Sermons on Wrong Focus:

The Scandal Of Grace Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 29, 2003

Grace is scandalous. It’s hard to accept, hard to believe, and hard to receive. Grace shocks us in what it offers. It is truly not of this world. It frightens us with what it does for sinners.

(MacArthur’s New Testament Commentary was used in preparing this message.) The Scandal of Grace In this series, we’ve been learning about the topic of grace. As we look at how Jesus dealt with people and at some of His parables, we’re discovering that these “Grace Encounters” radically ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Doing A Day With God Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on May 5, 2003

Three principles from the classic Mary/Martha story in Luke 10 to help us slow down the pace of life and learn to walk with God day-by day.

Futurist David Zach called what we do “hyperliving.” We want to do more and more things in less and less time. Some of us carry around planners as tall as Terminal Tower. We say things like. “OK kids, let’s see who can take a bath fastest!” We buy time saving gadgets and don’t have the time to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

The Church At Smyrna Series

Contributed by David Taylor on May 6, 2003

The 2nd in the series, this church had nothing for which the Lord rebuked them. But there is a great lesson to be learned from them.

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Little Man Meets A Big God Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 15, 2003

This morning we’re focusing on a high-ranking IRS man named Zacchaeus who cheated not on his return, but on everyone else’s. He had figured out a way to skim some money off the top and squeeze the last drop from people’s wallets. Jesus not only changed h

A Little Man Meets a Big God There’s a story about a local fitness center, which was offering $1,000 to anyone who could demonstrate that they were stronger than the owner of the place. Here’s how it worked. This muscle man would squeeze a lemon until all the juice ran into a glass, and then hand ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Mother's Who Love Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 16, 2003

This morning I want to begin by giving you my thesis: A mother can make a significant spiritual impact on her children with or without the help of a father.

Mothers Who Love On this day that we honor mothers, its good for us to think about how much you really do. Being a mother is not a walk in the park… By the time a child reaches 18, a mother has had to handle some extra 18,000 hours of child-generated work. In fact, women who never have children ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 2 Timothy 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:15

Denomination: Baptist

What We Are Called To Be Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 29, 2003

Jesus uses two metaphors to describe our influence in the world today. As salt, we are to make people thirsty for Jesus. As light, we have the privilege of pointing people to the true light of the world. Our challenge is to make sure we are “out of the

What We’re Called to Be Rev. Brian Bill 2/11/01 A Peanuts cartoon showed Peppermint Patty talking to Charlie Brown in which she said, “Guess what, Chuck? The first day of school, and I got sent to the principal’s office. It was your fault, Chuck.” Charlie Brown responds, “My fault? How could ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

When Families Fail Series

Contributed by David Limiero on Jun 5, 2001

Why do families fail? Compares the stories of Absalom and the Prodigal Son.

The Perils of Parenting: When Families Fail Eph. 6:1-4; Luke 15:11-32; 2 Samuel Introduction What happens when families fail? For the last two weeks we’ve been talking about parenting in times of peril. Two weeks ago we looked at a young mother named Hannah who was able to raise her son ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4, Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Plan For A Healthy Church Series

Contributed by Dale Johnsen on Aug 22, 2002

God uses the local church to grow baby Christians into mature Christians.

God has designed His church to function like a loving family that you can invite people into. Church is not a place to issue edicts; church is a place to nurture growth. Church is a place for shepherds, not generals. Church is a place that exists for the purpose of helping people grow and mature ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Passing The Test

Contributed by Ryan Johnson on Aug 26, 2002

Message on Endurance and Love.

Passing the Test Adapted from John Ortberg’s message Intro: Read Matt 15:21-28 How many of you think Jesus seems a little rude here? Be honest. Boy are you in trouble. Let me explain what’s going on in this passage. Among other things, Jesus is the greatest teacher to ever lived. I don’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Extraordinary Power Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Aug 30, 2002

This sermon encourages believers to seek the Extraordinary Power of God in thier lives instead of simply living by their own wisdom and abilities.

Extraordinary Power Acts 19 September 1, 2002 Intro: A. [The Honorable Bird, Philip Yancey in the foreword of Robertson McQuilkin’s Life in the Spirit] Dorothy Sayers tells of a Japanese convert struggling to grasp Christian theology. “Honorable Father, very good,” he said to his missionary ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-41

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

The Story Of Jonah - A Tragic Hero With A Fatal Flaw Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Aug 6, 2001

The story of Jonah is a satiric masterpiece. The book of Jonah is unique in that it humorously recounts the adventures of a prophet who struggled against his divine commission. This really is a handbook on how not to be a prophet.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: In his book, True Heroism in a World of Celebrity Counterfeits, Dick Keyes writes that a celebrity is "one who is famous and well publicized," well known "apart from how they became known. Celebrity itself is indifferent to moral character," he adds. One can be ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:3

Well-Intentioned Dragons Series

Contributed by Peter Baumgartle on Aug 9, 2001

Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Job 38:2

The Book of Job Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook or tie down his tongue with a rope? His breath sets coals ablaze, and flames dart from his mouth. Job 41:1, 21 INTRODUCTION Does anyone here believe in dragons? I do. I see them all the time. They leave a wake of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Visual Aids Series

Contributed by Robert Robb on Aug 12, 2001

The significance of the Stones at Gilgal.

Studies in Joshua Study 6 – Ch 4 & 5 Visual Aids Introduction From time to time when I speak to the children on a Sabbath morning during the children’s address, I will bring along with me some form of visual aid – maybe a personal walkman, or a hiking boot or a doll or whatever. And of course the ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Inform And Motivate People About Starting New Churches

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 13, 2001

Whatever the reasons for the growth of the church we must learn how the Spirit of God may use us more effectively to start new churches in seeing that the kingdom of God grows qualitatively (In spiritual fruits, worship, service, maturity, and fellowship)

Church Planting - How To Inform and Motivate People About Starting New Churches! Text - Acts 1:8, 16:10-40 Statement of Problem - What do we need to know, believe, and practice in order to start a new church? Introduction - Throughout Nigeria new churches are springing up every week. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:13-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational