Sermons on Sacrifice Of Mary:

Mission: Impossible? Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on Jul 11, 2002

God uses our trials to transform us

Introduction: Gordon MacDonald, who is a well-known Christian speaker and writer tells this story from his days running track: When I first ran track in prep school, my coach invited me to his home for dinner one night. After the meal, he pulled out a notebook with my name on the front cover. He ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

One Mind Is Better Than Two Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on Jul 11, 2002

Wisdom that produces a single-minded determination to do what’s right can only come by asking in Faith

James starts with an assumption: that there will be those among the listeners who need some wisdom Meaning of SOPHIA: Not just “smarts” Not just “someone who knows a lot” It is a practical wisdom It was sometimes used for the kind of “knowledge” a skilled craftsperson has, someone whose knowledge ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Nearsighted Devil

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

To put life into proper "focus" -- it is not limited to the grave -- By becoming acquainted with God’s plan of redemption through His Word, the Bible, we enable Him to bring our lives into "focus."

The Nearsighted Devil Genesis 3:1-10 Purpose: To put life into proper "focus" -- it is not limited to the grave -- Intro: My nearsightedness; my glasses were broken and I couldn’t see beyond the end of my nose -- While in the Navy, I was in charge of getting the barracks cleaned before ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Agony Or Ecstasy

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

Look at the physical position of the three crosses and the men on them; our physical position in reference to Christ has nothing to do with the spiritual position.

LUKE 23:32-43 PURPOSE: To show that our physical position in reference to Christ has nothing to do with the spiritual position. INTRO: Look at the physical position of the three crosses and the men on them I. AGONY - v.39 A. Hurling insults at Christ “Aren’t You the Christ? “Save Yourself …. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Pentecostal

Gentle Servant

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

As the Gentle Servant with God’s stamp of approval, Jesus works quietly, gently and victoriously; yet He impacts the entire world.

Isaiah 42:1-4 Intro: God owns Him: v.1 1. As one employed by Him He is my servant a. He learned obedience to the Will of God. b. He practiced it. c. He laid Himself out to advance the interests of God’s Kingdom. 2. As one chosen by Him He is mine elect (KJV) a. He did not thrust ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

One Is Bigger Than Many Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on May 7, 2009

Idea: THE ONLY WAY TO REACH GOD’S GOAL IS TO REACH IT TOGETHER

[INTRODUCTION] The Olympic contestants line up in the starting blocks for the hundred-meter dash. Anticipation has the crowd suspended on the edge of their seats. The starter raises his gun and fires. The athletes spring out of the starting blocks. As they do, it becomes obvious this is no ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Descending Into Greatness Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on May 7, 2009

Jesus example of humility

Introduction What does it take to be a success? When Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy for over 20 years, was asked that question by a New York journalist, his reply was, “Above all, keep your heart a desert!” According to Mussolini, having a heart which cared for no one was the key ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

Spirit-Filled

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jul 25, 2015

An invitation to be Spirit-filled rather than just Spirit-marked.

A barber in a small town was busy cutting hair one day when the local law enforcement officer walked in to get a haircut. And the barber was feeling a bit generous that day, so he said to the cop, "Since you do such a good job protecting us, and watching over us, today’s haircut is free." ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Radical Hospitality

Contributed by Mari Larson on Feb 19, 2017

Launching from Jesus' call to love our enemies and be perfect, this sermon speaks of love and welcoming.

In 1979, Tim Hansel published a book entitled "When I Relax I feel Guilty". Included in the book is this raw and provocative tidbit. "I would like to buy three dollars’ worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Lutheran

More Than A Slogan

Contributed by Mari Larson on Feb 19, 2017

We all know Micah 6:8, but there's a lot more to the message than just a T-shirt slogan.

In the marathon subculture, T-shirts are everything. As a runner, you become a billboard for 26 miles, or 13, or 6, or in my case 3 miles. When I participated in my first 5K, I had to wear the shirt provided by my gym (since they paid the registration fee), but most of the time, each runner ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Good Things Happen On The Sabbath

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jun 3, 2018

While we can agree with Jesus that "the sabbath is made for humankind and not humankind for the sabbath," we are wrong to disregard it.

In 1986, the good people of Bismarck, North Dakota, thought it was time to overturn or at least soften the blue laws which closed businesses on Sundays. Amid great controversy, Dayton’s Department Store, Target, and many stores and restaurants were to open at noon. Dayton’s and Target were both ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Denomination: Lutheran

A Little Faith And A Breath

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jun 3, 2018

With A Little Faith and A Breath, God Reaches Everyone (This was preached the weekend after the school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas -- that is mentioned near the end of the sermon)

Dear friends in Christ, grace to you and peace from God our Creator, Jesus our Savior, and from the Unpredictable and Unquenchable Holy Spirit whose presence we celebrate this day. Amen Imagine yourself in the time of Ezekiel. It is about 600 BC. Nebuchadnezzar was about to destroy what ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Happily Ever After?

Contributed by Mari Larson on Oct 4, 2015

In a society where half of marriages end in divorce, what do Jesus' words mean for us? And what's heaven going to look like when most have been married multiple times?

A judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked, "Ma'am, what are the grounds for your divorce?" She replied, "About four acres with a nice house in the middle." "No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?" "Concrete, brick and mortar," she ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:2-16, Mark 12:18-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Are All Sparrows Equal?

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jun 15, 2014

Bad things do happen to good people. In Matthew 10, Jesus warns the disciples what will happen to them on their mission and then he reminds them that they were, are, and will be precious to God!

It is clearly in our nature to rate and rank others. When Jesus tells us today that we are of more value than sparrows, we’re probably not surprised, but we may wonder about the hierarchy of creation. We’re worth more than sparrows, and sparrows are certainly worth more than ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:29-31

Denomination: Lutheran

The Meal, The Message, And The Miracle

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jul 28, 2014

The Feeding of the 5,000 is a great miracle story, but it wasn't the only miracle that happened that day.

The Meal, the Message, and the Miracle Proper 13A – Matthew 14:13-21 -- August 3, 2014 Food! Be it blessed or tempting, it is filled with meaning that may not have anything to do with the food itself. Kringla, with its subtle hint of nutmeg, reminds me of grandma, who not only made these ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21

Denomination: Lutheran