Sermons on Philadelphia:

How To Love Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Feb 20, 2021

No doubt there were many acts of helping and kindness, neighbors checking in on neighbors that we will never hear about. We call the people who do these kinds of things “Good Samaritans.” One writer said the parable of the Good Samaritan “is one of the most gripping that Jesus ever told...

How To Love Luke 10:25-37 Introduction This has been an incredible week across the US … and unfortunately with much destruction and many deaths. Over 70% of the United States were covered in snow. As we thaw out from the frozen weather experience we hear many stories of care and service. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Four Loves

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Feb 11, 2024

Paul's teachings on Love in First Corinthians 13 can be made to sound petty when misunderstood. it is important first to realize Love has a number of different meanings, which is why we need to define all our terms and realize all Love is the same as other Love.

The Four Loves Good Morning. And as you might have seen by the bulletin cover, this morning we are looking at love and 1 Cor 13, the Love Chapter. And while this is a good reminder for Valentine’s Day, it’s not really about that. Some of you might know this, and I preached about it 3 years ago, ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Walk In Love Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jul 23, 2024

John loves the church in truth. They all know the truth. It is all because of the truth that lives in us. Grace of God is with us in truth. Everything is based on the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The book of 2 John, a short letter, is written by John the beloved disciple. He was the closest person to Jesus during his earthly ministry. John was key in the growth of the early church. He was in and out of prison for sixty years following the death of Jesus. When John wrote this letter he was, ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

When Jesus Stood Alone

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 7, 2022

All in the same night, Jesus ate with His disciples and was betrayed by one of that number---Judas. All in the same night, Jesus was revered and abandoned by His own disciples, until at last, He stood alone.

WHEN JESUS STOOD ALONE Text: Luke 22:14-23, 33-34 In his book, You Are Never Alone, Charles Allen makes the point that the pain of rejection is the greatest pain to bear. He said that people can handle the pain of sorrow, frustration and even failure. But, to be left alone is hard to bear. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:14-23, Luke 22:33-34

Denomination: United Methodist

Go! And Welcome Everyone: The Gospel Of Radical Hospitality Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 30, 2025

The church is not called to be a museum of the like-minded—it is called to be a home for the broken, a family for the lonely, a refuge for the lost. And if that makes us uncomfortable—that’s the point!

Go! And Welcome Everyone: The Gospel of Radical Hospitality Introduction – A Question That Opens the Door Let me start with a question: Who do you struggle to welcome? Is it the person who doesn’t fit your idea of “respectable”? The one who votes differently? Dresses differently? Worships ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-3, Luke 14:12-24, Luke 19:1-10, Acts 10:1-48, Ephesians 2:11-22, Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Kings 4:8-37, Galatians 3:26-29, Romans 5:10, Revelation 3:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Lord In The Midst Series

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Oct 26, 2016

This is an introductory message in a series on the seven churches of Revelation.

THE LORD IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCH TEXT: Revelation 1:9-20 Revelation 1:9-20 KJV I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:9-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Forgiveness

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 26, 2005

Many look at the concept and action of forgiveness in light of the negative connotation of the term the “F word!” They avoid saying it and doing it and feel for some mysterious reason that they are exempt from doing what Jesus described as being essential

“Forgiveness!” On the Lighter side: These are all apparently true statements made by important people... "I’m not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president." -Hillary Clinton commenting on the release of subpoenaed documents "The president has kept all of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Vision

Contributed by John Howard on Feb 23, 2002

The Word of God makes it clear that when we as His people do not get a fresh vision from Him it is because we do not seek Him in what He wants to do through us.

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) says, “Without vision the people perish.” - Vision according to John Maxwell is - Awareness- the ability to see - Attitude- the faith to believe - Action- the courage to do - George Barna says “vision for ministry is a reflection of what God wants to accomplish through us to ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Isaiah 30:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

Mystery Of Light Part 3

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 27, 2002

Scientists are baffled by the mystery of light they can study it but still don’t understand what light is. God is light according to the Bible and he’s as mysterious as light in the natural sense but like scientist we can study God and understand what l

Mystery of Light part 3 Opening Illustration: Video clip – To reference Bob’s comment last week at the end of the service. Show video clip on the need for son glasses (humorous). Thesis: Scientists are baffled by the mystery of light they can study it but still don’t understand what light is. God ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Matthew 5:14-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Looking Both Ways

Contributed by Dan Erickson on Nov 22, 2000

We are going to look back at some of the obstacles and opportunities the church has faced the last decade, and look ahead at some obstacles and opportunities which may be in our path during the next ten years.

A few weeks ago I was sitting at my desk planning my sermon schedule for the holiday season. I came up with topics for Advent, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but I really wasn't sure what would be appropriate for the first Sunday of the year 2000. So, I paged through my files and came across an ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

Church Growth

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 8, 2001

More ideas as to what will help the church grow.

CHURCH GROWTH Matthew 28:18-20 INTRO.- ILL.- A Baptist preacher had the habit of going down to the train station every single day to watch the Sunset Limited go by. There was no chore he wouldn’t interrupt to carry out this daily ritual. Members of his church thought he was a bit nuts and they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Be A Externally Focused Church Series

Contributed by Chris Kelly on Oct 26, 2006

A study on the 7 model churches as described by Jesus in the book of Revelation. Learn why the church is so important, and your part in what He’s up to in these last days.

How to Be and Externally Focused Church Series: Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? Oct.15, 2006 Read Rev.3:7-13 In the past few weeks, we’ve been looking at the Church as Jesus comes to her and gives her an evaluation. As we’ve seen, there’s a difference between what Jesus died for His church ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Wesleyan

Entertaining Angels

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Dec 7, 2005

A freindly encouragement and reminder to spend time with the people that God loves most - those forgotten by society. In this case, it follows the death of a member with Alzheimer’s/

Title: Entertaining Angels Text: Hebrews 11:1-3 FCF: Because Christ is all around us, our love needs to extend not just to the people we know, but to everyone! SO: I want the congregation to move from an exclusive love to an inclusive love. Intro: When I’d go over to see Marvin Creel, I usually ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Lukewarm Church

Contributed by Raymond Pooley on Oct 5, 2002

A motivational message to move ’Lukewarm Christians’ (if there were such a thing) into a passionate relationship with God.

Lukewarm & Almost Christian REVELATION 3:14-21 Here is a passage that you have all heard before – many times. I don’t mean to stand before you this morning and try to pretend that this is brand new material for you. I have preached on this passage twice before, this makes the third time. I have ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-21

Denomination: Holiness

The Crowning Glory

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Dec 11, 2011

REWARDS FOR THE FAITHFUL IN CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Crowning glory Story time, folks! But this is no run of the mill, bed time story to lull you to sleep, instead it is a true account guaranteed to stir one’s soul. You may have heard it before, however it always brings a tear to the eye, every ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 21:45

Denomination: *other