Sermons on The Effective Church:

The Busted Church Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Aug 28, 2011

The Church at Thyatira gave the illusion of being something they were not...Jesus "busted" them and brought them to reality.

The Busted Church Revelation 2:18-29 * When someone commits a crime, generally, they try to hide that crime & inevitably, the truth comes out so in the vernacular we say, “They got busted.” This means they were forced to face the truth. * In simplistic terms, today I call Thyatira the ‘busted ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

"Hospital Or Church"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Sep 2, 2011

Jesus said that it is the sinners who need a doctor. This lesson will help you to see how you can turn your church into a hopital and serve the needy.

I am sure you have heard people say: “If I walked in that church the walls would fall down”, “The church has a bunch of hypocrites”, “All they want is my money” and on and on. You see, we have a false view of what church is. Mark 2:16,17 “When the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:16-17

The Comfortable Church Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Sep 3, 2011

The church at Sardis had become arrogant and thus comfortable with their ’church.’ The result was compacency, apathy, and death. This should be a warning for churches today.

The Comfortable Church Revelation 3:1-6 * Having read about this church and preached this text many times, I have labored over the proper name for this church. Terms like dead, decaying, or dying, as well as confused, contented, or cozy, were tops on my list. However, comfortable is the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Church Worship

Contributed by Rodney Langley on Jul 29, 2010

A description of New Testament Worship in the 1st Century Church

FUNCTIONS OF THE CHURCH: WORSHIP INTRODUCTION Two weeks ago we looked at the nature of worship in the early church. We saw from John 4:23-24 that their worship was in spirit and truth and from I Corinthians 14:40 that it was to be done decently and in order. Today we will examine the acts of ...read more

Scripture: John 4:23-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Glory In The Church Series

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Aug 10, 2010

Paul’s prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21) begins with “your glory” (v. 13b) and ends with “glory” (v. 21) This is a simple passage on how to pray for each other. These four things give God the glory He deserves/desires:

Paul’s prayer (Ephesians 3:14-21) begins with “your glory” (v. 13b) and ends with “glory” (v. 21) This is a simple passage on how to pray for each other. Reminder: The Church is not the building, nor the services, but the people (v. 15) These four things give God the glory He ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Leadership In The Church

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jan 16, 2010

Talents (Gifts) are not the root but the fruit of our salvation. God has given us gifts, so we can be useful in His kingdom. There are no excuses for not being fruitful.

Leadership In the Church Text: Matthew 25: 14-30 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Church Purpose Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jan 19, 2010

A review of Paul's challenge to the church regarding its purpose and the importance of pressing forward to serve Christ by serving others.

BACKGROUND TO PHILIPPIANS LOVE LETTER WRITTEN TO A CHURCH encouraging them of their purpose. Q: What is the Purpose of the Church? Q: What is Your Purpose to the Church? KEY VERSE: PHILIPPIANS 3:12 READ VERSE 12 1. ‘not that I have already obtained all this’ (3.12) ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of The Church

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jan 26, 2010

THE CHALLENGE TO THE CHURCH IS TO FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION IN THE MOST COMPASSIONATE WAY POSSIBLE. THIS SERMON LOOKS AT SOME ISSUES THE CHURCH FACES IN ACCOMPLISHING THIS

THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHURCH MATTHEW 16:13-20 INTRODUCTION: TELL THE JOKES ABOUT LITTLE HARRY AND PETER, TWO CHILDREN WHERE ONE IS INTRODUCING THE OTHER TO HIS CHURCH: 1. ONE JOKE IS ABOUT HOW LONG THE MINISTER SPEAKS 2. THE HONOUR ROLL AT THE BACK OF THE CHURCH NOW I REALIZE THAT THESE ARE OLD ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

State Of The Church

Contributed by Tracey Evans on Jan 26, 2010

THIS SCRIPTURE WAS WRITTEN BY THE PROPHET JEREMIAH TO JUDAH;IT CAN BE APPLIED TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD TODAY.

JEREMIAH 2:13 ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE THINE INIQUITY,THAT THOU HAST TRANSGRESSED AGAINST THE LORD THY GOD,AND HAST SCATTERED THY WAYS TO THE STRANGERS UNDER EVERY GREEN TREE,AND YE HAVE NOT OBEYED MY VOICE,SAITH THE LORD. THE OUESTION IS OFTEN ASKED WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH TODAY? WHY DOES SHE HAVE ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13

Denomination: Holiness

Shacking With The Church Series

Contributed by Frank Edwards on Jan 26, 2010

There are millions of people today who live together, enjoy each other's company but do not share a relationship of mutual trust and commitment. On the outside they look happy, but on the inside they are unwilling or unable to make a full commitment.

SHACKING WITH THE CHURCH- There are millions of people today who live together, enjoy each other's company but do not share a relationship of mutual trust and commitment. On the outside they look happy, but on the inside they are unwilling or unable to make a full commitment. One of the unique ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Church In Jerusalem

Contributed by Bob Soulliere on Feb 6, 2010

That church was the hottest church in the New Testament...or since. They were the poorest church (Paul took offerings from other churches to support them) and yet they won more souls and offered the greatest threat to Satan. They suffered more and yet had

Acts 6:7 THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM 7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. The verse we have just read is an excellent description of the church in Jerusalem. That church was the hottest church ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Letters To The Churches

Contributed by Joshua Hetrick on Nov 20, 2010

Letters to the Churches

Letters to the Churches Revelation Two Introduction: 1. Letters to the Churches a. The Lord is making certain command on these first century churches. b. Christ is the head of these churches c. Each Church was to read what was said to the others 2. Spiritual threats to the Churches a. Paganism ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Church In Prayer

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 22, 2010

The Church In Prayer. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Following Jesus requires action! We see that action in two ways: • The context is evangelism (sharing our faith with others); • Last week you probably noted that • Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (Jewish court); • Their crime verse 2 tells us was: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Brethren

Changing Church

Contributed by Charles Jones on Nov 27, 2010

This message deals with the fear of stepping out of our traditions and moving freely with the Holy Spirit.

"Changing Church" - Luke 5:35-39 by Bishop Charles Jones In his book entitled changing church author c peter wagner states that there is a whole generation of believers in this second apostolic age who are not nearly as interested in the fine points and details of theology as past generations ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:35-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Church With Favor Series

Contributed by Tom Owen on Dec 7, 2010

Learning how to be the church in today's world through learning from the book of Acts.

[Computer comparisons – slow vs. fast.] You know churches can be a lot like those two computers. Some churches can be so cluttered with stuff and so outdated that they don’t operate efficiently. They’re more frustrating than joyful. They take so much effort to do what ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:40-47

Denomination: Baptist