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Sermon Starters

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 I Shall Not Want

I. Introduction
A. Context of Psalm 23
B. Hook: The well-known phrase "I shall not want"
C. Main Idea: Psalm 23 teaches us about God's provision and care for us.

II. Main Point 1: The Lord is my Shepherd
A. Explanation: The imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep
B. Illustration: Describing the role of a shepherd in biblical times
C. Application: Trusting in God's guidance and protection in our lives

III. Main Point 2: He makes me lie down in green pastures
A. Explanation: The rest and abundance provided by the Shepherd
B. Illustration: Painting a picture of green pastures and still waters
C. Application: Finding peace and contentment in God's provision

IV. Main Point 3: He leads me beside quiet waters
A. Explanation: The refreshment and sustenance found in the Shepherd's care
B. Illustration: The significance of water in the desert landscape
C. Application: Seeking spiritual nourishment and rest in God's presence

V. Conclusion
A. Summary: God's provision and care are constant in our lives
B. Restatement of Main Idea: Trusting in God's provision leads to contentment
C. Call to Action: Rest in the Shepherd's care and find peace in His provision.

 Falling For Jesus

I. Introduction
A. Context of Luke 8:43-48
B. Hook: The story of the woman with the issue of blood
C. Main Idea: Falling For Jesus means trusting in His power and seeking His healing touchII. Main Point 1: Desperation Leads to Faith
A. The woman's desperate situation
B. Explanation of how her faith led her to reach out to Jesus
C. Illustration of how we can also come to Jesus in our desperation and trust in Him for healingIII. Main Point 2: Jesus Recognizes and Responds to Faith
A. Jesus feeling power leave Him when the woman touches His cloak
B. Explanation of how Jesus responds to the woman's faith
C. Illustration of how Jesus still recognizes and responds to our faith todayIV. Main Point 3: Faith Leads to Transformation
A. The woman being healed instantly
B. Explanation of how faith can lead to transformation in our lives
C. Application of how we can experience transformation through faith in JesusV. Conclusion
A. Summary of the woman's story and her faith
B. Restatement of the main idea: Falling For Jesus means trusting in His power and seeking His healing touch
C. Call to Action: Let us have the faith of the woman in the story and reach out to Jesus in our desperation, trusting in His power to transform our lives.

By following this outline structure, you can create an expository sermon on the topic of "Falling For Jesus" using Luke 8:43-48 as the main scripture.

Faith in the Face of Desperation

Main Idea: In times of desperation, our faith in God's power and goodness can lead us to miraculous outcomes.
Scripture References: Mark 5:22-23, Mark 5:25-34, Mark 5:35-43, Hebrews 11:1, James 5:15Introduction:
- Begin with a personal story or anecdote about a time when you or someone you know experienced a miracle.
- Pose a question to the congregation about what they would do if they were in need of a miracle.
- Read Mark 5:22-23 as the foundation for the sermon.Body:
I. Recognizing the Need for a Miracle
- Desperation can lead us to recognize our need for divine intervention (Mark 5:25-26).
- Illustration: Share a story of someone who turned to God in desperation and experienced a miracle.
- Application: Encourage the congregation to acknowledge their own areas of desperation and seek God's help.II. Stepping Out in Faith
- The woman with the issue of blood took a bold step of faith to touch Jesus' garment (Mark 5:27-28).
- Illustration: Share a modern-day example of someone who demonstrated great faith in a difficult situation.
- Application: Challenge the congregation to step out in faith and trust God for their own miracles.III. Receiving the Miracle
- Jesus honored the woman's faith and healed her completely (Mark 5:34).
- Illustration: Share a testimony from someone who experienced a miraculous healing or provision.
- Application: Encourage the congregation to expect and receive miracles in their lives through faith.

When Your Eye Is Healthy

I. Introduction
A. Context: Luke 11:34-36 talks about the importance of having a healthy eye to let light into your whole body.
B. Hook: How often do we truly consider the condition of our spiritual eyes?
C. Main Idea: In order to have a healthy spiritual life, we must guard our eyes and allow the light of Christ to illuminate our path.

II. Main Point 1: The Condition of Your Eye
A. Explanation: Our eyes are the windows to our souls, reflecting what we allow to enter and consume us.
B. Illustration: Just as a physical eye can become diseased or infected, our spiritual eyes can also be clouded by sin and darkness.
C. Application: We must regularly examine our hearts and minds to ensure that we are focusing on what is good and pure.

III. Main Point 2: Allowing Light to Enter
A. Explanation: When we have a healthy eye, we allow the light of Christ to enter and guide us.
B. Illustration: Just as a well-functioning physical eye helps us see clearly, a healthy spiritual eye allows us to see the truth of God's word.
C. Application: We must intentionally seek out God's truth through prayer, study of scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

IV. Main Point 3: The Impact of a Healthy Eye
A. Explanation: When we have a healthy spiritual eye, our whole body will be filled with light and we will walk in righteousness.
B. Illustration: Imagine a room filled with light, dispelling all darkness and shadows - this is the effect of a healthy eye on our spiritual life.
C. Application: As we allow the light of Christ to illuminate our path, we will be better equipped to live out our faith and be a light to others.

V. Conclusion
A. Summary: The condition of our spiritual eye directly impacts our relationship with God and our ability to walk in His ways.
B. Restatement of Main Idea: In order to have a healthy spiritual life, we must guard our eyes and allow the light of Christ to illuminate our path.
C. Call to Action: Let us commit to regularly examining our spiritual eyes, seeking out the light of Christ, and allowing it to guide us in all areas of our lives.

Your Past Does Not Have To Determine Your Future 

I. Introduction

A. Context of Galatians 1:13-17

B. Hook: Have you ever felt like your past mistakes define who you are?

C. Main Idea: The power of God's grace can transform our past into a testimony of His redemption.

II. Main Point 1: Paul's Transformation (Galatians 1:13-14)

A. Explanation: Paul was a persecutor of the church, but God's grace transformed him into a preacher of the gospel.

B. Illustration: Like Paul, we too can experience a radical transformation through God's grace.

C. Application: Allow God's grace to redefine your past and use it as a testimony of His redemption.

III. Main Point 2: God's Unchanging Purpose (Galatians 1:15-16)

A. Explanation: God had a purpose for Paul even before he was born.

B. Illustration: Just as God had a plan for Paul's life, He has a plan for each of us.

C. Application: Trust in God's unchanging purpose for your life, knowing that your past does not limit His plans for you.

IV. Main Point 3: Embracing God's Grace (Galatians 1:17)

A. Explanation: Paul did not consult with others but received revelation from God.

B. Illustration: We too can receive direct revelation from God through His grace.

C. Application: Embrace God's grace in your life, knowing that He can transform your past mistakes into a testimony of His redemption.

V. Conclusion

A. Summary: Our past mistakes do not have to define our future when we embrace God's grace.

B. Restatement of Main Idea: Through the power of God's grace, our past can become a testimony of His redemption.

C. Call to Action: Trust in God's transforming grace and allow Him to redefine your past for His glory.

A Work In Progress

I. Introduction

A. Context of Phil. 1:6

B. Hook: Discussing the idea of being a work in progress

C. Main Idea: God works in us continuously to bring about our spiritual growth

II. God's Work In Progress

A. Explanation: Phil. 1:6 states that God will complete the work He has started in us

B. Illustration: Just as a potter molds and shapes clay, God molds and shapes us into who He wants us to be

C. Application: Trust in God's process of refining and transforming us

III. The Promise of Transformation

A. Explanation: God's promise to complete the work gives us hope for the future

B. Illustration: A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly as a symbol of spiritual transformation

C. Application: Embrace the process of growth and change in our spiritual journey

IV. Our Role in the Process

A. Explanation: While God is the one working in us, we also have a part to play in cooperating with His work

B. Illustration: A farmer working the land and tending to the crops to bring about a harvest

C. Application: Be active participants in our spiritual growth through prayer, studying the Word, and fellowship

V. Conclusion

A. Summary: God is at work in us, and we are a work in progress

B. Restatement of Main Idea: Trust in God's transforming work in our lives

C. Call to Action: Surrender to God's process of growth and allow Him to continue His work in us.

Feeling Stuck In Times of Uncertainty

I. Introduction
A. Context: Isaiah 43:18-19 is a passage where God is speaking to the Israelites, encouraging them to forget the past and look forward to the new thing He is going to do.
B. Hook: Have you ever felt stuck in a season of uncertainty, unsure of what the future holds?
C. Main Idea: In times of uncertainty, God calls us to trust Him and look forward to the new things He is going to do in our lives.

II. Main Point 1: Forget the former things
A. Explanation: God instructs the Israelites to not dwell on the past and the former things.
B. Illustration: Just as the Israelites were called to let go of their past, we too are called to release our past mistakes, failures, and disappointments.
C. Application: Let go of the past and trust that God has something new in store for you.

III. Main Point 2: Behold, I am doing a new thing
A. Explanation: God promises to do a new thing, making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
B. Illustration: Just as God provided for the Israelites in the desert, He will provide for us in our times of uncertainty.
C. Application: Trust in God's faithfulness and provision, knowing that He is working on something new in your life.

IV. Main Point 3: Do you not perceive it?
A. Explanation: God challenges the Israelites to perceive the new thing He is doing.
B. Illustration: Sometimes in our times of uncertainty, we may not immediately see or understand what God is doing in our lives.
C. Application: Open your eyes and heart to see the new things God is doing in your life, even in the midst of uncertainty.

V. Conclusion
A. Summary: In times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God's promises and look forward to the new things He is doing in our lives.
B. Restatement of Main Idea: Trust in God and His faithfulness, knowing that He is always working for your good.
C. Call to Action: Let go of the past, trust in God's provision, and perceive the new things He is doing in your life.

By following these steps and crafting a structured outline, you can effectively deliver an expository sermon on the topic of feeling stuck in times of uncertainty based on Isaiah 43:18-19.

Christianity and Political Engagement

  1. IntroductionA. Context
    In the heart of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, He calls His followers to be salt and light, a powerful image that speaks of influence and impact. Historically and culturally, Jesus was addressing a diverse crowd under Roman occupation, people yearning for change.

    B. Hook
    Imagine a world where Christians retreat from the public square, where does that leave us? In a dimming room, isn't it light that makes the difference?

    C. Main Idea
    Jesus calls His followers to engage with the world, bringing godly influence and illumination to society, including in political spheres.

    II. Main Point 1: Being Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13)

    A. Explanation
    In ancient times, salt was used primarily for preservation and flavor. As Christians, we're called to preserve godly values and add flavor to society.

    B. Illustration
    Consider how a pinch of salt transforms a bland dish into a savory delight. Likewise, even a few Christians can bring about significant positive change in political structures.

    C. Application
    Engage in political discussions with grace and truth, preserving godly principles. Stand firm on moral issues that align with biblical teachings.

    III. Main Point 2: Being Light of the World (Matthew 5:14-15)

    A. Explanation
    Light dispels darkness. Jesus calls Christians to be visible beacons of hope and truth in a world often shrouded in moral ambiguity.

  2. Illustration
    Think of a lighthouse guiding ships safely through treacherous waters. Our role is similar: to illuminate paths and protect society from moral shipwreck.C. Application
    Participate in civic duties, voting, advocacy, and community leadership, with the goal of bringing biblical justice and compassion to governmental processes.

    IV. Main Point 3: Letting Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16)

    A. Explanation
    Our good works should point others to glorify God, not ourselves. Our political engagement should reflect God’s love and justice.

    B. Illustration
    When a city on a hill is lit, it attracts attention from afar. Similarly, godly engagement in politics should draw others to see the beauty of God's righteousness.

    C. Application
    Use platforms of influence to highlight the Gospel's transformative power. Whether in public office or local community initiatives, let your actions reflect Christ.

    V. Conclusion

    A. Summary
    We are called to be both salt and light, preserving what's good and illuminating what is true. Our political engagement is a reflection of our faith.

    B. Restatement of Main Idea
    As followers of Christ, we're commissioned to influence the world by embodying godly virtues in every sphere, including politics.

    C. Call to Action
    Step into places where your voice can preserve and illuminate,be active in your communities and let the Gospel guide your political engagement.

  3. ClosingEnd with a compelling exhortation: "Will you be the salt that preserves and the light that shines? Stand firm and shine brightly, for your light brings glory to our Father in heaven."

    Supporting Material

    Quotes: "The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker (Apply this to Christian engagement in shaping societal norms).
    - Cross-reference: Romans 13:1 - Understand the role of Christians in government.
    - Historical Information: The role of early Christians in societal change, such as the abolition of slavery.

    Application Points

    - Join local advocacy groups that align with biblical values.
    - Educate yourself on issues from a biblical perspective.
    - Encourage leaders and representatives to uphold integrity and justice.

    This ideal approach is to explore the intersection of Christianity and political engagement through the lens of Matthew 5:13-16, inviting believers to actively influence their surroundings for God's glory.