Sermons on Surprises:

The Rumor Of Hope

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Apr 17, 2009

The original and abrupt ending of the Gospel of Mark allows us to finish the story of Christ’s resurrection in our own lives. What will it mean to us to meet Jesus in our own "Galilees?"

The little boy was not exactly happy about going to church on Easter Sunday morning. His new shoes were to tight, his tie pinched his neck and the weather outside was just too beautiful to be cooped up inside...so as he sulked in the pew his parents heard him mutter to no one in particular. "I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Greatest Need Of The Church

Contributed by Bruce Howell on May 20, 2009

The church’s greatest need is to have members who are Spirit-filled and therebye empowered to become world-changers.

The Greatest Need of the Church II Corinthians 3:12-18 IF I WAS TO ASK YOU WHAT YOU THINK THE GREATEST NEED OF THE CHURCH IS, WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER? Some church surveys have provided interesting answers, such as: - Better facilities - Friendlier people - Better preachers - Shorter ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Denomination: Wesleyan

Convicted - Prison Break 2 Series

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Nov 19, 2009

This is the second of our "Prison Break" sermon series. We are focusing on the central character of King David, and stand with him as he finally admits his guilt to God.

2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13 26 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD. 1 The LORD sent Nathan to ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Wherever! Series

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Dec 17, 2009

What determines the life of a gift?

Wherever Matthew 26:6-13 What determines the life of a gift? Three ways one can give: 1) Give to Get 2) Give to Reach Goal 3) Give to God Matthew 26:6-13 6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13

Denomination: Church Of God

Be Patient And Stand Firm

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Dec 17, 2009

Advent 3(A) - Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Wait watchfully. The Lord is near.

"BE PATIENT AND STAND FIRM…" (Outline) December 13, 2009 - ADVENT 3 - James 5:7-11 INTRO: Soon and very soon the Lord Jesus Christ will return as the righteous Judge of the living and the dead. At times we grow impatient waiting for the end to all of the wickedness in this sinful ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Lutheran

What Should I Do Now?

Contributed by Juan Lane on Jan 5, 2010

Some of us find ourselves in positions that are seperated from God and we ask two questions 1. How did I get here? and 2. What should I do now?

What Should I Do Now? How did I get here? Scripture Reference: Jonah 1:1-5 (KJV) 1 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

When The Mountain Looks Too Big

Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Jan 8, 2010

Sometimes we lose heart when the circumstances seems too great and vast, but we need to see and trust from God’s perspective and learn to rely on His bigger than life view of the situation.

When the Mountain Looks Too Big Prairie Baptist Church – 1/10/10 A.M. Service Text: John 6:1-14 Key verse: John 6:13 - Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Premise: Sometimes ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Yuletide Cheer Of John The Baptist Series

Contributed by David Smith on Jan 12, 2010

[John] said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ’We have Abraham as our father.’ F

Last week we welcomed back to the Christmas stage that most unlikely of Yuletide figures - the gaunt and rather unjolly figure of John the Baptist. He emerges from the background shadows of the Nativity scene each year at this time, and last week I focused on just what an unexpected and unwanted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Fields Of The Fatherless

Contributed by Tom Davis on Oct 1, 2007

Ministry to the poor, the orphan, and the widow is about joining the work of God in his favorite field. Meaning and satisfaction in life don’t come from striving, it comes from loving. The gospel message is a message of love. Loving God means loving peop

Something is Missing God is passionate about orphans The scriptures speak of a God who cares for the alien, orphan, and widow. When you look, these passages (like Psalm 68:5 and James 1:27) come jumping off the page. God speaks about orphans and widows as a unique and special group of people. ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:2-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gates Of Heaven

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Feb 24, 2008

Jacob wrestled with issues of faith. Would he take the God of his father and grandfather to be his God? As Jacob was running from his brother Esau, God opened up to him the gates of heaven.

Introduction Look at story of Jacob’s dream- general sense/what is God saying/doing in the earth now, here at COTR. Jacob’s Dream Gen 28:10-22 Gen 28:10 (who were Abraham, Isaac, Esau?) Jacob- on a journey by himself, alone, apart from family, running for his life. Jacob- deceiver- facing the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Charismatic

Christ Is King Supreme

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Nov 27, 2007

Christ Is King Supreme 1) Over all creation 2) For all bound for salvation

One planned on making his horse a senator (Caligula). Another loved to sing but was so bad at it that he had to post guards to keep people from leaving the room when he performed (Nero). And still another dressed in a lion skin and carried a club because he fancied himself the Greek god Hercules ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:13-20

Denomination: Lutheran

No Partiality Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 10, 2003

God is directing the expansion of His church, and uses Cornelius as a gate between Jews and Gentiles.

Conversions in the Book of Acts> “No Partiality” Acts chapter 10 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Peter opened the door to the Gentiles, granting them full standing in the community of faith. The Gospel came to the House of Israel first, because Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:1-48

Denomination: Congregational

"Holy Hands"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Mar 10, 2003

We are called to be the Holy Hands of Christ.

Mark 1:40-42 “Holy Hands” By: Kenneth Emerson Sauer, Pastor of Parkview United Methodist, Newport News, VA Jesus’ hands were holy hands. Hebrews chapter 4 tells us that Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” But the religious people of Jesus’ day certainly didn’t ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-42

Denomination: United Methodist

The Son Rise Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 11, 2003

The Resurrection is the one event in all history that can turn gloom to joy, make meaningless lives meaningful, and make the followers of Jesus Christ more than conquerors.

The Son Rise (Matt. 27:62-28:15, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 23:56-24:11, John 20:1-18) Bulletin insert I wrote for this sermon; it has helpful info. Sermon outline follows it. Resurrection: The Ultimate Victory The four Gospels each contain bits of information about the events occurring after the ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Plant The Seeds

Contributed by Ronald Harbaugh on Jun 17, 2006

The church is growing by leaps and bounds in Africa. At the same time, it is dying here. How can we change the trend? Sermon for Pentecost 2, Proper 6, Series B.

2nd Sunday after Pentecost (Pr. 6) June 18,2006 “Series B” Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for the redeeming grace we have received through your Son’s death and resurrection. By the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34

Denomination: Lutheran