Sermons on The Inner Court:

The Difference A Child Maakes: Zechariah Discovers Hope

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Dec 16, 2019

What would Zechariah say if he were suddenly dropped in our world? Perhaps he would tell us about his struggle to maintain hope and how God came and met his deepest longings.

Good morning. My name is Zechariah. I understand from your pastor that you observe this day as the Second Sunday in Advent and that you are preparing yourselves for the birth of the Messiah. Well, I was there when God was first preparing Israel for the Messiah. And so your pastor asked me to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-17

Reconciliation Through The Cross

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Feb 23, 2023

Oh, it only takes little things to cause hostilities between people. And once started, it is difficult for them to reconcile. Even little things can cause whole nations to be at war. It doesn't take much.

Alba 2-19-2023 RECONCILIATION THROUGH THE CROSS Ephesians 2:14-18 A minister and his wife were going to give a mid-morning garden party. They invited everyone with engraved invitations. The back yard of the parsonage was manicured, tables decorated the lawn, the clematis vine and rose bushes ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:14-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thanksgiving Turns Us Inside Out Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on Apr 17, 2008

When our mind is set up on the things of the Spirit, we will be “outward focused.” When our mind is set upon the things of the flesh, we re “inward focused.” Thanksgiving directs our attention toward God.

1. Review of Inside Out a. We are selfish, self-centered and self-absorbed. b. We turn to meeting our own needs and our own wants all too easily. c. God doesn’t want us to be that way. i. How do I know that? Because that is what is at the core of what we call sin – self. ii. If you think about this ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5

Denomination: Baptist

Not Giving Up: The Disciple Who Is Renewed From The Inside Out - 2 Corinthians 4:16 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 2, 2026

Discipleship is not a sprint; it is a long obedience in the same direction. Following Jesus is glorious—but it is also costly, stretching, and often exhausting.

Not Giving Up: The Disciple Who Is Renewed from the Inside Out - 2 Corinthians 4:16 “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT) Introduction: Following Jesus When Life Wears You Down Church, discipleship is not a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Isaiah 40:31, Romans 8:10-11, John 15:4-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 10:9, Numbers 6:24-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Lamb: The Image Of The Human

Contributed by Paul Kallan on Jan 17, 2003

Today we are accustomed to a weaponsculture. Man develops inner psychological weapons as well as external physical weapons. But we need to develop a culture that tries to make the weak stronger.

Some years ago, there was a very famous film star, MG Ramachandran by name, in Tamil Nadu in India. In his films he always acted as a fighter of injustice and a saviour of the poor, the helpless and the oppressed. He was the saviour who wiped the tears of misery and showed the helpless the way to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-42

Denomination: Catholic

Hearing And Recognising God When He Speaks To Us

Contributed by Chris Blackshaw on Sep 28, 2009

We all hear and experience God in different ways with some it is through thoughts, feelings, inner voices we have to recognise God’s voice and respond to it.

Christianity is unique among religions, for it alone offers a personal relationship with the Creator beginning here and now, and lasting throughout eternity. Jesus declared, “This is eternal life – that they may know God” (Jn. 17:2). Unfortunately, many in the Church miss the great blessing of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-19, 1 Samuel 3:1-18

Denomination: Methodist

The Child In You

Contributed by Gregory Thomas on Jan 13, 2016

The child in you can be the determining factor in life, which can be lead and be misled. In most people the Inner child not only survives but thrives as a bawling, brawling, sprawling character.

1 Corinthians 13:11 Introduction Nathan Bernardo of Psychology and Psychiatry States in a February 2015 article The difficult person is essentially immature. Now, I don't use that word immature in the usual and customary sense. Most people judge maturity according to how much someone conforms to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Peter Walked On Water

Contributed by Gregory Lilly on Mar 21, 2014

Although Peter is seen as an outspoken member of Jesus' Inner Circle, this message reveals the degree of Peter's faith in Who Jesus is and shows us what truly was in his heart.

Matthew 14:29-31 Peter was oftentimes outspoken and yes, sometimes his mouth got him into trouble. On this occasion, though, his mouth opened up the door to an opportunity to reveal the strength of his faith. Although we like making fun of Peter and some of the things that he said, all of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:29-31

Denomination: Baptist

Sixteen Signs Of A True Believer Part 6 Series

Contributed by Larry Wilson on Jul 9, 2010

Sermon 10 in the series, "Things that Accompany Salvation." John presents 16 tests to examine our faith. This sermon: Do I have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit?

Series: Things That Accompany Salvation Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. Message 10: Sixteen Signs of a True Believer (Part VI) (2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Jn. 3:24) 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:24

Denomination: Baptist

Perfect Peace

Contributed by Bruce Collingwood on Aug 19, 2020

When the bible speaks about God's peace it’s inner peace that transcends all outward chaos. It’s a gift, of perfect peace !

A man was looking for the perfect picture of peace, so he announced an art contest and invited artists to produce a masterpiece of peace. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally, the day arrived to reveal the art and the judges ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Denomination: Other

Judging According To James Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jun 9, 2023

James tells us that showing partiality is wrong. Part 4 of a series.

Appearances James 2:1-13 June 11, 2023 ENTRANCE AND DISCUSSION - - - - - The words I say today are not predicated on what I wear, but what comes from the Word of God. As we continue on our journey through James, seeking to become more authentic Christians, James warns us about showing ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Misunderstood In The Temple Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jan 13, 2025

As we live our life of faith, the Holy Spirit will always be there to defend us in our time of need.

Misunderstood in the Temple Text: Acts 21:26-36 Introduction 1. Illustration: One day, C.H. Spurgeon was walking through the English countryside with a friend. As they strolled along, the evangelist noticed a barn with a weathervane on its roof. At the top of the vane were these words: GOD IS LOVE. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:15-25

Denomination: Methodist

"Intruder Or Welcomed Friend?"

Contributed by Mark Hensley on Dec 10, 2002

Let’s not miss the real story of Christmas!

Southern Hills Baptist Church December 8th 2002 Intruder or Welcomed Friend? Luke 2:6-7 By Pastor Mark Hensley 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Unspectacular Faith: The Story Of Esther

Contributed by Terry Barnhill on Jan 28, 2009

Often times our attempts to be faithful servants of God make us feel so alienated from those around us, that it seems impossible to both “serve God” and “be in this world” at the same time.

Scripture: Esther 9:20-22 I Peter 4:7-11 Dean Willimon of Duke University tells of a conversation he had with a student who had recently transferred to the university and joined their Bible study. Willimon relates: “The student told me how much he was enjoying his Bible study group here at ...read more

Scripture: Esther 9:20-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

An Invitation From The Throne

Contributed by John Perry on Feb 5, 2011

God’s throne is a place where we can both discover & obtain everything we need to live a victorious Christian life.

Suva Sun am 20/05/01 “An invitation from the throne” Intro: T/m I want to minister on something that we seldom think of but none the less has critical impact on our lives. In the book of Revelations we read more about the throne of God than any other book of the Bible. Out of 188 ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16

Denomination: Pentecostal