Sermons on Purposeful Praise:

The "Normal" Church

Contributed by Billy Kryger on Oct 20, 2003

"Normal" means "conforming to a standard". The Standard for our churches ought to be the Lord Jesus Christ. The church at Jerusalem gives us an excellent blueprint for how a church ought to be.

INTRODUCTION: God wants every church to be a “normal” church. What is normal? Webster’s dictionary says, “conforming to a standard.” God has given the standard for His church. When we compare the church in the book of Acts with our churches today, we fall so far short of God’s standard. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

A Slowly-Moving Ship

Contributed by Pat Cook on Oct 21, 2003

A sermon for my friend’s induction service, it uses a long analogy of a rescue ship with food and medicine, unwilling to share with others.

Ephesians 4:1-16 – A Slowly-Moving Ship A ship rocked slowly upon the greasy seas. Its sails were tattered, its masts spliced, and its hull leaky with worm-eaten planks, but it still stayed afloat. It had been sailing for many years – for generations, actually. Many years ago it had been loaded ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

How Should We Live? With Devotion.

Contributed by Mark Elkins on Oct 29, 2003

Finding the one thing that God wants us to do.

38Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

The Superiority Of The New Covenant Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Nov 4, 2003

The Old Covenant vs. The New Covenant It’s Sanctuary is Superior. It’s Sacrifice is Superior. It’s Security is Superior.

The Superiority of the New Covenant Hebrews 8:1–13 I. It’s Sanctuary is Superior. (Hebrews 8:1–2) A. The place is better. Mark 16:19 B. The priest is better. Heb. 4:14–16 II. It’s Sacrifice is Superior. (Hebrews 8:3–4) A. The Levitical priests offered up animals in the earthly ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What On Earth Am I Here For Series

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Dec 9, 2003

This is the first in a series based on Rick Warren’s Purpose driven life

Colossians 1:15-20 What On Earth Am I Here For? Introduction A. What on Earth am I here for? B. I cant tell you how many times I have heard that question C. It may be phrase What is life for D. What is this all about E. Why? F. Where is the meaning? G. Why is this world empty H. What do I have to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Purpose #2: You Were Formed For God's Family Series

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Dec 9, 2003

Based on the 2nd Purpose

Purpose #2: You Were Formed for God’s Family Colossians 3:12-17 Becoming the “Place for You” Introduction A. Have you seen our church brochure, stationary, business cards? B. They are pretty nice if I do say so myself. C. However one them they all say “A Place for You…” D. Pretty catchy phrase ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Purpose #3: You Were Created To Become Like Christ Series

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Dec 9, 2003

Deals with Purpose #3 specifically growing during difficult times

Romans 8:28-29 Purpose #3: You Were Created To Become Like Christ Growing through tough times Introduction A. Sometimes life is easy B. Sometimes we learn, grow, and laugh the whole entire time C. Let me give you some good advice, enjoy those times! D. Those times will not always be there E. Those ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-29

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

The Church With The Open Door

Contributed by Mike Turner on Dec 26, 2003

A sermon on the church at Philadelphia. What does a open door mean ?

THE CHURCH WITH AN OPEN DOOR Revelation 3:7-13 Letter written to Church at Philadelphia(brotherly love) Written by Christ who has the keys to unlock doors that are locked..and lock doors that are open. This shows his sovereignty, and superiority over the church. If Jesus desires for something to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Worship That Costs You Everything Series

Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Jan 6, 2004

Have you realized that the Christian life is about surrender and not conformity? Many who come to Jesus think that the first thing they need to do is conform to the status quo of the group - dress like others, talk like the others, make sure their prayers

1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 3Early the next ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19, Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Who's Gonna Maintain Truth?" Series

Contributed by Tiger Gullett on Jan 20, 2004

The second in a series of messages from 1 & 2 Timothy answering "What Is The Purpose Of The Church?"

Introduction: THE CHURCH IS MULTIFUNCTIONIAL! IT HAS THE TASK OF EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP, AS WE STUDIED LAST WEEK. BUT IN A SOCIETY WHERE THERE IS CONSTANT SHIFTING OF WHERE THE LINES OF TRUTH ARE DRAWN, WE LEARN THAT THE CHURCH ALSO HAS THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING TRUTH. IT IS OUR PURPOSE TO BE ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Snowmen

Contributed by John Beehler on Jan 22, 2004

Focus on the runway and you won’t melt

Spiritual Snowmen As we begin this passage of scripture, the Jews have just returned from 70 years of foreign captivity in Babylon. Unlike our county jail up in LaPorte with its jail ministry that provides Bibles to the prisoners, the Jews were not allowed to practice their religion or even read ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Being The Kind Of Church People Need

Contributed by Mike Turner on Nov 6, 2004

We cannot be the kind of church that everyone wants, but we can be the kind of church that everyone needs !

Being The Kind Of Church That People Need Acts 2:41-47 Introduction: I suppose there are many churches whose mission is to be the kind of church that appeals to everyone. That is an impossible task ! In fact, I believe it to be an unholy task. Here’s why.....in order for us to be the church that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

Complete Sacrifices

Contributed by Dennis Lawrence on Nov 12, 2004

The central issue of human life, to be resolved, is that of worship.

Complete Sacrifices Montreal/Cornwall September 18, 2004 The central issue of life is worship. This has been the case from the very beginning. Worship was the central issue for the first war. In eternity past, the sin of pride entered Lucifer’s heart and he became jealous of God, wanting to be ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Guides Our Gospel Outreach

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Nov 15, 2004

God Guides Our Gospel Outreach: Not always where we expect but always where his work awaits.

I love travelling. There’s nothing like getting out to explore the world God has created. Before I head out on any trip, however, I like to consult a guidebook or two. Written by someone who knows the area, a guidebook will point you to things that you won’t want to miss and steer you from those ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-15

Denomination: Lutheran

"Called To Learn" Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Nov 16, 2004

Believers are called to come together as a learning community.

In Acts chapter 2, we read about the birth of the New Testament church on the day of Pentecost. We are told of how God moved through a sermon Peter preached. He preached this sermon to a crowd of people who were gathered as a result of the Holy Spirit empowering the followers of Jesus to testify ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Baptist