Sermons on Purpose For Church:

The Characteristics Of A Great Church Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 26, 2023

This great church at Jerusalem is a God-given example of the characteristics necessary for a great church. I would suggest that each person read and meditate on the Acts chapter 4 to become intimately acquainted with God’s idea of a great church. I

Sermon -The Characteristics of a Great Church Scripture Lesson: Acts 4:23-33 “As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. 24 When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-33, Acts 4:8-14, Acts 8:35, John 16:33, Acts 5:15-16, Acts 2:46-47  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

20/20 Vision

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Apr 23, 2012

A church is headed nowhere until it has a clear vision

20/20 Vision 2 Chronicles 20:20 What is the most common surgery performed in the US? According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the most common surgery is: Lens and cataract procedures… specifically- laser eye surgery People want their vision restored to 20/20 When it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:20

Denomination: Baptist

Quest For Purpose Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Apr 10, 2007

Christians today have both a negative and a positive role in society. The negative role is to restrain evil. The positive role is to spread the Gospel and do good works.

1. The first purpose God has for the church today is preservation 2. The second purpose God has for the church today is propagation MATTHEW 5:13-16 I’ve got a book at home called Seven Men Who Rule the World from the Grave. Some of the names might not ring a bell. Names like Julius Wellhausen, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

"Assailing The Gates"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Feb 6, 2004

The church doesn’t exist to protect the camp; but to move against the foe.

“…I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it” This statement by Jesus, in context, is a response to Peter’s confession of Him as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, there in Matthew 16:16 A proper exegesis of this passage would have to include the whole passage, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Orthodox

The Importance Of Our Church's Vision

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Jul 17, 2006

Whether or not a church has a God-given vision for how it is to partner with God in its work is eternally important.

In the first part of Proverbs 29:18, we find a familiar portion of Scripture. Most Christians are familiar with the quote from the KJV: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The translation in the NIV gives us insight as to why people with no vision perish: “Where there is no revelation, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18

Denomination: Baptist

I Will Build My Church

Contributed by Bruce Morrison on Feb 16, 2004

A divine decree that cannot and will not fail.

I Will Build My Church Introduction "Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:16-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

7 Ingredients Of A Healthy Church Series

Contributed by Alan Balatbat on Apr 27, 2004

Let’s look at Acts 17 to see how the church at Thessalonica began. Verse 1 says, “When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they [Paul and his companions] came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews.” When Paul entered a city to s

: The apostle Paul first preached the gospel to the Thessalonians during his second missionary journey. After he left them, he sent Timothy to find out how they were doing. When Timothy returned, he came with a fantastic report that we find in 1 Thessalonians 3:6–7: “When Timothy came from you unto ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Characteristics Of A Healthy Church

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 17, 2004

This passage in Acts takes a look at the seven characteristics of a healthy church. This has to be true of your church for it to grow.

The Seven Characteristics of a Healthy Church Acts 2:42-47 A. It has to be a LEARNING church. (v. 42a) John 8:31-32; Acts 14:22; 20:7; 2 Timothy 3:14; 2 Peter 3:1-2, 17-18; Matthew 28:19-20 B. It has to be a LISTENING church. (v. 42b) Acts 1:14; 4:31; 6:4; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Baptist

Lord, Renew My Church!

Contributed by Jose Gomez Sr. on May 25, 2004

Let’s be the kind of Church that God want’s us to be.

*Romans 12:1-2 "I abeseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies ba living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your 2reasonable service. 2 And do not be ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does It Mean To Be The Church?

Contributed by Michael Hopkins on Oct 4, 2005

How we are to be salt and light in the world

Brooks Atkinson, an American journalist, said, “I have no objection to churches, so long as they don’t interfere with God’s work”. Why are we here? What does it mean to be the church in Farnham in 2005? Our gospel reading has some ideas for us on what it might be all about, and our epistle ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

State Of The Church 2002--Bethany

Contributed by Don Hawks on Feb 28, 2002

Using the churches in Revelation as a model an outline is given of the church’ accomplishments and needs for growth.

Proverbs 29:18a KJV Where there is no vision, the people perish. READ WITH ME Bethany’s Vision Statement We are dedicated to promoting Christ-like love, deepening the Christian faith, and developing harmony among all people through our presence, our programs, and our commitment. To accomplish ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:7, Proverbs 29:18

Denomination: Methodist

Empowering The Church Through Creativity

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 27, 2003

Focus: The Holy Spirit desires to empower the church by unleashing His creative power into its life. We can be the conduits which God will use to unleash this power force into the lives of our church and community.

Empowering the Church through Creativity! By Michael McCartney Opening Illustration: Have Communion set up front with a light on it and have the power point playing of the pictures of Jesus. Also have the song by Mark schultz called Remember Me playing on the CD player. Focus of class: The Holy ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Love My Church

Contributed by Bo Dunford on Jan 5, 2002

Beatitudes of our love for the church.

1CHRON.29:1-5 "I LOVE MY CHURCH" A) Someone sent me a list some time ago entitled, "Satan’s Beatitudes!" * They said if the devil were to write his beatitudes they would probably go something like this: * Blessed are they who are too tired and busy to go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Super Sunday - Super Church

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Feb 4, 2002

Super Sunday may be "Super Bowl" Sunday, but the early church experienced "Super Sunday" every Sunday!

SUPER SUNDAY - SUPER CHURCH INTRO.- ILL.- The new preacher was getting concerned. He told one of his deacons that he’d noticed many of the church members had colds and were coughing during the services. The deacon replied, "As time goes on, preacher, you’ll begin to realize all those coughs ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Have Church Services?

Contributed by Fred Elliott on Jun 6, 2003

Why We should attend church services

WHY HAVE CHURCH SERVICES? Psalms 100 Intro:A Your question this morning may be --- " why are we having this discussion? " 1. We all know why we have church services B. While that is probably true that we know why --- I believe that sometimes we seem to forget why we are here 2. This morning’s ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist