Sermons by Dean Manning

small judge gavel placed on table near folders

Judging 101

How quick are we to judge others? Whether we realize it or not, we often make assumptions about the intentions or actions of others. It’s a good thing no one does that to us… “Look first to serve, not to be served.” In the same way, look first to forgive, to think the best of…

wood light hotel house

Are You Free?

Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I free?” You may think you are, based on your earthly citizenship, but consider instead the essence of the question. Have you chained yourself to a lifestyle or to beliefs that restrict you from a purer and more free existence? We live in the land of the free, but…

two kids reading a fairy tale book

Let Us Go on to Maturity

Now that the world is reopening, where should we go? Back to our old ways? Perhaps we could go somewhere better. As God continues to encourage and nurture us, let us seek to go on to maturity; a fullness and completeness only achievable by the grace and mercy of God by the sacrifice of his…

dreamy woman with cardboard box on meadow in park

Empty to Full!

There are plenty of crises in the world; plenty of reasons to feel lost, aimless, and empty. But the key to a healthy relationship with God is a continual denial of self. When you’re able to get yourself out of the way of your fulfillment, only then can God fill you completely and perfectly.

crop unrecognizable office worker standing with papers in hand

Are you qualified?

What are your credentials? Are you “qualified” as a Christian? Paul, as an apostle of Jesus Christ (and considered quite “qualified”), said (1 Cor. 9:16b), “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” In vs. 22, “…to all I have become all things so that by all means I might save some.” You’re…

joyful adult daughter greeting happy surprised senior mother in garden

Your Mother! God! and You!

We all have a Mom; it could be by birth, by adoption, via a “Mister” Mom, through a close friend or family member, etc. And what makes a mom a Mom is the love and care she provides to you, the lessons and principles she teaches you, and the person she is every day. Thank…

soft pillows placed on cozy sofa

Comfort City Church

Do we have a comfort problem? The pandemic has been marked by an unprecedented indulgence in “comfort food.” But in seeking comfort during these stressful times, have we missed the mark? Second Corinthians 1:3-7 includes the word “comfort” TEN times in just five short verses. Spoiler alert: it’s not about food! “Praise be to the…

happy women hugging

Forgiveness

Can you think of something that everyone needs? Something that would bless everyone who receives it? Forgiveness is a gift of mercy; a gift without which we cannot survive (eternally); a gift we all desperately need. Because, what do you have to do to be forgiven? Sin. And we all do that very well. As…