Sermons on The Spirit Of Grace:

The Sights And Sounds Of Christmas

Contributed by Michael Luke on Dec 27, 2003

A look at the original sights and sounds of Christmas to remind us that our cultural conceptions of Christmas tend to be faulty.

SPECIAL DAY: CHRISTMAS TEXT: LUKE 2:1-20 (Don’t read yet) TITLE: “THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS” INTRODUCTION: A. Steve Malone relates a parody of Luke’s account of the birth of Christ, that really underscores just how far our world has let the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You A Spiritual Pilgrim Or Tourist?

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Jul 15, 2004

Abraham is shown to be a spiritual Pilgrim on his journey to the City of God, as seen in his Call to a New Life, his Response by Faith, his Courageous Commitment, his Persistence in Difficulty and in Reaching his Goal.

Istanbul, formerly the historic Constantinople, was an early centre of Christianity. One of the tourist attractions is the huge building called the Aghia Sophia. The guide summarised its history as a church, then a mosque and now a tourist attraction, like this: 800 years dedicated to Christ; ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Pray Expectantly Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 25, 2004

If we are going to pray expectantly, we must: 1. Pray passionate prayers. 2. Pray persistent prayers. 3. Pray believing prayers.

It was around 1870 when New York City had one of the most hotly contested mayor’s races in its history. The incumbent was Mayor John Tweed. Everybody called him “Boss Tweed,” and it was a name that suited him well. The time came when he ran for reelection, and Boss Tweed’s political machine ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-16

Denomination: Methodist

The Search For True Happiness

Contributed by James May on Jul 25, 2004

The search for true, lasting happiness and fulfillment in life always ends with finding Christ as Savior. The happiness that the world offers is fleeting and false.

The Search for True Happiness by Pastor Jim May In today’s church, more than ever before, it is so easy to go after things that we believe will bring true happiness. But what we often find after we have obtained what we sought after is most often far less than what we thought it would be and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:39

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lessons Learned Series

Contributed by David Moore on Aug 3, 2004

The hardest lesson I have ever had to learn was that I am not in control of my life. And it is a lesson I have to learn over and over, it seems like each day I have to learn again that my life is not my own, but rather, I am a servant of the Master. God w

I have had to learn a number of lessons in my lifetime. Some have been good lessons about humanity and myself, and some have been surprisingly hard lessons to learn about others, and about myself. Some lessons you only have to learn once, like to take a rain poncho when you are backpacking, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

At The Heart Of The Matter It Is Really A Matter Of The Heart Series

Contributed by A.t. Stewart on Aug 3, 2004

Soul satisfaction comes from a heart that is captivated with Jesus.

AT THE HEART OF THE MATTER IT’S REALLY A MATTER OF THE HEART LUKE 7:36-50 CPS: Soul satisfaction comes from a heart that is captivated with Jesus. Introduction Today we are beginning our August emphasis: Finding soul satisfaction in God. Deep down we all want to be satisfied—content. Yet, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

The Choice Is Yours!

Contributed by Steve Malone on Aug 9, 2004

As we study our text today, we will see that the words of Joshua to the Israelites apply to us as well, and that we too have a choice to make.

"THE CHOICE IS YOURS" TEXT: JOSHUA 24:1-27 INTRODUCTION Making choices is a part of life, we make choices everyday. Some of the choices that we make are really not that big of a deal, things like: what color socks should I wear today, what should we do for dinner or ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

My Heart Is Troubled

Contributed by Dawn Marie Turner on Apr 9, 2003

Our hearts may be troubled, our hearts may be heavy with life happenings or past problems but put it into perspective; there is always someone out there that has it worse than you or I and we all have something in common; Christ walked that road, he took

1. Jeremiah 31 31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD , "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34, John 12:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

He Leads Us

Contributed by W Pittendreigh on Apr 19, 2003

Examining why we don’t want to be led by God

Psalm 23:1-6 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Do You Do With The Resurrection?

Contributed by Jim Kane on Apr 27, 2003

We respond to the resurrection in one of three ways – denial, disbelief, or belief.

A new form of TV program has taken both the airways and us by storm - reality TV. Shows such as Survivor, The Batchelor, The Batchelorette, Married By America, The Mole, and Fear Factor, have created thousands and even millions of loyal fans. Survivor seems to have started the trend, but I suggest ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Matthew 28:11-15

Denomination: Church Of God

A Single New Humanity Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Apr 27, 2003

In the past we were alienated from God and from others, but now we have been reconciled to God through the work of Jesus Christ, so let’s seek to live for the future, for a time when all of God’s people will be joined as one, in a new heaven and a new ear

One of the things we love to do is to remember the past. We keep journals and photo albums, we tell stories and reminisce, all to preserve our memories. On the other hand there are some memories that we don’t want to remember. Memories of past hurts, of things we’ve done that we’re ashamed of. Some ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Anglican

"Batten Down The Hatches – Preparing For The Storm” Series

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Apr 30, 2003

I’m convinced that if we want to have the resources we’ll need for a time of crisis, then there are some preparations that each of us must make.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX ILL. Claudia was a newlywed in her 20’s when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease & given only a 50% chance of survival. Quickly she was operated on & began cobalt treatments that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Today, You Will Be With Me In Paradise" Series

Contributed by Kevin Cummins on May 1, 2003

We can always learn lessons from a thief, usually it’s what not to do. But in this case this thief teaches us four lessons that are worth following if we want to hear those words someday for ourselves, "Today, you will be with me in Paradise."

Last week we started a series on the seven statements of Christ from the cross. Words that give us tremendous insight for our own lives. Last week in the words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”, we saw the forgiveness of Christ as he forgave the very people who were ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:39-43, Luke 2:43

Denomination: Church Of God

Fireside Chat

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Jan 11, 2005

A call to trust God for the future

This morning, I want to do something quite different for the sermon portion of the morning. Often in our country presidents will take a special time to share varioius thoughts with the people of the country. This morning, I want to do a “fireside chat” type presentation, about many subjects, that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Comfort-Able Christianity

Contributed by Ryan Sato on Jan 13, 2005

“COMFORT-able” Christian faith…. A faith that is able to comfort ‘cuz it’s grounded in reality of the ups and downs of life. (Don’t ya hate it when someone is trying to comfort you and they’re not in touch with reality….or there not even connecting with

Opener: There’s always talk of needing to get out of our Comfort zones….And often it is thought of as noble or daring but in the end, don’t we all just long for comfort??? At the end of the day are we a people who long to have a miserable night or are we thinking “once I get home, I’m gonna put ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist