Sermons on Preoccupied:

Bigger Is Better

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Aug 31, 2020

The needs of the body of Christ are abundant but God has taken care of that by strategically positioning the members in the body in order to meet the needs.

Have you ever done any renovation? I remember a friend of mine who was good at renovating--sometimes too good. He and his wife bought an old house in Catonsville and began to renovate it. He was the kind of guy that would go into a job with a sledgehammer, smashing all the old stuff, making way ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:20-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Never Give Up Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 23, 2016

In Hebrews 12:1–3. we see various aspects of the race, as they are compared to the faithful life in Christ. Christ calls us to 1) Race Freely (Hebrews 12:1), 2) Race Focused (Hebrews 12:2), and 3) Race to the Finish (Hebrews 12:3)

In the ancient Isthmian games of Greece, a pedestal stood at the finish line, and on it hung a wreath—the winner’s prize. No one runs a race without some expectation of reward. The reward may be nothing more than a ribbon or a trophy or a wreath of leaves. It may be a prize worth a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Other

"the Tares, The Wheat & The Harvest."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Mar 24, 2023

This message discusses the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares, found in Matthew 13:24. It focuses on the coexistence of good and evil in the world. This message holds a deep spiritual meaning and provides insights into the nature of God’s kingdom, human behavior, and changing times.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 13:24-25) (24) "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:" (25) "But while men slept, his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-25, Matthew 13:26-28, Matthew 13:29-30, Matthew 13:36-38, Matthew 13:39-40, Matthew 13:41-43, Romans 8:35-37, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:17-21, John 12:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Becoming Your Best Me In 2023!

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jan 26, 2023

Becoming the person God wants us to be will not happen by accident, instead we must develop a plan (by determining our values and goals) and then we must execute that plan.

Becoming Your Best ‘Me’ In 2023 MGCC – welcome to the year 2023, I’m glad you made it! Happy New Year! AND LISTEN – there is no better place to be to kick off the very first day new year, than in His House... AMEN?! A few Scriptures as we begin... For you created my inmost being; you knit me ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:52, Isaiah 43:18-19, James 4:14, Psalm 102:3, Psalm 144:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dealing With An Imperfect Family Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Mar 19, 2001

Insights on how Joseph was faithful to God even in an imperfect family.

When Life is the Pits A Study of the Life of Joseph Sermon # 1 “Dealing with an Imperfect Family.” Genesis 37: 1-11 The term dysfunctional is used quite often today in regard to families. The word refers to the sense of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Gateways To The Heart

Contributed by Bradley Boydston on Dec 8, 2001

There are multiple gateways to the heart, but there is one source of new life, the risen Christ.

The other night at music practice, when I was preoccupied with tuning my guitar or figuring some music out, someone made a joke - of which I was the brunt. This is not unusual. I tell you, pastors just don’t get any respect around here. Actually, I don’t mind in the least bit. But everyone was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:12-28, John 20:19-31

Denomination: *other

Remodeling - Dealing With An Imperfect Family Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Jul 2, 2001

Originally from a series entitled, "When Life is the Pits : A Study of the LIfe of Joseph." Insights on how Joseph was faithful to God even in an imperfect family.v

The term dysfunctional is used quite often today in regard to families. The word refers to the sense of disintegration produced in a family where there is a lot of hurt. From a Christian perspective it is a home that is not functioning as God intended. It could be the result of divorce, lack of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

My Eyes Have Seen

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

1. Tell story, then read Scripture Mary was a single mother.

1. Tell story, then read Scripture Mary was a single mother. She had to provide for her children and at the same time she wanted to be there to take care of her kids. To accomplish both goals she decided that she would clean houses. The two older girls, Cindy and Laura, helped as much as they ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Feasting In The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

Context: Chap.

Context: Chap.14 begins with a dinner invitation that turns out not to be a very relaxing time vs.1-6 dropsy is not a very attractive disease -- various parts of the body puffed up with a lot of extra fluid -- the type of person not likely to be offered a seat at this exclusive country club but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Journey Of The Shepherds Series

Contributed by Dwight Gunter Ii on Dec 1, 2000

What is the right way bibilically to respond to a Word from the Lord?

Introduction . . . Christmas is about journeys. There was the journey of: · The Shepherds – from the fields to the stable · The Wise Men – from distant lands – following a star · Mary & Joseph – from Nazareth to Bethlehem · Jesus – from His home in Heaven to a bed in a barn We often journey at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: *other

Peace With God Series

Contributed by Craig Simonian on Sep 4, 2001

How can we find peace in this world? This sermon seeks to provide some answers.

Peace With God June 10, 2001 Story of retired couple in early 80s alarmed by threat of nuclear war - Seriously studied all the inhabited places of the world to determine which would be least affected by a nuclear war… a place of ultimate peace & security. - They not only studied, but traveled ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-9

Sexual Purity: The Result Of A Commitment To Holiness

Contributed by Todd Riley on Aug 13, 2002

Holiness and its practicality

Islington Baptist Church August 11, 2002 I Thessalonians 4:1-8 Scripture reading: Leviticus 18 Sexual purity: the result of a commitment to holiness In Leviticus 11:44a God says to the Israelites “I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” In I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

How To Have A Wise Thanksgiving

Contributed by Johann Neethling on Nov 19, 2005

Three lessons stand out in the story of the rich "Fool", that if applied, will enable us to have a "Wise Thanksgiving"

HOW TO HAVE A WISE THANKSGIVING Luke 12: 13-34 Intro: My message to you this morning is entitled, "How to have a wise thanksgiving". In my preparation I came across this story that may speak to numbers of you this morning as you are busy making your plans and preparations for Thanksgiving. A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-34

Denomination: United Methodist

Your Love Quotient Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 20, 2005

The greatest commandment is to love God, and the second is to love people. What does it mean to truly love God with all our heart?

It is not easy to sum up all the commandments that govern life in one or two sentences, but Jesus did it. It is amazing! Think about it. If you get these commands right, you’ll get the rest right. Jesus says (in Matthew’s version), “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Go And Do Likewise

Contributed by Dennis Jones on Oct 8, 2004

Like the parable of the Good Samaritan we need not only treat others as we would like to be treated but we need to treat others as if you were others.

GO AND DO LIKEWISE Today I want to share a story that talks about a very dangerous and treacherous road between Jerusalem and Jericho. It was notorious during biblical times for being dangerous to travelers. Jerusalem was on a hill that measured nearly 2,300 feet above ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Pentecostal