In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 198

Go For The Prize Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Aug 24, 2010

God enables the growth which obtains the prize.

Scripture Introduction Some say that you know you are old when you quit looking forward and only look back. Maybe some truth hides in that slogan? As we grow older, we do reminisce more about the past and become less interested in changing for the future. This is one reason dying congregations ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Biblical Balance Sheet Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Aug 17, 2010

God offers riches to satiate every desire for those who let go of their trash.

Scripture Introduction Those of us born prior to 1970 will appreciate the article, Math Tests through the Decades in Reader’s Digest: • 1960s test: “A logger cuts and sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is four-fifths of that amount. What is his profit?” • 1970s ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:3-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Is Someone Stealing Your Joy? Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Aug 10, 2010

God gives joy through the true faith.

Scripture Introduction Part of the job description for pastors and elders requires that we warn God’s people of danger and admonish you to pursue godliness in doctrine and practice. John Owen explained the need for this work: “The hearts of believers are like gardens, wherein there are not only ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christian Heroes Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Aug 3, 2010

God illustrates a life of joyful obedience through Christian heroes.

Scripture Introduction As a society, our taste in heroes has changed. A few years ago, researchers asked two thousand eighth-graders to name prominent people they admired and wanted to be like. After the results were published, a columnist for the Chicago Daily News, Sidney Harris, lamented the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Obey Quickly And Cheerfully Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jul 27, 2010

God works cheerful obedience into his people.

Scripture Introduction Our text reminds me of the four-year old standing in his high chair during dinner one evening, much to his parents’ chagrin. They tried the usual antics to make him sit: begging, reasoning about the dangers of standing in a chair, fussing, and eventually threatening ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How God’s Working Enables Good Works Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jul 25, 2010

God graciously works obedience into the lives of his people.

Scripture Introduction Christians have disagreed and debated, since the earliest days of the church, God’s role versus the believer’s role in growth in godliness. Some Bible verses, considered by themselves, seem to support popular phrases like, “Let go and let God,” or “I can’t; God can.” Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Was Jesus Humble? Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jul 14, 2010

God saves a people and secures their future through the work of Jesus.

Scripture Introduction The Christian faith is first and foremost about a person, which distinguishes it from other religions. Certainly the Bible teaches great moral truths, but Christianity is NOT, essentially, a new morality. Fantastic churches and ministries do wonderful works in the name of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What The Country Needs Now

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jul 4, 2010

God is to be trusted to bless our nation, even when there are problems in the world.

Scripture Introduction It might seem that nothing could be less relevant than a chapter from an ancient book, describing a transition in political power of a nation half the world away, which occurred over 3000 years ago! But the events of that day and time include: • Corrupt politicians taking ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Help! I Don’t Want To Be Humble Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 29, 2010

God strengthens us with everything we need for God-glorifying and self-satisfying humility.

Scripture Introduction Our church in Chicago participated in a prison ministry. One week the director of the work sent out an email with this last line: “And remember (as we say in Texas) don’t squat with your spurs on.” That is “practical” knowledge—a fact which quickly pays a dividend. God ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 22, 2010

God frees us to be other-oriented by giving us the mind of Christ.

Scripture Introduction A turtle in Cleveland wanted to winter in Florida. Since it was too far to walk, he convinced two geese to tie a rope around their necks and fly south while he hung on with his vise-like jaws clamped onto the rope. As they crossed the river into Kentucky, some other geese ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Smelling Like Jesus Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 15, 2010

God gives unity as a fruit of Christ-likeness.

Scripture Introduction A young man in our church in Omaha described a really godly person as, “smelling like Jesus.” We should not take that too literally since a first century Jewish man, with few baths and no Right Guard, probably did not smell fresh and clean! But hopefully you get the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Remembering God This Year Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 7, 2010

God delivers us from the cycle of disobedience, defeat, and distress when we remember him all the year long.

Scripture Introduction We could summarize the book of Judges with one word: “Forgetting.” Here appear some of the Bible’s most colorful characters and interesting stories, but the theme of “forgetting God” unites all. In his departing messages to Israel, Moses warned of this very real ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The First Promise – The Enduring Hope Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 7, 2010

God’s promise interposes Christ between us and Satan, sin, and self.

Scripture Introduction Singer and songwriter Michael Card calls his Christmas album, “The Promise.” The words to the title song are: The Lord God said when time was full He would shine His light in the darkness He said a virgin would conceive And give birth to the Promise For a thousand years ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How Thankfulness Overcomes Anxiety Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 7, 2010

God gives thankful prayer as a means for the Holy Spirit to dispel anxiety.

Scripture Introduction Philippians 4 offers great hope and powerful remedies for those who would have their hearts and minds guarded from threats of anxiety and despair. [ Read Philippians 4.4-9. ] Philippians 4.6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything….” Jesus said the same in Matthew 6: ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus Saves Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jun 4, 2010

Jesus saves his people from sin and its ill effects.

Scripture Introduction Once upon a time lived a mighty king, whose heart was completely smitten by a beautiful young maiden. But how could the king express his romantic desires, since she was a mere commoner? Should he descend on her cottage with the royal entourage heralding his coming with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed