Sermons Themes

 

Coming Home

Sermon Text: Luke 15:11-32.

Sermon Theme: This sermon considers the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the perspective of the father.  The fact is: “We have a father who is willing to run to us.”  The question is: “Will we come home?”

Words Worth Repeating

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-8

Scripture Used: Luke 23:44-49

 

Friday (Easter)

Scripture Used: Luke 23:44-49

 

Sunday (Easter)

Scripture Used: Matthew 28:1-9

 

Becoming H.U.L.K. (Humble Under a Loving King)

Subtitle: How to Lose Your Temper for Good Scripture used: Numbers 20:2-13; Ephesians 4:30-32 Here’s the video that was shown immediately before the sermon.

Isn’t the Bible a Myth?

Sermon 1 of 6 in the series “The Reason for God”

Scripture used: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Sermon theme: This sermon looks at the question: “Can the Bible be trusted?”  That is, this message considers honest, sincere reservations that thoughtful people have about the Bible that could keep them from taking it seriously or trusting it.

Sermon outline (reservations some people have about the Bible):

  1. Some people feel that the Bible may have valuable moral insights – but that it ought to be understood as a collection of myths, fables, and “once-upon-a-time” kind of stories.
  2. Some people hold that the Bible is full of contradictions that undermine its own authority.
  3. We no longer have the original manuscripts of the Bible – and, therefore, all kinds of errors may have gotten written into the copies we have.
  4. Everybody is selective about which Bible commands they obey and which they ignore, so all talk about biblical authority is really bogus.
  5. Science has proven that science and the Bible are always in conflict with each other.
  6. Doesn’t the Bible support regressive practices like violence or slavery?
  7. If I start taking the Bible seriously, it might interfere with my plans for my life.

Who Says There is Only One Way to God?

Sermon 2 of 6 in the series “The Reason for God”

Scripture used: John 14:6

Sermon theme: Some people have concerns such as the following: “Isn’t it arrogant to say that your religion is right and that other people’s religions are wrong?” “Doesn’t that lead to intolerance, at best – and to the kind of violence by which we’re all horrified, at worst?” In view of concerns like these, this sermon considers what Jesus meant when he said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Sermon 4 of 6 in the series “The Reason for God”

Scripture used: John 9:1-3

Sermon theme: Why would a good and loving God allow for so much suffering and pain? What does the Bible have to say about why people suffer?

Why is the Church Responsible for So Much Injustice?

Sermon 5 of 6 in the series “The Reason for God”

Scripture used: Matthew 23:23-28

Sermon theme: Some folks have questions such as the following: “Aren’t churches filled with hypocrites?”  “Don’t you usually have a lot of people who claim to be loving but are not, and hasn’t this been true historically?”  “Hasn’t the church been responsible for atrocities like the Inquisition?”  In light of questions like these, this sermon considers Jesus’ teaching on hypocrisy.

Would a Good God Really Send People to Hell?

Sermon 6 of 6 in the series “The Reason for God”

Scripture used: Matthew 10:28; 25:41
 

Sermon theme: Would a good God really send people to hell? Are there really some people who are lost? Should people be afraid of hell? In response to these kinds of concerns, this sermon examines some of the main images the Bible uses to describe hell.

The Secret Storm

Scripture used: Jonah 1:1-15

Learning . . . All My Mind

Sermon 1 of 4 in the series “All In”

Scripture used: Mark 12:28-34
 

Sermon theme: What does it mean to love God with our entire mind?

Sermon outline:

  1. Mind.
  2. All.
  3. Love.

 

Belonging . . . All My Heart

Sermon 2 of 4 in the series “All In”

Scripture used: Hebrews 10:24-25
 

Sermon theme: What does it mean to love God with our entire heart? In particular, what does loving God with our whole heart have to do with community and with belonging together with others?

Healing . . . All My Soul

Sermon 3 of 4 in the series “All In”

Scripture used: Romans 3:10-18
 

Sermon theme: What does it mean to love God with our entire soul? In particular, what does loving God with our whole soul have to do with how all of us need healing from God? We need healing from God in various ways (since most of us have been wounded and scarred in many different ways); however, the healing we primarily need from the Lord is healing from the disease of sin — the main disease that threatens our soul. Accordingly, this sermon considers three different levels of sin (sinful acts; sinfulness; and, original sin) — and how God can heal us at each level.

Serving . . . All My Strength

Sermon 4 of 4 in the series “All In”

Scripture used: John 17:18
 

Sermon theme: What does it mean to love God with our entire strength? In particular, what does loving God with our entire strength have to do with serving others?

