Sermons on Stay Close:

Unlimited Grace

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Apr 29, 2001

God’s grace toward us is unlimited.

Unlimited Grace Today we continue our series of messages on the topic of "grace". At root, the question we’re examining is "how can we know God?" How do we bridge the chasm between ourselves and our Creator? Given the fact of our sin and our guilt; and the fact of God’s perfect justice and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-22

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Our Hands Dirty

Contributed by John Stensrud on Apr 29, 2001

An expository message focusing on the confrontation between Jesus and an expert in the law.

Getting our Hands Dirty – Luke 10:25-37 By Pastor John Stensrud Luke 10:25 On one occasion a lawyer [stood up] to [test] Jesus. Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" 27 He answered "’Love the Lord your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

Love That's Tough To Do

Contributed by John Stensrud on Apr 29, 2001

Who knows why someone chooses to be our enemy? And how do you respond to them when they do? The tendency is to strike back.

Love That’s Tough to Do Matthew 5:43-48 Sermon by Pastor John Stensrud Immanuel Baptist Church Elgin, IL Delivered on February 18, 2001 Mat 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, ’Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Baptist

The Hammer And The Donkey

Contributed by David Limiero on May 1, 2001

A narrative message for Palm Sunday contrasting the arrival of "The Hammer" (Judas Maccabeus) with that of Jesus.

FIRST MOVEMENT: The Hammer They called him “the Hammer.” He probably got the name from his style of warfare. He attacked hard and fast, guerrilla-warfare style. The Hammer was a seasoned warrior. And, because of his success against overwhelming odds, he was a hero to his fellow Israelis. Israel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44, Psalm 118:25-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Marriage Bed?

Contributed by David Anderson on May 3, 2001

God has provided the institution of marriage to make us better individuals living within healthier societies.

Sermon: “What Marriage Bed?” Rev. David Anderson Hebrews 13:4 I want you to take a walk with me. The day is warm, but not heavy as we walk down a small path in a flowered meadow. The grass is still wet with dew. We hear birds singing, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 19:5

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Cares?

Contributed by Mary Lewis on May 10, 2001

Real Christians display real love to those who need it most.

Introduction Kitty Genovese Story At about 3:20 a.m. on March 13, 1964, Kitty Genovese, a 28-year-old manager of a bar in Queens, New York, returned to her quiet residential neighborhood, parked her car in a lot adjacent to her apartment building, and began to walk the 30 yards through the lot to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

Playing Defense In The Game Of Love Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on May 11, 2001

If God loves us so much, why don’t we always live in that love?

Introduction I’ve taken several long road trips in the last year. I’ve discovered that the best way for me to maintain my alertness and my sanity is to listen to audio books. I’ve become a fan of Tom Bodett, the guy who does the Motel 6 ads, whose most famous line was “We’ll leave the light on for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:34

Denomination: Baptist

Gideon Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Oct 23, 2000

Deals with the story of Gideons defeat over the Midianites

The odds weren’t very good to start with, and then they got worse. Or better, depending on whose side you were on. He was just a farmer, and unlike some farmers he had no desire to be anything more then a farmer. He never political ambitions, he never dreamt of being a military leader and yet ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:1-18

Denomination: Wesleyan

Humble Servant

Contributed by Stephen Fournier on Oct 30, 2000

Sermon Outline on being a Humble Servant

HUMBLE SERVANTS GAL. 5:16; PHIL. 2:3-4 I. Intro. There was once a lion who was very proud of his mastery over the rest of the animal kingdom. One day he decided to make sure that the other animals knew that he was king of the jungle. He was so sure of himself that he by passed the smaller ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:13-16, Philippians 2:3-4

Denomination: Bible Church

Entering The Dark Night Of The Soul - And Its Exit

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Nov 5, 2000

The psalmist was downcast in spirit and gave voice to Dejection but after an outpouring of grief it gave way to Reflection on God’s gracious provision, which led him to Restoration in hope in God.

ENTERING THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL - AND ITS EXIT Do you ever feel "in the dumps?" This happens when the "feel good factor" has worn thin. There could be any number of causes that bring this on. "If people don’t feel good, they’re discouraged and discontented. Yes, feelings are important. If ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus: Master Evangelist

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Nov 9, 2000

The Savior meets us right where we are.

It may seem a little unnecessary at first...sort of stating the obvious, to call Jesus “Master Evangelist”. The word evangelist means, ‘messenger’, or ‘one sent out’, and He is the one who has sent out every messenger of God; whether man or angels. Since it is His message that they bring; ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42

Denomination: Orthodox

Christ Displays His Great Mercy For Sinners By Saving Zacchaeus

Contributed by John Koopman on Nov 15, 2000

I. Christ's mercy is displayed in his seeking love II. Christ's mercy is shown in his saving power III. Christ's mercy is confirmed in his wondrous pronouncemen

Introduction Beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ: Have you been to the doctor lately? Most of us at one time or another have found it necessary to go to the doctor. Having been sick for a period of time the point was reached when you said: “It is time I go to the doctor.” You go to be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: *other

Is There Any Hope For Our Kids?

Contributed by Mike Hays on Nov 16, 2000

With the tragedies surrounding our youth today we must ask the question -- "Is there any hope for our kids?"

"Is There Any Hope For Our Kids?" The past two weeks have been a tragic time of upheaval, uncertainty, and insanity in the lives of our young people. When the news came forth about the shooting in Littleton, Colorado we were all stunned by the news of two students carrying out their plan of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:20-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Final Election Results

Contributed by Wayde Wilson on Nov 20, 2000

"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your ELECTION sure...."

“Final Election Results” TEXT: 2 Peter 1:10-11 – “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your ELECTION sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” INTRODUCTION: The 2000 ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:10-11, Matthew 6:24

Denomination: Pentecostal

An Unpleasant Surprise

Contributed by Dan Erickson on Nov 21, 2000

Jesus warns some people of the consequences of rejecting Him.

You did not study real hard for the math test. After all, you are a pretty sharp guy and you have always gotten good grades in the class. The test seemed pretty easy, and you are fairly certain you aced it. The teacher is handing the tests back right now. You glance over at Jimmy at the next desk. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:20-24

Denomination: Baptist