Sermon Central
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Pentecost Season
Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 25, 2007 (message contributor)
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1. Faith Walk
Contributed on Jun 13, 2016
We live our lives not based on what we see, but on what we know to be true and cannot see.
“Faith Walk” 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 INTRODUCTION One of the most common demonstrations of faith is one person leading another person who has been blindfolded. It is one thing to say that we walk by faith and not by sight, but if someone isn’t looking out for us we are ...read more
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2. Giving Thanks
Contributed on Jul 4, 2015
God has moved mightily and lovingly in our lives. We have much for which to be thankful
Psalm 40:1-10 "Giving Thanks" INTRODUCTION I'm a "Star Wars" fan. In addition to the special effects and the good versus evil plot, I really like the relationship between Yoda and Luke Skywalker. We have the personification of wisdom and the struggle of a student to become wise. In ...read more
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3. Only Grace
Contributed on Jun 17, 2013
Many claim to have the truth, but Paul proclaims that there is only one “gospel—good news” and that is God’s love and grace in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Galatians 1:1-12 “Only Grace” INTRODUCTION One of the greatest movies of all time—at least for the critics—is “The Wizard of Oz.” We all know the story of Dorothy and Todo, her dog, who want to get home to Kansas. They are joined by a scarecrow who ...read more
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4. In God's Hands
Contributed on Jul 4, 2015
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we can live confidently and boldly knowing that God holds us in the palm of God's hand.
Psalm 27:1-6 “In God’s Hands” INTRODUCTION Today is one of two Sundays when we celebrate parenthood and family, as a nation. I have to agree with the thoughts expressed on the short video that we viewed that parenting is the greatest privilege one could have. I ...read more
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5. A Practical Forgiveness
Contributed on May 29, 2016
Forgiveness and love are hallmarks in the Christian community.
2 Corinthians 2:1-10 “A Practical Forgiveness” INTRODUCTION In the second chapter of his second letter to the Corinthians Paul continues to address the issue of community and to answer the questions, “What is authentic community?” and “How do we as ...read more
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6. Walking By Faith
Contributed on Jun 25, 2009
Christians walk a different walk. Not only do we walk along a different path, but we also walk in a different manner. The difference is caused by our active and dynamic relationship with Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 “Walking By Faith” INTRODUCTION Various Christian groups have attempted to define what it is like to live as a Christian. At the turn of the twentieth century, the evangelist, Billy Sunday, believed that temperance was the mark of a Christian. Christians ...read more
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7. A Life Of Praise
Contributed on Jun 9, 2015
Living in a relationship with a God who is present and powerful results in lives of thankfulness and praise.
Psalm 113:1-9 “A Life of Praise” INTRODUCTION As most of you know, I’m not a big sports fan, especially of professional sports both college and pro leagues. My mother was a huge sports fan and my sons are fans, but the gene skipped a generation when it came to me. As a ...read more
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8. Finding Family
Contributed on Nov 3, 2015
Ruth is a foreigner who finds belonging among God's people. "Where you go I will go, your people will be my people, your God will be my God.
Ruth 1:1-17 “Finding Family” INTRODUCTION Stories are a powerful force in our lives. They do more than merely entertain. Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a powerful, gripping anti-slavery novel that was first published in 1852. It solidified the abolitionist movement. When ...read more
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9. The Path Toward Victory
Contributed on Nov 24, 2007
Every winning team has a game plan that will bring them the victories. So too with Christians. Watchfulness, persistence, faithfulness and God’s power and presence pave the pathway for victory.
Luke 21:5-19 “The Path Toward Victory” INTRODUCTION What does the future hold? Is the world going to get worse, get better, or stay the same? Many people in the United States fear the future. After 9/11 they are scared. Certainly Islamic terrorism remains a threat not only to the United ...read more
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10. Backward Economics
Contributed on Sep 27, 2007
God’s ways are not our ways. This truth is not more clearly demonstrated than in the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin
Luke 15:1-10 “Backward Economics” INTRODUCTION Jealousy is never a pleasant human emotion, either when we become aware of it in our own being, or when we see it displayed in the lives of others. Jealousy is a common human emotion, though, and it is one that you and have had to deal with ...read more
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11. Perseverance Pays Off
Contributed on Aug 14, 2007
Christian discipleship involved watchfullness, and watchfullness involves perseverance. Christians are called to focused, fearless faith
Luke 12:32-40 “Perseverance Pays Off” INTRODUCTION It is difficult to believe that the beginning of a new school year is upon us. For the past several weeks we seen advertisements for back to school specials, and have noticed the aisles stocked with school supplies at the stores where ...read more
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12. The Beginning Of The End
Contributed on Nov 24, 2007
Our relationship with Jesus not only transforms our daily, physical lives, but it also provides us with hope beyond our physical lives.
