Sermons on Rational Control:

Acts The Beginning Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 4, 2005

In the book of Acts we see the beginning movement of God’s chariot of the Gospel called the Church. In the first chapter of Acts we see the church in training, transition, and ultimately under the control of the Holy Spirit.

INTRODUCTION: In the book of Acts we see the beginning movement of God’s chariot of the Gospel called the Church. It is a book about transformation and growth. From infancy in Jerusalem on through its adulthood having reached the capital of the known world Rome. We see the gospel grow through ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

God's Enduring Work Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jan 28, 2006

God is sovereign, He controls the “times”, yet in spite of this, we often fail to recognize God’s hand at work in the world. We have at best a limited view of all that God is doing.

Overcoming Futility—a sermon series on Ecclesiastes “God’s Enduring Work” Chapter 3 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts What do we do with the brief time we’ve been given? In a lifetime, the average American will spend 6 months waiting at stoplights, one ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

Denomination: Congregational

12 Keys To Abundant Living: Planning Series

Contributed by Dan Cale on Apr 5, 2007

This third in the series deals with issues of planning and execution in life. While most people go through life "letting life just happen to them" there is encouragment to take control of life through the Spirit of God.

Fresh Start 12 Secrets for Abundant Living This week we are continuing in our series for the New Year - 12 secrets for abundant living. Remember that this whole series is based on 3 very important principles. 1. God has a plan for your life - Jeremiah 29:11 says “I know the plans that I have for ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8

Denomination: *other

Hanging In There Before Impossibilties Series

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Oct 8, 2007

God specializes in impossible things. When we encounter those things over which we have no control, who better to turn to than the God of impossibilities, because nothing is too impossible for God.

Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Luke 1:37; 18:27 Robert Schuller in his book, Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking begins the book with these questions: Are you limping when you could be walking strong; whimpering when you could be whistling; crying when you could be laughing? Are you being defeated by your ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:17

Denomination: Baptist

Spirit-Filled Life Series

Contributed by Steven Chapman on May 7, 2007

Paul’s point is that the Holy Spirit is the controlling influence motivating and directing the lives of believers. As we sort through these participles, we can identify at least three results of the Holy Spirit’s influence.

The Spirit-Filled Life Ephesians 5:15-21 Quick Discussion: What are the two most significant influences on your life? “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit.” At the heart of this contrast is a life lived under the influence of … those influences, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Some Ask, "Why Does God Allow Evil And Suffering In The World?"

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 28, 2002

God is so great that nothing happens without His permission, and in that permission His ultimate plan unfolds. In His plan He is able to use for good what man intends for evil. God is in control

Illustration:As C.S. Lewis wrote, "The greatest evil is not done in those sordid ’dens of crime’ that Dickens loved to paint...it is conceived and...moved, seconded, carried, and minuted...in clean, carpeted, warmed, and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"The Danger Of Uncontrolled Fear"

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 17, 2002

Chapters 27 thorough 29 depict for us the devastating results of a life controlled by fear. Satan uses the emotion of fear as one of his most effective means of hindering progress among the people of God.

Dr. Dennis Deese “THE DANGER OF UNCONTROLLED FEAR” (The Leader’s fear) 1 SAMUEL 27-29 Chapters 27 thorough 29 depict for us the devastating results of a life controlled by fear. Satan uses the emotion of fear as one of his most effective means of hindering progress among the people of ...read more

What Is Your Mind Set?

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Sep 16, 2002

Needless to say, there is a war raging inside of the Christian for control of the mind. That is why the Bible says to have the mind in you that is in Christ Jesus. It is why Christians are to seek things above and to crucify the flesh with its passions

What Is Your Mind Set? Needless to say, there is a war raging inside of the Christian for control of the mind. That is why the Bible says to have the mind in you that is in Christ Jesus. It is why Christians are to seek things above and to crucify the flesh with its passions and lust. The ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

God Wants To Move In Lives That Seem To Be Destroyed

Contributed by Rickey Broach on May 5, 2002

MARK CHAPTER 5 GIVES US A VIEW OF MANY PEOPLE TODAY, PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND THEIR CONTROLL, BUT LESUS IS STILL PASSING BY TODAY TO BEND THE BROKENNESS OF THEIR LIVES

GOD WANTS TO MOVE IN LIVES THAT SEEM TO BE DESTROYED MARK 5 Mark 5 1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 Who had his dwelling among ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-42

Denomination: Church Of God

A Heart That Is Completely God's!

Contributed by Joey Reyes on Aug 26, 2006

“My son, give me thine heart…” (Proverbs 23:26a) God wants our hearts! He wants FULL CONTROL OF OUR HEARTS. God requires WHOLE-HEARTED OBEDIENCE.

A Heart That Is Completely God’s! 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 Introduction: A “perfect” heart means a heart that is entirely dedicated to God. A heart that desired, above all else, to serve and please God. God can give you a perfect heart. If you have believed in Jesus Christ, this is already ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16:7-9

Denomination: Baptist

Countdown To War Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 25, 2011

The four horsemen - war, slaughter, famine, death and pestilence - have accompanied humanity since the dawn of time; they remind us of our sin, and God's judgment, and his ultimate control over all of history.

When I mapped out this year’s preaching schedule I did not - repeat NOT - know that war with Iraq would begin the week the seals on the scroll detailing the fate of the world would be opened and the four horsemen let loose. And I’m not egotistical enough to think that God arranged the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Dark Side Of Christmas

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Dec 16, 2008

Herod was among the first few to hear the Christmas message, but he was too bent on doing his own will, too wrapped up in himself, and too caught up by power and control, to see the light.

Matthew reminds us that Jesus did not enter the world with sparkling lights and soothing carols. • Jesus along with his family begins his life as a refugee in need of asylum. • King Herod was part of the backdrop of this first Christmas play, together with the singing angels, the happy shepherds ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

If Jesus Isn't In Church You Go Home With Your Demons

Contributed by Aaron Holbrough on Feb 12, 2013

We need to domesticate the word Demon to imply anything that desires to negatively control and influence us. Once we do that, so much of what Jesus does become incredibly applicable to us.

Did you happen to bring a demon to church on Sunday or maybe just sit beside one? Hard to tell isn’t it, Botox is really screwing up my ability to spot them in a crowd. In Luke 4:31 we find Jesus is teaching in a Synagogue, and at some point a man interrupts and an evil spirit speaks to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:31-45

Denomination: Mennonite

The Power Of Focus Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 22, 2012

The most powerful force you and I control is our FOCUS, which has the power to determine if we see ourselves as oppressed and powerless…or if we see ourselves connected to the power of God.

The Power of Focus Series: BREAKOUT – God on the Move through the Book of Acts Brad Bailey – June 3, 2012 Intro Do you know what the most powerful force you control is? The most powerful force you and I control is our FOCUS. Our focus determines everything. It has the power to define ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:19-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Really - A King?

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Dec 1, 2011

We are culturally conditioned to believe in our own autonomy: my rights, my choices, me as the boss of myself, me in control of what I want to do, so is Jesus really our King?

Really – A King? various Scriptures November 20, 2011 Intro: In the church year, today is the last Sunday. Christian new year starts next week, with the first week of Advent, and the annual rhythm of worship begins anew. About a hundred years ago, in response to a growing individualism ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Baptist