Sermons on Pure Thoughts:

You Had To Act

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jan 21, 2015

Many who encountered Jesus found it impossible to remain neutral about Him. Today everyone has their own idea about Jesus. Some of these ideas are based on what others have said and some of them are their own thoughts. What is your public stand on Jesus?

Opening illustration: A US congressman, John Lewis, was 23 years old when he participated in the historic 1963 civil rights “March on Washington” led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Half a century later, journalist Bill Moyers asked Lewis how he was affected by Dr. King’s ‘I ...read more

Scripture: John 7:40-46

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Can Only Imagine Home

Contributed by John Payton on Mar 22, 2018

This is the 4th and last of a series of messages using the themes of the Movie, "I Can Only Imagine." I took the major themes and a few quotes, but went my own direction on each. The introduction recaps the 1st 3. Main thought: being at home with Jesus.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE-HOME INTRO: The song that was written in mere minutes by “Mercy-Me” lead singer Bart Millard ,“I Can Only Imagine,” is renewing hope to many in the midst of life’s challenging situations. The movie by that name tells the story behind the song and is being played to sell-out ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

The Perfect Storm

Contributed by Charles Hensley on Jun 19, 2019

The writer of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts was on this ship in Acts 27 bound for Caesars Palace recorded all of the details of this perfect storm. So with those thoughts in mind, I want to talk with you about The Perfect Storm. What are those details about the Perfect Storm?

I. LUKE RECORDS THE FORECAST OF THE PERFECT STORM. (vs.9-10) 1. THE SEASON FOR STORMS. (Acts 27:9a) "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous; because the fast was already past:" They were already sailing from East to West in the Mediterranean ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Call: Come By Pastor John Mateos Ong

Contributed by John Ong on Nov 15, 2017

God offers us a great banquet that sometimes we doubted for being too good to be true, but we can prove to ourselves that our Lord’s offer is far more than what we thought if we only surrender to him and accept His calling.

Many of us have been blinded by unnecessary things that life itself offers. Prestigious car, jewelry, and a feast of delicious food are just some of what we believe are the best things to receive and attain in our lives. And because of these unnecessary things that we tend to value, we have ignored ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Live Free Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Nov 11, 2019

The theme for this stewardship emphasis is "Live Courageously." This week's topic is "Live Free." What do I own, and what owns me? Sometimes the things we possess can end up dominating our thoughts and pursuits.

November 10, 2019 Stewardship Week Two Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Luke 19:1-10; Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-13 Live Free Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Athletic wear and gear have become extremely aerodynamic and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10, Hebrews 12:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Job: Our God Is Greater

Contributed by Harold Eggar on Apr 15, 2020

This outline goes far beyond just a normal sermon outline, below is a complete assembly focused on the Greatness of our God. Instead of a time for a sermon, and time for scripture. Instead small chunks are woven throughout the service. Scripture read, a brief thought given, then continues in Song.

Announcements & Opening Prayer Intro: Thank you for joining us this morning, we want to take a pause this morning from our normal assemblies and do something really special. today I want us all to take a look at the greatness of our God. To do that we are going to look at a captivating story ...read more

Scripture: Job 9:2-14, Job 12:12-25, Job 37:1-24, Job 22:2-4, Job 25:1-6, Job 26:6-14, Job 1:20-22, Job 11:7-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is Sin A Test?

Contributed by Dennis King on Apr 20, 2022

Are the Ten Commandments merely guiding thoughts or God's hard and fast rules? At one point or another in our lives, we all may have given in to every one of the seven sins labeled as envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, and wrath.

Are the Ten Commandments merely guiding thoughts or God's hard and fast rules? At one point or another in our lives, we all may have given in to every one of the seven sins labeled as envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, and wrath. Had you ever been an abomination to God for having ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2, James 1:22-24, Psalm 112:7-8, James 1:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Purpose Driven Mother Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 17, 2021

Have you ever thought about all of the roles that your mother filled while you were growing up? I just jotted down a few this week: nurse, counselor, spiritual advisor, educator, nutritionist, accountant, transportation center, maid, peacemaker, and entertainer.

