Sermons on Pursuing The Mark:

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go! A Sermon On Philippians 3 Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Oct 4, 2017

In Philippians 3, Paul describes our Christian life twice by using a race analogy. It is an effective analogy. For like in a race, we have a reason to run (or cause). We keep our eyes on the prize, and we are encouraged along the way.

One night in college, I needed a study break, and I decided to read some online articles. As I was scrolling through, one caught my interest. It was titled: “Top Ten Greatest Canadians.” As I saw the title, I wondered how many people on that list would be hockey related, since it is Canada, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Go! And Obey God’s Command Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 19, 2025

Today we are going to explore a powerful truth about our calling as followers of Christ - our lives should be marked by obedience to God’s commands rather than pursuing our own desires or worldly aspirations.

Go! And Obey God’s Command Introduction Today we are going to explore a powerful truth about our calling as followers of Christ. Dean Inserra once said, "Christian, God doesn’t have a ‘dream’ for you. God has a command for you. To be part of His mission." This statement aligns perfectly ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Luke 19:10, Colossians 3:23-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Called To Be Super-Heroes Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 1, 2015

In the spiritual realm, we are called to be God’s super heroes. We can only be super heroes on earth, because — when we are in heaven — we will not need these unique skills.

Called to Be Super-Heroes (I Timothy 6:11-17, 20-21) 1. [This is a combination Norwegian and Chinese joke] A young man walks through New York Chinatown and notices a shop with the name Hans Olaffsen's Laundry. He thought it seemed out of place but curiosity got the best of him and he walked into ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Inner Strength

Contributed by Bala Samson on Mar 24, 2014

Filling your mind and heart with God’s Word and promises takes away fear, angst, anger and worries.

Strength! Ephesians 3:16”that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man..”(Memorize) 1 John 4:4”….the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Our Call To Grow

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Mar 24, 2009

We are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. But how many of us do not do that because it requires us to read, study, pray, and even live our lives according to His principals, and not our own.

Man’s law says that to be ignorant of the law is no excuse for not following it. And we are held accountable for being lawful citizens. But in reality, you cannot be expected to know more than that which you are taught. For example, I have never been taught how to use a jackhammer. And since ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18

Denomination: *other

Living Your Dreams

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 24, 2025

God has placed dreams and visions in our hearts to guide us towards His purpose for our lives. Living your dreams is not just about ambition; it is about fulfilling God’s divine plan for you.

Title: LIVING YOUR DREAMS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 37:5-11 Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 16:3, Habakkuk 2:2-3, Philippians 1:6 INTRODUCTION: God has placed dreams and visions in our hearts to guide us towards His purpose for our lives. Living your dreams is not just ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:5-11, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 16:3, Habakkuk 2:2-3, Philippians 1:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Pursuing God's Heart - Reflecting His Mercy - Being Merciful

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 9, 2023

The heart of the LORD is about Mercy towards us, and as HE gives mercy, we are also to be merciful to others. We love, because HE first loved us. We forgive, because HE first forgave us. We have mercy because HE first was merciful to us.

2023.07.09.Sermon.The Heart of the LORD - Have Mercy William Akehurst, HSWC I was reflecting on the “Walk through the Bible” study we did a few years back, when we recognized the 1st three kings over Israel, and the words and hand motions to describe each. King Saul had no heart for the LORD King ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:8, Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 5:7, Hebrews 4:14-16, Luke 6:27-36, Proverbs 11:17, Matthew 6:22-23, Romans 4:4, James 2:13, Micah 6:8, Colossians 3:12-15, Matthew 15:18, Matthew 7:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Punctuation Mark Best Describes Your Life?

Contributed by L. Durham on Oct 18, 2000

Text: James 4: 14 “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.

Text: James 4: 14 “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.” Ask anyone you meet to give you a definition of LIFE, and no two people will give you the same answer. Even in this congregation, the answers would be as varied as ...read more

Scripture: James 4:14

Prayer-Care-Share: My Bookmark Story Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Feb 8, 2006

#4 in a series. God is pouring out a whole new level of city-wide cooperation amongst churches and church leaders. Prayer-Care-Share is a concentrated effort focusing on "Building Bridges to our Community"...loving our communities to Christ.

PRAYING FOR MY CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE: MY STORY By Intern Pastor Dave Doyle I’ve been excited by the whole concept of churches in Cedar Rapids coming together in prayer. Think about it. Jesus said that wherever two or more are gathered in His name, He is there as well. Now try to imagine the power ...read more

Scripture: John 9:31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Needs A Break! Mark 7:24-37

Contributed by David Smith on Dec 14, 2006

Depictions of Christ suffering on the cross are common in Christian literature and iconography. Few though are the depictions of Jesus walking around exhausted, during his earthly ministry. Yet the tiredness of Jesus is seen commonly in the Gospels, and

Our Gospel reading this morning is from Mark chapter 7, where we come across a Jesus who is tired - tired, I think, to the point of exhaustion. This is not the sort of depiction of Jesus that is given much attention by the church. I’ve never seen a stained-glass window with an image of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Are All Divorcees Adulterers? (Mark 10:11-12)

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 4, 2007

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

It seems like we’ve been covering most of my least favourite Bible passages of late, so perhaps I should have expected this one to come along - "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her”. Another winner! And what a good passage to have on the day of a baptism! ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:11-12

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Jesus Needs A Break! (Mark 7:24-37)

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 5, 2007

Jesus Needs a Break! Depictions of Christ suffering on the cross are common in Christian literature and iconography. Few though are the depictions of Jesus walking around..

Our Gospel reading this morning is from Mark chapter 7, where we come across a Jesus who is tired - tired, I think, to the point of exhaustion. This is not the sort of depiction of Jesus that is given much attention by the church. I’ve never seen a stained-glass window with an image of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Death Of John The Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 5, 2007

The Death of John the Baptist. No doubt all of those who had thrown in their lot with John figured that their reform movement had just come to a grinding and bloody halt!

No doubt all of you are deeply concerned, as I am, about what could prove to be the beginnings of World War III breaking out this week in the Middle East. The Israeli army moved into Lebanon this week, ostensibly to take on Hezbollah militants operating from within Lebanon who apparently captured ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Will June 6th Mark The Beginning Of The End Time?

Contributed by Karen Buck on May 20, 2006

06-06-06: IS IT END OF THE WORLD, AS WE KNOW IT? Will June 6th mark the beginning of the End Time? Summary: June 6, 2006 is nothing more than another day on the calendar, but for some people and groups it marks a day to bring attention t

Scripture: II Thessalonians 2:2-3 & 15 I. EXAMPLES OF HOW JUNE 6th WILL BE CELEBRATE A. Expecting mothers who are expecting on this day are worried they are going their child will have the mark of the beast. B. 20th Century Fox Studios will be releasing the remake of the 1970s horror film, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:2-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mark Gives Us A Mirror To Evaluate Our Faith

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on Sep 23, 2006

A sermon for the 16th Sunday After Pentecost, Series B, Proper 20

16th Sunday after Pentecost (Pr. 20) September 24, 2006 “Series B” Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for coming among us in the person of your Son, Jesus the Christ, who gave his life to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

Denomination: Lutheran