Sermons on Thinking:

Prodigality, Love And Grace Series

Contributed by Garth Wehrfritz- Hanson on Mar 5, 2016

A few details of this beautiful parable that we may miss or take for granted because we think the story is so familiar.

The so-called parable of the prodigal son is one of the—if not the—most beautiful stories in the whole Bible. God, it is pointed out, is like the father in the story. The beauty and power of this story is made very clear in the description and actions of the father. One of the dangers ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Denomination: Lutheran

Men Of The Bible - John The Baptist Series

Contributed by John Murphy on Oct 25, 2012

We would not think a man like Herod came close to the Kingdom but his closeness to John the Baptist changed all of that

Two months ago we actually looked at two men from the bible. Nehemiah and Ezra. One rebuilt Gods city the other rebuilt Gods people with his statutes. This time I would like to look at two men so different and yet so connected in the bible. The year was 1948 and a young and strange man set up ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

The Thanksgiving Of Grace Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Nov 17, 2006

Even if we think we have nothing else to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, we can be thankful for God’s grace.

The Thanksgiving of Grace Text: Lk. 17:11-19 Introduction 1. Illustration: It’s Thanksgiving Day & the aroma of roast turkey fills Charlie Brown’s house. Snoopy, outside, lying on top of his doghouse, smells that aroma, & he is thinking, “It’s Thanksgiving Day. Everybody eats turkey on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Methodist

Mt. Everest & The Ethics Of Compassion

Contributed by Brian Buriff on Jun 6, 2006

True stories of Mt. Everest climbers abandoned to die and the Good Samaritan story. Re-thinking compassion, outreach and evangelism.

I. MOUNT EVEREST CLIMBER ABANDONED & LEFT TO DIE REUTERS NEWS (May 25, 2006) Mount Everest pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary said Wednesday he was shocked that dozens of climbers left a British mountaineer to die during their own attempts on the world’s tallest peak. David Sharp, 34, died ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Church Of God

Should The Believer Celebrate Halloween?

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Oct 20, 2008

So many believers allow themselves to be deceived into thinking that Halloween is harmless fun, when it honors death, sin and Satan!

Sermon Brief Date Written: October 16, 2008 Date Preached: October 16, 2008 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: Seasonal Sermon Sermon Title: Should the Believer celebrate Halloween? Sermon Text: Ephesians 6:12 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Baptist

A Lot With Little Series

Contributed by Robert Fa’atoia-Collins on May 17, 2010

God uses people even if we do not think they are capable, and He uses anyone no matter who they are and where they are from.

The Book of Joshua represents an emotional high for the nation of Israel, as God’s people conquered Canaan and took possession of the Promised Land. Conversely, the Book of Judges is a huge let down, as the Israelites’ reliance on God falters and opposing nations begin to torment them. ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-27

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Peace Of The Puzzle

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Dec 3, 2009

Some may think it a contradiction to talk of peace at Christmas. For many of us Christmas brings conflict rather than peace.

The Peace of the Puzzle John 14:27 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Psalms 85:8 8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints but let them ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Transformation Choice Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Mar 12, 2010

Transformation can take place when we are singularly motivated to please God in all we think, say and do.

Title: The Transformation Choice Text: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8 Thesis: Transformation can take place when we are singularly motivated to please God in all we think, say and do. Lenten Series: Life’s Healing Choices (Saddleback ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Heaven Can't Wait Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 30, 2016

Heaven is a wonderful promise. But there are those who think it will be boring and tedious. They're wrong - but do you know why?

OPEN: This is the last in our 9 part sermon series from Revelation. A lot of preachers won’t preach through the whole book of Revelation (it me took me 30 years to believe I could do it) because they feel it is a confusing book - and they fear they’ll get things wrong and mess something ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Five Steps To Salvation Series

Contributed by Coz Von on Jul 13, 2016

People who feel alienated from God sometimes think their situation is hopeless, How can we gain hope

I was eleven the day I almost drowned. A “harmless” prank at a summer-camp swimming pool nearly ruined my day—and my life! I was away from home for the first time at Camp Cedar Falls, in Southern California’s San Bernardino mountains. A swim in the camp pool with my friends ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:27, Romans 7:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Great Need For Compassion!

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 7, 2022

Today I want to preach on something that some seem to think is not that important….BUT IT IS! It affects our life everyday.

I want to preach to you about compassion. We miss compassion when we do not have it and we admire it when we see it. Illus: A pastor wrote, "I was in Time’s Square, in New York, during rush hour. Thousands of people were thronging and pushing at the corner, ready to cross at the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Love Mercy

Contributed by John Dobbs on May 25, 2023

To be on the mission of mercy is to love being merciful. Some key ideas that come to mind when I think about this...

THE MISSION OF MERCY Introduction Back in March I sent an email to our elders that has remained on my mind ever since. In part, it read: "I've been contemplating what Forsythe has become over the past couple of years. Our church has really embraced a mission of mercy to the hurting ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:8, Luke 18:13, Matthew 5:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

On Leaving A Legacy Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 7, 2023

The end of Joseph's life provides an opportunity to think about the legacy he left . . . and the legacy we will leave.

- Exodus 1:8 is a pretty famous verse. For good reason too, it provides a nice summary of our situation as we move into the story of Exodus and the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt: a. Israel is in Egypt. b. They are there because of Joseph. c. When Israel got there, they were highly ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

Follow Your Heart Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jul 7, 2023

As we think about this myth that some Christians believe, let’s begin by considering what the heart really is.

- Myths Some Christians Believe - Follow Your Heart Introduction In our series on Myths Some Christians Believe we have talked about: - God won’t give me more than I can handle - God just wants me to be happy - I could never forgive that person All of these can be heard frequently and although ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Final Score

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Mar 19, 2023

So what are you going to get Jesus for his birthday? What do you think he wants most?

As sometimes happens, this sermon took a different turn after I had named it and put together the bulletin. The initial idea was the issue of this new database that the Defense Department is putting together, that has the civil libertarians up in arms over the loss of privacy. Because no matter how ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed