In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 41

Why Bother With Worship? Series

Contributed by David Ward on Apr 2, 2023

A Palm Sunday message answering the question posed by the title

INTRODUCTION: In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man arrive at the legendary Emerald City to meet with the Wizard. The Wizard is reputed to hold the power to solve each of the travelers' problems. But to enter his presence, they must first traverse a long, dimly ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

Denomination: Baptist

When Rights Go Wrong

Contributed by David Ward on Mar 14, 2023

A message on Paul's rebuke of the Corinthian church for tolerating lawsuits among themselves, with implications for witness, body life, and relationships.

INTRODUCTION: On Sunday December 14, 2014, the New York Jets outlasted the Tennessee Titans 16-11. The Jets showed heart and fight, as QB Geno Smith rallied them with a fourth-quarter comeback. And Jets fans across the country … groaned with despair! It was a costly win. You see, the Jets had a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Seeing God

Contributed by David Ward on Jun 24, 2020

What happens when we see God for who He really is?

INTRODUCTION There is a splendid moment in the 1993 movie Jurassic Park, when world-class paleontologist Allen Grant, who has devoted his life to the study of dinosaurs, suddenly comes face-to-face with real, live prehistoric creatures. He falls to the ground, dumbstruck. The reason is obvious. It ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Salt & Light

Contributed by David Ward on Sep 12, 2019

Big Idea: We have a part to play, and the power to play it.

INTRODUCTION: In an episode from the classic TV series from the 1960's, "The Andy Griffith Show," Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry, is out of town. His deputy, Barney Fife, is in charge, and he has deputized the local mechanic, Gomer Pyle. The two deputies are walking down the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Soil Samples

Contributed by David Ward on Jan 22, 2019

The parable of the four soils applied beyond spiritual rebirth to spiritual growth & life change. (This message is from Luke 8, but could be adapted to the version of the parable in Matthew 13 or Mark 4.)

INTRODUCTION: [READ LUKE 8:4-8] 1) How many auto mechanics does it take to change a light bulb? One, but he thinks he’ll have to replace the whole socket. 2) How many procrastinators does it take to change a light bulb? One, but she’s gonna wait until the light in the room gets better. 3) How ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15, Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:3-20

Denomination: Baptist

Out Of Egypt, Again

Contributed by David Ward on Dec 28, 2018

A message on obedience in the face of opposition

INTRODUCTION Many communities are forced to reckon with good things that somehow slip through the cracks. In Claymont DE, one of those things ended up as a blessing. The community has developed a quarter-century-long tradition around a quirky piece of folklore—the humble Claymont Christmas Weed, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Here Comes The Judge

Contributed by David Ward on Oct 18, 2018

A big idea expository message from Micah 1

INTRODUCTION: In the movie “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” Kevin McCarthy's character yells to passersby: “They’re coming! They’re here already! You’re next!” The effect is unsettling and disturbing, yet the other characters in the film go on about their business more or less as if nothing had ...read more

Scripture: Micah 1:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Unqualified Series

Contributed by David Ward on Jun 27, 2016

BIG IDEA: Those who talk God's talk need to walk God's walk.

INTRODUCTION: In 2007, the I-35 bridge that crosses the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed suddenly during rush hour, killing 13 people and injuring 145. The investigation revealed that the gusset plates that connect girders together in the truss system were undersized, ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 2:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Unquenchable Series

Contributed by David Ward on Jun 22, 2016

Big Idea: God don't want no worthless worship, so let's make our worship worth His while. Points: Worship is worthless to God when it isn't reverent, repentant, or real.

INTRODUCTION: Comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who died in 2004 at the age of 82, made a living making fun of himself and the difficulty of getting what we all desire: a little respect, please. Some of his best lines: • "I tell ya I get no respect from anyone. I bought a cemetery plot. The guy ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-14

Denomination: Baptist

Stay Awhile Series

Contributed by David Ward on Oct 31, 2015

From Paul's experience in Corinth, we find 3 keys to persevering through discouragement.

INTRO: Have you ever felt discouragement in your life as a Christ follower? If you’ve known him for any length of time, like a distance runner, I’ll bet you’ve “hit a wall” of discouragement. You think, “this is never going to work,” or “how long can ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Writing On The Wall Series

Contributed by David Ward on Mar 8, 2014

Big Idea: Our days are numbered--how much will they weigh?

“The Writing on the Wall” Daniel 5 INTRODUCTION You might not want to listen to this message today. I’m serious—you might not want to know what I’m going to tell you. You may be happier not knowing, because once you know, then you are responsible for what you know. What the Scripture has to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 5:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

Listen

Contributed by David Ward on Feb 26, 2013

An exposition of Samuel's call from God, and an exhortation to listen for God's voice

INTRODUCTION: In the early 1900s, back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Gospel Without Walls Series

Contributed by David Ward on Aug 15, 2012

BIG IDEA: Following Jesus involves walking through walls with the gospel.

“Gospel Without Walls” John 4 INTRODUCTION: “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” is an action movie starring Tom Cruise. Early in the film, Tom and an IMF teammate must sneak into the Kremlin and steal something out of the vault. How in the world will they attempt that? ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42

Denomination: Baptist

Under The Influence

Contributed by David Ward on Apr 1, 2010

"More filling--relate great!" When we have more filling of the Holy Spirit, we can relate great in our marriages, families, and workplaces.

INTRODUCTION: Tim Sanders—former chief solutions officer at Yahoo! and author of Love Is the Killer App—shares the following thought about establishing priorities: Take your life and all the things that you think are important, and put them in one of three categories. These three ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The God Of The Unexpected Series

Contributed by David Ward on Oct 3, 2009

An expository message from Acts 12 on how God "shows up" in response to his people’s faith, and lack of faith.

INTRODUCTION: Arthur Burns was chair of the Federal Reserve in the 1970s, and a Jewish economist of great influence in Washington during the tenure of several Presidents. Burns was once asked to pray at a gathering of evangelical politicians. Stunning his hosts, he prayed thus: "Lord, I pray that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-24

Denomination: Baptist