Sermons on Practical Alternatives:

Start With Worship - Ezra Chapter 3

Contributed by Hannah Pinkstone on Dec 11, 2002

the Jews returned to their homeland in three waves and began to rebuild their city. but why rebuild the altar before the temple, or the city walls? because there focus was on putting God first!

I’m going to spend a bit of time talking about some of Ezra chapter 3. About 70 years before the events in this chapter, Judah was invaded by the Babylonian Empire and the people exiled. God had let this happen because they had turned their backs on him. Since then the Babylonian Empire had ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 3:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let's Be A "Liberal" Church

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Dec 12, 2002

A lesson on Giving. God requires us to give of our lives, time and money let us do so as God would have us to do; both cheerfully and liberally.

Let’s be a “Liberal” Church 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Thesis: God requires us to give of our lives, time and money let us do so as God would have us to do; both cheerfully and liberally. Introduction: I. God requires us give. A. 1st we give our lives to God by faith in His son through baptism ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Non-Negotiables Of Worship Series

Contributed by Doug Henry on Dec 30, 2006

A look at what must be present in order for our actions to be considered worship.

Non-Negotiables of Worship Psalm 33:1-9 “I propose we drive a nail in the altar. Or the pulpit. Or the Communion table. Or the organ bench…or pipes. Or the Choirmaster’s music stand. Or any place visible and significantly shocking to provide a counterpart to the ancient door at Wittenberg. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:1-9, Psalm 33:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Undignified Series

Contributed by Doug Henry on Dec 30, 2006

Worship is more than a song - sometimes God requires us to give Him more.

Undignified Worship 2 Samuel 6:12 – 23 In the early 1900’s, there was a little boy who lived out in the country who dreamed of being able to see a circus. He had heard great things from his friends about the circus, but he had never been to see one. One day, the boy was excited to find out that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Worship Beyond Sunday Series

Contributed by Doug Henry on Dec 30, 2006

Worship does not end with the church service.

Worship Beyond Sunday Hebrews 13:15-17 George Barna is a popular name in the Christian community. Barna has become well known because of his polling of Christians and non-Christians on religious issues. In a recent research study on worship, Barna found some disturbing facts. Among regular ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:15-17, Hebrews 13:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Now Then..." Series

Contributed by Jerry Fenter on May 23, 2002

How God gives new hope during the changing of the guard.

Now Then… Joshua 1:1-5 Notice the “Now then…” statement by God. Why does God say this in reference to Moses? It almost sounds like He’s glad Moses is dead and gone. For us to fully appreciate why God is saying, “Now then…” we need to understand some things about Moses. Especially chosen by God ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Loyal Leaders And Faithful Followers Series

Contributed by Jerry Fenter on May 23, 2002

The qualities of successful leaders and successful followers.

Loyal Leaders & Faithful Followers Joshua 1:10-18 George was 28 years old, single, and still living with his parents. One Sunday morning, George told his mother he wasn’t going to church. "First," he said, "I’m tired. Second, the people there don’t like me. And third, the sermons are dull." But ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:10-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why We Share Communion

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 2, 2002

Message discusses what this practice is about and who is invited to the Lord’s Table, particularly from a Weslyean perspective.

(Thanks to Bob Hostetler for ideas for this message. I’ve added a Methodist twist to the message. Powerpoint and audience outline available). A little girl asked her mother, “Mommy, why do you cut the ends off the meat before you cook it?” The girl’s mother told her that she thought it added ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, 1 Corinthians 11:1-52

Denomination: Methodist

How To Come To Church

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jun 29, 2006

Why to you come to church? What is your purpose for being in the service today? What attitudes are affecting the impact of today’s service in your life?

HOW TO COME TO CHURCH? PSALM 96 Introduction: Why to you come to church? What is your purpose for being in the service today? What attitudes are affecting the impact of today’s service in your life? Some come to church to be entertained, others to fulfill basic social needs. Most come with an ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be A Christians Without Being Religious

Contributed by George Little on Jul 22, 2006

Can a person be a Christian without all the religious trappings? When people reject religion what do they reject? Are we talking the same language?

How to be a Christian Without Being Religious James 1:27, Matthew 23:26-28 1. What do you think of when I use the word religion? ∑ For some it is large impressive cathedrals both old and new ∑ Others it is the experience of worship in a church assembly ∑ For others it is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Let's Build A Fire

Contributed by James Gibson on Jun 6, 2006

TEACH THE CHURCH HOW TO GROW IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

LET’S BUILD A FIRE ACT 28 1-10 LOOK AT VS. 2 3 AGAIN WHILE I READ IT. THEY WERE TIRED WEARY, THEIR STRENGTH WAS GONE. THEY WERE IN A CONFUSING PLACE, AND SITUATION. BUT THEY TOOK TIME TO BUILD A FIRE. A.THE FIRE WOULD COMFORT THEM. B.THE FIRE WOULD CHANGE THEIR CONDITION. COLD WET TO ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:1-10

Denomination: Church Of God

On The Day Of Pentecost

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Jun 8, 2006

Sermon about the events of pentecost and how they relate to the church today.

Significance of Pentecost Old Testament-Jewish A. Harvest of the First fruits It was harvest festival when the firstfruit of the grain harvest was presented to God (Lev 23:17). As is this day signifies the beginning of the harvest for the souls of the world. On this day God’s spirit would ...read more

Denomination: Church Of God

Character Counts Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jun 13, 2006

Third in a series from 1 Timothy. This message deals with the qualifications for church leaders.

Read 1 Timothy 3:1-12 The following is a confidential report on several candidates being considered for positions of church leadership. Adam: Good man but problems with his wife. Also one reference told of how his wife and he enjoy walking nude in the woods. Noah: Former pastorate of 120 years ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Adam's Rib Or Women's Lib Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jun 20, 2006

Second in a series from 1 Timothy. This message deals with the role of women in the church.

Note: I’m indebted to Ray Stedman for the title of this sermon - it was just too good to pass up! Read 1 Timothy 2:8-15 (NIV) Questions to ask: 1. Should this be applied universally for all believers at all times? 2. Is it a complete handbook for church behavior? 3. Was Paul a chauvinist? ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

"Fellowship In The Church"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 17, 2004

Used as a Homecoming message, this sermon examines the 3 objectives of the church: Doctrine, Fellowship, and Prayer.

“Fellowship In The Church” INTRODUCTION: TODAY, we’re going to take a POSITIVE look at the church. Too often, the church gets a “bad rap”. Some people might have a NEGATIVE view of the church. BUT … I don’t see it that way. Have you ever NOT WANTED to come to church? STORY: One Saturday ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Denomination: Baptist