Sermons on Tough Teaching:

At The Cross - The Cross & Friendship Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 19, 2002

The Cross created a situation where the Son of God would call us His friends. How can that be?

OPENING: * I wonder why it’s such a compliment to tell a woman she looks like a breath of spring, but not to tell her she looks like the end of hard winter. Isn’t it the same thing? * I wonder why it pleases her to say time stands still when you look into her face, but not to say her face would ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Does Jesus Really Want Us To Do?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 5, 2004

Thirty-one things Jesus wants us to do even though they do not come naturally.

I John 2:6 - "The one who says he abides in Him ought to walk in a manner in which He Himself once walked." Quote: "If you really want to know the will of God for your life follow the footsteps of Jesus." (Bingham Hunter, Trinity International University) Illustration: As you therefore have ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:6-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Romans 15:4-6,13 Series

Contributed by Zak Saenz on Jan 8, 2007

Romans 15:4-6,13

Romans 15:4-6, 13 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:4-6

Denomination: Bible Church

The Beginning Of Labor Pains Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 18, 2008

We are already feeling the ’birth pangs’ Jesus said would proceed the end times. This world’s contractions are close together, the earth is dilated to 10 & could deliver at any time! Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint Presentation.

The Beginning of Labor Pains End of the World Matthew 24:1-8 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/LaborPains.html Today thru next Sunday, 1/27/08, is Sanctity of Human Life Week, and as always, our church is extremely active year round in promoting life and opposing the atrocity of abortion, which is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Drink The Kool-Aid! Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Jun 26, 2007

How to identify a cult, why they’re so dangerous, how we should respond to our neighbors and friends who are involved in Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christian Science.

*ILL>Fourteen years ago, the sight was "burned into our memories" (pun-intended). David Koresh’s Branch Davidians’ compound, named "Camp Apocalypse", caught on fire as the FBI came to arrest Koresh (actual name Vernon Law) for attempted murder of his son and a number of violations concerning ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Commission Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Oct 18, 2006

This message was written as part of a mission emphasis series. It fits well into a purpose of the church series also. It depicts that the Church is to be on mission for and with Jesus because of who He is and because of what He does.

Matthew 28:16-20 THE GREAT COMMISSION Revelation 5:9-14 Circumstances have provided lengthy opportunities to deepen my thinking about death. If I knew my time to go on to Heaven was near through illness or indication of age, what statement would I leave with those I loved most? What challenge ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Parables Lamp, Seed, Mustard Seed: The Mysterious Principle

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Aug 3, 2007

The three parables are examined in detail. These parables are eschatological in nature. These parables are written to give us reassurance in our faith right now and also to give us insight concerning the nature of the coming of the kingdom of God.

Today in our Scripture Jesus teaches us three short parables which all tie together to form a fuller understanding of who God is and how he operates in our lives. You’ll notice as we read the Scripture today there are some verses that are quite difficult to understand and on a first reading we may ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:21-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Study The Ministry Of Jesus Christ_part 3 Series

Contributed by Richard Goble on Mar 12, 2008

The third of four reasons Luke suggests to study the ministry of Jesus Christ - to gain a perfect understanding of His life, death, and resurrection.

TITLE: WHY STUDY THE MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST SERIES: THE INCOMPARABLE MINISTRY OF JESUS THE MESSIAH TEXT: JOHN 21:24-25; LUKE 1:1-4 Introduction: As we continue studying the reasons for examining the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, we discover Luke’s desire for us to have a perfect ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted Series

Contributed by Don Jones on Mar 29, 2008

The message describes 1. Persecution, 2. the Principle, 3. the Point, and 4. the Promise

"Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted" Scripture Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Litmus Test Of Fellowship Series

Contributed by Brien Sims on Jun 17, 2008

Ask why in today’s world. Make sure what you see and hear is part of what God wants. If it isn’t, don’t have anything to do with it. The Holy Spirit was given to help us with this. We can pass the test with Him.

How many of you really take what the news says at face value? I don’t know about you but I don’t trust the news people any further than I can throw them. Something always seems fishy to me about how they report certain events and how they twist the angle of the news to suit their purpose. If they ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In This House Of Peacemaking Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 13, 2008

Peace is something the world needs to learn from the church. To be peacemakers we must teach all of God’s truth, we must model peaceful resolution, we must equip with real skills, and we must find peace with God through Christ.

We entered the conference room in stony silence. For several weeks I had noticed the two of them – mature women, well-established, well-grounded in the Lord – but at odds with one another. They had been planning a special event, but had disagreed over the menu. One of them wanted an item dear to ...read more

Scripture: Micah 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Vine And Grafted Branches

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 14, 2008

Life Lessons from God’s Creation Jesus is the true vine. God’s chosen people are His natural branches. We have the right to be grafted in, becoming a part of God’s family tree.

VINE AND BRANCHES John 15:1-16 By William Akehurst, HSWC Life Lessons from God’s Creation Jesus is the true vine. God’s chosen people are His natural branches. We have the right to be grafted in, becoming a part of God’s family tree. Today we will begin with a lesson in Botany Props: a branch ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Not Rules And Superstition Series

Contributed by Timothy Darling on Jul 17, 2008

True spiritual life and wisdom is not found in strict adhearance to rules, or in paths that lead to pagan gods. It is only found in Jesus.

Not rules and superstition Love and Wisdom; God and You Colossians 2:6-23 The famous astronaut Buzz Aldrin faced a conflict after returning from the moon. He spiraled into a deep depression that ultimately resulted in him being hospitalized, medicated and put through a battery of psychiatric ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-23

Denomination: Mennonite

The Gentle Helper

Contributed by Brien Sims on Aug 4, 2008

Walking with Christ’s help (rest) – He’ll carry the burden!

Monkey on My Back Scene: Person walking around with monkey hanging on their back. Character: Person holding monkey Props: Monkeys that can hang (labels such as finances, marriage, etc.) Character: “What am I going to do? I am so tired. I didn’t get any sleep last night. I still have a job to do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unlocking The Church's Potential

Contributed by Blake Inscore on Sep 26, 2008

There are five primary purposes of Christ’s Church and they are the key for unlocking our spiritual potential.

Unlocking The Church’s Potential Understanding the Purpose of Christ’s Church Matthew 22:37-40 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as ...read more

Denomination: Baptist