Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Grief; Loss; Ministry; Mothers; Purpose; Sacrifice; Service; Teens; Tragedy; Witnessing References: John 19:25–27; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 1:3–7; 9:6–15; Galatians 5:6 In 1992, Rosemary and Luther Smith of Beattyville, Kentucky, lost two sons in a car wreck. Darkness like nothing she had ever known settled over Rosemary. Yet she found solace … Continue reading “SOOTHING
GRIEVING PARENTS”

Topics: Attitudes; Compassion; Good Deeds; Ministry; Needs; Outreach; Servanthood References: Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 1:3–7; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 4:10 When she was thirteen, Lauren Blakemore was diagnosed with a rare form of neuroectodermal cancer, in which tumors invade bones and often lead to amputation. She had fourteen rounds of chemotherapy and … Continue reading “MISS
MILDRED BLANKETS”

Topics: Caring; Evangelism; Generosity; Kindness; Ministry; Outreach; Service; Witnessing References: Matthew 6:1–4; Mark 9:41; John 13:34–35 Rena Garcia, twenty-four, is a wife, mother of two preschoolers, and a full-time nanny for two other children. She is busy, but her favorite part of the day is when she goes out to perform random acts of kindness. … Continue reading “RANDOM
ACTS OF KINDNESS”

Topics: Deliverance; Foolishness; Needs; Outreach; Powerlessness; Pride; Provision References: Psalm 20:7; Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34; Romans 5:6–8; Ephesians 2:1–10; Colossians 2:8–15 Some at-risk people would rather stay put than be led to safety. That’s what helicopter pilot Iain McConnell and the rest of his air station crew discovered in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. McConnell … Continue reading “RESCUE
REFUSED”

Topics: Caring; Community; Compassion; Empathy; Giving; Health; Illness; Kindness; Love; Relationships; Rewards; Sacrifice; Servanthood; Unselfishness References: Luke 10:25–37; John 15:12–17; Philippians 2:1–4 People who help others are healthier and live longer. That was one of the conclusions of a team headed by Stephen G. Post, professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University School of … Continue reading “VOLUNTEERISM
AND HEALTH”

Topics: Assumptions; Compassion; Enemies; Feelings; Grudges; Islam; Judging Others; Kindness; Love; Outreach; Prejudice; Respect; Servanthood References: Proverbs 25:21; Matthew 5:43–44; Luke 6:27–36; Romans 12:17–21 Humanitarian aid is an effective way to improve how Muslim countries view the United States of America. That’s what a poll conducted in January 2006 by the Terror Free Tomorrow organization … Continue reading “RAISING
THE MUSLIM VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES”

Topics: Caring; Compassion; Godliness; Homelessness; Humility; Love; Missions; Outreach; Poor People; Social Justice; Submission; Witnessing References: Proverbs 29:7; Matthew 5:16; 10:42; Mark 10:43–44; John 13:1–17; Galatians 2:10; Ephesians 6:7; James 2:14–17 On Friday nights, volunteers from Bridgetown Ministries help the homeless people gathered under the Burnside Bridge in Portland, Oregon. In addition to providing hot … Continue reading “WASHING
THE FEET OF THE HOMELESS”

Topics: Caring; Character; Community Impact; Compassion; Creativity; Goals; Healing; Ministry; Outreach; Poverty; Purpose; Talents; Teens; Values References: Proverbs 29:7; Matthew 5:16; 10:42; Mark 10:43–44; John 13:14; Galatians 2:10; Ephesians 6:7; James 2:14–17 Grayson Rosenberger’s mother lost both of her legs in a traffic accident. She and her husband founded Standing with Hope, a ministry that … Continue reading “BUBBLE
WRAPPING AMPUTEES”

Topics: Calling; Caring; Direction; Generosity; Giving; Good Deeds; Guidance; Help; Leadership; Ministry; Needs; Outreach; Service; Testimony; Witnessing References: Matthew 5:13–16; Acts 20:35; Galatians 6:9–10; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:5; James 2:15–16 Clarence Jordan, a philosopher-farmer in Americus, Georgia, was convinced that poor people living in dilapidated shacks could improve themselves with a little support. “They … Continue reading “START
WITH A HAMMER”

Topics: Caring; Childlike Faith; Children; Compassion; Example; Generosity; Giving; Good Deeds; Money; Sowing and Reaping; Stewardship; Talents References: Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 11:25; 25:14–30; Luke 10:21; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 2:10; 1 Timothy 4:12 Jackson Rogers, ten, raised enough money to put up a house for the homeless. The young entrepreneur said he took … Continue reading “RAISING
HOUSES”