Sermons on The Barna Group:

"fan Or Follower?" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Jun 1, 2015

There are two groups and we have to decide which one we are going to be. There are fans and there are followers. Here’s the difference. Fans only follow when you are popular. Once you make one wrong move they turn against you.

NOBODY BUT JESUS Fan or Follower? Mark 8:31-38 Let me ask you a very deep question this morning. Serious business. Did you know that Ben & Jerry’s has a new ice cream flavor? They put cookies and actual peanut butter cookie pieces mixed into the ice cream and then they bore a hole down the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

The Town Of Overnight Millionaires

Contributed by John Gaston on Mar 20, 2014

The April 2014 edition of Reader’s Digest contains a story (written by Lia Grainger) about a group of people who suddenly became fabulously rich. It parallels what will happen to us at the resurrection when we enter New Jerusalem!

THE TOWN OF OVERNIGHT MILLIONAIRES 1 Tim. 6:9 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A crook mistakenly made a counterfeit $8 bill instead of a $10 bill. He decided to try it out anyway. He went to the teller at the local bank and asked for change. The teller looked at the $8 bill and gave the crook two $4 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Being Thankful Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Aug 9, 2019

Despite their sin, moral deficiency and division Paul is able to describe the church is Corinth as a group of people in fellowship together for which thankfulness can be offered. Such an outcome is possible because, in Christ, we are enriched and kept blameless as we live in fellowship with Jesus.

Message 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 Being Thankful What happens when a church isn’t working as well as it should? Well, in the case of the church in Corinth they receive a letter – inspired by the Holy Spirit – written by Paul. Here are some observations which are made about the church. One of you says, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

Bloom Where You're Planted Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

It's not always easy to see your environment as part of God's mission... but, one way or another, whether you like it or not, it always is! This series was given to a group of believers in an assisted living facility.

I. Intro: A. Pandemic Panic? 1. In the early days of the COVID pandemic, we watched our ministry opportunities almost immediately and completely evaporate—no assisted living/nursing home concerts, no home concerts, no church concerts, NOTHING 2. Rather than respond in fear (but after a little ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14

Forgive And Heal

Contributed by Steve Sheek on Dec 20, 2021

Tree of Life Messianic Congregation Houston. Joseph had an opportunity to punish his brothers for their treachery but instead forgave them. The result was a cohesive people group leaving Egypt 400 years later to become the nation of Israel. Forgiveness brings healing.

20211218 Parsha Vayechi – Forgive and Heal Notes Torah Portion Gen 50:15-21 Haftarah 1 Kings 2:1-7 Brit Chadashah Ephesians 4:26-32 The last reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayechi, which means "and he lived." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21, Ephesians 4:26-32

Denomination: *other

United Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

As a church, we are in the process of transitioning from traditional Sunday School classes to home-based community groups. In this process, we are going to take a few weeks to consider what it means for us to be a biblical community. We begin with the consideration that we are united.

Introduction Series on biblical community in preparation for the launching of community groups next month we will look at a variety of passages, but most of our time together will be in the book of Ephesians Background Diversity There were cultural, ethnic, and religious divisions in the city - ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

Identity And Language

Contributed by Paul Richard on Jun 15, 2020

Mere observation may not be suitable to reveal the identity of a person/group but the use of language sounds appropriate.’.., say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth for he could not frame to pronounce it right...’ The language was used to reveal identities among the ancient Israelites.

I. An encyclopedia is not necessary to define what an identity simply means. It is just what people use to trace who a person is. It could be the name, skin color, place of origin, culture or language (Genesis 10:31). Due to globalization and trade among nations, these characteristics are becoming ...read more

Scripture: Judges 12:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

These Three

Contributed by Tarran Dookie on Jul 13, 2024

God is triune and the Bible often has references to groups of three persons that God used to accomplish His purposes. Examples would be Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and Peter, James and John. Let us explore some trios of men found in the Bible.

THESE THREE (by brother Tarran Dookie) ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB Matt 22:31-32 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:31-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Relationship Between Grace, Faith, Works, And Baptism

Contributed by Don Campbell on Nov 3, 2024

Only two Christian groups do not practice some form of water baptism: Quakers and the Salvation Army. All others practice water baptism but disagree on the mode (immersion/sprinkling) and the purpose (to be saved/because one has been saved).

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GRACE, FAITH, WORKS, AND BAPTISM INTRODUCTION A. Only two Christian groups do not practice some form of water baptism: Quakers and the Salvation Army. B. All others practice water baptism but disagree on the mode (immersion/sprinkling) and the purpose (to be saved/because ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Study To Be Quiet!

Contributed by David Zachrich on Jun 4, 2022

At Kent State, where I teach, as with almost all colleges, there are a group of classes that are core courses – everyone must take them as part of their education, regardless of major or career goal. ... Almost no one wants to take them, but everyone knows that they are essential.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Study to be Quiet Friends in Christ, At Kent State, where I teach, as with almost all colleges, there are a group of classes that are core courses – everyone must take them as part of their education, regardless of major or career goal. Math, history, sociology, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Denomination: Lutheran

"Tricky Words, Tricky Questions In The Temple”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Oct 18, 2023

"Holy Week Questions" A continuation of the parables of Jesus in the temple and his challenge to each opposing group of Jews at the temple (His Temple). finally each part of the congregation plays a part. then the final "greatest commandment" is for us.

In Jesus Holy Name October 22, 2023 Text: Matthew 22:15-23 Redeemer “Tricky Words, Tricky Questions In the Temple” Benjamin Franklin has often been quoted as saying, "In this world, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-33, Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Lutheran

Missions: A Future Glimpse Series

Contributed by B. D. B Moses on Aug 13, 2002

We find hope in Missions when we see the fulfillment in this multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, multi-ethnic host praising God. The great conclusion of all people groups around the throne. The revelation of Jesus Christ, and his plan for all peoples.

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. (Revelation 5:9) Intro While I was preparing this message, I was traveling from a meeting ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 5:9

Denomination: Baptist

Truth And Power

Contributed by Jim Belcher on Oct 1, 2009

How would you know if a revival happened? The best place to look is in Acts--a tiny group of peasants and slaves had no political, economic, cultural or religious power, but within three centuries the Christians were the only ones keeping the world togeth

The Great Awakening prevented the French Revolution from happing in England. As a result, social healing took place. The rich became just and generous with their resources. The poor became more self-disciplined after conversion. Britain abolished the slave trade. There were lots of reforms, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Repent Or Perish Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 25, 2017

Jesus spoke of a disaster in Jerusalem that killed 18 people when a tower collapsed. The location of the tower at Siloam is unknown, although it may have been part of Jerusalem’s wall near the pool of Siloam. Jesus also mentioned a group of Galilean men

Judea Lesson: Repent or Perish Luke 13:1-5 1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Post Resurrection Lull Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Mar 30, 2016

After the resurrection a group of disciples ended up fishing. When Jesus turns up 153 fish are caught. Through these verses we are reminded that we need to obey Jesus, even when obedience seems strange, because Jesus will give the resources.

Message John 21:1-14 Post Resurrection Lull Have you ever had post-exciting-event-syndrome? It is the syndrome which happens when you have been planning an event for a long time … a wedding, a special party, a holiday, a house move You have been putting your energy and time and commitment into ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Baptist