In Sermons: showing 46-60 of 81

Judge Not? Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Oct 8, 2007

How do we as Christians make judgments without being judgmental? Jesus continues to teach his disciples the way of the heart.

INTRODUCTION 1. ILLUSTRATION: A few years ago, a church in Oklahoma expelled a woman for immorality. When she filed a lawsuit against the church, the story made all the national news media. One of the shows to give the lawsuit coverage was Phil Donahue and on that show, I think the attitude of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Your Worries About Tomorrow Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Aug 28, 2007

Jesus teaching his disciples against the sin of worry reminds us that worry exposes some real concerns of the heart.

INTRODUCTION Today, in continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount, Part # 6 deals with the subject of worry. I found it interesting and even God’s timing, Mike & Crystal, that we come to this section of our series when Mike is about to embark on a part of life that many would call the most ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

What Are You Looking For Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Aug 28, 2007

A lesson warning us that our focus in life will determine our destiny and our reward: - what Jesus will say to us when we see him face to face! What are you looking for & Where are you looking For iT?

INTRODUCTION A. The Sermon on the Mount Is About The Heart 1. OT Fulfillment (5.17-48) a. Jesus took 6 OT laws and interpreted them for His disciples in the light of the new life He came to give. b. He dealt with the attitudes and intents of the heart and not simply with the external act as the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

Acts Of Righteousness Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Aug 28, 2007

Jesus causes us to consider our motive in what we do and reminds us that if our inward motive from the heart is "not of God" then "not of God" is what we will get. Why do you do what you do?

INTRODUCTION Chapter 5 began the sermon on mount with definition of “Happiness”: If you will look, and search – If you really hunger and thirst – IF you truly SEEK God with all of your heart THEN your actions will show it – And The RESULT will be “Happiness” as God defines it to be! Chapter 5 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Miss The Intent Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Aug 28, 2007

Just like the Pharisees, so many are concerned with outward appearances but Jesus teaches us that we need to be concerned with matters of the heart and that once the heart is under control, outward appearances as well as our actions will take care of them

I. INTRODUCTION A. Examples of Common Misunderstood Intentions In a world that is so full of evil, one has to be so careful in what he says because one never knows how someone else will interpret what was said. 1. The World of EMAIL I live in the world of email & love it. I can send a message ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-48

Denomination: Baptist

A Christian's Influence Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Aug 28, 2007

Jesus, using Salt and Light as an illustration, taught his disciples that we must be a different influence to others. Not as the world has seen, but a difference!

INTRODUCTION ILLUSTRATION: 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 it be my fault? Why do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Real Happiness Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Aug 28, 2007

In the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins by teaching his disciples what real happiness is.

INTRODUCTION - In the OT, the 10 Commandments were given as instructions for living. - Paul, in Galatians 3, shares that the purpose of the 10 Comm are to expose sin. - Jesus in Matthew called his first disciples and then immediately began to teach them - He uses one word, “Blessed”. GRK word ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Learning To Be Content Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Paul shows that being content for a believer is different from the worldly definition. Are you Content in Your circumstance?

INTRODUCTION A. This past week has been confusing to say the least. 1. Heart – not THIS week! 2. Here I am – needing to prepare 2 sermons – and this! a. How do you prepare for Saturday when you don’t know the response b. How do you prepare for Sunday for same reason 3. Then the Question: How do ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Victory In The Church Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Paul uses a conflict in the church to teach us how to gain victory over trials by giving them to God. Joyfully remembering how God has relieved us of our trials in times past, we are to present our needs to God, and continually focus on things of God!

INTRODUCTION A. The SITUATION Epaphroditus, pastor of the Philippian Congregation, has given Paul a report that laid out a difference between two leaders (two women) of the church which has begun to cause dissension in the church. Hard to believe in a church isn’t it?! 1. What do you do when ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-9

Denomination: Baptist

Pressing On Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Paul teaches the importance of “Pressing One” in all areas of life. We must move towards the mark – towards the finish line – toward the day when Christ greets us face to face and says “You’ve arrived”!

BACKGROUND Remember there were false teachers teaching importance of Roman Colony Citizenship Conduct, Status by Rank, and Jewish Law. Paul knocks this down by reminding the new believers of the real goal – that of reaching heaven! So many times, we allow Satan to change goal. He causes us, by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Needs Of Christ Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Showing the example of Timothy & Epaphroditus, Paul taught that our desire should be to perform the "needs of Christ" and not that of ourself.

INTRODUCTION A. Thus far, as SERVANTS, wou were charged with having the mind of Christ” 1. Vs. 1-4 described how the believer should Live in Humility. Vs. 5 2. Vs. 6-11 described the Example of Christ himself. - Set His Equality with God aside - From the highest to the lowest - in appearance (in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30

Denomination: Baptist

A "Drink Offering" Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Paul explained that our development, our mindset, our attitude in life, should model that as of Christ Jesus Himself. We must be like that of a “DRINK OFFERING”, a life that is so consumed by Christ that others do NOT SEE OURSELF, BUT INSTEAD they see JE

INTRODUCTION Paul began chapter 2 calling for the church to have an attitude of humility and cooperation standing together during a time of persecution. Last week, Paul explained that our development, our mindset, our attitude in life, should model that as of Christ Jesus Himself. Today, he ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

Imitating Christ Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Seeing selfish ambition, vain conceit, discord, from persecution, Paul called on the church to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy” of their calling and not "of" the world. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for the sake of others, we also are to offer

INTRODUCTION A. LIFE TODAY IS NOT WHAT CHRIST INTENDED 1. We live in a “dog eat dog” world. 2. “SELF” rules We may view ourselves as did the Pharisee depicted by Jesus who prayed, “God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-gatherer. I ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

Imitating Christ's Humility Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Knowing persecution can cause an attitude of insecurity, cliques and disharmony, Paul calls for the church to be in one accord, harmony, and humility, following the example of Christ himself.

INTRODUCTION A. Thus Far in Series of Philippians Last week, we saw that just as Paul was being persecuted from a false tongue, so the Philippian congregation was being persecuted the same way. Paul’s advice to the church was to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Make A Stand Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on May 14, 2007

As representatives of Christ, we must a) Stand Firm b) Stand in Faith and c) Stand with Pride. Just as Christ suffered, we must realize the privilege of suffering on His behalf!

INTRODUCTION A. Book of Philippians 1. Paul in Chains – realized that his chains were for the ‘defense of the gospel’ B. Introduction Thus Far 1. Paul’s testimony was causing others to “Preach” a. Good Motives out of “Love” b. Poor Motives out of “Insincerity, Selfish Ambition, Trouble” 2. Paul ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist