Sermons on Positive Response:

Batteries Not Included #3 Joy Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Dec 14, 2020

Joy is fruit of the Spirit creating the realistic Pollyanna Christian response - everything is going to be alright because Jesus has come and will return.

Two weeks ago, we began a new series entitled: Batteries Not Included. There is nothing more frustrating than wanting play with your new toys and finding out the package had this hidden line - batteries not included. 2020 seems to be a gift without batteries. How do find hope, peace, joy and love ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-8, John 1:19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Philippians 4:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jonah And The Worm Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Oct 19, 2003

Jonah’s burning because Ninevah isn’t. God appeals to Jonah, and rather than show us Jonah’s response, He invites us to respond. Will we show compassion, or will we run from our responsibility?

“Jonah and the Worm” 4:1-11 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts In our final chapter, we see Jonah as a pouting prophet. Jonah reluctantly obeyed God, and now he’s sulking. He experienced such a wonderful display of God’s mercy; he saw God work in a ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17-18, Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Congregational

A Healthy Appetite

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 9, 2011

The proper response to mourning over the reality of suffering, and the key to meekness, is not conquering desire, but learning to desire the right things.

How many of you are planning to watch the Super Bowl this evening? Now for the real test - everyone who’s rooting for the Giants, please raise your hands. Okay, hands down. Now, who’s for the Ravens? Who doesn’t much care one way or another? By the end of the day, half of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Healthy Appetite Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

The proper response to mourning over the reality of suffering, and the key to meekness, is not conquering desire, but learning to desire the right things.

How many of you are planning to watch a football game today? How many of you are mourning the defeat of the Packers??? Anybody care about the fate of the Titans? Have you since switched your allegiance to the Rams or the Bengals? Now, who’s not going to watch anything? Who doesn’t much care one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Happens When We Run Series

Contributed by Scott Gleason on Jan 4, 2001

As believers we need to realize the dangerous position in which we put ourselves when we decide to reject God’s will and run from His plan.

What Happens When We Run – Rejecting God’s Will Text: Jonah 1 (Sunday AM) Date: January 9, 2000 I. Introduction Attention: I had neatly folded my clothes, at least as neatly as an eight year old could have, and I had placed them in a little bag. I headed to the kitchen to get some food and ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Honor Your Father And Your Mother Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Sep 30, 2009

The fifth commandment not only commands that honor should be given to parents, But I believe it also tells parents how to put themselves into a position that they deserve that honor as well

Honor Your Father and Your Mother Exodus 20:12 Introduction A mother that had scrimped and saved to put her son through college sat in her son’s graduation. She watched as he walked across the platform and received his degree with honors. As he walked down the isle, instead of turning into the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Baptist

The Danger Of Staying On The Outside Series

Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 25, 2013

The danger of staying on the outside is actually extremely dangerous because it really is staying outside of the will of God. And anytime you are outside the will of God you are in a very dangerous place and position.

Introduction Chapter 15 is one of the most important chapters in the entire Bible; it includes several powerful parables, which deals with the lost—to include the parable of the Lost Sheep: which represents the lost sinner out in the world, the parable of the Lost Coin, which represents the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Focus In Matthew: Joseph Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Dec 7, 2015

Joseph is a righteous man. Even before he is put into a hard position with a pregnant fiancée he is a righteous man that wants to live his life as God instructs.

CHRISTMAS FOCUS IN MATTHEW: JOSEPH MATTHEW 1:18-25 SEGMENT 1 Lies. It had to be a lie. How could she be pregnant? What good would come of this? How could she put such a thing on God? What possible reason could she have for spinning a tale of an angel messenger and pregnancy and the Messiah? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Back From The Dead

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 24, 2024

In Christ, we too are assured of our resurrection from the dead, and of our position with God in the heavenlies. All we must do is to agree with God concerning our condition ...

Opening illustration: Can a man be officially alive after being declared legally dead? That question became international news when a man from Ohio showed up in good health after being reported missing more than 25 years earlier. At the time of his disappearance he had been unemployed, addicted, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Becoming A Kind Person

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 18, 2000

Practical direction for real life found in Deuteronomy. In our day, we need guidance and to have the responsibilities of kindness defined.

As I looked for a theme that unified some of the commands of Deut. 22-25, the word that seemed to do it was kindness. What is kindness? Goodwill. Consideration. Thougtfulness. Gentleness Concern. Thinking of the consequences to others; thinking of the impact of our words and actions upon others, ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Leadership And Humility Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Feb 20, 2024

Reflecting on Maundy Thursday's Washing of the Feet and Peter's Response in the Context of Present-Day Fundamentalisms

Leadership and Humility Scripture: John 13:1-15 Introduction: Reflecting on Maundy Thursday's Washing of the Feet and Peter's Response in the Context of Present-Day Fundamentalisms Reflection Maundy Thursday holds profound significance in the Christian tradition, marking the Last ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-15

Denomination: Other

What's Your Gift? (Part One)

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jun 10, 2002

God has given each believer spiritual gifts. What should we do in response to His gifts?

June 9, 2002 In the 60’s, the Age of Aquarius, an age of so-called enlightenment, harmony and understanding, people often asked the question, What’s your sign? That referred to the twelve houses of the Zodiac. The question was often an attempt to find out what you were like – your personality ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Membership Is Not An Option

Contributed by Jim Twamley on Apr 2, 2003

“Lost people” have done a cost-benefits analysis and have determined that they do not get enough positive benefits from church participation to merit their continued involvement.

MEMBERSHIP IS NOT AN OPTION Why do some people who have grown up in the church or having started out so well after being saved as adults run aground or drift away from the Lord? What lures them away? What compels them to leave the church? And why is it the Church in America is having difficulty ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-16, Exodus 28:15-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

All For The Glory Of God Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 7, 2024

Here's some hubris: “if I were God, I’d give a better response to prayer.”

Sixth Sunday in Course 2024 I suppose the most frequent question I’ve been asked since my ordination, and even before that, is “why after the years of prayer doesn’t God heal my physical problem?” Or it could be the sickness or injury of a friend or relative that is getting the prayer. “There’s so ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Leviticus 13:1-2, Leviticus 13:44-46, 1 Corinthians 10:31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Tomatoes, Squash, Zucchini

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Aug 25, 2008

God’s answer to a poor economy and how to position ourselves for increase. God can change dire circumstances and cause a turnaround to occur in the most discouraging of times or circumstances.

Valley Grove Assembly of God September 14, 2008 Tomatoes, Squash, and Zucchini II Corinthians 9:6-15 INTRODUCTION: How many of you like bacon and tomato sandwiches? Last year I planted one tomato plant in the front landscaping. It was a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Denomination: Methodist