In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 215

Envy: A Deadly Sin

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Introductory Consideration 1.

Introductory Consideration 1. "Its not fair, Tommy gets to stay up till 8 o’clock and I have to go to bed at 7:30, and he’s younger than me. I wish I had his parents." 2. "I wished I looked like she does. She’s so popular." 3. "Man, do I ever wish that I could play hockey like he does!" 4. "Did ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God's Love For Us

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

1. Today we talk about something that is very hard for us to understand.

1. Today we talk about something that is very hard for us to understand. Something that is not natural to our way of thinking. But it is something that we need to consider. For without some understanding of this, we fail to know God and we fail to comprehend our relationship with us. 2. Today we ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 2:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

An Intimate Relationship

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

God compares His relationship to us as that of a marriage. Do we know of His love for us and His desire for us to reamin faithful to Him. Are we faithful?

Introductory Considerations 1. Story of two people who fall in love and get married but then things change. Each has different interests and they have little time for each other. Distance grows between them. They were husband and wife - that was a fact, but they did not relate any more in the ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 2:13-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Delight In The Lord

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Introductory Comments 1.

Introductory Comments 1. Baptism is a special time. Reminds of of God's promises and our faith. It lets us consider the wonder of life as seen in a little baby. 2. Almost 180 years ago, a little baby girl was born. She was born a healthy baby. After only 6 weeks, she suffered a slight cold. The ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Putting God To Work

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Prayer and conflict reguires proper focus.

Introductory Considerations 1. Friends - we are here this evening to do some work. Our General Synod has started meeting and we have some grave concerns. 2. Main concern is the Formula of Agreement. If passed we would recognize that a church that ordains homosexuals is rightly proclaiming the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:4-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Related By Blood

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Topic - First in a series on the covenant. Theme - The covenant according to O. Palmer Robertson, is a "bond in blood, divinely administered." Today we discuss this definition.

Introductory Considerations 1. As I looked ahead, thinking and praying about what God would have me preach to you this fall, I sensed we need to work on our relationships - with our spouses, parents, children, families, and with one another in church. 2. But as contemplate this, I though we ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

For Whose Sake?

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Satan questions why Job fears God and worships Him? Today we ask ourselves why we worship God.

Introductory Considerations 1. He was one of the most powerful yet generous people I have ever known. He ran a very successful company and freely gave out hundreds of thousands of dollars. He had a large family and there always seemed to be business associates and friends at his home. 2. People ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Contempt For Misfortune

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

The problem with saying the right thing at the wrong time when we minister to the suffering.

Introductory Considerations 1. The book of Job is a hard book to follow. I find it a hard book to read and to preach about, at least in the way I normally would read and preach. The book is part of the bible called the wisdom writings - - written by wise men who tried to present the truth through ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christmas Morning In Bethlehem

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

1. One of our most treasured memories from my childhood is the memories of Christmas morning.

1. One of our most treasured memories from my childhood is the memories of Christmas morning. Waking up early to see what was stuffed in the stockingwhich hung by my bedroom door. Usually there was candy and chocolate and some special little toys. And then to go downstairs to see what presents had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Flight To Egypt

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

After all the excitement and celebration, Jesus and his parents are alone. The realities of the opposition to Christ are to be dealt with.

Introductory Considerations 1. Illustration of when I worked for land developer. After new subdivision launched, we would build model homes and have big opening celebration. Next day, I would return to fond lonely real estate agent waiting for a potential buyer to come. The reality of the work of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:13-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When All Seems Hopeless

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Job shows us how great our suffering can be and how we are able to process it.

Introductory Considerations 1. I felt trapped. "Was there any way out of my situation?" I was tired and discouraged. People were depending on me but I had nothing more to give to them. When I tried to share my pain some people offered a quick word of comfort but they really did not have the time ...read more

Scripture: Job 30:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Words Of Truth And Healing

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Job's friend Elihu gives invaluable insights in how to minister to those who are suffering.

Introductory Considerations 1. I could not believe it had happened. One minute everything seemed alright and the next minute everything had changed. They had just been married a year before. I had the joy of performing the wedding. Just a few months ago they had found out that she was expecting. ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Glorifying God Through Suffering

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

Job's suffering brought glory to God. This evening we see how his and our suffering glorify God.

Introductory Considerations 1. Fred had lived a long and successful life. But time had caught up with him. He knew he was dying and he accepted that. But he sent along time reflecting back over his life. 2. He had been blessed with a good wife, children, and friends. His work did not make him ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-6, Job 42:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Let Go And Let God

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

If you are not experiencing God's grace (and the joy thereof), could there be idols that you are clinging to.

Introductory Considerations 1. One of best known stories in Bible is the story of Jonah - often seen as a children’s story and heard many children’s songs about it. 2. But the story of Jonah is a story that has an important message to each of us - as a church and as individuals. Not just about a ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Let Go And Let God

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

The middle verse of Jonah says "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs".

Introductory Considerations 1. One of best known stories in Bible is the story of Jonah - often seen as a children’s story and heard many children’s songs about it. 2. But the story of Jonah is a story that has an important message to each of us - as a church and as individuals. Not just about a ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 2:8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed