Sermons on Vance Havner:

Compelling Compassion

Contributed by Doug Vance on Sep 11, 2006

It’s easy to ignore the needs of others and excuse ourselves. This sermon challenges us to stop and make time for the people God puts in our lives

Compelling Compassion Text: Luke 10:25-37 Theme: God’s compassion compels him to act on our behalf Doctrine: Attributes of God: Compassion Need: God gives us compassion to meet the crisis Image: Forrest Gump on the first day of school Mission: Have compassion for those who are in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Mountain Of Hope For The Valley People

Contributed by Doug Vance on Sep 11, 2006

An evangelistic sermon encouraging disciples to go back to valley to rescue those who have no hope.

The Mountain of Hope Isaiah 2:2, 3; Hebrew 12:22-24 I Peter 2:9, 10 1. Isaiah 2:2, 3, Hebrews 12:22-24,28-29; I Peter 2:9,10- As Christians we live in a high and exalted place. 2. We are blessed by God, we are a privileged people. We are the mountain people. 3. Today we gather to encourage each ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:22-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

Just Tenting Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jun 22, 2007

Also drawing from 2Cor5.1-5, this Fathers Day sermon challenges us to let others see that we regard this life as "tenting."

HOOK Story of an influential teacher... and the legacy that we all might leave. Post-exile emerging generation… What kind of legacy would they leave? Question for every generation. YOU The desire to leave an impact on kids, have them turn out, etc... Identify with the desire to see kids thrive ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Small Stuff Or Big Deal? Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jul 5, 2007

This is about the problem of spiritual indifference, and God’s promise, "return to me and I will return to you."

Main Idea: The problem with spiritual indifference. God’s Promise: Return to me, and I’ll return to you. HOOK A quote from David Hansen (The Power of Loving Your Church) about being ’at war’ with God sometimes but at least not ambivalent. (The strong wording of the quote gets one’s attention ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Take Courage! Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jul 5, 2007

Used the call to courage in Haggai as a framework for calling believers to take courage rooted in Christ against the world’s intimidation and discouragement.

HOOK/WE Used a short "bully" video clip from Bridge to Terebithia to raise issue of intimidation we sometimes feel. Sometimes physical, financial, etc. Sometimes spiritual. YOU Ever been intimidated in expressing your belief? Acting on it? If you have, you’ve got something in common with some ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Radical Spirituality: The Mark Of Faith

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

What are the marks of true spirituality?

2000220a - 1Corinthians 8.1-13 - Radical Spirituality, the Mark of Faith Opening First Corinthians addresses the subject of true spirituality. Big debate about whether or not it was all right for a Christian to eat certain types of meat. Very Polytheistic (God of love, war, travel..) Pagan temples ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Jesus Wanted Us To Remember

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Sep 11, 2002

When Jesus said "remember me" what did he have in mind?

20000420p Matthew 26.17-30 - What Jesus Wanted Us to Remember • Remembering and forgetting is a fine art. An experienced husband is one who remembers his wife’s birthday but forgets which one it is. Things we want/need to forget; remember. • We’re all in danger of “forgetting” even the things we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed