Sermons on Vain Things:

Lesson 21: Do Not Conform To Their Sinfulness Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 10, 2018

The danger is that we begin to think of the morally abnormal as normal and the things that tend to cause moral carelessness as matters of indifference. Christ-like love banishes the indecent.

Commentary on the Book of Ephesians By: Tom Lowe Date: 10/27/17 Lesson 21: Do Not Conform to their Sinfulness (Ephesians 5:1-7) Ephesians 5:1-7 (KJV) 1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Greater

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Nov 20, 2011

The fact is this, “the things you think upon, the things you speak, and the things you act on make you- you.” Simply put: If you’re in Christ, you act like Christ! You’re fruitful, loving, concerned, filled with destiny, prayerful, because you’re anointe

John 14:12-14,16NKJ Greater “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in ...read more

Scripture: John 14:12-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Fake Honor

Contributed by Paul Robinson on Sep 29, 2022

There is such a thing as fake honor, a kind of honor that appears noble, but is actually disingenuous. This kind of hypocrisy is appalling to God. The Lord wants us to be genuine.

The death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin is reputed to have been caused by a seizure suffered at a meeting of the Presidium, the Communist party executive committee. Livid with fury, Stalin leaped from his seat, only to crash to the floor unconscious. While other Presidium members stared at the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:7-9

Denomination: Baptist

Taking Up The Mantle Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Oct 20, 2021

Elisha had proven himself faithful in being Elijah’s disciple. He was now ready for a new ministry, an expanded ministry, an anointed ministry.

2 KINGS 2: 8-14 TAKING UP THE MANTLE [2 Kings 2:1-7] Elijah has been called the grandest character that Israel ever produced. [Robert Young, Analytical Concordance to the Bible, New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1936, p 295.] But like all of us he needed a friend. Elisha had been Elijah’s servant, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

Toward A More Complete Christian Walk: 7 Things I Learned From Catholics, Lutherans, Calvinists, Baptists, Apologists, Pentecostals, & Wesleyans

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 30, 2022

I really enjoy reading books and studying ideas from outside my denominational framework. I believe God works through many different denominations, not just the one that I'm a part of.

I really enjoy reading books and studying ideas from outside my denominational framework. I believe God works through many different denominations, not just the one that I'm a part of. So I like to see, what am I maybe missing that other denominations are doing? What do they believe? How do ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:14-16

Denomination: Salvation Army

Unanswered Prayer Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

Jesus tells it like it is in the world of prayer, and in so doing He complicates things, and forces us to wrestle with the conditions for answered prayer.

The story is told of a Russian scientist who was found guilty of a crime against the state. He was sentenced to a prison in the middle of a desert. His cell mate was another scientist. He was determined to escape, and he urged his cell mate to join him, but he refused. After much planning he did ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-14

How To Lose Friends And Anger People Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on May 10, 2010

God prepares his people for persecution so that we will not fall away when proving that there are things in life worth dying for.

Scripture Introduction Dale Carnegie pioneered work in public speaking and was famous for helping others become successful. In 1936 he published How to Win Friends and Influence People; since then it has sold more than 15 million copies. Two of his most famous maxims are, “Believe that you ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blinded Minds

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on May 14, 2012

The devil uses everything he can to blind our minds. This message deals with some of the things that he will work with.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 KJV Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; [2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Unexpected Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 5, 2025

Jesus faced some things that we may see as unexpected as he dined with a Pharisee and welcomed a motley group of followers.

There are a variety of ways in which we set expectations. Sometimes cultural norms - like a handshake or a hug - set certain expectations. Sometimes we have expectations based on tradition - for example how to set a table or what you do on holidays. You may have performance expectations set by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Torn Between Two Worlds

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Feb 27, 2017

We have no reason to worry about chasing after the things of this world when we have a Father who provides everything we really need.

Torn between two Worlds Matthew 6:24-34 Have you ever felt like you were getting mixed messages about what makes life worthwhile? What are the things that can make you truly happy? The world is holding out things like wealth and status and power and popularity and Jesus is telling you that the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Story: Friendship With God (New Covenant)

Contributed by C Jordan on Nov 12, 2015

The story of the Bible is about God’s passionate pursuit of people. In Exodus, we see three things God gave us to make this a reality: the commandments, the tabernacle, and the offerings.

THE STORY #5: FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD (NEW COVENANT) INTRO TO TOPIC: Going through the whole Bible in The Story. Review: In the first part of Exodus, God calls Moses to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea! BACKGROUND TO THE STORY: Israel’s Arrival at Mount Sinai “1 In the ...read more

Denomination: *other

Amos - 3 Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Aug 4, 2010

A look at the plight of those trapped in poverty; at what God has to say about this situation, and at how these things should speak to us – if at all.

Dakota Community Church April 25, 2010 Amos 3 I want to move forward in our study of the book of Amos by looking at a couple of the themes given as reason for the coming judgment upon the people of God. Today I want to look at the plight of those trapped in poverty; at what God has to say about ...read more

Scripture: Amos 8:1-6

Denomination: Mennonite

And The Word Became Flesh

Contributed by Eric Ledermann on Jul 23, 2002

The ancient Hebrews believed Words had power--they actually did things! The ancient Greeks believed words were the guiding force in the universe. Finally, in the Gospel of John both of these things come together in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: John 1.1-5,10-18 and Ephesians 1.3-14 (Psalm 147.7-11 as Scripture of Praise/Preparation) I. Words have lost their meaning in our culture A. Love—I love ice cream, I love my wife. B. “How are you doing?” Fine 1. non-descript, vague 2. When we ask, do we really want to hear how the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-5, John 1:10-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Our God Of Above And Beyond

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 25, 2005

When we expect great things from God and are prepared to be part of His kingdom work of seeking and saving that which is lost. He will do things beyond our imagination to enable and propel us for His Glory.

Intro: Writing Ephesians probably from a place of house arrest Paul is trying to encourage the Christians in Ephesus to love God and love one another. The reason is that the love of God and love of the brethren will unify the body of Christ. In this letter we see that the first prayer for the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:10-21

Denomination: Baptist

Characteristics That Distinguish The Christian

Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004

Everything has what we consider to be identifying marks or characteristics--things that make them distinguishable from other things. In the same manner, the child of God should exhibit traits that set them apart from the world.

CHARACTERISTICS THAT DISTINGUISH THE CHRISTIAN Text: I John 3: 1-2 Intro: The characteristics of a thing help us not only recognize it, but also to define it. This is especially true with people. Our physical characteristics as well as our individual personality define who we are. There ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-2

Denomination: Baptist