Sermons on Pastoral Motives:

Loving The Unlovable

Contributed by John Stensrud on Apr 29, 2001

The main idea of our teaches us what we must do in order to hear Jesus say to us "Today salvation has come to this house". As we look at story, we need to ask ourselves: "Have I done what is necessary?" "Has Jesus said these words to me?"

by Pastor John Stensrud Immanuel Baptist Church Elgin, Il April 1, 2001 Luke 19:1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of ZACCHEUS; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Not Who You Think He Is Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

Being a Christain means confessing that Jesus is the Messiah, but our views of what a Messiah should be doesn’t always fit Jesus.

As I as watching a Lakers game this last week, I saw Kobe Bryant put on an amazing shooting performance. Kobe set an NBA record by making 12 three point shots during the game, nine of the shots he made in a row. It was truly amazing to watch. I was excited, the fans at Staples Center were excited, ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Beyond Family Values Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

Following Jesus takes us beyond family values to embrace God’s Kingdom values in our family relationships.

I’ve been reading some authors this week who are deeply concerned about the decline of traditional family values (Dr. Richard Saller, "Family Values in Ancient Rome" www.fathom.com/feature/121908). These authors are concerned that fewer and fewer women are wanting to invest in their children as ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Another Kind Of King Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem reveals Jesus as the promised king, the humble king, and the unexpected king.

Note: This sermon was introduced with scene 49 from the play "Traveling Light." As Americans, most of us don’t like kings very much. After all, that’s why we fought a revolutionary war in 1776, to be free of the tyranny of a king. Even though the king might be a benevolent king, he’s still a king ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Marks Of A Healthy Church Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

The gospel has a powerful impact on those who are receptive. Believers are to joyfully share their faith with others – before it’s too late.

Marks of a Healthy Church After the sermon last week, someone came up to me and asked me a question: “If First Thessalonians is one of the shortest and easiest books to understand, why are you taking 14 weeks to preach through it?” I told him that he should be glad I’m not preaching through the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Model Worth Following Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

Paul and his team authentically modeled the message, focusing on the praise of God, not men. We must do the same and be as gentle as a mother and as firm as a father with those we are hoping to influence.

Marks of a Healthy Church After the sermon last week, someone came up to me and asked me a question: “If First Thessalonians is one of the shortest and easiest books to understand, why are you taking 14 weeks to preach through it?” I told him that he should be glad I’m not preaching through the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Using What God Has Given Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 26, 2003

God gives each of special abilities and expects us to be faithful in using what we’ve been given. Instead of “hiding” our gifts we’re to invest them in kingdom service. There’s no getting around the fact that we are responsible for what we’ve been given

Using What God Has Given A man from out east had always dreamed of owning a cattle ranch and had finally saved enough money to buy his dream spread in Wyoming. His best friend flew out to visit and asked, “So, what’s the name of your ranch?” His buddy told him that he had a really hard time ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, Matthew 25:14-25, Romans 12:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Road To The Cross Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Mar 31, 2003

The dark road to the Cross was full of rejection and pain, but and Jesus emerged on the other side of the cross into the brilliance of resurrection life! This road is also the pattern for every disciple.

The Road to the Cross Luke 18:31-34 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Communicating clearly is always a challenge for us. When we use the wrong word or mix up our words the result is often humorous. Here are some actual examples of excuse notes (with original spelling) parents sent to school with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:31-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Conspiracy Of Kindness

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 3, 2003

Showing kindness to others is not only God’s command, but it also is the character of God. Perform acts of kindness toward strangers who cannot repay you and do it in Jesus’ name instead of your own.

The Conspiracy of Kindness Ephesians 4:29-32 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION This world could use a little more kindness and love. Judson College in Alabama is a Baptist college for women. A few years ago, the chaplain from Judson told about the time he was leading in prayer in the all-female ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32

Denomination: Baptist

What Is God Really Like? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 4, 2003

Like the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son, God regrets your rebellion but loves you so much he will let you walk out of fellowship with him. But He is also a God who runs to you when you return and restores you when you repent.

What is God Really Like? Luke 15:11-24 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION What is God really like? Some people think the most important question of life is “Do you believe in God?” But a more important question is “What kind of God do you believe in?” There is something worse than being an atheist - ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Baptist

Family T.i.m.e. Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 9, 2003

God says we should treasure time as a valuable commodity. The Bible gives us some great insight into how time can become your friend rather than your enemy.

Family T.I.M.E. Psalm 90:1-2, 4, 10, 12 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION One of my favorite stories is about the man who worked at a factory. One of his main jobs was to blow the factory whistle at 5:00 to indicate the workday was over. He walked to work each day and passed a jewelry store where a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-2, Psalm 1:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

"That You May Know"

Contributed by Mike Hays on May 22, 2003

Paul answers his critics by detailing his conversion and his faithfulness to God’s call upon His life.

“I Want You To Know…” Galatians 1:11-24 Our society has perfected the art of destroying people’s character, questioning their intentions, and planting seeds of doubt in the minds of inquiring minds. We see it everyday. Someone rises to fame, the adoring crowds stand and applaud their latest ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Where Are You Pitching Your Tent?

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Jun 15, 2003

We need to consider the consequences of our choices.

Genesis 13:1-13 Where Are You Pitching Your Tent? Introduction In the Bible record, we find the familiar story of Abraham. That story began in a place called Ur of the Chaldees, a place that was located in what we know today as southern Iraq. It began with a man by the name of Terah, who had ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

One Baby With Many Names Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 27, 2004

This morning we’re going to zero in on four names, given to Jesus, 700 years before He was even born!

Do you know what an aptronym is? It’s a compound word consisting of the adjective “apt” meaning aptitude and the Greek word for “name.” An aptronym is when someone’s name and occupation line up perfectly, when what they’re called describes what they do. Here are some examples: * Dr. Bowser ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Name Above Every Name Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 27, 2004

Specifically we’re going to take a look at the process that Jesus went through for us because there are certainly elements of His coming that don’t sound quite right.

Have you ever received a Christmas present that you didn’t really like? Here’s what you should say if you get a gift that underwhelms you. * Hey! There’s a gift! * Well, well, well… * This is perfect for wearing around the basement. * To think…I got this the year I vowed to give ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:6-11

Denomination: Baptist