At a recent women's conference, the main speaker made a request. She opened by saying, “The Bible teaches us to love our husbands.” Then she asked, “How long has it been since you told your husband that you loved him?” The women sat in silence. Then she asked every wife to take out their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Giving Honor Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 2, 2021

David chose to invite Mephibosheth to the king's table and took care of all his needs. Why would he do this and what can we learn from his example? Check out these thoughts from Scott Jewell, our Family Minister.

We’ve been looking at a number of “children’s stories” from the Bible this summer. I finally get a turn to share what has become one of my favorite stories because of how it’s been connected to the week of church camp at the Ark, where Jeff and I have been faculty. I’ll talk more about that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Choose Your Weapons Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 17, 2017

Too many churches are caught up in conflict because they've forgotten who is truly the enemy. How do we prevent conflict from ruling the church? Choose the correct weapons! Check out these thoughts from Scott Jewell, our Family Minister.

Thom Rainer of Lifeway Christian Resources wrote a blog article in which he compiled a list of 25 odd church arguments. I narrowed it down to 10, including a couple I’ve heard previously. (I’ve included a brief describer with color commentary for each). 1. color of roof shingles- sit under their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Contemporary Insanity Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jul 24, 2017

Nebuchadnezzar was blessed by God but thought too highly of himself. His temporary insanity that woke him up to the reality of God. He went on to honor God. Our culture has a "Contemporary Insanity" that rejects God and pushes him away. We must wake up!

1. Pride The owner of an old-fashioned corner grocery store in a small country town was fond of quoting a scripture after each sale. He had three old friends that would sit around a pot-bellied stove, playing checkers on a faded board. His ability to produce a scripture for all occasions never ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 4:1-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living With(Out) Regret Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 24, 2022

We all have regrets, things we've done or have had done to us in the past. Paul describes two ways of dealing with these regrets- worldly and godly. Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell on living without regret.

Our current series is called “What Keeps You Up At Night?” We’ve explored anger/bitterness, concern for family, and today I want to talk about regret. It’s the idea of dealing with our mistakes/sins, whether real or perceived from our past. Personally, the concept takes me back to my ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Give It To Him

Contributed by Derrick White Sr on Dec 24, 2023

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DAY THAT YOU THOUGHT WAS GOING TO NEVER END A DAY WHERE YOU FELT LIKE YOU WAS AT WITS END AND YOU DID`NT KNOW IF YOU WAS COMING OR GOING AND YOU ALMOST CONVINCE YOURSELF TO TELL GOD THAT IT I QUIT

1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. TOPIC: GIVE IT TO HIM HAVE YOU EVER HAD A DAY THAT YOU THOUGHT WAS GOING TO NEVER END A DAY WHERE YOU FELT LIKE YOU WAS AT WITS END AND YOU DID`NT KNOW IF YOU WAS COMING OR GOING AND YOU ALMOST CONVINCE YOURSELF TO ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7

Denomination: Baptist

Reserved For God

Contributed by Samuel M on Jan 9, 2024

Elijah was at the forefront of the Mount Carmel victory and the revival.The nation, and even Elijah, thought he was the last prophet left alive. But his perspective changed after he had an encounter with God on the mountain. He discovered that God had reserved 7000 people for himself.

“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18 When there was a severe famine in Israel, everyone might have talked about Prophet Elijah. Elijah was at the forefront of the Mount Carmel victory and the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:18

Helmet Of Salvation: We Are Not Good Enough Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 9, 2023

When we encounter the completely true thought that “we are not good enough” our society and our need for self-esteem creep up and we take our helmet of salvation off because we are disillusioned with God and we open ourselves up for temptation and doubt.

THE ARMOR OF GOD AND THE LIES OF THE ENEMY Helmet of Salvation: We Are Not Good Enough Ephesians 6:10-18 #armorofGod INTRODUCTION… Start with the End in Mind This morning I want to share with you where we will end up in our time looking at God’s Word and then I want to rewind and get us there. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