Sermons on Templeton Prize:

When Heaven Opens

Contributed by Darrell Jones on Mar 1, 2003

I recently saw a sign for a store advertising a grand opening. The store manager boasted of great give-a-ways and all sort of wonderful prizes. However, none of these things compare to what we gain when Heaven opens.

In our text Heaven opened to show Peter a vision from God of our world,both Jews, Gentiles and Samaritans. God also showed Peter that he would have to work among the unbelief, prejudices, and despair of this world. Heaven opened to give Peter a promise of continual divine assistance. (1) Heaven ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:1-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Is My Goal In Life? Series

Contributed by Steven Buhr on Nov 12, 2009

Will we go wherever He calls us, will we follow wherever he leads us, and will we one day take hold of the prize and hear our Lord tell each of us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’?

In case you haven’t yet heard…the Olympics are coming to Vancouver in less than 100 days. Athletes all over the world are preparing for their various events, from speed skating to downhill skiing, and my favourite…hockey (Canada’s Game!). Athletes train in such a way as to be the best of the best. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

Is This Your Final Answer?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 29, 2022

The television game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” offers very large cash The The television game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” offers very large cash prizes for correctly answering successive multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty.

Regis Philbin is the host of the show, and after asking each question, he will say, “IS THAT YOUR FINAL ANSWER?” Each day we are asked many questions, and some of these questions make life difficult for us. Illus: You decide to stop by a fast-food restaurant to get a hamburger. Now that should ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

10 Facts About The Lamb's Book Of Life

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 24, 2023

Many want their name connected to a Heisman Trophy or a Nobel Prize, or as an Academy Awards recipient, but the only list that's going to matter in eternity is whether your name's in the Lamb's Book of Life.

THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE Rev. 20:11-15 INTRODUCTION A. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ABOUT LIFE AFTER DEATH? Survey of Opinions of Life After Death: 1. “I think that when you die, you’re dead. That’s it. There’s nothing else.” John, St. Louis, Missouri. 2. “After death, God will judge people based on ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Ox, The Donkey & Thanksgiving

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 22, 2022

In Isaiah 1:3 God compared the thankfulness of His people to that of the ox and donkey, and said the animals won the prize hands down. How can brute beasts, who have so little intelligence, be much more aware of their Creator?

THE OX, THE DONKEY & THANKSGIVING Isa. 1:3 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Growing up, we called one set of grandparents Big Mama & Big Daddy. No one thought much of it until one of the grandkids told them they were soon to be great-grandparents. 2. That’s when Big Mamma decided to change ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Striving To Succeed In 2019

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 28, 2015

This lesson deals with Paul’s self-confession and desire to succeed in his “pursuit of Christ” and "the prize of the high calling of God." He provides a plan for all who are “striving to succeed,” in their pursuit of Christ. It begs our attention.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Release the Past 2. Reach for the Present 3. Race toward the Prize Remarks. 1. This lesson deals with believers striving to succeed – in their pursuit of Christ, and their desire to be well pleasing to God. The motto of the Lexus motorcar is the “Pursuit of Perfection.” ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Deal Or No Deal

Contributed by Herman E. Wesley Iii on Sep 10, 2010

EULOGY FOR A YOUNG CHRISTIAN WOMAN - Hosted by Howie Mandel on NBC, "DEAL OR NO DEAL" is an exhilarating hit game show where contestants play and deal for a top prize of $1 million in a high-energy contest of nerves, instincts and raw intuition. 


Evangelist Herman E. Wesley III DEAL OR NO DEAL John 10:10 (NKJV) The Memorial Service Message for Clara Shameka Whatley Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. NorthPointe Church of Christ Montgomery, Alabama THE TEXT John 10:10 (NKJV) 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Did God Tell You To Stop Running?

Contributed by Joe Rowland on Sep 29, 2008

We should know that as a Christian that we are all running a race that we can all win, so why are we settling for second and why are some of us settling for 3rd when we all run and are able to receive the prize.

Did God Tell You To Stop Running? Mark 10:17-31 17 ¶ And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Four Steps To Bearing Fruit

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 6, 2022

John chapter 15 speaks of bearing fruit, which we often interpret as winning lost souls to Christ. However, winning people to Christ is only one meaning of the word fruit. Fruit symbolized the best result or sweetest prize in life.

One time on the farm I was sitting on my porch admiring the rose bushes that were in bloom. A couple of weeks prior they had appeared to be dead. They hadn’t been pruned in over two years since my mom passed away. Each bush was a huge mass of dead branches. My wife asked me about them, and I ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go! A Sermon On Philippians 3 Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Oct 4, 2017

In Philippians 3, Paul describes our Christian life twice by using a race analogy. It is an effective analogy. For like in a race, we have a reason to run (or cause). We keep our eyes on the prize, and we are encouraged along the way.

One night in college, I needed a study break, and I decided to read some online articles. As I was scrolling through, one caught my interest. It was titled: “Top Ten Greatest Canadians.” As I saw the title, I wondered how many people on that list would be hockey related, since it is Canada, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Lutheran

I Do Not Box As One Punching The Air!

Contributed by David Smith on Mar 1, 2012

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. 26So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Heaven

Contributed by Brett Crosson on Feb 17, 2020

How do we get through difficulties. Change your focus. Keep your eyes on the heavenly prize. Heaven is described as our heavenly home. But what does the Bible says heaven looks like. Here's a brief description.

John 14: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6, Revelation 21:18-27

Denomination: Pentecostal

"The Comparison Trap" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Aug 15, 2017

All of us do it. We compare ourselves to others and by doing so we expose ourselves to one of two things----pride or low self esteem. neither is healthy. Paul teaches us in this passage to keep our eyes on the prize not on other people.

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS “The Comparison Trap” Philippians 3:12-4:1 One of my heroes in the NT is the apostle Paul. If anyone had the right to brag, it would be him. Think about it... • Jesus appeared to Paul when he was traveling on the road to Damascus. They had a conversation and then Paul was ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-9

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Appears To His Disciples Behind Locked Doors/Dare To Believe

Contributed by Roger Whipp on Feb 6, 2015

Doubters dare to believe! The SAS motto is?....Yes "He who dares wins. I dare you to stop doubting and become a winner. The prize? A peace that passes all understanding even when in crisis and for all who trust Christ, everlasting life.

(Illustrating joke) When Beethoven passed away, he was buried in a churchyard. A couple days later, the town drunk was walking through the cemetery and heard some strange noise coming from the area where Beethoven was buried. Terrified, the drunk ran and got the priest to come and listen to it. The ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-30

Denomination: *other

Olympic Glory

Contributed by Jason Jones on May 16, 2011

Exposition of 1 Corinthians 9 regarding running the Christian life race to win the prize. Do you run to win? Are you in the Christian life to spectate? Is your Christian life just flailing along in laziness, flabbiness, outta shape, and without clear p

Text: 1 Cor 9:23-27, Title: Olympic Glory, Date/Place: NRBC, 5/15/11, AM A. Opening illustration: Shoot for an “A” next time…British athletes 10,000 training for Olympics B. Background to passage: On the heels of his two chapter discussion on the willing limitation of Christian ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:23-27

Denomination: Baptist