Starting with the Bible, we can see that the Bible is primarily about God and what he has done (rather than primarily being about “me and what I need to do”); that is, the Bible is about the mission of God. Therefore, being a Christian is all about mission, and the purpose of the church is all about doing the mission of God (rather than simply being “a religious service provider”). And, the mission of God is for his people to help others become disciples of Christ — by means of his people living for Christ — and serving others — wherever they find themselves, as they “go into all the world.”

Living a Life that Counts

Scripture used: John 15:1-17

Becoming Wonder Woman: Trusting Through Trials

Scripture used: Esther 4:11-17 Sermon theme: What is God calling you to do that might involve you getting out of your comfort zone? Refining moments prepare us for defining moments. Key points: The Danger: What is at stake? Denial: What will be sacrificed? The Decision: What will stand? The Deliverance: What will be saved?

With…

Sermon 1 of 5 in the series “Prayer: Does It Matter?”

Scripture used: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
 

Sermon theme: The biblical notion of prayer is connected with the biblical concept that God can always be present to us and with us. And, if we “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) this enables us to continually live life with God.

Prayer-Blockers

Sermon 2 of 5 in the series “Prayer: Does It Matter?”

Scripture used: James 1:5-6; 4:2-3; Matthew 18:19-20
 

Sermon theme: Sometimes doubt, anxiety, selfishness, and all other kinds of issues can keep us from praying to God. And, if we don’t pause to address some of these prayer-blockers, our prayer life can become (or remain) increasingly frustrating.

Sermon outline:

  • Prayer-blocker #1 – You don’t ask God for things because you get so busy.
  • Prayer-blocker #2 – You have selfish motives when you pray.
  • Prayer-blocker #3 – Our doubt can get in the way of our prayers being answered.
  • Prayer-blocker #4 – God knows the end from the beginning, so what difference does it make if I pray or not?
  • Prayer-blocker #5 – Prayer is for people who actually know what they are doing.
  • Prayer-blocker #6 – Prayer is always so boring.
  • Prayer-blocker #7 – Prayer is individualistic, subjective and passive.

 

Our God is Able!

Sermon 3 of 5 in the series “Prayer: Does It Matter?“

Scripture used: Ephesians 3:14-21
 

Sermon theme: Our God is able to do whatever needs to be done in this world and in our lives. No problem can stop him. No obstacle can thwart him. And, not only is he able to do all that we can ask or imagine; he is, in fact, able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. But, we will not pray — or we will not pray very much — if we don’t believe, in the deepest place, that our God really is able.

A Second Chance

Scripture used: Jonah 3:1-10

The Mystery of Unanswered Prayer

Sermon 4 of 5 in the series “Prayer: Does It Matter?“

Scripture used: Isaiah 40:31

Sermon theme: One of the biggest motivators to pray is answered prayer, but one of the biggest de-motivators can sometimes be unanswered prayer. However, the Bible seems to have as many accounts of unanswered prayer as it does of unanswered prayer – and close inspection reveals that there are good reasons for this.

(1) Sometimes God says “no” – because he knows that a “yes” would mean disaster for us (i.e., sometimes the request is wrong).

(2) Sometimes God says an initial “no” (or “not yet” or “wait”) because a lot of times what God is doing in us while we wait may end up being more important than what it is we think we’re waiting for (i.e., sometimes the timing of our request is off).

(3) Sometimes God says “no” because there is something wrong in us (or some blockage in our lives) with which God needs to deal (and, in these cases, God is going to say to us: “Grow”).

On some occasions though, there appear to be no good reasons for unanswered prayer. In these cases, (4) sometimes people ask for really good things with really good hearts, and that prayer does not get answered, and we don’t know why. In these cases, we can only look to a person, Jesus – and to his prayers that went unanswered – and to the unbelievable blessing that came from these unanswered prayers.

The World’s Most Dangerous Prayer

Sermon 5 of 5 in the series “Prayer: Does It Matter?“

Scripture used: John 6:1-15

Sermon theme: The world’s most dangerous prayer is: “God, use me for your glory.” But, if we want to pray this prayer, we have to know at least three things. We have to know: (1) the God behind the use-me prayer; (2) the type of people God uses; and, (3) how God works through these people.

(1′) The God behind the use-me prayer is Jesus, but we must know him – not just as healer, teacher, provider, and miracle worker – but also as Lord. (2′) The type of people God uses is the one who is inadequate, insufficient, and insignificant; that is, God delights in using the weak. (3′) How God works through these (weak) people [and this is the hard part] is by them putting everything in his hands; that is, by them giving up control of what is theirs – and giving what is theirs to God. Paradoxically, though, when we give our lives to Christ, we get back our lives bigger, greater, and deeper than they would have been if we had kept them.

What’s Your Excuse?

Scripture used: Luke 14:15-24

Sermon theme: This sermon looks to the Parable of the Great Banquet, in Luke 14, which Jesus tells in response to the following claim made by a Pharisee: “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”

At the core of Jesus’ response (and at the core of this parable) is the following concept: “The question is not ‘are you worthy of grace,’ as the Pharisee might think, the question is… ‘are you willing to receive it.’” And, Jesus indicates that those who are most at risk not to receive God’s grace… are those of us who are so full of ourselves, or full of our stuff, or full of our careers, or full of all these pursuits… that we miss him.

So, the questions become:

  • “What’s your excuse?”
  • “What’s holding you back?”
  • “Where have you said ‘no’ to him?”

Obstructed View

Scripture used: Galatians 5:16-26

Sermon theme: When we live to satisfy the desires of our sinful nature, we are kept from seeing God’s goodness and glory and the better life he has for us.

No One Stands Alone

Sermon 1 of 3 in the series “No One Stands Alone”

Scripture used: Acts 2:42a
 

Sermon theme: The New Testament reveals key features that lead to the development of strong small groups, where believers can grow in Christ and where the groups can help make an impact for the Kingdom of God.

Sermon outline:

  1. In a great small group, people are devoted to each other, and they will pay a significant price to “do life” together.
  2. A great group is a safe place to get real with people.
  3. A great group is a place where people speak truth to one another.
  4. A great group is not a place where there is no conflict. It is a place where conflict, which is inevitable, leads to reconciliation and growth.
  5. Great groups have a mission beyond themselves.

From the Balcony

Sermon 2 of 3 in the series “No One Stands Alone”

Scripture used: 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13, 10:25

Sermon theme: Through a consideration of the example of Barnabas, this sermon will look at the importance of encouragement — and at how encouragement can powerfully take place within small groups.

Making Space for Another

Sermon 3 of 3 in the series “No One Stands Alone”

Scripture used: Acts 10:34-35
 

Sermon theme: Drawing largely on Peter’s eventual acceptance of Cornelius (a Gentile), this sermon explores the concept that when small groups live out the biblical notion of “hospitality,” they actively seek to find ways in which they can show acceptance to others who are not like them.

Building My Life on the Bible

Sermon 1 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: James 1:19-25
 

Sermon theme: In order to build our life on the Bible, we have to look at the way in which God wired and shaped us. God gave us five senses we use to hear, smell, see, taste, and touch.  Everything we know, everything we experience in life comes through one of these five senses.  That’s how we encounter life, and God wants us to learn to encounter the Bible with every one of our senses.

Sermon outline — Ways That I Build My Life on the Bible:

  1. I receive it with my ears.
  2. I read it with my eyes.
  3. I research it with my hands and my mouth.
  4. I review and remember it with my mind.
  5. I respond to it with my actions.

Why Can I Trust the Bible?

Sermon 2 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:86

Sermon theme: How can we know that the Bible really is the Word of God? How do we know that the Bible really can be trusted?

Sermon outline — How Do I Know I Can Trust the Bible?

  1. It is historically accurate.
  2. It is scientifically accurate.
  3. It is prophetically accurate.
  4. It is thematically unified.
  5. It is confirmed by Jesus.
  6. It has transforming power.

How the Bible Changes Us

Sermon 3 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12

Sermon theme: For every person, there are things that we know need to be changed in our lives. We may even have tried to change them, but they haven’t changed. However, the Word of God can change things that we cannot change on our own. Accordingly, this sermon looks at six specific ways that God wants to change our lives with his Word.

Sermon outline — How Does God’s Word Change Me?

  1. It recreates my life.
  2. It eradicates my guilt.
  3. It activates my faith.
  4. It stimulates my growth.
  5. It illuminates my mind.
  6. It liberates my potential.

How Do I Gain These Benefits?

  1. I have to learn it.
  2. I have to accept it.
  3. I have to act on it.

Seeing What God Wants Me to See

Sermon 4 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: John 14:25-26

Sermon theme: This sermon focuses on the issue of “illumination” — or, more concretely, on what happens when God opens our spiritual eyes.

Sermon outline:

What Happens When God Opens My Eyes?

  1. I see the solution to my problem.
  2. I see the barrier to my progress.
  3. I see the defense for what’s attacking me.
  4. I see how God is walking with me.

Preparing to See What God Wants Me to See

  1. I must begin a relationship with Jesus Christ.
  2. I must ask God in faith to open my eyes.
  3. I must come with a humble attitude.
  4. I must cleanse my heart of sin and conflict.
  5. I must commit in advance to do what God says.

How to Study a Bible Passage

Sermon 5 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: Philippians 2:19-30

Sermon theme: There are four things we need to do whenever we’re going to sit down to look at a passage of Scripture and study it for ourselves.

Sermon outline — Four Steps in Studying a Bible Passage:

  1. Observation: What does it say?
  2. Interpretation: What does it mean?
    • A godly man is caring.
    • A godly man is committed.
    • A godly man is cooperative.
    • A godly man is considerate.
    • A godly man is courageous.
  3. Correlation: What other verses explain it?
  4. Application: What am I going to do about it?

Understanding the Meaning of a Text

Sermon 6 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: John 15:1-11

Sermon theme: There are some basic rules for interpreting scripture.

Sermon outline — Some Basic Rules for Interpreting Scripture:

  1. Consider the historical context of the verse.
  2. Define the key words in the verse.
  3. Interpret unclear verses with clear ones.
  4. Look for the most obvious meaning in the text.
  5. Do not try to make every detail in the text mean something.

Integrating God’s Word into My Life

Sermon 7 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: Psalm 119:20

Sermon theme: How do you maintain a heart for God’s Word? How do you integrate God’s Word into every area of your life? How do you become a man or woman of the Word?

Sermon outline — How to Integrate God’s Word into My Life:

  1. Build on the Word of God.
  2. Feed on the Word of God.
  3. Live by the Word of God.
  4. Grow through the Word of God.
  5. Act on the Word of God.
  6. Trust in the Word of God.

Are You Willing to Make a Difference?

Sermon 8 of 8 in the series “40 Days in the Word”

Scripture used: Luke 9:23

Sermon theme: God doesn’t just want us to know his Word; he also wants us to do something about it. Accordingly, this sermon examines how you can make a difference in your immediate world — that is, how you can make a difference in the lives of the people around you.

Sermon outline — To Make a Difference:

  1. I must be willing to let my life be interrupted.
  2. I must be willing to change my attitudes.
  3. I must be willing to do what I can, when I can, as often as I can.
  4. I must be willing to work with others.

Birthing the Unexpected: Interruptions that Inspire

First Sunday of Advent

Advent candle scripture reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

Sermon scripture used: Luke 1:26-38

What Christmas Love Always Does

Second Sunday of Advent

1 of 2 in the series A Christmas of Compassion (The focus of this series is on how the love that God showed to us by giving us his Son should lead us to show compassion to others)

Advent candle scripture reading: Isaiah 11:1-10

Sermon scripture used: John 3:16

Sermon theme: God is primarily a giver, not a taker. And, what made the first Christmas so great was that God gave his best gift of all. God gave the gift of a Savior to people who needed it the most — sinners. What if we were to get so filled up with the love of God that we were to become conduits of God’s blessing to other people around us, especially to those who are hurting? If we will make this a Christmas of compassion, it will not just be good for people on the receiving end of compassion; it will also be good for us.

Jesus’ Heart for Those Who Suffer

Third Sunday of Advent

2 of 2 in the series A Christmas of Compassion (The focus of this series is on how the love that God showed to us by giving us his Son should lead us to show compassion to others)

Advent candle scripture reading: Luke 1:46-55

Sermon scripture used: Luke 10:25-37

Sermon theme: In Luke 2:10 it says, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” In an effort to understand just how seriously God takes that word “all,” this sermon will explore Jesus’s parable of “the Good Samaritan.”

Another Kind of King

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Advent candle scripture reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon scripture used: Luke 2:1-7

Sermon theme: This sermon explores the question: “What is the best part of God coming down to earth?” There are many aspects to the Incarnation that led the angels to sing — and that cause us to rejoice. But, the best part of the Incarnation is that Jesus came for you.

Sermon sub-theme: We all have a “kingdom problem” — we all want to be “in control.” But, one of the central messages of Christmas is that God is firmly in control of his universe and his world. So, it’s not about us and our purposes. It’s all about God and God’s purposes — and these are the purposes that ultimately prevail.

A Year of Thanks

Scripture used: Colossians 3:12-17

The Edge of the Pool

Sermon theme: New Year’s resolutions are usually focused on ways in which we want to make ourselves better. But, do we really want to change? Do we really want to be healed? In John 5, this is what Jesus asks a lame man that he meets.

The Con, the Chick, the Cow, and the Christ

Sermon scripture used: Genesis 29:14b-35

Sermon theme: Looking to the account of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, we see that, ultimately, the only relationship that can bring us complete fulfillment is our relationship with the Lord.

Answering the Call

Scripture used: Mark 10:17-22

Put Me in the Game

Sermon 1 of 2 in the series “Put Me in the Game”

Scripture used: Matthew 25:14-18

Sermon theme: Are you sitting on the sideline or are you involved? This sermon will look at the value of participating actively in our Christian life.

Sermon outline:

  1. What have I been given?
  2. What will I do with what I’ve been given?
  3. What do I dream about doing for God?
  4. What could keep me from being a good and faithful servant?
  5. What words do I want to hear from God when my life is over?

