Sermons on Two Thieves:

Absence Of Pain Or Pain Of Absence? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 9, 2008

We either want to disengage from conflict situations and save ourselves the pain, or we have to absorb the guilt of being absent and causing others pain. Trust an abundant God, who is able to take our pain and express abundant love.

We serve a God of abundance and not a God of scarcity. Ours is not a dilettante deity with nothing in His hands. Ours is the God who possesses the cattle on a thousand hills, who flung the stars into space, and who has made all things – all things. All things are made by Him and all things are ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

We Are The Light Of The World Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 11, 2008

In this lesson we explore this important truth and talk about how to draw others to Christ.

Introduction: A. Today we return to our series called “Transforming Truths.” 1. I pray that our attention to these simple, foundational truths has been a blessing to you. 2. So far in the series, we have been reminded of such important truths like the fact that we are loved by God, and forgiven by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Conform Or Transform?

Contributed by Brian Harvison on Nov 12, 2008

Be a living sacrifice Live on that altar Don’t be conformed Be transformed!

Conform or Transform? Romans 12:1-2 I want to introduce you to a mythical church member that I am going to call Kenny When we first meet Kenny he is attending services at First Church but he left because the services were too formal Every one on the platform wore a tie He and his family then ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

The Strength Of Being Tender ~ Gentleness Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 13, 2008

Gentleness is the character that will show humility, calmness, personal care, tenderness and the Love of Christ in meeting the needs of others. It is to be more than just a personality; it is to be who we are from the work of the Spirit within us.

Opening illustration: There is a story of a corporal at Valley Forge who was directing three men as they tried to lift a log into place. It was too heavy, but the corporal commanded again and again, “All right, men, one, two, three, lift!” A man in an overcoat came by and said to the corporal, ‘Why ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Purpose Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 17, 2008

The Holy Spirit is such a powerful force that He changes us. But how does He do that, and how do we avoid being distracted by substitutes?

OPEN: During the Middle ages, in Florence Italy, there was a wealthy citizen by the name of Lorenzo de’Medici. He was a patron of the arts and very proud of the grand plays and pageants he staged for the citizens of the area. Among his productions were several amazingly realistic religious pageants ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Leaky Disciples

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 17, 2008

Dated 1988; post-revival message. We do not retain the Spirit after a period of excitement because we have not counted the cost, we are victims of low self-esteem, or we are not our own persons.

Nothing is more annoying than to be trying to transport some liquid in a leaky vessel. You think you’ve got whatever it is all secure and ready for use, and then all of a sudden you find out it has leaked and drained allover the place ... and nothing is more disturbing and frustrating. When I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Baptist

Short Takes In Scripture

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Nov 17, 2008

Our text gives us six short takes in scripture. 1- Be joyful 2- Pray continually 3- Give thanks 4- Build fire 5- Test everything

INTRO.- Short takes. What is this? I assume it’s the idea of taking a short look at some subject. It could be a short or brief look at politics. No, we don’t want to go there because it seems that there is nothing short when it comes to politics; not speeches, not conventions, not debates, etc. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sheep And Shepherds

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Nov 20, 2008

Dealing with fear and problems.

Sheep and Shepherds Let me start by pointing out the obvious this morning. We live in a time when many and perhaps most people are engulfed with fear and anxiety. Some fear the future, they are concerned about what is going to happen. The future is full of possibilities and some are very good ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-7

Denomination: Congregational

No Secret Christians

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 20, 2008

Our desire to keep it secret that we are Christians will have to be revised when we receive joy from a redemptive fellowship. when we become informed about our faith, and when we learn to live conscious of the presence of Christ.

Before I begin, I do have some instructions for our ushers. Can I get the ushers to help us make sure we are truly ready for this experience? First, gentlemen, please make sure all the windows are sealed tight. We don’t want any sound to seep out to the outside world. And then will you please ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

We Can Be Thankful Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 24, 2008

God not only expects His people to be thankful, He enables them to do so.

A. This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving. So in advance, let me say, “Happy Thanksgiving everyone.” 1. It is certainly one of my favorite days of the year, and arguably is the most important holiday of the year. 2. I’m thankful that we are a nation that still pauses one day a year to give thanks to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lost In Wonder, Love, And Praise

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 26, 2008

We have a tendency to get lost in activities, especially church activities. The church that is worthy of getting lost in focuses on Christ, serves people, and calls for specific new commitments.

The other night I caught a TV show that featured people showing off the peculiar talents of their pets. One man brought a tiny little dog and proceeded to wind up its tail, sort of cranking the tail, much as you used to have to wind up a mechanical toy. Then he let go and the poor puppy ran round ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Come On Down Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 30, 2008

The times, like those of post-Exilic Jerusalem, require us to wait. Will it be passive, impassive, or active waiting? Active waiting means seeing that what God has done He will do again. God will enlist us and shape us to work for His purposes.

“We wait. We are bored. No, don’t protest, we are bored to death, there’s no denying it. … A diversion comes along and what do we do? We let it go to waste . . . .In an instant all will vanish and we’ll be alone once more, in the midst of nothingness!” So speaks one of the characters in Samuel ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Oh God, Come Down! Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Nov 30, 2008

In this sermon we learn how to pray for the intervention of God in our world today.

Scripture In many churches, the several weeks prior to Christmas are known as Advent, from the Latin word meaning, “coming.” This preparatory season always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Thus, today is the First Sunday of Advent. The observance of the season of Advent can be traced ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Do We Doubt God?

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 2, 2008

*Why do we doubt God? That’s an important question, especially when the question comes from God Himself. Let’s look into the Word of God to find some answers that will help us stop doubting and start trusting God more.

Why Do We Doubt God? Matthew 14:22-33 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - Nov. 30, 2008 *Why do we doubt God? Christians, I am not talking about doubting your salvation, though many believers do at some point in their spiritual life. Tonight I am talking about us doubting God when ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

The "Logos" - Deity Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Dec 2, 2008

3rd in a seven part series on the incarnation from John 1.

One of the things I love most about the gospel of John is that the weightiest of doctrines are delivered in the simplest of words. We’ve seen that already in the introduction of his gospel, but the four simple words that we’ll look at in detail this morning may very well be the four most ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1

Denomination: Baptist