Sermons on The Local Congregation:

Sent, Part 2 Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Feb 19, 2012

In Matthew 10, we have Jesus’ sermon commissioning the disciples for his mission in the world, sending them out to minister in His name. The word “apostle” and “sent” are the same in Greek. That means every Christian is a missionary, one who is sent-out i

James Emery White tells the story a college history professor who was a Christian. The professor would go down to a local nursing home and visit with the elderly men and women there on a weekly basis. Though some were lovingly visited every day by their families – having been sent there ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:7

Denomination: Methodist

Where Are The Pastors?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 22, 2001

So you think you want to be a pastor. or So you think you know how to call a pastor.

Where Are All The Pastors? 1 Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (KJV) In a Dallas/Fort Worth Heritage article, Ron Rose asks, "Where are all the pastors? That is exactly the question I heard in 1977 when I surrendered to preach. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1

Denomination: Baptist

Grumble Or Grow Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 24, 2024

When life gets hard, don’t grumble; grow!

Several years ago (2009), Louis C.K. was on Conan O’Brien’s late-night talk show, where he described today’s entitlement culture. He said in our culture, “Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy.” Take a look (show Louis CK video). Louis talks about how he was on a plane that offered ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:22-27, Exodus 16:1-30, Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 8:28-29, James 1:2-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Revival And Praise Series

Contributed by Maximiliano Zapata on May 14, 2001

In a church you need "Reaching Out", you need "Reaching In" but Revival is about "Reaching Up."

I think, that in talking about Revival, these past two Sundays, I may have caused some confusion over what I mean by that word and the reason for that is because Revival, is not a word that we hear much about in the churches of Christ. We know what the word Retreat means, we know what the words ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-3, Psalm 111:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Build A Complaint Free World

Contributed by Don Hawks on Jun 25, 2007

An invitation is presented to accept a 21 day challenge, and embark upon a complaint-free life and help build a complaint free church and a complaint free world—one person at a time.

I know how easy it is to complain, to find dissatisfaction with a situation or circumstance. In the 1970s, TV’s Saturday Night Live program, one of their skits involved "The Whiner Family." Anybody remember that skit? The family members spoke with a grating, irritating whine. When they engaged in a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Methodist

The Danger Of Playing Church

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 13, 2023

We all have had the similar experience of having our taste buds seduced by a delicious meal.

But the moment we took one bite of that delicious food that looked so good, we immediately knew that one of the main ingredient that would have made this dish taste good, such as salt or pepper, was missing. There are some ingredients that can be omitted and it will ruin the whole dish. There ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

Qualifications For Elders Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 1, 2021

Church leaders are to have an 1) Unblemished public reputation (Titus 1:6a) and must qualify in the specific areas of: 2) Sexual morality (Titus 1:6b), 3) Family leadership (Titus1:6c), and finally 4) General character (Titus 1:7–9).

For the greater part of this century, evangelical Christianity has been deeply committed to the battle for doctrinal purity. But in many circles in recent years it has not been as committed to moral purity, even among its leaders. Inevitably the church has experienced erosion of its integrity and ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Other

Grow - Part Five Series

Contributed by Tim Vamosi on Aug 18, 2011

Fifth in a series through Colossians

GROW - Because Of Who You Are Called To Be OPEN: We've been working our way through the book of Colossians. A letter written by Paul to a church he never really visited. It isn't a very long book, only four chapters long but it contains some of the most powerful teachings in the New Testament. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:21-29

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Your Leadership, Your Effectiveness: A Call To Growth

Contributed by Stanley Daniel on May 12, 2025

Every Christian's spiritual effectiveness and impact for God are limited by their leadership ability, which acts as a ceiling. We must intentionally develop conviction, responsibility, and continuous growth through mentorship.

Introduction Good morning, brothers and sisters. Have you ever sensed a limit on your potential? Perhaps you've worked hard, developed skills, and striven towards a goal, yet felt as though an invisible barrier preventing you from achieving your full effectiveness or having the impact you ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-14, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Can't I Be Saved And Not Go To Church

Contributed by Bo Dunford on Jan 5, 2001

The importance of going to church as a Christian

HEB.10:25-27 "CAN’T I BE SAVED AND NOT GO TO CHURCH?" A) Let me begin by saying that it doesn’t matter at all what you think about the subject, * Nor does it matter what I think about it, but what does the Lord think about it! * And I might add that He says what He thinks about it in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25-27

Denomination: Baptist

Transfiguration A

Contributed by Roger Haugen on Feb 8, 2002

God calls us out to be pioneers, to live off of the mountain taking the revelation of the mountain to our everday life.

Transfiguration Sunday Matthew 17:1-9 10 February 2002 Rev. Roger Haugen Have you ever felt like a pioneer? Doing something new — something you have never done before. Starting a new business, finishing University and starting a career. Some of you may have left a former country and struck out ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

On To Maturity

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 29, 2004

Some believers seem stuck in spiritual infancy; the author of Hebrews urges them to advance to the "meat" of Christian faith & doctrine and start discipling others.

“On To Maturity” Hebrews 5:12-6:12 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts For a young couple, there’s nothing more wonderful than the birth of a baby. But as much as the parents and grandparents love to hold that bundle of joy, it’s their desire that this ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:28

Denomination: Congregational

Sower Of Discord

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Apr 22, 2007

A look at what happens in the church when we divide up into camps and start taking shots at each other.

Dakota Community Church April 22, 2007 Sower of Discord Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, a false ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 6:16-19

Denomination: Mennonite

Dwelling In Dagon's Den

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Apr 3, 2005

Although we live in troublesome times, and life seems fragile and irksome, we are not alone in the universe. Greater is He who protects us than the forces of evil around us. Evil may appear to prevail, but God will have the final word.

“Dwelling in Dagon’s Den”, I Samuel 5. Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts I saw a cartoon last week about the popular PBS Antique Road Show. A woman brought in the Ark of the Covenant, and the appraiser gasped, “Where in the world did you get that?!” The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 5:1-12

Denomination: Congregational

Not "Why, Oh Why?" But Who!

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Oct 9, 2005

Why has this happened to me? I’m sure God asked me to do this, say that, move to that job, challenge that leader! Yes, God asked me to do that and now everything has got worse! Why? What do I do? Who do I trust?

Exodus 5:22 to 6:12 THERE ARE TIMES IN OUR LIVES WHEN WE WANT GOD TO MOVE EXACTLY AS WE WANT HIM TO MOVE. BUT GOD MOVES IN HIS OWN TIME, AND IN HIS OWN WAY. A STORY IS TOLD OF PHILLIP BROOKS, A FAMOUS PASTOR OF THE 19TH CENTURY WHO WAS IN HIS OFFICE WORKING ON A SERMON. HE WAS PACING THE FLOOR AND ...read more

Denomination: Anglican