Sermons on paul barreca:

Let God Be Judge Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 7, 2014

One of the characteristics of a worldly minded Christian is a judgmental spirit. This sermon draws a distinction between speaking the truth about sin, and lifting ourselves up as the judge over other people's behavior.

If you have ever seen a court proceeding in England, you will have noticed that British judges and lawyers still wear Victorian era wigs at certain times in the proceedings. Most important, a judge will put on a long white wig prior to announcing the verdict to a defendant. There is a reason for ...read more

Scripture: James 4:11-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Biblical Accuracy Proved Through Jacob’s Prophecies Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 27, 2013

By studying Genesis 49 we will be reminded that we can TRUST the Bible even when modern culture rejects it.

Genesis 49 Can you trust the Bible? When we say “yes - I believe the Bible,” I think that what many of us are saying is that we believe the STORIES, the MIRACLES, the TRUTHFULNESS of the Bible. We do not doubt the content of the Bible, but do we FOLLOW the Bible? Do we believe it ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 49:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christmas - A Hijacked Holiday Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Dec 3, 2013

CHRISTMAS has been hijacked in America. And unlike the latest Tim Allen movie, it’s not Santa who needs to be rescued. It’s the very meaning of Christmas itself.

This week, we begin a new series titled, "Christmas Through the Ages." Beginning with the current celebration of Christmas, we will travel back in time, looking at Christmas celebrations, until we arrive at the very first Christmas. Today we begin with Christmas 2013 - A Hijacked Holiday." What ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christmas 1914- Peace In No-Man's Land Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Dec 8, 2013

“Peace on earth” is a familiar Christmas greeting. However, it is as elusive today as it was 2,000 years ago. Did Christ then fail in his mission in coming to earth?

Today is the second message in our series, “Christmas Through the Ages.” Today, we travel back 99 years to 1914. I chose 1914 instead of 1913 because 1914 was a monumental year. APRIL 15, 1914 marked the sinking of the Titanic. In July and August the nations of Europe declared ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

James - Servant Of God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 7, 2014

The way that JAMES introduces himself tells us that he possesses the character trait of HUMILITY. Today we want to learn about that character trait so that we can apply it to the way that we relate to others.

James, Servant of God James 1:1 How do you introduce yourself? The way you introduce yourself says a lot about you. SOME.... Tell you their life story. SOME.... Ask questions about the other person. SOME.... Wait to be introduced. Whether it is on a RESUME, or at a PARTY, or your FIRST DAY at a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Grappling With Guilt Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 26, 2013

Joseph teaches an important lesson on overcoming guilt. This message will examine the Source, the Symptoms and the Solution for guilt.

It was Ninth Grade English Literature class. We were reading American short stories, and our assignment was to read Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell Tale Heart.” Following are some highlights from the chilling tale... “The officers were satisfied. My MANNER had convinced ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 42:1-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

“generational Conflict” blessing Others Through Humility And Respect Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 3, 2013

Generational Conflict is not new. We learn from the Joseph story that Humility from the Old will encourage the young to accomplish great things, and Respect from the young will provide honor that is due to their seniors.

An article in “Christianity Today” suggests that many churches have become segregated - not by race, but by age. Mollie Hemmingway writes about a newly started church that meets in a movie theater. All of the attenders are under 30. They are single, professional, independent and hip. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 43:1-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Freedom Of Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 22, 2013

Joseph's restoration with his brothers teaches us that we can be free by forgiving those who have harmed us. In this way, Joseph is a picture of Christ - the one who forgives us and the model for the way that we should forgive others.

The year was 1996. The US would post its first ambassador to Vietnam since the N Vietnamese took control of the south in 1975. President Clinton choose as his ambassador Pete Peterson, a former congressman and US AirForce pilot. Pete had been shot down over N Vietnam 31 years earlier and was a ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Touched By God To Touch Others For God

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 29, 2013

The justification we receive from God motivates us to bless others.

Touched By God to Touch Others For God Romans 5:9-11 This is now the 5th Blessing associated with Justification. “We have now received reconciliation” Reconciliation. ‒ Noun and Verb form used 13x in NT. ‒ “a change in relationship” ‒ formerly ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:9-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Doesn't God Prevent Evil? Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 12, 2013

How can a good God allow human suffering to continue? The story of Joseph provides a powerful illustration that suffering has a purpose, even when we can't see it at the present time.

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wrestling With God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 2, 2013

Here, God empties Jacob of his NATURAL effort and teaches Jacob to trust Him completely.

What images come to mind when I mention the word wrestling? For some, it is an image of a High school wrestling match. Others happily envision Dad wrestling with his son. And a few of us think of the theater of “professional wrestling” with Iron Rings of death and tag team death ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:1-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Patient Because The Lord Is Near Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Aug 18, 2014

The imminency of Christ’s return should motivate us to remain steadfast in our faith.

The dictionary defines Imminent as “Coming or likely to happen very soon.” http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/imminent James teaches us that the imminency of Christ’s return should motivate us to remain steadfast in our faith. “Be patient, therefore, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Simple Speech Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Aug 18, 2014

In a world of complex communication, James reminds us to keep our words simple, trustworthy and positive!

Kim’s nephew came home from second grade in her Christian School and told his mom and dad that one of the kids got in trouble for saying the “F” word. Tom and Clara were quite surprised, and asked him, “Thomas, what exactly did the boy say?” Thomas whispered, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Does James 5:15 Promise Physical Healing? Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Aug 18, 2014

Are Christians promised physical healing through prayer and anointing?

Imagine one of these situations: Your wife has been in a terrible car accident. There is internal organ damage. The doctors do not give much chance of survival. You are distraught with grief and concern for her well being. Your ten year old daughter is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. ...read more

Scripture: James 5:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Open Our Eyes, Lord

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Sep 4, 2014

TODAY we are asking God to give us spiritual sight to see spiritual realities.

A medical story comes to us from Ann Arbor, Michigan. According to CBS News, A degenerative eye disease slowly robbed Roger Pontz of his vision. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa as a teenager, Pontz has been almost completely blind for years. Now, thanks to a high-tech procedure that involved ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational