Sermons on Vulnerable:

Memory And Hope In The Face Of Despair: A 9.11 Anniversary Service

Contributed by Don Hawks on Sep 10, 2002

A complete service outline for Bethany Church’s 9.11 Anniversary Service, including a message of hope in the face of despair.

(Powerpoint available--email author) 9.11.01 REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 9.11.02 7pm Instrumental Music Welcome (video clip interviewing people with question “Where Were You?” From NAMB) Remember Sept. 10—Last Day of Normal? (see NPR.org)—No? But remember where you were and what you did Sept. 11? ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20

Denomination: Methodist

On Whom Are You Depending?

Contributed by Jim Twamley on Mar 26, 2003

We all depend on something or someone in life. The question is, who do you ultimately rely on? Yourself? Your family? Your Church? Your government? Your bank account? Your friends? Or do you rely on God?

Someone asked a Sunday School teacher, “What are sins of omission?” After some thought she said, “They’re the sins we should have committed but didn’t get around to.” A man asked his doctor if there was anything that could be done for his snoring. The doctor asked if it disturbed his wife. The ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Becoming A True Friend Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 8, 2003

True friendship is based on love, because only love will endure the tests that friends experience as they go through life together. As we become friends with others, we recognize our need to develop our friendship with Christ because He’s the only one we

Becoming a True Friend As his UCLA football team suffered through a dismal season in the early 70s, head coach Pepper Rodgers came under intense criticism and pressure. Things got to be so bad that his friends even bailed on him. As he reflected on that tough year, Pepper said this, “My dog was ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 27:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

Running On Empty

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 7, 2003

I want to take a look at an individual who was maxed-out emotionally. He was running on empty and had no margin left in his life. After he took it to the limit, God intervened, and in the process, taught him a few things.

Running on Empty Some of you know that I like to work out. I enjoy running, bike riding and the stair stepper. When we lived in Rockford, I went to the Fitness Center one day and decided to try out the treadmill. It didn’t look all that difficult so I jumped on and started walking. After a few ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking Christmas Chains

Contributed by Don Hawks on Dec 14, 2002

Part 1 of a series based on Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol"

Slide 1—Advent Candles Welcome, to the beginning of our Christmas Celebration here at Bethany. This is the first Sunday in Advent—which means we are begiining a look forward to clebrating both the first and seconding coming of Christ. I’m Pastor Don and I’m especially honored to have guests ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:7-15, Titus 2:11

Denomination: Methodist

Three Vital Commitments

Contributed by Louis Bartet on Jan 5, 2003

This sermon calls hearers to make three vital commitments: 1) To A Person; 2) To A Purpose; 3) To A People.

TITLE: Three Vital Commitments SUBTITLE: You Present You TOPIC: Commitment TEXT: Romans 12:1-2 [Adapted from a sermon by John Hamby, A Call To Commitment, which can be found on Sermon Central.] I want to introduce you to a hypothetical church member that we will call Kenny. § Kenny began his ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Steps To Take Before You Go To War"

Contributed by Mike Hays on Jan 26, 2003

War lurks on the horizon for the United States. The talk of war and peace is deafening as the lines are drawn in our own nation by those who believe we should "act" and those who believe we should "wait." In 2 Chronicles 20:1-19, King Jehoshaphat took a

“Before You Go To War…” 2 Chronicles 20:1-19 There’s talk on the streets. Talks of war. Talks of peace. Talks of protests. Talks of support. There’s lots of talk going on in the cafés, country clubs, break rooms, boardrooms, and bedrooms of America and around the world. People are gathering and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Excellence In Integrity, Part 2 Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Sep 21, 2003

Peter Deison has noted THREE MAJOR EVENTS in the life of David. It’s my contention that these THREE MAJOR EVENTS demonstrate for us what integrity is. We will take these in reverse chronological order and we’ll deal with the first of three events today.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: I have been talking to you about Leadership and Service Excellence. After introducing the theme of Excellence, our first sermon was on Excellence in Influence. Last week, we began talking about Excellence in Integrity. Today, I want to continue to talk to you about ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-7

The Woman At The Well Series

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Sep 24, 2003

Jesus is working to make a worshipper out of you.

John 4:1-30 The Woman at the Well Today we come to the fourth of the encounters with Christ that we’re going to consider as we work through the book of John, observing Jesus as He interacts with the various people He comes across. I must say that this encounter was the beginning place for them ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

We're In This Thing Together! Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Oct 29, 2003

ME OR WE? – (Part 1)

Take a moment and poke yourself in the bellybutton (I’d tell you to poke your neighbor, but that might get us into trouble!) Our navel is a constant reminder that we all started life connected to another human being (Dr. Richard Dobbins, founder Emerge Ministries). We spend all of our lives ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

On Guard!

Contributed by Tony Searles on Jun 8, 2002

A message to encourage the saints to guard their hearts...especially taking great care to watch their communication, attention, and behavior. These things, if left unchecked, can lead to drifting from the Lord.

Stand & Read - Proverbs 4:20-27 ?My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. [21] Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. [22] For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their whole body. [23] Watch over your heart ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8, Proverbs 4:20-27

Denomination: Other

"Becoming Psychically Conscious Of Our State Of Surrender."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Jun 10, 2002

June 16, 2002 -- FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 6 Matthew 9:35--10:8 Color: Green Title: “Becoming psychically conscious of our state of surrender is a life-long challenge, a life-long discipline.”

June 16, 2002 -- FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -- Proper 6 Matthew 9:35--10:8 Color: Green Title: “Becoming psychically conscious of our state of surrender is a life-long challenge, a life-long discipline.” The Harvest Is Great, the Laborers Few 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Learning The Secrets Of Being Self-Controlled – 2 Tim. 3:3

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 15, 2002

Learning the Secrets of Being Self-Controlled – 2 Tim. 3:3

Learning the Secrets of Being Self-Controlled – 2 Tim. 3:3 Illustration: During his term as President of the U.S., Lyndon Johnson was somewhat overweight. One day his wife challenged him with this blunt assertion: "You can’t run the country if you can’t run yourself." Respecting Mrs. Johnson’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Have We Forgotten?"

Contributed by Mike Hays on Sep 16, 2002

Just one year ago church attendance and talk about God skyrocketed as we dealt with the uncertainty of life after the attack on the Twin Towers and Pentagon. People prayed, read God’s Word, and called upon God from churches, schools, and even government b

“Have We Forgotten?” Luke 17:11-19 One year ago churches all over America were calling special times of prayer. Talk about God and His promises of peace and protection were echoing throughout the land. People who normally would not have given God a thought, were suddenly struck with an urgent ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Habakkuk "Yet Will I Rejoice!"

Contributed by Mike Hays on Sep 29, 2002

God acted in the history of Judah to turn His people’s hearts back to Himself. The people would not heed the many opportunities God sent their way and when the prophet cried out to God -- He answered. God’s answer shocked Habakkuk. This sermon sets the sc

Habakkuk: “Yet I Will Rejoice!” The prophet of God was disturbed in his spirit. He had felt the revival fires that had visited Judah during King Josiah’s day fade from a roaring blaze to mere flickering embers. He had watched the Temple slowly become empty and the hearts of the people become full ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1, Habakkuk 3:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