on the table. They were several miles down the road before she realized she didn’t have them and to make matters worse, her husband ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:5-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What's In A Name? Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Feb 5, 2007

Fourth in a six-part series on the life of faith as seen in the person of Abraham

Shortcuts to God’s will are not worth taking. In chapter 16, we read that Abram and Sarai decided that enough was enough; perhaps God meant that Abram would have a son by another woman, since Sarai was barren, and so she gave her maiden Hagar to Abram. Hagar conceived and bore Ishmael to Abram; ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Life Assurance: The High Cost/ The Premium Series

Contributed by Nathan Hyde on Aug 10, 2006

Salvation is a need we all have, and Jesus guarantees it--forever--if we trust in His payment for our sin.

Life Assurance The High Cost—the Premium You never know what will happen next. Since our lives are full of the unexpected, one of the keys to a successful and fulfilling life is being as prepared as possible. Most of our vehicles come with a spare tire—just in case. We try to sock away money ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From A Slave Girl

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on May 3, 2008

Many of us get limited by our situations and inabilities. Many of us feel guilty if we do not do something "Great" for the Lord. many of us struggle with the issues of living among the Pagans. What are the lessons that we can draw from the story of an un

Communion Let us turn to 1 Corinthians 11: 17-34 for a brief meditation on the meaning of the Lord’s supper before we partake in the same. Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper on the night of the Passover meal . Just as Passover celebrated the deliverance of from slavery from Egypt, the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trick Or Treat

Contributed by J Bernard Taylor on Nov 18, 2008

Is Halloween itself a trick or a treat? Discover the truth about Halloween.

Trick or Treat Back in October 1988, my wife at that time and I paid a visit to Western Pa. We subsequently moved up there. But we were amazed at all the wild Halloween decorations. You have never seen such decorations as this. There were ghosts. There were goblins. There were pumpkins. ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Love Is The Answer Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 1, 2008

Love is the guiding principle for followers of Jesus. Although we might try to complicate the issues, what God requires from us is not complicated - Love God and Love your Neighbor.

A. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that each of us will strive to be thankful people all the time, not just on Thanksgiving Day. B. As you know, our lives are fraught with many questions, and many answers. 1. Some of the questions and answers are silly and frivolous, others are ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Wow! What Faith! Series

Contributed by Ted Sutherland on Oct 3, 2006

Twice in the Gospel record we are told that Jesus marveled. Here in Capernaum, He marveled at the faith of a Gentile; and in Nazareth, He marveled at the unbelief of the Jews.

Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Battle Of The Home Series

Contributed by Tim White on Mar 11, 2013

The Battle of the Home begins with victory in the battle of the mind. However, there are further clear directions in scriptures to insure that the home is a fortress, not a battleground.

The Battle for the Home Ephesians 5:21-6:4 At the annual family-reunion picnic, a young bride led her husband over to an old woman busily crocheting in a rocker. "Granny," she said, touching the old woman's hand affectionately, "this is my new husband." The woman eyed him critically for a long ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Sign Of Jonah

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Sep 2, 2012

The sign of Jonah - (Powerpoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: The Compliment (vs 27) The Crowd (vs 29a) The Conversation (vs 29b-32) SERMON BODY: Ill: • Photos of funny signs • (Photos available on request – gcurley@gcurley.info) Question: What is the purpose of a sign? Answer: Twofold: • A sign is to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:27-32

Denomination: Brethren