In Sermons: showing 16-30 of 39

The Way Up Is Down Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

After all the nice things Pual has said about how good the Philippian church was doing, he wants them to remember where they came from, where they are now, how they got there, and who it is who brought them along.

I. Intro: A. Mohammad Ali, the great boxer, also was renowned for his cocky quick-wit, saying things like, “I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, and it is hard to be humble when you're as great as I am.” My favorite: “I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Winning Isn't Easy... But It's Still Winning! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Being Christians in this world isn't easy--Jesus told us so. And Satan's goal is to destroy us and his church. But Paul is going to unpack the promise from last week: "For me, to live is Christ; to die is gain."

I. Intro ??In his book Loving God, Charles Colson draws attention to an incident involving an Indiana judge named William Bontrager. Bontrager had to pass sentence on Fred Palmer, a decorated Vietnam veteran who was found guilty of burglary. The crime was caused partly by involvement with drugs ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Find Joy In Service Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

We spend a lot of time in this life chasing things that we cannot take with us when we die. Paul recognizes the value of eternal rewards, and it’s a good problem to have to be conflicted between continuing to earn more, or being in heaven to enjoy what’s been won.

I. Intro A. Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” B. We spend a lot of time in this life chasing things that we cannot take with us when we die C. Paul recognizes the value of eternal rewards, and it’s a good problem to have to be conflicted ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-26

The Gospel Always Wins Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Sometimes, in our zeal, we overthink--and overreact--to our worldly environments and how we should be salt and light in them. Paul helps us focus on right thinking when it comes to our witness and testimony.

I. Intro: “How Not to Fight Atheism” As reported by R. Albert Mohler, Jr. of the CHRISTIAN POST: “In December 2010, the Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition of Reason - a group dedicated to raising the profile of secularists, atheists, and agnostics - began running advertisements on Fort Worth public buses ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:15-18

Bloom Where You're Planted Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

It's not always easy to see your environment as part of God's mission... but, one way or another, whether you like it or not, it always is! This series was given to a group of believers in an assisted living facility.

I. Intro: A. Pandemic Panic? 1. In the early days of the COVID pandemic, we watched our ministry opportunities almost immediately and completely evaporate—no assisted living/nursing home concerts, no home concerts, no church concerts, NOTHING 2. Rather than respond in fear (but after a little ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14

You People Are Awesome! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Most everyone likes looking at pictures in family photo albums, because there are always a couple that make us smile every time we look at them. Paul has similar feelings as he begins this letter to the church at Philippi.

I. Intro A. Who likes to look at pictures in family photo albums? Are there some photos that make you smile every time you look at them? What about every time you think about them? B. We enjoy singing here so much—whenever people ask us what we do, we tell them—but among all the things we’re part ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

A New Year's Resolution: Reconciliation

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

We've all made promises to ourselves (or others) that we were going to try something new, or give up something old, for the new year. But one of the hardest things is reconciliation--making it right with someone who's offended you... or whom you've offended.

I. What Are Your New Year’s Resolutions? How about… Reconciliation? A. Introduction: “Civilizing the Fiji Islanders” Many years ago, when the Fiji Islands were first civilized, there was great interest in bringing commerce to this primitive society. This was a daunting prospect, considering that ...read more

The Right Way & The Wrong Way To Receive Good News

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 31, 2021

Amazing how the same message engenders such different responses. What was your reaction when the message of hope was shared with you?

I. Intro: Bad News A. Quotes 1. “Bad news travels at the speed of light; good news travels like molasses.”--Tracy Morgan 2. “He who laughs has not yet heard the bad news.”--Bertolt Brecht 3. “I've just had some bad news. Tomorrow is the mother-in-law's funeral. And she's ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-56

The Power Of The Gospel

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 31, 2021

"Good news" is not a naturally-occurring phenomenon in our fallen world, and our flesh is given to mistrust or take it seriously--especially news "too good to be true." The regular reaction to the Gospel is no different.

I. Intro: “The Good News Paper Gets Bad News” - St. Petersburg Times, Apr 5, 1972? The Good News Paper is going out of business after 16 months of fighting ‘doom and gloom’ because the publication cannot pay its bills.? “We have simply run out of time and money,” publisher Bill Bailey said Monday ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Worship: What It Is, What It Isn't

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 30, 2021

For all the notions and preferences, there's no replacing what is good for God that what He has said in His book.

What is worship? Worship is our entire service to God, not just music (Rom. 12:1 — “I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”) Worship is not just a “worship service” we ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1, 1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 96:8-9, Revelation 19:10, Jeremiah 10:23  (view more)  (view less)

The Theology Of "the Name"

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 28, 2021

Have you heard the expression, “What’s in a name”? This sermon discusses what the Israelite culture thought of names, how that explained their theology, and what it means to the New Testament church. Taken from an article in the FaithLife Bible app.

I. Intro A. Have you heard the expression, “What’s in a name”? Historically, names were given based more on what parents hoped for their children, or as reminders or memorials to some event pertinent to the child’s family. Tonight we’re going to discuss what the Israelite culture thought ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:1, Psalm 20:1, Psalm 20:7, Isaiah 60:9

The Resurrection

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 27, 2021

How does (or should) the reality of "resurrection" affect our lives and our interactions with those around us?

I. Intro: In 2014 there was a TV show called “Resurrection” in which people from a small town who had died as much or more than a generation ago begin reappearing and reintegrating back into their society... or seemingly at least until they accomplish something. It was a fascinating look at ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

My Defender

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 27, 2021

This world is not our friend, but we have a defender! This is a short Bible study prepared for midweek prayer meeting.

I. Introduction: There have been a number of stories over the past few years regarding freedom of religion: as it intersects with speech (e.g., valedictory addresses), business (e.g., Hobby Lobby), education, gay rights, etc.? II. This world is not our ally (vv.16-19) A. We can ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 94:16-23

The Parables Of Sowing And Reaping

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 27, 2021

We treasure, or take care of, and make use of, only the things we value. In Jesus' discussion in this chapter, He talks about the value of sowing.

I. Introduction A. Illustration 1. Going into the Christmas-buying season of 2013, it was estimated that over $1 billion would go unredeemed, and there are always excuses: there’s a 5-year redemption limit (some businesses issuing these cards won’t even be solvent that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, Matthew 13:18-30, Matthew 13:36-43

The Purpose Of Worship

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 27, 2021

Many have preached on Isaiah 6; this is a music minister's take on the passage, and its implications on godly, righteous living.

I. Introduction A. After attending church one Sunday morning, a little boy knelt at his bedside that night and prayed, "Dear God, we had a good time at church today--but I wish you had been there!" B. In what ways do we evaluate our worship? How do we determine if “God ...read more