Game Changers

Sermon 2 of 2 in the series “Put Me in the Game”

Scripture used: John 14:12 [1 Samuel 14:6]

Sermon theme: Everybody will have an effect on someone else. Jesus said that we will do even greater things than him. So, how will that happen, and what should we be doing in preparation for this?

The Cost of Discipleship

Scripture used: John 12:20-26

Sermon theme: This sermon looks at the true cost of discipleship in our walk with Christ.

Sermon outline:

  • A disciple of Jesus, one who truly follows him, is characterized by:
    • No reserve — withholding nothing from God
    • No retreat — staying the course, no matter where life leads
    • No regrets — trusting that nothing we do for God will be wasted
  • Jesus does not promise his followers a life of ease.
  • The good news is that those who follow Jesus, get Jesus.

Ten Financial Commandments

Sermon 1 of 2 in the series “Enuf”

Scripture used: 1 Peter 4:10

Sermon theme: The Bible has more to say about money than almost any other single subject. So, how are people in our culture generally doing when it comes to living with financial wisdom from God’s perspective?

Sermon outline:

Ten Financial Commandments — Thou shalt:

  1. Remember who the owner is
  2. Embrace thy work
  3. Not fall deeply into debt
  4. Teach thy children about money
  5. Have a plan
  6. Declare, “Enough!”
  7. Find an alternative way to keep score
  8. Look around
  9. Seek wise counsel
  10. Look forward to thy final audit

The Divine Dare

Sermon 2 of 2 in the series “Enuf”

Scripture used: Deuteronomy 14:22-23, 26

Sermon theme: The Bible has much to say about money and tithing. What is a tithe and how it be integrated into our daily lives? Is money functioning as a tool or as a drug in our lives?

Sermon outline:

  1. Tithing generosity.
  2. Firstfruits generosity.
  3. Harvesting generosity.
  4. Offerings generosity.
  5. Sabbath generosity.

Becoming Champ: The Power of Partnerships

Sermon Series: Messages from the Movies (this sermon: Rocky, the underdog love story)

Topic: Gospel confidence

Scripture used: Ruth 3:1-18

Big Question: What will transform us into courageous champions who leave a mark on this world for the glory of Christ?

Big Idea: His Story supersedes our history! He made us family… don’t you love that? Wrong family, wrong history, wrong geography, wrong spirituality, but the right God means you are a member of the royal family (not a second-class citizen)!

Sermon Outline:

  1. Instinct
  2. Intelligence
  3. Integrity
  4. Inertia

A Jesus Way of Life

Sermon 1 of 5 in the series “The Great Experiment”

Scripture used: John 15:5

Sermon theme: This sermon considers how much ordinary people can do life “with God.”

Sermon outline: The core of the “with God” life:

  1. God wants to make every moment of my life glorious with his presence.
  2. The best place to start doing life with God is in small moments.
  3. People will look different when I see them with God.

Nakedness

Sermon 2 of 5 in the series “The Great Experiment”

Scripture used: Psalm 32:1-11

Sermon theme: This sermon explores confession and the role it should play in our lives. There are many ways that we attempt to ignore or cover up our sin, but Christ wants to cover it completely with his grace.

Sermon outline: Here’s how to get naked:

  1. Uncover your sins and be honest.
  2. Uncover your motivations.
  3. Uncover your pride.
  4. Put on Christ.

Gratitude

Sermon 3 of 5 in the series “The Great Experiment”

Scripture used: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sermon theme: Gratitude is more than a good idea; it’s a command in the Bible. Gratitude is also the baseline attitude for the “with-God” life.

Out of the Darkness, and into the Light

Scripture used: Mark 10:46-52

Sermon outline:

1. Our Desire to Seek (verses 46 & 47)

    1. God has given every human-being a desire to seek a higher power.
    2. A survey of the things Bartimaeus may have seen in Jesus that led him to seek Jesus further that day.
    3. An examination of things that might lead people today to seek Jesus.

2. The World’s Desire to Silence (verses 48-50)

    1. An examination of how the world tried to silence Bartimaeus when he called out to Jesus vs. a brief look at ways in which the world is attempting to silence Christians by removing the name of Jesus from the public stage today.
    2. An examination of how Bartimaeus fought to overcome that resistance.

3. God’s Desire to Overcome the Darkness (verses 51 & 52)

    1. Why darkness is dangerous.
    2. A look at what can happen when we walk in darkness.
    3. A look at how Bartimaeus responded to God’s light.
    4. What does God expect from us?

The Elements of Spiritual Formation

Sermon 4 of 5 in the series “The Great Experiment”

Scripture used: Philippians 1:3-6

Sermon theme: This sermon continues to examine the Jesus way of life by investigating some of the experiences, relationships and practices that can lead us to a closer life with God.

Sermon outline:

  1. Practices
    1. Solitude
    2. Silence
    3. Study
    4. Fasting
    5. Serving
    6. Simplicity
    7. Celebration
  2. Relationships with People
    1. Spiritual Friend
    2. Difficult People
    3. Unchurched People
    4. People in Need
  3. Experiences
    1. Problems
    2. Sensitivity to the Promptings of the Holy Spirit
    3. Cross-cultural Experiences
    4. Ordinary Moments

What Every Body Needs

Sermon 5 of 5 in the series “The Great Experiment”

Scripture used: Matthew 4:1-4

Sermon theme: In what ways do we seek comfort and pleasure from things in life? How do we respond to our appetites and desires as we pursue a Jesus way of life? These questions will be considered in view of the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.

The World’s Greatest Step

Scripture used: Mark 16:1-8

Sermon theme: Salvation comes when we take “the world’s greatest step” and put our faith in the resurrected Jesus.

Becoming Braveheart — Defeating Discouragement

Sermon Series: Messages from the Movies (this sermon: Braveheart)

Scripture used: Nehemiah 4:7-15

Identity

Sermon 1 of 5 in the series “Soul-o-lo-gy”

Scripture used: Genesis 2:7; Mark 8:36-37

Sermon theme: This sermon considers why we should seek to develop a healthy, God-pleasing soul.

Sermon outline: (Reasons why we should try to develop a healthy soul):

  1. Your lifeis under the direction of your soul.
    1. The will
    2. The mind
    3. The body
    4. The soul
  2. The neglected soul doesn’t go away; it goes awry.
  3. Unhealthy souls grow rushed, weary, and shallow, and souls can only find rest in God.
  4. Your soul can be all right when everything in your world is all wrong.

Satisfaction

Sermon 2 of 5 in the series “Soul-o-lo-gy”

Scripture used: 3 John 1:1-2

Sermon theme: The biblical writers frequently wrote about their souls and about their souls being hungry or thirsty or hollow or empty — or not satisfied. Accordingly, this sermon examines: “How do we go about pursuing a satisfied soul?” and “How do we pursue soul satisfaction?”

Sermon outline: (How to pursue soul satisfaction):

  1. I must acknowledge and confess my chronic dissatisfaction.
  2. Practice surrendering my need to always get what I think I want.
  3. The soul is more satisfied when it is less self-preoccupied.
  4. The ultimate issue in the universe is not my satisfaction; it is God’s satisfaction.

Safety

Sermon 3 of 5 in the series “Soul-o-lo-gy”

Scripture used: Hebrews 6:19a

Sermon theme: Why do we often experience so much insecurity in our lives? Where do we go to find security in life? We can look in many different places to find security, but our soul was made to find security in God. And, our souls will not settle for anything else. So, how can we go about enabling our souls to find security and refuge in the Lord?

Sermon outline:

Where do people often go to find security in life?

  1. Control.
  2. Reputation or appearance.
  3. Financial security or the pursuit of comfort.

How can we enable our souls to find security in the Lord?

  1. We need to resist compromise.
  2. We need to step out of our comfort zone.

Love

Sermon 4 of 5 in the series “Soul-o-lo-gy”

Scripture used: Matthew 10:16–20, 28–31

Sermon theme: A lost soul is in trouble because there is one who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). But, there is more hard news, because a lost soul is already in trouble — since a lost soul doesn’t actually want to be with God. And, it is possible to be active as a “religious non-disciple” in church. But, a “religious non-disciple” is still a lost soul. The good news, though, is that the human soul was made for a relationship with God. That is, the human soul was made for love. And, this relationship (and this love) can be ours if we will receive God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Meaning

Sermon 5 of 5 in the series “Soul-o-lo-gy”

Scripture used: Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Sermon theme: The average person is so busy that they never stop to ask the question: “Why am I doing this? What is the reason for doing anything? Why should I live?” But, we have to ask and face that question if our lives are to have meaning. This sermon will briefly consider three common answers to the meaning of life — from the humanist, the hedonist, and the existentialist. Then, this sermon will look to the Christian answer to the meaning of life.

God Is Still in the Resurrection Business

Scripture used: Acts 2:36-38

Sermon theme: There is the possibility of self-deception in many different areas of life. But, perhaps nowhere is there greater potential for self-deception than in the spiritual area of life. And, many people in our society have never given serious thought to: “How would my life actually be graded, if it were to be graded by the standard of a holy God — (in light of the fact that he made me to reflect his glory)?” But, the Holy Spirit can show us how we fall short of this standard; that is, the Holy Spirit can bring conviction of sin. And, conviction of sin is when I get a glimpse of: “How did I become the kind of person who could do that?” In other words, conviction is when I really start to see my own sin and my own brokenness. And, when we see our sin, we can then repent. And, repentance is not only asking for forgiveness but also deciding to trust Jesus (and not ourselves). And, of course, repentance also involves getting baptized, in order to publicly express the reality that we have experienced in our souls.

Hatch ‘em

Sermon 1 of 4 in the series “Hatch ‘em, Patch ‘em, Match ‘em, Latch ‘em”

Scripture used: Mark 10:13-16

Sermon theme: Every family and every church needs to ask the question, “What will we do with our children?” And, Jesus definitely has something to say to us in answer to that question, “What will we do with our children?” As we look at Mark 10:13-16, we see that Jesus gives three gifts to children: his time; his touch (by letting them know that they matter, that they’re accepted, and that they’re loved); and, his prayer (giving them to God). Will we also do this for our children? — Will we give them our time; will we give them our touch; and, will we give them to God?

Sermon outline: Three gifts Jesus gives to children:

  1. Jesus gives his time to the children.
  2. Jesus gives his touch to the children (shows them they matter).
  3. Jesus gives the children to God (prays for them).

Patch ‘em

Sermon 2 of 4 in the series “Hatch ‘em, Patch ‘em, Match ‘em, Latch ‘em”

Scripture used: Genesis 22:1-14

Sermon theme: How do you help a broken person? How do you help a broken person — when a little patch, a little advice, a little rest and relaxation are no longer enough? (This will apply to those seeking to help broken people within families — but also to those looking to help broken people in general.) In these situations, for the believer, we can go to the cross, where God says, “Now is all my love, all my heart, poured out for the human race on a sin-stained cross and an empty tomb.”

Match ‘em

Sermon 3 of 4 in the series “Hatch ‘em, Patch ‘em, Match ‘em, Latch ‘em”

Scripture used: Proverbs 30:18-19

Sermon theme: This sermon focuses on various myths about marriage and looks for wisdom from God about how human beings are designed for love.

Sermon outline:

  1. Myth #1: Being married is being normal.
  2. Myth #2: Marriage is about my fulfillment.
  3. Myth #3: Finding Mr. or Mrs. Right is a magical, mystical process that does not require deep thought, personal discipline, or mature judgment.
  4. Myth #4: Opposites attract.
  5. Myth #5: If it’s really love, marriage should be easy.

Latch ‘em

Sermon 4 of 4 in the series “Hatch ‘em, Patch ‘em, Match ‘em, Latch ‘em”

Scripture used: Matthew 7:24-27

Sermon theme: To avoid spiritual storms and secure your home, you must “latch ‘em” through personal communication, moral consistency, and spiritual commitment.

Sermon outline: If you want to secure your home you must “latch ‘em” through:

  1. Personal Communication
  2. Moral Consistency
  3. Spiritual Commitment

Amazing Grace

Scripture used: John 15:16

Delayed but not Denied

Scripture used: Exodus 3:7-8

Sermon theme: He sees, he hears, and he knows.

Respectable Sins

Sermon 1 of 5 in the series “Respectable Sins”

Scripture Used: 2 Timothy 3:1-5a

Sermon Theme:  This sermon looks at: (1) two of the main reasons why we need to address the “respectable sins” in our lives; and, (2) how we can ask God to help us in dealing with “respectable sins.”

Sermon Outline:

There are two reasons why we need to address the “respectable sins” in our lives:

  1. The destructive nature of “respectable sins” on others is due to their unconscious presence in us.
  2. The “respectable sins” disintegrate us from God, from others, and from ourselves.

We can ask God to help us in dealing with “respectable sins” by:

  1. Owning our words.
  2. Choosing our words.
  3. Developing accountability for restoration.
  4. Following Jesus as our guide.

Envy

Sermon 2 of 5 in the series “Respectable Sins”

Scripture Used: Genesis 4:1-12

Sermon Theme:  This sermon will examine the “respectable sin” of “envy” — what it is; how it works; and, how we can find freedom from it.

Sermon Outline:

Some lies a person has to believe are true in order to fall victim to envy:

  1. What I need most is what someone else has.
  2. Once I have it, my envy won’t hurt anymore.
  3. God’s primary job is to glorify me.

Some of the things we can do to live in the love of God:

  1. Root out comparison from your life.
  2. Become a neighbor-keeper.
  3. Place our hope in God alone.

People Pleasing

Sermon 3 of 5 in the series “Respectable Sins”

Scripture Used: Psalm 88:1-4, 6-7, 13-18

Sermon Theme:  This sermon will consider the “respectable sin” of “people pleasing” — what it is (“putting on a false self in order to gain approval or prestige in another person’s eyes”); how it works; and, how we can find freedom from it.

