Sermons on Tom Ellsworth:

The Problem With Power Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Aug 21, 2006

When we draw close to Jesus sometimes the aura of His power makes us feel powerful on our own. Luke 9 teaches us lessons on the real source of power and the real cost of discipleship.

What’s the famous line from American Express? Not Karl Malden saying "Don’t leave home without it" but this: "membership has its privileges." It was supposed to suggest that special things await you and only you if you get this card. The slogan is successful because it appeals to something in us ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:37-62

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Morning After Christmas Eve Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Dec 26, 2005

Do you ever experience spiritual highs followed by big time lows? Did Mary and Joseph experience that the morning after Jesus birth? How do we cope with defeat and weakness? Learn the lessons from 3 figures in the Bible.

One of my most exciting experiences of the year as a child was Christmas morning - I looked forward with anticipation to tearing through my presents to see what new GI Joe doll I’d get or Hot Wheels set awaited me. I’d been on pins and needles all Christmas night - hardly able to sleep. But there ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Church Of Tolerance

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jan 9, 2006

In our society today, tolerance is considered a virtue. But our definition of it has changed - and accepting and even applauding any and every practice will weaken and pollute our lives. Learn how to safeguard your church and your life from compromise.

When I read verses 18-29 I picture a church in turmoil - a good church with good people that has been infiltrated with those who would exploit weakness and draw off believers into immorality. The good people stand by and watch - and mourn. The church in Thyatira was small - and sometimes in a small ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Waking The Dead Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jan 9, 2006

We are studying the church at Sardis. How do you wake up a dead church or a dead believer? Learn how Christians and churches can fall into a coma and how important it is to stay awake in your relationship with Jesus.

I had a dream the other night. I was dreaming that I was asleep. Yes, I know that sounds very strange - but then my dreams often are very strange - perhaps an outgrowth of my personality. Anyway - I dreamed that I was asleep and that I at some point wished to wake up. That’s where the trouble ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jan 17, 2006

Do you feel insignificant in your service to God? You may be more powerful than you thought. Or do you feel pretty secure? You may be more in need and weak than you thought. Take some advice from Philadelphia and Laodicea.

Even as the Philadelphian church doesn’t receive even one rebuke - the church at Laodicea receives not one commendation - the contrast couldn’t be more stark - and that’s not the only contrast we’ll see as we compare these two churches. -The church at Philadelphia was small in appearance but ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-22

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Reverse The Curse Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jan 23, 2006

Many times we don’t realize that the pain and suffering of this world is caused by a curse that God will reverse during the Tribulation. Learn the origins, effects, and ending of this worldwide curse.

Revelation 22:3 "And there shall be no more curse…" KJV Why do we care about the curse and how God reverses it in Revelation? Because we all feel the effects of the curse each day of our lives. Our bodies decay, the people we love die, there are famines to endure, we have to work for food and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:3

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

What Is Heaven Like? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Feb 1, 2006

We see in Revelation 4 that the first words John hears are worship - and that the highest order of angels and the best of the redeemed humans bow to God - what does that tell us about our activities here on earth?

Chapter 4 marks a huge shift in the book of the Revelation. First, we leave the epistle section of chapters 2 and 3 where Jesus Himself wrote to the church. Second we leave the church age itself. Third we enter into the main section of the book - apocalyptic literature takes over from epistle. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Scroll

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Feb 13, 2006

John weeps in heaven as no one is found who can take control of planet earth\’s destiny - until a slain Lamb who is standing comes to claim ownership. We also learn about what happens to our prayers when they don\’t seem to be answered.

I remember one Christmas when one of my presents was a small box, tied with a bow. I opened it up and inside was just a little piece of metal. Not very cool you say. Well, for a 16 year old it meant a great deal. That little piece of metal was in the shape of a car key. No, my parents hadn’t given ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

God Speaks Out Of Storms

Contributed by Tom Doubt on Oct 29, 2003

Surviving a hurricane reminds us that God speaks to us out of the storms of life.

GOD SPEAKS OUT OF A STORM Dr. Tom Doubt, Senior Pastor Four Mile Creek Baptist Church [Sunday after Hurricane Isabel] BACKGROUND: A. Illustration: When I was a youngster, I thought my aunt Isabel was an exciting and interesting character. 1. The adults in our family described her ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:1

Denomination: Baptist

Turn On The Power!

Contributed by Tom Lovorn on Nov 9, 2003

This is a practical sermon reminding us how we get the Holy Spirit, how we receive the Spirit’s power, how we can prove the Spirit’s power, and how we can live daily in the fullness of the Spirit’s power.

(Flashlight illustration inspired from www.SermonCentral.com) Preparation: Have a flashlight ready with parts separated, ie. lens, bulb, batteries, and 2 or 3 small pieces of red tissue paper stuffed down under the batteries Introduction In Acts 8 we can read about some Samaritans who were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:25, John 14:26

Denomination: Baptist

The Body Of Christ

Contributed by Tom Lovorn on Nov 9, 2003

This is a practical Communion sermon dramatically demonstrating how the Passover elements were used by Jesus to establish the memorial we call The Lord’s Supper.

(An adaptation of the sermon of the same title by Pat Cook on www.SermonCentral.com) Luke 22:19 Preparation: Choir comes down after singing. Soloist is prepared to sing "Broken and Spilled Out" later. Have table uncovered and set for Seder with Unity Napkin and four cups of wine. Have enough ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:19

Denomination: Baptist

Flee From Harm Series

Contributed by Tom Doubt on May 15, 2004

This is the last of 5 messages on the F’s of flying with spirutal engine failure, the emergency evacuation plan to FLEE from harm.

FLEE FROM HARM BACKGROUND: A. Illustration: The pilot of a small Piper single engine plane developed engine failure. He continued to FLY the plane, gliding and trying find a place to land. He checked instruments, did everything he knew how, yet he was not able to FIX the problem. He called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Fix The Problem Series

Contributed by Tom Doubt on May 17, 2004

This is the 3rd "F" on how to fly with spiritual engine failure: ask God for wisdom to FIX the problem.

FIX THE PROBLEM BACKGROUND: A. Illustration: Apollo 13 lifted off 2:13 PM April 11, 1970 [Apollo 13 web site]. James Lovell, John Swigert, Fred Haise read their instruments at 55:52:31 into the flight. The master caution light was triggered by low pressure in hydrogen tank #1. At 55:54:57 ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-6

Denomination: Baptist

It Was Not A Silent Night

Contributed by Tom Lawson on May 17, 2004

The Incarnation as Noisy Reality, not Quiet Theology

It Was NOT a Silent Night Incarnation Reality and Myth Introduction: Illustration (humor): Christmas is a time of surprises. A lady was preparing her Christmas cookies. There came a knock at the door. She went to find a man, his clothes poor, obviously looking for some Christmas odd jobs. He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Locusts

Contributed by Tom Rhodes on May 24, 2004

Recent invasion of Cicadas reminds us of locusts of the Bible

Exodus 10 1And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might show these my signs before him: 2And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 10:1-6, Joel 2:25-28

Denomination: Pentecostal