Sermons on Sinful World:

False Faith: Faith Amnesia Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Oct 14, 2007

Faith is about trusting in a person. Faith is not about stuff. It is not about things happening or things not. It is not about things coming together. It is not about a happy feeling or a secure moment or even knowledge - it is about a person.

Richard Dawkins, the famous Oxford zoologist said, “Faith is the great copout, the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence. Faith is belief in spite of, even perhaps because of, a lack of evidence.” Does Jesus prove Richard Dawkins right in our passage today? Jesus is asked ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The School Of Thanksgiving

Contributed by Chris Willis on Oct 17, 2007

My own expression of an outline adapted from James MacDonald’s sermon of the same name. Living a thankful life is beyond the childhood learning of saying a dutiful thank-you for everything we receive and the adolescent development of reminding ourselves o

The School Of Thanksgiving! *Outline from James McDonald* Here’s the problem I have on a morning like this. I grew up in a secular home where we celebrated with gusto the holidays. You’ve heard me share with you about the materialism of the Willis family Christmas. But not just Christmas, holidays ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Surprise Series

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Sep 22, 2006

Peter Excapes from jail and execution. Peter and the disciples are surprised, the guards are all surprised.

Surprise Acts 12:1-25 I hope that you are not tiring with our study of acts. It is a book that has all these little stories that have been put together to tell about the early days of the church. Last week we heard about Barnabas and his work @ Antioch. How he brought Saul into the picture. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-25

Denomination: Congregational

The Test Of Two Hearts Series

Contributed by Larry Thompson on Oct 11, 2006

This message examines the heart and the play on words...do you have a "whole-heart" or a "hole-heart" - Using scripture the difference becomes obvious...especially when we talk about money and stewardship of our possessions.

The Test of Two Hearts…Whole or Hole? Matthew 6:19-21 - ©Dr. Larry L. Thompson (2006) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

Danger In The Water

Contributed by William Nieporte on Nov 17, 2007

First sermon at Patterson Avenue Baptist as pastor.

I want to thank you for the warm reception we have received since our arrival in Richmond. Your kindness and generosity has touched my family’s heart and made us feel at home very quickly in this great city. Many of you have commented on the fact that you have been praying for my former parish on ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Baptist

The Father: Reaching Into The Pockets

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 9, 2010

The waiting father reaches deep into the reservoirs of love, extending compassion to his wayward son. So we also as parents must seek not to control but to guide and then be ready for forgiveness.

I shall not soon forget the image he presented, this father of the bride. He had smiled all through the vast and elaborate preparations for the wedding; his daughter was a kind of elegant princess, he knew it, she knew it, everybody knew it – and so the princess must have a grand occasion. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Battlefield Of Truth Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Aug 19, 2010

If we’re going to save ourselves and our churches from moral ruin, then we must preach, practice, and persevere in God’s Word.

Several years ago, Art Linkletter had a TV show where he would interview children about various subjects, and those children would say “some of the darndest things,” as the name of the show suggested. There was humor in their statements and sometimes quite a bit of wisdom. Well, this last week, I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:9-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Rooting For Yourself Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Jan 11, 2010

Every action we take has consequences for where we end up - so where we plant our lives is critical.

“Renewable Energy: Rooting for Yourself” Psalm 1 Barb and I have discovered that where we plant a tree in our yard makes all the difference in whether or not it grows into maturity and productivity. This is so because some of our yard is good soil and some of it is thick clay; good ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Love Myths #2 Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jan 19, 2010

In our culture it is okay for love to be temporary, transitory, and to last as long as it seems to work.

Intro: On Friday, July 29, 2005, Fox News ran the following story: Some Seek Alternatives to 'Til Death Do Us Part' Friday, July 29, 2005 By Jennifer D'Angelo In some weddings, "'til death do us part" is going the way of "to honor and obey" — that is, out the window. Vows like "For as ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:36-39

Denomination: Baptist

U Before I

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jan 26, 2010

Christ makes himself known to us through his love for us and through us as we live out his love toward others.

Title: U Before I Text: I Corinthians 13:1-13 Thesis: Christ makes himself known through the way Christians live out love. The title for this message was lifted from Homiletics Magazine, January/February 2010, Vol. 22, NO. 1 Introduction You may recall being taught a little mnemonic device ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Overcoming Fear

Contributed by Richard Horn on Jun 13, 2010

A look at why we fear and how we can overcome fear through Christ.

June 6, 2010 Overcoming Fear When Mark was drumming for us during our time of praise and worship we had a little inside joke. He would from time to time play the cowbell prompting me to say - we need more cowbell. Anyone remember Will Farrell from the skit on Saturday Night Live? Well that song ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Wife For Isaac Pt. 2 Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jun 16, 2010

This story is a story, not about a faithful servant, a willing bride, or a happy marriage. It’s a story about God’s providence. Whether we admit it or not, God is in charge of all that happens in this universe.

This story is a story, not about a faithful servant, a willing bride, or a happy marriage. It’s a story about God’s providence. Whether we admit it or not, God is in charge of all that happens in this universe. While it’s true that we have free will and can make choices, God ...read more

What Is Jesus Costing You? Part 5 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Feb 13, 2010

This is the final message of the series and focuses on marriage.

What Is Jesus Costing You – Part 5 Scriptures: Ephesians 5:1-30 Introduction: This message will conclude this series. Today we will focus on the last phase of developing a long-term relationship and that is marriage. When I started this series, I focused on the question: “What Is ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dreams, Tears And A Song

Contributed by Malcolm Coby on Feb 22, 2010

We have dreams that are interrupted by situations that result in tears, but God gives us a song of hope and a pre-determined purpose.

Dreams, Tears and A Song Scripture Text: Psalm 137:1-4 Focus: HOPE, PURPOSE, and RESTORATION The hopes and dreams of people are often shattered by the unexpected or the undesired events of life. This is a word about the process of restoration. We have dreams that are interrupted by ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Lift Off Series

Contributed by Jorge Acevedo on Feb 23, 2010

One great thing about family is the way we encourage each other and lift up each other's spirit; this message is about how to do just that.

“Lift Off” Several weeks ago an American Idol contestant said something like this before facing the judges, “I’m doing this for my best friend who died 4 years ago.” They showed pictures of her and her friend laughing and doing things together. Then, crying she said, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:22

Denomination: Baptist