Sermons on Vance Havner:

Why Personal Morality Isn't

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

This sermon builds a case against the myth of "personal" morality, showing our moral responsibility.

20000813a - Why Personal Morality Isn’t (Ephesians 4.17-5.2) “Private Lives” matter because of the biblical measures of morality. Isuzu commercial: "The world has boundaries. Ignore them." * Outback Steakhouse: "No rules. Just right." * NFL video game: "No refs, no rules, no mercy." * Comedy ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What To Pray For Your Leaders

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A call for church members to commit themselves to pray for the joy of their leaders.

Pray for the Joy of Your Leaders 20000910a - Based on Galatians 6.9 SCORRE • Every one of us can uplift our teachers and leaders by praying for the joys of teaching to be theirs… (what joys?…) Opening Weariness is the problem. (text) We become weary in well-doing… • fruit takes a while • lack ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Burning Bush: Attentive Hearts

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A sermon based on the Burning Bush story which looks at what it means to have hearts that are attentive to God.

20000326a - Exodus 3.1,f. The Burning Bush Attentive Hearts Story of a native American in NYC hearing cricket; crowd hearing coins drop. The point is not just listening; it’s WHAT! / TRUTH! Turn Aside [3.1-3] Moses’ first step was a detour. It was a decision to pay at-tention. (We get so ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blessed Is The Nation

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A call to be salt-and-light citizens.

Psalm 33.12-22 Blessed is the Nation.. It was in the middle of a very unpopular war, a conflict noted for its shabby ideology and selfish ends. Besides which, it wasn’t going well. On the night of September 13, he found himself sloshing around in a small boat on a mission: He’d volunteered to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:12-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Money Talks

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

A sermon on the attitudes with which we give.

Mark 12.41-44 “Money Talks” Problem Then Giving with pretense and show. Court of the Women where the temple treasury was situated/women & men came to present their gifts. Chests called "trumpets" / shaped like trumpets. Metal coins were PITCHED into/make a loud noise. The more money ..the louder ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Mean Christians

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Aug 27, 2001

(How to deal with the reality of unredeemed behavior in the church)

2Timothy 3 – “Mean Christians” (How to deal with the reality of unredeemed behavior in the church) Opening Here’s how things are going to be in the “last days” i.e. NOW. FACE IT I want to introduce you to some people, here… Notice first the misdirected love: (1) lovers of themselves ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Its Convenient - When Its Not

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 7, 2001

A call to guide and encourage one another from Scripture.

20010902a – 2 Timothy 4.1-8 “When It’s Convenient – When It’s Not” OPENING There are three things we need to do with the Word, when it is convenient and welcome and when it is not. We need to do these because people will gather (lit “heap up”) teachers who tell them what they want to hear. But ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Devotion Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We have a tendancy to quit; not God, who has a tenacious love for you.

ME/WE HOSEA 1-3 You’re a quitter! – What would you think if someone said that to you? Yet, we are, really… when it comes to anything outside of self: • The kid with the bat. • Running away from home • Suitcase (lets not embarrass ourselves) – or under roof unplug • #1 Drivetime request – ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Is Justice Blindfolded? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

God’s passion for justice and mercy was a big part of our evangelical heritage, and ought to be part of the way we live our faith as well.

Is Justice Blindfolded? - Amos Intro Amazing Grace movie looks great to us – but Wilberforce at the time… People with burdens sometimes seems to BE burdens! You People ever bother you about what you ought to do? Some things you would honestly rather not think about? Imported problems? You’re ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Judgment Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

How is seeing God as judge good and life-giving, and what does it mean for us to "rend our hearts"?

20070506a – Joel – The Truth About Judgment Opener Humorous story of piled-up disappointments (good news/bad news, etc) You Been mowed down ever? Disappointments piled up? Where’s abundance? How do you feel with that kind of storm hits? God Joel’s people wave after wave of ‘locust ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Because. Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

Faith is not unquestioning - it is rooted in who God is.

Main idea: Got questions? (for God) Faith is not unquestioning - it is rooted in who God is. (Relate to parenting and our kids questions, trust) ME/WE (Intro) Child and dad - " because." Answer: "because I said so" - place for that, but it doesn’t get much mileage Commanded a respect due, but ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blind Spots Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We’ve all got blind spots - how can God help us to overcome them?

WE (intro) Professor poll: How may were… valedictorian, salutatorian, class president, yearbook editor, multiple-letter athletes, youth group leaders…bigger sea. 2 percent below average in leadership ability / YOU Ever realized something about yourself that you seemed to be the last to know? How ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What In The World Is God Doing? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

How do we get on board when we don’t understand what God is doing (compares Jonah with Pentecost)?

20070527 – What in the world is God doing? (Jonah/Acts 2) INTRO– How many of you like surprises? Think, now… Jonah is full of surprises – or God is… • Tomorrow morning you’re going! • Nineveh • The fish is a surprise – oh no you don’t • And Nineveh holds still more surprises – Jonah is sick of ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Truth About Power Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We all crave power, admit it or not; so how can we make sure we don’t abuse it?

The Truth About Power – Micah (6.8 key vs) Main Idea: We’re to use power, not usurp it. Like Jesus, our Glorious One! INTRO What’s the truth about power? We all have trouble with power, even when we feel powerless. Motorcycle stuck in sand illustration… freedom, grounded. You [Need] We all ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Two Most Powerful Realities Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

We’ve got to understand the twin realities of God’s wrath against sin and God’s mercy to the sinner.

Zephaniah / Romans 3.23-24 Wrath There are some pretty difficult words in Zephaniah. Listen to a few: “I will sweep away everything… those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord or inquire of Him, be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near! … ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed