Sermons on Strategy:

Ark, Anger, And Acceptance

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 20, 2010

We who are successful want instant gratification, but must know that God’s timing may be different, and that it is important to do something that enables others to succeed. In prayer we learn that we are accepted and so our efforts have meaning.

Success brings with it its own set of problems. If you get used to being successful, you soon expect it, and then if it eludes you, that can be very hard to take. I know that I am speaking this morning to reasonably successful people, by and large. Most of you, when you face a challenge, are able ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Failing, Fruitless, Flourishing

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 7, 2010

We are a part of this world's injustice and brokenness, and need to repent, for we have too often attempted nothing or have given ourselves to pointless activity. "Only what you do for Christ will last" and that is guaranteed by His risen life.

There are just too many things that are not the way they ought to be, and I don’t like it! Are you with me? There are too many things going on that should not be going on, and when I hear about them or experience them, it disturbs me. I don’t like the brokenness I see in this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

If You Want Joy

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 13, 2010

Genuine joy comes after we do what Christ bids us do, and is grounded in our relationship to Him. In fact, the real issue is not our joy but His.

If you want joy! What a ridiculous premise! Of course you want joy. Of course we want to be happy. Of course all of us want to feel deep satisfaction with life. We want joy. That's just self-evident. The trouble is, we don't know how to get that joy. We don't understand where joy comes from, how ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Covenant Service

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jan 1, 2013

As Christian, we have made a covenant with God. He saves us and as our response we are to live as He would have us live

06-01-13TSJ Methodist Church The Covenant Service 1. Introduction Two young Christians once made a covenant together. They agreed that, come what may, they would each tithe ten percent of their income every year. They were both young and neither of them had much money. But then they both ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Denomination: Anglican

Who Says So? Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Jun 29, 2010

If we are going to respect and commit to obey the commandments we have a right to know "Who says so? By Whose authority?"

“Law & Order: SPU – Who Says So?” Exodus 20:1-2; Mt. 22:34-40 The church I served in Grand Rapids had a lot of acreage and had turned part of it into 3 softball diamonds. Monday - Thursday nights, all summer long, various church leagues played their slow-pitch games there. Three ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Adhesive Gifts

Contributed by Ed Sasnett on Jul 8, 2010

The Holy Spirit's purpose for spiritual gifts is to edify and unify the church.

Title: Adhesive Gifts Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Truth: The Holy Spirit’s purpose for spiritual gifts is to edify and unify the church. Aim: To use their spiritual gift to edify and unify the church. INTRODUCTION My pastor friend (Steve H.) was telling me about two men in his church ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Beautiful Exchange

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Sep 25, 2011

Jesus gave His life to save us. Now He offers us His attitude to transform us.

There once was a sculptor who was working hard with his hammer and chisel on a large block of marble. A little boy who was watching him saw nothing more than large and small pieces of stones falling away left and right. He had no idea what was happening. But when the boy returned to the studio a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Spirit Fruit -- Peace Series

Contributed by Don Vanzant on Oct 1, 2011

Those who walk in the Spirit are assured that they will have the peace of God, not the absence of conflict.

Galatians 5:22–23 (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Peace is a major theme of the Bible and that is rather strange since ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Homeland Security Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Oct 18, 2010

When we understand the Israelites song of celebration we can discover the sources of our security.

“Homeland Security” Exodus 15:1-18 In the aftermath of 9-11 a Federal position was created to help insure the safety and security of Americans and others living in the United States. So we now have a Director of Homeland Security. It is an attempt to help alleviate ongoing fears of ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Power Of Sound Doctrine Series

Contributed by Mark Armstrong on Nov 21, 2010

Talk 4 in in series. A look at how sound doctrine orders relationships within the church family.

It’s amazing what persistent teaching and training can do. Geoff Huegill (a successful Australian swimmer) lost 40 kg to win the 100m butterfly at the recent Commonwealth Games. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that ‘Huegill had feared disappearing under a pile of beer cans and pizza boxes before ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Available For Liberation

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 30, 2010

Revised for use in a very small church looking for a new direction: Moses became an effective liberator by asking three questions: "Who am I?" "Who are You?" and "What if?"

Broadview Baptist Church, Chesapeake, MD Sept. 3, 2006 Church is not just for you and me who are members of the church. Church is for others. Church is for the world out there. Freedom is not just for you and me who have accepted Christ. Freedom is for others. The free gift of salvation is ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Soldiers Story

Contributed by Jay Mccluskey on Mar 19, 2012

A narrative story from the perspective of the Centurion at the Cross of Jesus

"With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:37-39 NIV Some days are just so ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:37-39

Denomination: Baptist

Recovery After The Wreck Series

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Jul 15, 2011

The issue is not the issue when dealing with conflicts at church.

A House United Series Recovery After the Wreck May 22, 2011 Introduction A The issue is not the issue in conflict at a church. 1 The issue isn’t carpet color, worship styles, how long the preacher’s sermons are, who does (or does not) take communion, etc. a The issue is really if ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Baptist

Heavenly Embassy Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 1, 2011

The Bible says that we're already in the "heavenlies." How can that be? I like living in Indiana, but it's never been my idea of real heaven. I pictured something with a few more clouds and harps. But it's true that I'm now in the heavenlies. Find out why

OPEN: I recently heard the story about a young married couple. The Groom wanted to do something special for his new Bride so he planned something special for her. The plan was – after their reception – he would drive them two hours to a special destination where they would spend a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Invasion Of False Teachers Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on May 4, 2010

Jude's letter is a call to Christians to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. In today's lesson we see the invasion of false teachers.

Scripture Several weeks ago I began a new series of studies on the Letter of Jude, which I have titled, “Contend for the Faith.” The Letter of Jude is an extremely important letter. It is extremely important because it is so relevant to our contemporary situation. Even though Jude ...read more

Scripture: Jude 4:4

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed