Sermons on Paul Barreca:

When You Can't, God Can Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 22, 2013

Probably all of us have faced times in our lives when we reach the end of our resources. Today I want to encourage you that the God’s help in your life is MOST RECOGNIZED when our circumstances are at the worst.

Complete the following phrases …I am ready to throw in the… (towel). …I am at the end of my…(rope). …I am just a bundle of…(nerves). …I am at my wits…(end). …I am in over my…(head). Rick Warren, The Power to Change Your Life, The ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-57

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

What’s So Amazing About Grace? Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Apr 12, 2013

This story of Judah and Tamar reminds us that God’s grace comes in spite of our sin - even through our sin. Grace overcomes the mess that we make of our lives and provides us with something that we could never provide for ourselves.

There are many passages in the Bible that are difficult to preach. Genesis 38 is right up there at the top of the list. It’s not BORING It’s not DEEP THEOLOGY It’s not IRRELEVANT Simply put, it’s TOO RACY! But the story must be told, because it’s an amazing story about GRACE. The story concerns ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 38:1-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Overcoming Sexual Temptation Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Apr 24, 2013

Joseph is young and good looking, yet he overcame a serious sexual temptation. We can develop our strategy for victory by examining Joseph's response.

When I first studied Genesis 39 and the story of Joseph and Potophar’s wife, I thought initially that I would “tone down” the sexual content of this chapter. The story provided in this passage details Joseph’s vivid encounter with a seductive woman, and his victory as he ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Blessings Of Being A Mom

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 14, 2013

God loves the family! He created and blessed it. This message examines those blessings so that believers can enjoy them as God fully intended.

Sermon Notes May 12, 2013 FBCam The Blessings of Being a Mother Happy Mother’s Day! As we celebrate our mom’s today, I found the following humorous reflections on the differences in the way mom’s respond to their children as the second and third child comes along. (Source: ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When God Says Wait Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 14, 2013

Waiting is difficult but it teaches us lessons that we cannot learn any other way. After he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's officials, Joseph thought that his time in prison would soon end. But God had more to teach him as he waits another two years

Three weeks ago I suffered a ruptured biceps tendon. It did not hurt much at the time, but it required surgery and now a six week recovery. I have learned much during this time. I learned the importance of receiving. I am usually the one to take care of others in my family and even in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 40:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Work Matters To God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 27, 2013

God provides for us and demonstrates his love by blessing our labor.

(Title borrowed from the title of an excellent book by Doug Sherman and William Hendricks) Do you love going to work? According to a Forbes Magazine article, “Finding Your Dream Job” Joel Garfinkle, founder of Dream Job Coaching in Oakland, Calif says that “87% of workers are unhappy with their ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27-30, Genesis 30:25-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Avoid Destructive Conflict Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 27, 2013

The story of Rachel and Leah's fight over mandrakes can teach us an important lesson about avoiding conflict!

My wife asked me “What is your sermon on?” I told her “Rachel and Leah and their argument over Mandrakes” Her response was “Well, How does that apply to my life?” That's a good question, but I can assure you that the story of Rachel and Leah's fight over ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:14-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Hard Way - Why God Uses Diffictul People In Our Lives Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Feb 2, 2013

Today we want to remember that GOD uses difficult people to build our character, to make us stronger. Such people reveal hidden faults and deepen our trust in God

Charles R. Swindoll provides the following story which he calls “Tension in the Tank.” "In the northeastern United States, codfish are not only delectable, they are a big commercial business. There's a market for eastern cod all over, especially in sections farthest removed from the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Compassion For The Broken Hearted Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 12, 2013

Even though we sin, God is compassionate and blesses those who call on His name.

Our text today is a story within a story. We are studying Genesis 29-30, the story of the expansion of God’s promise through the descendants of Jacob. The STORY is the life of Jacob. But the story within the story is about dramatic way in which Jacob’s sons are born. The bookmarks ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Reason To Believe

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Apr 22, 2014

Is there sufficient evidence to believe that the gospel is true, and if there is, what will you do about it?

A Reason To Believe Acts 15:12-28 At the Wisconsin State Capital, the atheist group, Freedom from Religion put up a display featuring this sign: “Nobody died for our sins, Jesus is a myth.” This is just the latest in the now popular assaults against Christians. This organization ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Know That Your Faith Is Real Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 20, 2014

James warns us against False Faith and Faithless Works.

Sermon Notes May 4, 2014 How to Know that Your Faith is Real James 2:14-26 There is a tremendous difference between something that is REAL and something that is FAKE. When our children were young one of their favorite gifts for their mom was a bottle of knock-off perfume. Perhaps you remember ...read more

Scripture: James 2:18-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Value Of A Mother's Faith

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 20, 2014

A mother's faith can be used by God to save her child.

Two of my sisters are here with us today, so I must indulge in a few family stories! The first is the night we thought we lost mom. Just after Thanksgiving last year, the family was gathered for a dinner at my house. Mom had just returned from visiting my sisters in New York. She was having ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of Our Words Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 27, 2014

Our words reveal what our heart contains, so listen carefully to yourself to see whether or not your faith is real.

Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word may light the day A timely word may lessen stress A ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational