Sermons on Shift:

Christian Cost Assessment

Contributed by Steven Chapman on Aug 16, 2006

Discipleship is not a casual affair. In a series of three encounters, Jesus shows the high priority he places on discipleship.

“Let’s cut to the chase. After nearly two decades of studying Christian churches in America, I’m convinced that the typical church as we know it today has a rapidly expiring shelf life.” This dire assessment of the state of the church begins George Barna’s 1998 book, The Second Coming of The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Sustained Commitment

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Apr 9, 2006

In order to have a sustained commitment, you need to: 1. Focus on the goal. 2. Focus on fact, not feeling. 3. Focus on growth.

The backdrop for this day on the Christian calendar, which we call Palm Sunday, is the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem during the Passover Feast. Jesus has come riding into town from the Mount of Olives on a small donkey. Crowds are following him and shouting in excitement. The Bible says, “The ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-8

Denomination: Methodist

You Can Discover Abundant Life

Contributed by John Mayes on Apr 26, 2006

The purpose of this sermon is to describe and explain the abundant life in Christ.

Living an Abundant Life in Christ Introduction: Our world is full of unhappy and dissatisfied people. For this reason, people everywhere are looking for answers to the emptiness they feel inside. These people will try anything, if it might bring them some sort of satisfaction or happiness. ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Sanctity Of Sex Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Jul 18, 2005

8th in a Series on the 10 Commandments. God’s Word speaks clearly of the grandeur of sex in marriage. It also warns of the grief of sex outside marriage.

THE SANCTITY OF SEX (Exodus 20:14) A pastor is always a little reluctant to address the subject of sex. Among his concerns is the choice of a closing hymn. One pastor preached on this subject and began to notice the congregational snickering in the middle of the sermon. It was then he realized ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:14

Finish Line 4: Life's Pit Stops Series

Contributed by Geoff Baggett on Aug 1, 2005

This is the fourth message in my NASCAR-themed "Finish Line" series, focusing upon the need for a daily devotion and quiet time in the life of a believer. (05-01-05)

Life’s Pit Stops Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 6:5-13; Proverbs 7:1-3 Sermon Outline: A Little Review from “Being Part of a Good Team” 1. God intends for us to “run this race” together. 2. We must enthusiastically and generously support those who are “running in the lead.” 3. We must all do good ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

A New Year's Example For The Church Of The Living God

Contributed by Ray Searan on Feb 21, 2004

This is a New Year’s Sermon using Ezra as a paradigm for the church

A New Year’s Example for the Church of Jesus Christ Text: Ezra 7:10 (KJV) 10For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Ezra 7:10 (Amplified Bible) 10For Ezra had prepared and set his heart to seek the Law of the ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 7:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Supersize Me!

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Mar 12, 2006

In order to avoid the trap of self-indulgence, we need to: 1. Reject the spirit of entitlement and embrace a spirit of gratitude. 2. Reject excess and move toward moderation. 3. Reject the temporal and focus on the eternal.

Two years ago Morgan Spurlock created a film documentary called Supersize Me, which won several international film awards. It was based on an experiment to see what would happen if he would eat nothing but McDonald’s fast food for one month. He had three rules for this experiment: 1. During the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-11

Denomination: Methodist

The Risk Of The Steward Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Mar 23, 2006

Being a faithful steward of God’s gifts requires we face the challenge of risking those gifts to grow the Kingdom.

THE RISK OF THE STEWARD Matthew 25:14–30 The hang-glider rides the tramway to the top of Sandia Peak overlooking Albuquerque. At the tip of the peak, he stretches the gossamer fabric over a lightweight metal frame and leaps off the mountain into the clear air. The person enjoys the rush ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Methodist

Traveling Without A Map Series

Contributed by W F on Sep 20, 2004

All of us are familiar with the ’where’ test. “Where should I live, work, worship, invest? Where should I send the kids to school?" (Part 1 "Passing Life’s Tests")

Passing Life’s Tests Hebrews 11:8-19 PART 1 “Traveling Without a Map” The ‘Where’ Test (Hebrews 11:8) Central thought: A real believer follows God’s leading without knowing where. Co-ordinated reading: James 1:2-3 and 12 INTRODUCTION When airlines train their pilots they first test them in a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-19

Denomination: *other

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Oct 2, 2004

The Lord is concerned even with the most basic needs of man, and we can trust Him to provide.

Matt 6:11 Give Us Our Daily Bread Finally, we come to the part in the Lord’s Prayer that talks about us – · The next 3 concerns are all about SELF - Give us... Forgive us... Lead us... o Provision - “Give us today our daily bread…” - provision takes care of our present. Pardon – “Forgive our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Bible And Divorce

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 25, 2004

Message based on Jesus’ words regarding divorce.

The Bible and Divorce Matthew 5:31-32 October 24, 2004 Introduction Today is the second message in our series called, "Topics Every Pastor Just LOVES to Talk About." Last week we started that series by discussing lust and adultery. We focused on the fact that just as murder begins in the heart ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Secret Of Life

Contributed by Dwight Davis on Jan 11, 2006

This sermon draws from the wisdom of Solomon to help us discern the real meaning of life.

Before we get started this morning, I’d like to share with you an email a friend sent me this week. Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels he said; We can’t keep the Christians from going to church. We can’t keep them from reading their bibles and knowing ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Spiritual Discipline Of Simplicity Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Dec 5, 2005

The discipline of simplicity is the conscious act of not being tied to the things of this world.

Tilling the Soil of the Soul November 27, 2005 Simplicity Matthew 6:19-21, 24-33 I received an email this week from Outside Magazine with the title: “Gift Guide Madness” It read… “The time of immaculate consumption is upon us. From a flaming kayak paddle to an indestructible laptop that can ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-33

Denomination: *other

The Fear Dance: The Number One Destroyer Of Relationships Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Oct 9, 2006

Based on The DNA of Relationships by Dr. Gary Smalley. Every person in the midst of a heated argument starts the fear dance. By understanding the dance steps and our part in it, we can stop the destructive cycle.

FEAR DANCE: NUMBER ONE DESTROYER OF RELATIONSHIPS The DNA of Relationships (Part 3) A. We are continuing our series of lessons on The DNA of Relationships based on the book by Dr. Gary Smalley. Today’s lesson: FEAR DANCE: NUMBER ONE DESTROYER OF RELATIONSHIPS. ILLUSTRATION: A man was reading ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:36-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Power Game Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Oct 21, 2006

Esther, Pt. 3

THE POWER GAME (ESTHER 3) I am highly suspicious of people in power and with power. My low regard and utter disdain for power can be traced to the power game and the power struggle I have witnessed. The church I was a part of as a youth had a heartbreaking major split every three years or so. The ...read more

Scripture: Esther 3:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible