Sermons on Pastor Stephen Maas Lutheran Church:

Smyrna: The Suffering Church Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Apr 2, 2008

What is the missing element of the church in America today? Suffering. Smyrna receives word from Jesus about The Preeminent Savior, The Persecuted Saints and The Promised Solace.

Revelation 2:8-11 Smyrna: The Suffering Church Smyrna was the “Crown of Asia.” Beautiful in appearance, Smyrna was also known for her wealth, commerce and religion. But she was intolerant of intolerance. The more this church was “crushed”, the more fragrant she became. The missing element in ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Prevailing Church: Binding Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 21, 2002

The guesses of the people about Jesus’ identity give us clues about their perception of His character. Jesus used their grasp of His similarity to John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah to focus on the authority to bind and loose. They, and He, bound rel

Have you ever needed to find out what somebody else really thought of you? Do you know what it is like to ask someone what their opinion is of you – and then you wait for what seems like an eternity for the answer, and when it comes, you are still not sure if it is good or bad? Do you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Church, God's Family

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Sep 16, 2012

This message looks at what it means to be the family of God

The Church, The Family of God Over the past couple of years the media has made having a hay day with the news that fewer and fewer Canadians are attending church on any giving Sunday. They cite statistics that as a people Canadians seem to be becoming more spiritual, that is they pray more and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:17-22

Denomination: Wesleyan

A God-Planted Church

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 16, 2022

Today I want to talk to you about church planting, because all churches are not GOD PLANTED!

HOW DOES GOD PLANT A CHURCH? CHURCH PLANTING is something like what a farmer does, he plants the seed, cultivates the seed, fertilizes the seed and then patiently waits for it to grow. Church planters basically do the same thing. They have to plant the seed (Gospel), cultivate the seed, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Visit With Church Leaders Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jun 21, 2025

Acts 21:17-26 shows us how to handle tensions between cultural practices and the gospel’s advance.

Introduction I am currently preaching through the Book of Acts in a sermon series I am calling “Turning the World Upside Down.” Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, he ascended into heaven. Just before he ascended into heaven, Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:17-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

3: Building Up The Church Series

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Oct 24, 2019

Do you neglect your soul all week, then come to church, expecting to be filled up? Or do you nourish your soul all week and come to build up others?

The Bible is full of different images to try to explain what the church is like and how it works. For example, the Apostle Paul often talks about the church as a building. But he didn’t mean a building made of wood or brick or stone. He meant a figurative building in which the members of the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 2:5, Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 15:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 14:26  (view more)  (view less)

Age, Art, And Aim

Contributed by Davon Huss on Feb 21, 2011

A sermon on Proverbs 22:6 (Outline adapted from Stephen Olford)

HoHum: This particular passage of scripture has been the center of great controversy. There are many people who, with an aching heart, looking at their children who are rebelling from the things of the Lord, and their hearts filled with wonderment as to how the child could turn so far from God. But ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Ordination Charge To The Church

Contributed by Michael Cotie on Jan 28, 2001

Charge for responsibility of church to the ordainee.

Ordination Charge to the Church 1st Thessalonians 5:12 & 13 Intro: God has called certain men to the ministry. They have at least one of the ministry gifts. Today you have requested the ordination of one of these called men. Core: Just as Paul’s charge to the man of God is seen in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding Church Life Series

Contributed by Eric Hanson on Sep 27, 2007

This 8 part series with application questions after each part deals with what it really entails to be a genuine contributing part of the Lord’s church in any local setting. Timeless Truths.

UNDERSTANDING CHURCH LIFE An Equipping Course UNDERSTANDING CHURCH LIFE Lesson 1: THE CHURCH AND ITS PEOPLE Since you have received Jesus Christ, you need to learn all you can about Him and His people, the Church. There are two ways of understanding the Church. The first ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Does Church Attendance Matter?

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Dec 5, 2011

A sermon that encourages church attendance

"Does Church Attendance Matter?" Hebrews 10:25 Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. I. It matters because submission to God's Word matters -- "Not ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Impossibilities

Contributed by Victor Nazareth on Apr 15, 2002

There comes a time in the life of every believer when he or she is faced with a seemingly impossible situation. How do we conduct ourselves during these times? Why does God allow them? Can we really prepare for them?

Introduction: There comes a time in the life of every believer when he or she is faced with a seemingly impossible situation. How do we conduct ourselves during these times? Why does God allow them? Can we really prepare for them? In this story we can learn a lot on how to respond when trouble ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

Denomination: Charismatic

The Hidden Years Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Denis O'callaghan Ph.d. ,th.d., D.d., D. Phil. on Sep 20, 2012

What did Jesus learn about God from his “rabbi-pastor,” as He studied the first three chapters of Genesis?

Let's consider what Jesus might have learned: What did Jesus learn about God from his “rabbi-pastor,” as He studied the first three chapters of Genesis? The New Testament provides only brief glimpses of Jesus’ youth and training. One such glimpse is found in Luke 2:40, where we ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Makes A Leader? Series

Contributed by Lalachan Abraham on Oct 13, 2014

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”(Psalm 78:72)

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”(Psalm 78:72) 78th Psalms is a Psalm of instruction. Asaph bring to our attention what God had done in Israel’s history from the time of Moses to David. In it we see the failure of the people ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:72

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Challenge

Contributed by David Tack on Nov 22, 2024

Second Timothy was a letter written by the Apostle Paul, who finds himself a prisoner confined in a Roman prison awaiting certain execution. Here, we find the Apostle challenging one of his young converts (Timothy) not to be timid because God gives the spirit of power, love and of a sound mind.

The Challenge (2 Timothy 1:7) Second Timothy was a letter written by the Apostle Paul, who finds himself a prisoner confined in a Roman prison awaiting certain execution. Here, we find the Apostle challenging one of his young converts (Timothy) not to be timid because God gives the spirit of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 2:20, 2 Timothy 1:6, 2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Corinthians 3:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

My Role In The Church Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 4, 2011

Why should you join a local congregation when you become a Christian? The message explores your vital role in the assembly where God places you.

“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Denomination: Baptist