Sermons on Thief In The Night:

The Peril Of Proud Praying! Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Mar 31, 2003

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is an interesting lesson about pride and humility, which raises three questions: (1) Why did you come to church? (2) What is your attitude in church? and (3) How will you go home?

The Peril of Proud Praying! Luke 18:9-14 by Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION A man with three sons inherited a little over $1 billion dollars. Since he now had all this money, he offered to buy his sons anything they wanted. He stressed money was no object. His first son said he had always wanted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Forgiving The Unforgivable Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 2, 2003

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” The Cross is the only place we can find forgiveness. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, or how often we’ve done it, we can be forgiven - not because we deserve it, but because we don’t.

Forgiving the Unforgivable The last words of a dying person are normally never forgotten. A person’s closing comments often reveal their pain and agony. Some enter eternity without saying anything, while others utter sentiments that disclose their values, priorities, and innermost ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Word Of Triumph Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 2, 2003

“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’” This cry from the Cross is a shout of victory! Jesus fully paid the price for our sins, stamping "paid in full" across the ledger sheet of our lives. Since Jesus paid it all, we don’t have to

The Word of Triumph Do you ever feel like your life is littered with half-completed projects? Even though I value being able to complete what I start, my days are often filled with unfinished business. From my childhood tree fort that had only one wall, to receiving an “Incomplete” in my college ...read more

Scripture: John 19:30

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From A Leper Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 3, 2003

We all have a deadly problem only Jesus can fix. When we admit our need and cry out for Jesus, stepping out in faith, we receive the power to accomplish the directions God gives us according to the Bible.

Lessons from a Leper Luke 17:11-19 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION Have you ever had a totally lousy day? I read about a man who was sitting in a bar, looking at his drink. He stayed like that for half-an-hour. Then, a big trouble-making truck driver stepped up next to him, grabbed the drink from ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

Five Marks Of A Real Disciple Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 9, 2003

Jesus gives us five vivid images teaching us lessons about discipleship and the total commitment it requires

Five Marks of a Real Disciple Luke 14:25-35 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION The main job Jesus left us to do was to make disciples. There is a difference between a believer and a disciple. There is no such thing as an instant disciple; like the word, it takes discipline. A Russian comedian, Yakov ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Skin Of A Reason Stuffed With A Lie Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 9, 2003

The parable of the great banquet is a picture of the invitation God extends to us to come to His eternal banquet of salvation–some accept and others refuse this great invitation.

Excuses: The Skin of a Reason Stuffed with a Lie Luke 14:12-24 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION There is a difference between a reason and an excuse. There are times when we may have a legitimate reason for what we do or don’t do. An excuse is actually the skin of a reason stuffed with a lie. In ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:12-24, Luke 7:16-24

Denomination: Baptist

When You Get Bent Out Of Shape Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 10, 2003

Whatever is broken in your life, Jesus can fix it. When suffering or religious rules bend you out of shape, let Jesus get you bent on the joy of God’s kingdom.

When You Get Bent Out of Shape Luke 13:10-21 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION I recently read a funny story that illustrates how most of us are never satisfied. Frank and Mabel had been married for 40 years. Frank turned 60 a few months earlier and they were celebrating Mabel’s 60th birthday. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-21, Matthew 12:9-14, Luke 13:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

When You Blow It As A Parent Series

Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Apr 18, 2003

As we descend deep into the world of family matters we cross the crevice of “when you blow it as a parent.” I want to help you navigate safely to the base camp of another challenging aspect of the parental climb

David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. David sent the troops out—a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, “I ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:1-9, 2 Samuel 19:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Saying "No” To People Is Saying "Yes” To God Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Apr 28, 2003

Exhausted. Empty. Enslaved. Do those words describe you? I believe that God never piles on more than we can handle. What to do when you are overbooked, overworked, and overstressed. I’ve simply got to learn to say “no” to some of what I’ve been sayi

Several years ago, Maryanne was out of town visiting her family in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I was here at home with Alan who was in school. He was about ten and I was trying to do things that were fun with him. One of those was skateboarding. We live on Wallings Road between Ridge and York in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Joy: Easter, 2003

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Apr 28, 2003

Do you ever feel like this? Emptiness? Exhaustion? Feeling trapped? We’ll meet two people in the Bible who felt this way. But because they met the Risen Jesus, they found joy. And you can, too!

(I used several ideas from Rick Warren’s Easter messages over the last few years for this message. Thanks, Rick! 1980 people attended our services and 63 people prayed to recieve Christ at CVCC this Easter!) * * * I’ve lived in NE Ohio 17 years and I’ve personally talked to hundreds of people ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

Leading Others Upwards Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 13, 2003

Leaders have an obligation to instruct others and not cause people to stumble. This is only possible when we stand in awe of God’s name.

Leading Others Upward There are some things that only a mom can teach… My mother taught me about anticipation: “Just wait until your father gets home!” My mother taught me about medical science: “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they’re going to stay that way.” My mother taught me about ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 2:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Evang-A-What? Series

Contributed by George Alves on May 14, 2003

Evangelism can be a scary thing for some people but it doesn’t have to be. There are many bizzare views about this topic, many "programs" which try to "attact", trap is a better word, normal everyday people. Evangelism need not be a dirty word, nor shou

A Tree, net fishing, Seafood lasagna and 8,000 Krispy Kreme donuts! What does this have to do with today’s topic? What is today’s topic. Over the past 5 weeks we’ve been looking at what our purpose here on earth is. Our Mission on earth as a church and as individuals is 5 fold: Worship Community ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-16

Denomination: Brethren

Unwrapping The Gifts God Has Given You

Contributed by Gene Barron on Mar 1, 2001

Second in a series on Spiritual Gifts

“Understanding and Unwrapping God’s Gifts to You” (Part 2 of 3) Romans 12:1-16 INTRODUCTION A few years ago, the World Press Review carried a quotation from the National Concord of Lagos, Nigeria. That paper reported that twenty-six lakes have been found beneath the Sahara desert. The American ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Share Your Faith Without Being A Jerk Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 8, 2001

Four important principles for sharing our faith in Jesus without being obnoxious about it in a postmodern context.

(Note: This sermon was introduced with a drama called "Nail The Pagan). The reason we laugh  at satire is because there’s an element of truth in it. Sometimes in our enthusiasm to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others we can tend to come across like outreach commandos. We can come off ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:14-21, Romans 9:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Senseless Sentinels

Contributed by Ted Sutherland on Mar 14, 2001

Never did soldiers have so hopeless an assignment. To keep Jeus in the tomb! It would be funny if it were not so tragic. "Senseless sentinels!"

A police officer in a small town stopped a motorist who was speeding down Main Street. “But officer,” the man began, “I can explain.” “Just be quiet,” snapped the officer. “I’m going to let you cool your heels in jail until the chief gets back.” “But, officer, I just wanted to say—,” “I ...read more

Denomination: Baptist