Sermons on Purpose For Church:

From Goodness To Going

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 11, 2005

Preached at the National Baptist Memorial Church -- a congregation facing selecting a pastor, dealing with an aging building, and in decline. The issue is whether we will stop depending on just being "good" and will live out of grace to bear our witness

I heard not long ago about a very special automobile. It was built in the 1920’s by the Italian firm Bugatti, and it was designed for the outrageously wealthy. This car had 450 horses under the hood, it was 22 feet long and weighed 6000 pounds. It was hand-crafted of the finest materials, it ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Where Are We Going?

Contributed by Carl Willis on Jul 15, 2005

A vision and focus sermon for 2005. Focus on Passion, Prayer and People

Where Are We Going? Proverbs 21:5 January 2, 2005 Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. An Honest Evaluation As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 21:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Continuing Story Series

Contributed by Duane Smith on Jul 18, 2005

This message is to encourage the Church to stand up and be the great miracle working body Christ meant for her to be.

THE CONTINUING STORY Acts 1:1-5 INTRODUCTION: A. How many of you read the Left Behind series as they were being published? 1. Millions of people did. (Show books) 2. The publishers had a smash hit and almost guaranteed its continuance by leaving the story at a crossroads one book after ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

There Are Still Very Large Areas Of Land To Be Taken Over

Contributed by Ewen Huffman on Jul 19, 2005

No matter how we feel... how old we feel... or whether we feel we can ’rest on our laurels’- God still has a job for us! Land for us to take! And- He can renew our youth to make it possible!

"There are still very large areas of land to be taken over" Joshua 11:16-12:1, 13:1 WBC 17 July 05am The Secret of longevity: (show picture in Pictures folder) A passer-by noticed an old lady sitting on her front step: "I couldn’t help noticing how happy you look! What is the secret for such a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Too Good To Be True

Contributed by Paul Decker on Jul 31, 2005

The church is a place of change.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE Acts 5:12-16 S: Miracles C: God brings change Pr: THE CHURCH IS A PLACE OF CHANGE. Type: Narrative, Inductive PA: How is the change to be observed? • Be a place of change. • Be a place where lives are made better. • Live up to our potential instead of settling. Version: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

Getting W.e.l.l. Series

Contributed by Clifton Mckinley on Aug 3, 2005

A challenge to the church to Worship, Evangelize, Learn, & Love.

Getting W.E.L.L. Acts 2:42-27 God’s original design for the church is found in the book Acts. If there was ever a church growth plan that worked, it was the one used by the first-century church. Talk about effectiveness. This church exploded. Why? Because the believers knew why they were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47, Acts 2:1-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Worship Series

Contributed by Clifton Mckinley on Aug 3, 2005

Second message in a series on church health stressing the importance and attributes of worship

Getting W.E.L.L. Worship Part 2 of 5 Intro The ability to worship is one of the distinguishing marks of humans compared to animals. A dog doesn’t sit in his backyard and lift his paws to the Lord and bark out his praises. Yes, he barks sometimes, but I guarantee he is not contemplating the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Loving Series

Contributed by Clifton Mckinley on Aug 3, 2005

Being a loving church starts with loving God and that lead to real love for one another

Getting W.E.L.L. Loving Acts 2:42-47 Intro Review; restate goal for the year. Read Text 1. It Starts With Loving God • Matt 22:37-40 (Heart, Soul, & Mind) If we are going to be a Loving Chruch we must first be passionate lovers of God. If we love Him we will keep His commands • John 14:15, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Learning-Good Reasons To Read Series

Contributed by Clifton Mckinley on Aug 3, 2005

Stresses the importance of the Bible in the life of the Believe

Getting W.E.L.L. Learning Good Reasons To Read Acts 2:42-47 Intro The word disciple can actually be translated “learner.” But keep in mind that the kind of learner that makes a true disciple is not just a student who listens passively. A disciple is some one who is completely intent on watching ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Are We Still Here?

Contributed by Billy Kryger on Aug 7, 2005

This is a message I preached for our Church’s 56th Anniversary but you can adapt it to your situation.

INTRODUCTION: Today we celebrate 56 years as a Church. 56 years of preaching the Gospel of the Lord, Jesus Christ. 56 years of standing on the fundamentals of the faith. 56 years of holding to the Baptist distinctives. Nearly 56 years on this same corner and in this same building, although ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7

Denomination: Baptist

Are We Losing The Battle Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Aug 9, 2005

In this message as we see Jesus giving his commission to the church, we will look at 6 reasons why we are not doing such a good job.

"ARE WE LOSING THE BATTLE, 5 FAILURES OF THE MODERN CHURCH.." LUKE 24:44-49 THIS IS LUKE’S ACCOUNT OF WHAT WE KNOW AS THE GREAT COMMISSION, IT IS WHERE JESUS TELLS HIS FOLLOWERS TO GO OUT AND WIN THE LOST WORLD TO HIM. AND AS WE KNOW THEY TOOK THAT COMMISSION VERY SERIOUSLY, AND STARTING ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:44-49

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living With Strength And Courage Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on May 30, 2006

The first of three sermons addressing the need for the church to go into the city, and bring spiritual victory to lives.

(Began sermon with a background on the life of Joshua. . .modeled after the old TV series, "This is Your Life") JOSHUA – THIS IS YOUR LIFE A favorite Bible character of mine. The story picks up in Exodus 24:9 (read through verse 18). Joshua was with Moses as they descended the mountain and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Denomination: Wesleyan

Recognizing The Power Of Place Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on May 30, 2006

Second in a three part series exploring the need for the church to rise up, and go into the city. This message looks at the implications of operating with "strength and courage."

(This sermon launched with the utilization of Google Earth to provide screen shots of the community we are located in. Could be personalized to each church’s community.) Kenneth Scott Latourette writes that from A.D. 500 to 1500 the church did not grow. It merely exchanged real estate. We gave ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Denomination: Wesleyan

The City Through The Centuries Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on May 30, 2006

Final in a three part series exploring the role of the church in the city. This message explores the book of Philemon, and the role the church has played in cities through the centuries.

It was a hand delivered letter. It arrived at his home. He opened it, and read it. (Had loaded a copy of the book of Philemon from "the message" into an envelope. Opened it as if it was a delievered letter, and read the text.) That’s it. The letter, or as we know it today, the entire book ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Wesleyan

Transforming The Present Future

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Oct 13, 2004

5th in series of 6 on the 237 church. Based on Acts 2:47. The Internally Strong - Externally Focused Church

Transforming the Present Future Acts 2:43-47 47 They praised God and were liked by all the people. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers. Last Spring I read a book by Reggie McNeal called "The Present Future". The title caught my eye. As I read the book ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