Luke 20:27-38 “The Beginning of the End” INTRODUCTION Antagonists of the Christian faith occasionally offer arguments that they believe beyond a shadow of a doubt invalidates all religious beliefs. One of my favorites is, “If God is all-powerful, then is God able to make a rock bigger ...read more
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13. The Gift Of Wisdom
Contributed on Jul 21, 2015
Though more precious than gold, wisdom is not hidden like gold is. Wisdom is all around us and is easily accessible for all who seek it.
Proverbs 8:1-11, 22-26 “The Gift of Wisdom” INTRODUCTION Normally we think that wisdom comes with age, but not always. Sometimes it comes from the mouths of children. · Patrick, age 10, said, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.” · Michael, 14, said, ...read more
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14. Imperfect People
Contributed on Jun 6, 2016
We hold a holy treasure in clay pots, but that's all that's needed to share the gospel and honor God.
2 Corinthians 4:1-15 “Imperfect People” INTRODUCTION Many illustrations are used to explain the deep truths of God’s grace and our lives as Christians. In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew Jesus explains to his disciples that God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed ...read more
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15. A Life Of Faith
Contributed on Sep 12, 2015
Jesus invites us to live lives of faith and as we look to those who have gone before us, we are see examples of lives of faith entail.
INTRODUCTION One of the most profound line spoken in a movie occurred in "The Santa Claus." Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) is at the North Pole for the first time. He has just been told that he is the new Santa. Scott objects and says, "But what if I don't believe." A wise elf by the name of ...read more
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16. Inserparable
Contributed on Nov 19, 2015
God's passionate love for his children; despite their disobedience he cannot give them up.
Hosea 11:1-9 “Inseparable” INTRODUCTION Video “Borning Cry” My mom’s favorite (and perhaps most effective) discipline for poor behavior was having the child sit on a chair in the corner. It was difficult for the child to be excluded or marginalized. When ...read more
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17. Beyond Asking
Contributed on Jul 30, 2007
In Jesus’ teaching on prayer, we learn that "prayer is not asking for what we think we need but asking to be changed in ways we can’t imagine."
Luke 11:1-13 “Beyond Asking” INTRODUCTION Where did you learn how to pray? Our parents may have taught us bedtime prayers, or said grace before meals. We’ve heard about prayer in Sunday school and sermons. Prayer has been demonstrated in worship services. We may have even taken a class ...read more
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18. Thinking Outside The Box
Contributed on Jul 23, 2007
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus challenges his followers to be creative in their neighborly love and to think outside the box.
Luke 10:28-37 “Thinking Outside the Box” INTRODUCTION [Enter to theme song of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, “It’s A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood.” Sit down, replace shoes with athletic shoes, and slip on a cardigan sweater] From the late 60’s to 2001, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood was a ...read more
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19. God Above All Others
Contributed on Nov 12, 2015
Elijah calls fire from heaven on Mount Carmel to reveal God's presence and power.
1 Kings 18:20-39 “God Above All Others” INTRODUCTION There’s nothing like a good old, knockdown, drag out fight to get the adrenaline flowing and the heart pumping. It might be a school fight where the student body gathers around to watch to opponents duke it out. Or ...read more
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20. On A First Name Basis
Contributed on Oct 5, 2015
Israel is in slavery and calls for help. God calls Moses to bring release.
Exodus 1:8-14, 3:1-15 "On a First Name Basis INTRODUCTION One of the greatest figures in the Old Testament is Moses. We have all heard stories about Moses confronting Pharaoh with the ten plagues and splitting the Red Sea. Most of us have viewed movies about Moses ala Charlton Heston and ...read more
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21. On The Job Training
Contributed on Jul 9, 2007
We have much to learn about the nature of Christian missions, as we read about Jesus sending 72 followers out into the mission fields.
