Preaching Suggestions for This We Believe

Written by Kevin Harney, here are 12 basic sermon outlines based on the chapters of This We Believe. Any preacher can use and modify them for a particular context and congregation. Our prayer is that they’ll help you find a way you can faithfully and powerfully communicate the Gospel’s core beliefs to the body of believers God has called you to lead.

Kevin Harney (B.A., Azusa Pacific University; M.Div., Fuller Seminary; D.Min., Western Theological Seminary) is the preaching pastor of Corinth Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Title: Are We Born Rebels?
Series: This We Believe #2
Text: Romans 1:18-32
Theme: The reality of original sin, the human condition without Christ, and our radical need for a Savior!
Hymn: "At the Cross"

Title: Who is Jesus?
Series: This We Believe #3
Text: Matt. 16:13-16; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-20
Theme: A clear and biblical look at Jesus Christ as God in human flesh...the only way to salvation.
Hymn: "I Would Be Like Jesus"

Title: Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
Series: This We Believe #4
Text: Romans 3:9-18 and Psalm 51
Theme: The reality of our sins demands a punishment of death. The love of God makes salvation possible for all who believe. Jesus died in our place, a substitutionary payment for our sins.
Hymn: "O How He Loves You and Me"

Title: Did Jesus Actually Rise?
Series: This We Believe #5
Text: 1 Cor. 15:1-19 and Matt. 28:11-15
Theme: Facing and overcoming the objections to the resurrection. In light of the beliefs and behavior of the early church, there is powerful affirmation that Jesus Christ indeed has risen from the dead.
Hymn: "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"

Title: Being a Christian: What Difference Does it Make?
Series: This We Believe #6
Text: 2 Cor. 5:16-21
Theme: When we enter a real and living relationship with God through Jesus Christ we will experience: Intimacy in relationship with God, true love and joy, holiness, peace and purpose in life.
Hymn: "Take Time To Be Holy"

Title: The Power for Christian Living: Am I On My Own?
Series: This We Believe #7
Text: John 14:15-27
Theme: Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit that we might walk in holiness, assurance, and boldness for mission.
Hymn: "Breathe on Me, Breath of God"

Title: Is This Life All There Is?
Series: This We Believe #8
Text: 1 Cor. 15:50-57 and Rev. 21:1-4
Theme: The hope of heaven and how this reality impacts our lives today.
Hymn: "Face to Face"

Title: Does the World really Need to Hear the Gospel?
Series: This We Believe #9
Text: Romans 1:1-10
Theme: The call to share the Good News of Jesus Christ even in the face of opposition and unfair characterizations and accusations.
Hymn: "For God So Loved the World"

Title: How Can I Share My Faith With Others?
Series: This We Believe #10
Text: Luke 15
Theme: Basic steps for learning how to be a witness and share the love and message of Jesus with others.
Hymn: "I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go"

Title: The Family of Faith: What are its Blessings and Boundaries?
Series: This We Believe #11
Text: Psalm 133:1-3
Theme: What are the joys we share in common with all who truly believe in Jesus Christ? At what point do we say someone is outside of the family of God? What are the boundaries we won’t cross?
Hymn: "Blest Be The Tie"

Title: Does God Have a Plan for the World?
Series: This We Believe #12
Text: John 3:16
Theme: God’s desire to reach and save His beloved children and all He has done, and continues to do, to make this possible.
Hymn: "All People That On Earth Do Dwell"

Title: Majoring on the Majors...Minoring on the Minors
Series: This We Believe
Text: 2 Timothy 1 and 2
Theme: The need to identify the beliefs that are core to our faith and hold to these tenaciously and without apology. Also, the need to not fight over small issues of style and taste when God calls us to much bigger things!
Hymn: "Blessed Assurance"