Sermons on Thoughtful:

Before The Hurricane

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Sep 16, 2017

This is a brief conversation that I had with our congregation right before Hurricane Irma was projected to hit our community as a Category 4 storm. I thought some may be able to use it when looking at am impending community disaster.

We Are Family Lakewood COG | Pastor Jonathan Vorce | 9-10-2017 Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Later tonight we are supposed to experience a Category 4 Hurricane here in the Greater Tampa area. I want ...read more

Denomination: Church Of God

The Noise Of War Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 22, 2017

Joshua heard the commotion in the camp and thought it was the "noise of war". He was partly right and partly wrong. Do you know what Israel was doing and why... and do you understand why God and Moses were so furious with the people?

At the turn of the century, there was an Iowa singing group named the Cherry Sisters. Following one of their concerts a reporter for The Des Moines Register ran a scathing review He wrote that "Their long skinny arms, equipped with talons at the extremities... waved frantically at the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:15-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Shall I Render To The Lord

Contributed by Antonius Fu on Apr 30, 2022

Have you ever thought about the grace you receive from God? What is that? What shall we render to the Lord for all of His benefits toward us? Through this psalm, the psalmist gives us invaluable answers.

Today, from Psalm 116 we will learn how to be grateful and reflect on the question: "What shall I render to the Lord?" This is the question of David's self-examination, as mentioned in Psalm 116:12, What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I believe that such ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Cornerstone Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Apr 3, 2022

Placing the stone in your hand at the foot of the cross means that you are willing to no longer see yourself or the world as the guiding force at the center of your life and remind you that Jesus is the Cornerstone that guides our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions.

Cornerstone. The “cornerstone” is the first stone that is set when you start building with stone or brick. It’s the most important part of the building because the position of all the other stones or bricks are determined by the cornerstone. [Hold up piece of paper or bulletin.] Imagine that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:1-11, Jeremiah 7:25-26, Psalm 118:23

Denomination: United Methodist

The Character Of God

Contributed by Gregory Peterson on Aug 17, 2022

Have you ever thought about what God is – His character. You may not realize it, but that is what He desires us to become. These verses have a lot to show us about becoming more like our Lord.

Have you ever thought about what God is – His character. You may not realize it, but that is what He desires us to become. These verses have a lot to show us about becoming more like our Lord. In context Micah is beginning a hymn of praise that concludes his song of victory as He looks to the ...read more

Scripture: Micah 7:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Mercy Instead Of Sacrifice

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 11, 2022

The Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with tax collectors. They thought they were better than Matthew, as they went around acting holy. Outward show doesn’t determine a person’s relationship with God. It's about the heart.

This morning I am going to touch on the subject of “hypocrisy.” It’s difficult to preach on this subject matter because none of us are without some form of hypocrisy in our life. Jesus told us not to point out the splinter in our brother’s eye until we have removed the log in our own eye (Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Peace, Be Still

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Sep 18, 2024

A storm arose on the sea and the disciples thought they were going to die. In the storms of life, Jesus speaks into our circumstances. He is working to either calm the storm or quiet our heart. When we trust in Him, we find peace.

Allow me to begin our sermon with an illustration. “Horatio Spafford was a Chicago lawyer and friend of evangelist Dwight L. Moody. In 1873, to visit Moody’s preaching campaign in England, he planned a trip for his family to Europe, and sent his wife Anna and daughters on ahead. But the ship ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27

Denomination: Baptist

Blinded By Fear Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 29, 2023

Gideon was hiding in a wine press due to fear, yet God called him a mighty man of valor. What can this teach us about dealing with our fears? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

Read text. Pray. We’ve been talking about blind spots for a few weeks now. What immediately comes to mind when you hear the term blind spots? Driving, right? One of the first things you’re taught is to scan the horizon and check your mirrors so you know what’s around you. Even with that, before ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:11-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Journey He Made Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 24, 2023

John helps us see that the Word is God, creator, light, man. The journey Jesus made started before creation and will last for eternity. What does that mean for us? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister, Scott Jewell.

I’ve heard a lot of people talking about when is the right time to get into the Christmas spirit? How do you know you’re ready to celebrate this holiday? For some, it means putting the outdoor decorations up as early as the day after Halloween (after all, why not get that done before it’s freezing ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-5, John 1:9-14, Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fear Factor Series

Contributed by Patty Groot on Jun 4, 2025

Have you ever felt that twinge of nervousness when you thought about walking across the street to introduce yourself to a neighbor? That little voice in your head that says, "What if they think I'm weird?"

This morning we are in the last of a three part series on the book entitled: The Art of Neighboring. Last week we were challenged to make a block map. This week we’re challenged to go a step further. Have you ever felt that twinge of nervousness when you thought about walking across the street to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:27-32

Go! And Walk To Please God – Psalm 147:11 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 31, 2025

A Call to Live a Life that Brings Joy to Our Heavenly Father - Is God pleased with your walk? Not your Sunday best, not your public worship, but your walk—your daily life, your private moments, your thoughts and intentions?

Go! And Walk to Please God A Call to Live a Life that Brings Joy to Our Heavenly Father Introduction: "The Lord is pleased with those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love." – Psalm 147:11 (NLT) Church, let me ask you something personal and powerful: Is God pleased with ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 6:16-19, Hebrews 11:5-6, Genesis 5:24, Jude 1:14-15, Romans 8:6-8, Romans 6:9, Acts 2:38, Romans 7:25, Romans 8:16-17, Luke 15:7, Psalm 147:11, Matthew 17:5, John 8:29, Hebrews 13:21, Matthew 5:48, Luke 22:42, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, 1 John 3:1, Psalm 145:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Wisdom That Wins Outsiders

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Sep 30, 2025

Someone once said, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” That’s a sobering thought. The way we speak, work, and react when we are wronged often becomes the first sermon unbelievers hear.

Introduction Someone once said, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” That’s a sobering thought. The way we speak, work, and react when we are wronged often becomes the first sermon unbelievers hear. That is why Paul urges, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 25:11, Colossians 4:5-6

04 - James 1:26-2:13 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Aug 22, 2021

This is the 4th of 11 Studies in the Book of James and talks about the need to control the use of our tongues, defines pure and undefiled religion and the warns against discrimination against the poor in the church.

James 1:26 26 “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. After speaking about trials, seeking wisdom, money, temptations and obeying the word of God, James now turns his attention to what it means to be ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27, James 2:1-13, James 1:18, Matthew 6:24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

An Open Door

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Jun 10, 2002

The apostle Paul would call this “An Open Door.” He refers to this thought in his first letter to the Corinthians. Today, we will be equipped in how to know a new opportunity or an open door when we see it and how to make a proper decision.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: I remember applying to graduate school back in 1994. I submitted all of the necessary papers and finally received my acceptance letter. I was so excited that June day as I read my letter of acceptance. That letter meant so much to me that I kept it. [Read a portion ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:5-9

Salt: The Maintainer Of Health

Contributed by Norris Harris I on Mar 3, 2003

Since verses 13-16, discloses how we are to Function in a world that hates us, I thought it would be helpful if we would look at One of the Functions of Salt as the Maintainer of Health. One of the primary functions of Salt is to Maintain Health, to keep

In Verses 13-16, Jesus reveals Our Function in a world that hates us, even Our Relationship to a world that has gone mad. In summing up the Attitude of Kingdom Citizens, the Lord now turns to those 12 young, eager, enthusiastic disciples who were nearest to Him on the mountain; and He says to them ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13

Denomination: Baptist