In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 68

Expressing Our Thanks Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Nov 19, 2007

Five ways the Bible tells us we can express our gratitude to God.

We read in the Bible that Solomon was the richest man in the world. Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking, “What a lucky man he was!” --But Solomon, with all his gold, never enjoyed the benefits of electricity. --He never owned an air conditioner, never talked on a telephone, never drove a car or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-17

Denomination: Baptist

An Attitude Of Gratitude Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Nov 8, 2007

An attitude of gratitude opens up our lives for God’s will to be done in and through us.

Intro: Edward Spencer was a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, and also a member of a life-saving squad during his school years. In 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue seventeen ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Fixing It When It's Broken Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Nov 2, 2007

A look at Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in the steps for resolving disputes, restoring unity and restoration within the church and between individual believers.

--ILL>One of Aesop’s fables is the story of the Lion and the Boar. On a summer day, when the great heat induced a general thirst among the beasts, a lion and a boar came at the same moment to small well to drink. They fiercely disputed which of them should drink first, and were soon engaged in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

What Unity Looks Like Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Oct 28, 2007

We’re to be united as believers in order to accomplish God’s mission. But being united doesn’t necessarily mean being unanimous on everythig.

-->Sir Francis Drake once expressed this prayer: “Disturb us, Lord, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrive safely because we have sailed too closely to the shore. Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wilder seas where storms will show ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Brings Us Together Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Oct 18, 2007

We find unity within the church as we gather around the cross. Sermon designed to immediately precede the observance of the Lord’s Supper.

<>We have different likes and dislikes. ------Some folks like coffee, others don’t. ------Some folks prefer Coca Cola, others opt for Pepsi products. ------Some like “active” vacations (skiing, motorcycle touring, camping; others prefer more rest and relaxation. ------Some prefer fruit as a treat ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:13

Denomination: Baptist

Lifting Up Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Oct 13, 2007

What’s involved in the purpose of fellowship within the church.

“I hear you.” -->It’s a phrase that has entered our familial language, our personal conversations. -->It’s an idiom that means more than just acknowledging that was said out loud registered on the meter reading of our auditory nerves in our ear. -->It can mean, “I agree” or “I know what you mean” ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:44-46

Denomination: Baptist

Reaching Across Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Oct 3, 2007

The What, Why, and How of Missions.

What’s going on? ---->When Hurricane Katrina left the Gold Coast in shatters, thousands of volunteers went to New Orleans and the outlying regions to help, and millions sent financial help to assist those displaced from their homes. The Red Cross set up and served hot meals to thousands, including ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Up: Maturing In The Faith Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Sep 30, 2007

What discipleship looks like and what it involves.

--Intro> In the movie, "The Karate Kid," the “kid,” Daniel, a high school student who is being harassed by bullies at his new school, meets Mr. Miagi, a quiet, Japanese custodian at his apartment complex who just happens to be a black belt in karate. Daniel asks Miagi if he will teach him karate. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Going Out Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Sep 24, 2007

The Who, Why, What, When, Where, and How of Evangelism.

---ILL>On a dangerous seacoast where shipwrecks often occur, there was once a little life-saving station. The building was primitive, and there was just one boat, but the members of the life-saving station were committed and kept a constant watch over the sea. When a ship went down, they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Reaching Up: Connecting With God Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Sep 16, 2007

What characterizes genuine worship.

One day last summer... -->A group of teenagers and sponsors in a worship celebration at youth camp were jumping up and down as they sang. The music was loud, it was upbeat, it was enthusiastic. Streamers were waving, even confetti was released as the crowd jumped in time with the beat and sang ...read more

Scripture: John 4:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

Real Deal Or No Deal? Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Sep 8, 2007

Lessons from the parable of the wheat and the tares.

One of this year’s most-viewed programs...is a game show! --Hosted by Howie Mandell, each week the particpant in the game is “tempted” by the host and an invisible banker to “settle” for a guaranteed prize rather than take a risk and remain in the game by opting for a large prize, with the highest ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43

Denomination: Baptist

Lost And Found Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Aug 29, 2007

Lessons from the parable of the lost sheep.

*Intro> A man telephone his business associate’s home and was greeted with a child’s whispered, “Hello?” The man asked, “Is your daddy home?” “Yes,” was the whispered reply. “May I talk with him?” “No,” the child replied. The man was surprised, but wanting to talk to an adult, he then asked, “Is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Help Wanted, Help Needed Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Aug 24, 2007

Lessons to be learned from the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

At 3:20am on the morning of March 13, 1964, 28-yr old Kitty Genovese was returning home in a nice middle-class area of Queens, NY. She parked her car in a parking lot near her apartment complex, turned off her lights, then started to walk to her apartment building only about 35 yards away. She ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

From The Pigs To A Party Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Aug 16, 2007

Lessons from the Parable of the Prodigal Son

John Newton was once known only for his occupation: captain of a slave-trading vessel. He made many trips between Africa and the U.S. with slaves in the belly (below deck) of the ship, which was bad enough, but when storms would arise or a government vessel could be seen approaching from a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Root Of The Problem Series

Contributed by Mike Gilbert on Aug 2, 2007

Why Jesus spoke in parables, and a look at the Parable of the Sower

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM Series: Pursuing Meaning Most of us remember Aesop’s Fables... --The wolf in sheep’s clothing teaches us that appearances can be deceiving. -The town mouse and country mouse teach us that it’s better to eat beans and bacon in safety than cakes and ale in fear. -The goose ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Baptist