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 “On the Job Training” INTRODUCTION I have been told that baby eagles don’t necessarily want to learn how to fly. They are very content staying in the nest and dining on whatever mom or dad eagle brings back for them to eat. There comes a time, though, when mom eagle ...read more
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22. The Limits Of Peace
Contributed on Aug 21, 2007
The cross of Christ not only brings peace, but also division. When faced with opposition and division, disciples of Christ stand firm while loving and respecting their opponents.
Luke 12:49-56 “The Limits of Peace” INTRODUCTION The night sky was cloudless and filled with stars. Shepherds watched their flocks, while they huddled around a campfire. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a multitude of angels. They were told not to fear because the angels brought them ...read more
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23. A Consoling Word
Contributed on May 24, 2016
Relationships are important. Paul send a consoling message to the Corinthians in an effort to mend bruised relationships.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 “A Consoling Word” INTRODUCTION In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul continues to address issues with which the Corinthian church is struggling. Despite their struggles Paul wants the Corinthians and all the Christians, or saints, in Achaia to ...read more
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24. Personal Revelations
Contributed on Jun 17, 2013
Paul declares that his teacher was the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, also, but the Spirit many teachers to provide us with our personal revelation.
Galatians 1:11-24 "Personal Revelations" INTRODUCTION I'm a history buff, and I enjoy a good, well written biography. Biographies help us see inside the person and enable us to begin to understand why that person did or said what is recorded in history. Today's text is a brief ...read more
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25. Proper Timing
Contributed on Jul 28, 2015
Through the ebb and flow of life God is with us.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-17 “Proper Timing” INTRODUCTION Video Clip Ecclesiastes 3, especially verses 1-8, is one of the best known passages of scripture. This probably due, in part, to the popularity of the 1965 release of the song, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” by the Byrds. ...read more
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26. Management Training
Contributed on Sep 27, 2007
One of the transformations that takes place in the life of a Christian is our perspective on material possessions. The scripture teaches that things are gifts from God--to be managed and shared.
Luke 16:1-13 “Management Training” INTRODUCTION Heroes and antiheroes are a part of life. Parents might encourage their children to be like Oprah Winfrey, Colin Powell, Bill Gates, or Mother Teresa. At the same time, few parents would point to O.J. Simpson as a good role model, or Kenneth ...read more
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27. The Blessings Of Last Place
Contributed on Sep 3, 2007
We live in a society obsessed with being number one, while following Jesus who calls us to humble, faithful service. To meet the challenge of Jesus’ call, we must start at the foot of the cross.
Luke 14:1, 7-14 “The Blessings of Last Place” INTRODUCTION This week a 41 year-old father was indicted on drug charges. He was pumping steroids into his 13 year-old son, who was competing for a place on the Olympic staking team. The father wanted his son to be number 1. Controversy ...read more
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28. Turning The Tables
Contributed on Oct 20, 2007
Jesus’ story knocks us off balance. Position is nothing and relationship is everything. Possessions are not signs of God’s love but tools for God’s blessings
Luke 16:19-31 “Turning the Tables” INTRODUCTION Often times we go through life on auto-pilot. • We may spend most of a day in meetings with a person and not be able to describe what that person was wearing. • We driving down the highway. We reach a particular point in our journey ...read more
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29. In Pursuit Of Wisdom
Contributed on Jul 16, 2015
Though more precious than gold, wisdom is not hidden like gold is. Wisdom is all around us and is easily accessible for all who seek it.
Proverbs 1:1-7, 3:1-8. "In Pursuit of Wisdom" INTRODUCTION Sometimes people post pictures on their refrigerator or bathroom mirror in order to help them reach a goal, for which they are striving. A picture of a Tahitian thatched hut might help them save for an exotic Polynesian vacation. ...read more
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30. Stuck
Contributed on Jul 14, 2016
Job is in so much pain that we wishes he had never been born. His suffering continues and is not lessened by the words of a friend.
Job 3:1-10, 4:1-9, 7:11-21 “Stuck” INTRODUCTION Jay Wilson and Phillip Clay are heroes. Jay was half way home after finals at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. On I-65 a Jeep Cherokee suddenly veered and hit the median guard rail. At first he thought the driver was ...read more