Greed

Sermon 4 of 5 in the series “Respectable Sins”

Scripture Used: Mark 10:17-26

Sermon Theme:  This sermon will focus on the “respectable sin” of “greed” — what it is; how it works; and, how we can find freedom from it.

Sermon Outline:

  1. The power of greed.
  2. The danger of greed.
  3. The healing of greed.

Apathy

Sermon 5 of 5 in the series “Respectable Sins”

Scripture Used: Amos 5:18-24

Sermon Theme:  This sermon will look at the “respectable sin” of “apathy” — what it is; how it works; and, how we can find freedom from it.

Plans in Motion

Scripture used: Isaiah 45

Up

Sermon 1 of 3 in the series “From Here to There”

Scripture Used: Philippians 3:4b-11

Sermon Theme: Part of moving from “here” to “there” involves the dimension of “up.” And, with the “up” dimension, “there” is that every disciple of Jesus has placed his or her devotion to Jesus above every other priority in life — with the result that we’re continually becoming more peace-filled, more truth-telling, more people-loving, more gospel-sharing, more prayer-powered, more sin-freed-up agents of God’s kingdom. And, our church goal correlation to “up” is “worship.”

In

Sermon 2 of 3 in the series “From Here to There”

Scripture Used: Genesis 2:18

Sermon Theme: Another part of moving from “here” to “there” involves the dimension of “in.” And, with the “in” dimension, “there” would be authentic community with each other that is so powerful that anytime anybody comes to one of our worship services or small group meetings, the primary thing they would notice is how caring and friendly the people are. Also, with the “in” dimension, “there” would involve not pretending — but only honesty and vulnerability — because that leads to healing. And, our church goal correlation to “in” is “grow.”

Sermon Outline:

  1. We were made for community.
  2. We grow in community.
  3. We find acceptance in community.
  4. We serve in community.
  5. We heal in community.
  6. We die in community.
  7. We will be resurrected in community.

Out

Sermon 3 of 3 in the series “From Here to There”

Scripture Used: Genesis 12:1-3

Sermon Theme: Yet another part of moving from “here” to “there” involves the dimension of “out.” And, with the “out” dimension, “there” would look like this: Workplaces around the Milwaukee area are being redeemed. They’re being filled with innovative, creative joy. Families are being strengthened; marriages are getting better and better; divorce rates are going down; poverty is going down; graduation rates are going up; neighborhoods are getting safer; and, the name of Jesus is being increasingly appreciated from one neighborhood to the next. Our church goal correlation to “out” is “serve.”

Worship is More than a Song

Scripture used: Isaiah 6:1-8

Sermon theme: God alone is the focus of authentic worship. True worship exposes who we are and allows us to hear from God.

Who Is My Neighbor?

Sermon 1 of 3 in the series “Who Is My Neighbor?”

Scripture used: Mark 12:28-31

Sermon theme: The Bible indicates that “love for God” and “love for people” are inextricably intertwined — so much so that the former has no meaning, if the latter isn’t taking place. And, to love your neighbor means: “to intend their good as God defines good.” But, when it comes to our day-to-day living, how much time do we take “to get to know” and “to intend the good of” our neighbors?

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Sermon 2 of 3 in the series “Who Is My Neighbor?”

Scripture used: Ruth 1:1-5

Sermon theme: This sermon considers how Ruth decides to live an unreasonable life — by betting everything on love for another. In doing so, she lives out the truth that, with God, there is no “them” — that every person should be embraced.

Sermon sub-theme: The reason we love people — is not diversity; it is because every human being bears the same image of God, who made and loves them.

What’s Good for the “Hood”

Sermon 3 of 3 in the series “Who Is My Neighbor?”

Scripture used: Luke 10:1-7, 16

Sermon theme: This sermon looks at the account of Jesus sending out “the Seventy-two,” in order to consider how we can love our neighbors by sharing with them the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. In other words, this sermon examines how we can combine a commitment to “the Great Commandment” and “the Great Commission.”

Sermon outline: Six Steps for Us to Be Turned Loose to Love Our Neighbors:

  1. Just get out of the house.
  2. Do ministry in community.
  3. Pray regularly for your neighborhood.
  4. In your neighborhood, look for the person of peace.
  5. Love in true humility; not false superiority.
  6. Don’t be discouraged by rejection.

Called to Rescue

Scripture used: Acts 9:1-15

Sermon theme: No matter who you are or what you have done, God can use you

When Life is Unfair

Sermon 1 of 3 in the series “Bulletproof”

Scripture used: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Sermon theme: This message considers how to respond when you feel like life has arbitrarily and unfairly singled you out and given you worse than you deserve.

Sermon outline: What does the Bible say is coming your way?

  1. You will come through this better than you were before.
  2. If the score needs to be settled, God will settle it.
  3. God will give you the chance to put your best ideas to work.