Sermons on Thinking Ahead:

Preparations For The Passage

Contributed by J Bernard Taylor on Nov 30, 2019

For those of us who follow the Lectionary, this Sunday begins the Season of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. It is also the beginning of the Christian year, ending in November. How do we prepare ourselves for the passage of the year ahead of us?

PREPARATIONS FOR THE PASSAGE Introduction For those of us who follow a Lectionary, this Sunday begins the season of Advent, signifying a time of reflection and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. It also marks the beginning of the Christian year, ending next November. Two ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122:1, Romans 13:11-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 10, 2019

If I recognize that my ability to think, to speak, and to share those thoughts comes from God, then I should be very careful of how I use it, don’t you think? How many of you use the gift that God gave you to think about the gift that God gave you … the gift of thought.

“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep. While a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light … and God saw that the light was good” (Genesis ...read more

Scripture: James 3:7-12

Denomination: United Methodist

We Have Come Too Far To Turn Back Now Subtitle The Cross Before Me

Contributed by Joe Rowland on Aug 6, 2012

God sees your confusion, He sees that you really don’t understand why you are going through this situation.You might even have thought about giving up on God, you don’t think that he sees what you are thinking? You might even be thinking that this is not

We Have Come Too Far To Turn Back Now Subtitle The Cross Before Me Psalm 56:6-11 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. 7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God. 8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 56:6-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Betrayal

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Feb 14, 2011

When we think of betrayal we think of people like Benedict Arnold who betrayed George Washington. We think of a spy or double agent. We understand the feelings that come with someone betraying us. It’s an emotional let down. When we’re betrayed we’re hurt

BETRAYAL INTRODUCTION: When we think of betrayal we think of people like Benedict Arnold who betrayed George Washington. We think of a spy or double agent. We might think of reality shows like “Survivor” or “The Mole”. We’ve all experienced it on some level. We ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:14-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Responding To Persecution Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 8, 2023

Will we experience increased persecution in the days ahead? If so, will we respond in a way that facilitates the work of the Holy Spirit, or will we respond in the flesh, pursuing worthy goals in an unworthy manner? Message examines biblical revelation of how to respond.

Intro Persecution: Will we experience increased persecution in the days ahead? If so, will we be prepared and equipped to handle it well? These are questions that naturally arise as we read our text today. It’s found in Matthew 5:10--12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-26, John 3:19-20, 1 Peter 2:1-24, 1 Corinthians 4:11-18, Acts 5:41, Matthew 5:44, 2 Timothy 4:1-6, Matthew 13:1-21, Hebrews 10:26-29, Mark 8:34, 2 Timothy 2:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Path Of The Older Brother Series

Contributed by Chad Moore on Apr 11, 2010

prod⋅i⋅gal [prod-i-guhl] - wastefully or recklessly extravagant: prodigal expenditure. You think you know the story of “The Prodigal Son”? Think again.

prod⋅i⋅gal [prod-i-guhl] - wastefully or recklessly extravagant: prodigal expenditure. The Father and the Older Brother …"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:20-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

According To Your Faith

Contributed by Dr. David Wesner on May 18, 2015

As a Believer, Faith, not emotions overcomes the world. As a Believer, Faith, not rational thinking defines who we are. As a Believer, Faith, not rational thinking is the filter through which we see everything. You are a Believer!!

Jesus walked on the earth over 2000 years ago. His Disciples walked with Him, watched Him closely, heard His voice. They were eyewitnesses to His miracles. Yet, even they had trouble taking in everything they were seeing. We are 2000 years removed from those moments. We have to decide whether we ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21

Denomination: Charismatic

The Foolish Blind Spot Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 3, 2022

Foolishness is in our blind spot. I think we all have a ‘foolish blind spot’ when it comes to ourselves and because we don’t see it, we think we are not foolish.

WISE LIVING: THE FOOLISH BLIND SPOT Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 #wiseliving2022 READ ECCLESIASTES CHAPTER 10:1-20 [person from the congregation] INTRODUCTION…Donkey in Lion’s Skin (fablesofaesop.com/the-ass-in-the-lions-skin.html) There is an old story about how a donkey found a lion’s skin left in the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Individualism Series

Contributed by Scott Berry on Aug 27, 2020

Have you ever thought about why you think the way you do? What are the cultural lenses that you are looking through? Let us think about the water we are swimming in.

Rom 12: 9 – 21 Looking at our lenses: Individualism (Have you spotted consumeristic thinking in yourself this week?) Individualism is the social outlook that stresses independence and self-reliance. Individualists promote the exercise of one's goals and desires, while opposing external ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Baptist

Wrong Perceptions Should Be Subjected To Truth

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 4, 2010

Too many people think their perception is reality but it must be subjected to the truth or it can become extremely dangerous.

Wrong Perceptions Should Be Subjected to Truth (Matthew 15:15-17) Matthew 15:17-20 (New International Version) 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:15-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

United We Stand Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Aug 30, 2015

When we think of the problems in the Corinthian Church they are numerous but Paul chose to address disunity first.

United we stand What a mess! It should have been a model church; after all it had all the earmarks of becoming the greatest church in the denomination. Its founding pastor was the most prolific church planter in the denomination; the next man was by far the best preacher that could be offered and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

Finding Direction In Life

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Jan 13, 2025

So many are wondering, "What is my purpose?". This message allows people to think through that question

Introduction We’ve all asked the question at some point: *What is my purpose?* Life often feels like a winding road with twists, turns, and uncertainties. Sometimes we wonder, "Am I on the right path?" This morning, we’ll explore how to find direction in life through faith in God. 1. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, Luke 22:42

Fast Forward

Contributed by Todd Pope on Nov 10, 2010

Learning to fast forward our thinking about the consequences of our actions will lead to a more godly life.

Have you ever been distracted? Accused of not paying attention? Look at some of these fine examples... It seems an epidemic has encompassed our culture. Distracted drivers. Have you ever passed someone shaving, putting on make-up, texting, eating, etc. while driving? Listen to these ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

It's Not Over Until It's Over

Contributed by James May on Jul 31, 2005

Let us not get our focus drawn to the things of this world and let them keep us from remembering that there is a Day of Judgment coming. Prosperity in this life isn’t worth losing the promise of Heaven in the eternity that lies ahead.

It’s Not Over Until It’s Over By Pastor Jim May I received an email this week from a young man who realized that so much of the “gospel messages” that we hear today are not gospel at all. He has come to a realization that the messages preached by most TV and radio evangelists are no longer a ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Lord's Provision Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jun 2, 2010

Jesus understood the needs of His disciples before they knew they had a problem. He was preparing them for the trying days He knew were ahead. He was making provision for them so that they could continue to live victorious lives.

The Lord’s Provision Acts 1:1-11 Series Introduction The Early Church turned its world upside down for Christ. It spread the good news of Jesus in the face of extremely hostile conditions. And the church made an impression on its world. Some of the messages I want to share with you over ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist