In Sermons:

The Day Of The Lord Will Come

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 1, 2023

The people of Judah had become prosperous and smug in their relationship with God. The book of Joel is one of warning to the people of Judah and it can be applied to believers today.

Underestimating God, they became egotistical, they worshipped idols and fell into sin. Joel cautions them that this way of life will unavoidably cause God to cast His judgment down on them. In the first part of chapter 1, Joel predicts that a locust plague will befall the people of Judah. In the ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-13, Joel 2:32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A New You For A New Year

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Dec 31, 2022

This is a message preached on New Year's Day, 2023

Title: “A New You in 2023” Scripture: II Cor. 5:17 Type: Special Occasion Where: GNBC 1-1-23 Intro: Today is New Year’s Day 2023. I am glad that you were all very sensible and went to bed at a reasonable hour so you could be here this morning! This is from Barna research from about 10 years ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Lesson In The Leftovers

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 31, 2022

Undoubtedly many have heard this passage of Scripture before and hopefully, many have read this story. This is the story of where Jesus feeds the multitude, the five thousand.

What a miracle to perform. I cannot imagine trying to feed that many people. No doubt there are quite a few mothers out there that would find that a daunting task. Can you see five thousand people coming through your door, walking to the dining room, either trying to find a place to sit or going ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Four Chariots And A Crown

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 31, 2022

Zechariah sees multiple visions at night, and then he gives a few messages to the people. We will read about one of those visions and one of those messages.

Zechariah Sees Four Chariots. In verses 1-8: • 1st chariot – red horses – bloodshed. • Revelation 6:4. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 6:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

I Am

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 30, 2022

In the book of John, Jesus says “I AM” seven times. Seven is the number of completeness, spiritual perfection.

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE – John 6:35 • Fed thousands with a few fishes and bread • Exodus 16:35 – children of Israel ate manna • As in many cultures, bread is a staple of life • Bread sustains physical • Jesus sustains spiritual I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – John 8:12 • Jesus wanted followers to ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35, John 8:12, John 10:11, John 11:25, John 14:6, John 15:1, John 10:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Picking Up Bones

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 30, 2022

I have a bone to pick with you. In the valley of dry bones, we can learn something about ourselves and our local churches. Let us take a moment to find out what these dry bones can tell us.

Nothing on this earth can bring bones back to life, only God can restore life. Ezekiel came across a valley of bones. The Spirit of the Lord told him to prophesy to these bones, and as he did, the sinews and flesh came on them, and then the skin. Ezekiel was then told to prophesy for the wind to ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Three Trees

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 29, 2022

Long ago there were three trees. One was a fig tree, one a sycamore tree, and the last tree we know not what type it was. Regardless of what the last tree was made of, we want to look at the significance of the three trees.

John 1:45-51 Nathanael One Man Under a Tree Under Condemnation Nazareth was scorned by the Jews due to the Roman army that was stationed there. Nathanael's remark undoubtedly mirrored the public view. Philip found Nathanael and said that they had found Jesus of Nazareth, the one Moses and ...read more

Scripture: John 1:45-51, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 23:40-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Run The Race

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 29, 2022

Everyone gets tired now and then, but God’s power never diminishes, and He is never too fatigued or too preoccupied to hear us or to assist us.

We gain our strength from Him, and to do that, we need to take a moment to refresh ourselves and gain energy. That is accomplished when we can call upon the Lord for help. • Jeremiah 31:25, For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. • Psalm 27:14, Wait on the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:29-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Years Change, But God Remains The Same

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Dec 28, 2022

A New Years Day sermon offering encouragement as we enter into 2023

The Years Change, but God Remains the Same Text: Psalm 102:24-28, Malachi 3:6, Philippians 4:6 OPEN WITH PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING Today is the first day of the new year. 2023 anno domini – The year of our Lord. And with the new year comes new things… for some, it brings excitement, new ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 102:24-28, Malachi 3:6, Philippians 4:6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus Speaks To The Realm Of Death

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 28, 2022

Why did Jesus call out to the dead? What was His purpose?

key verses (25-27) Why did Jesus call out to the dead? What was His purpose? They saw death as: 1. Dark – John 8:12 – I am the light of the world. 2. Obstacle – Romans 8:35 – Who will separate us from the love of Christ? 3. Only saw negative – Mark 11:22 – have faith in God. To whom did Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 11:38-44, John 11:25-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why Should We Participate In Fasting?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 28, 2022

In this passage of Scripture, God was asking the people why they had fasted. They were urged to be merciful and just people. Do our actions resemble the actions of the Jews from our reading?

In verses 1-7: For the past 70 years, individuals had been holding a fast in August to recollect the annihilation of Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem was being rebuilt, they went to the Temple to inquire as to whether they needed to proceed with this yearly fast. God did not address their inquiry ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Fruitful Vineyard

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 27, 2022

Jesus teaches about the Vine and the branches. What are we and what is our condition?

The grapevine is a very productive plant; a solitary plant that bears numerous grapes. In the Old Testament, grapes represented Israel's productivity (fruitfulness) in taking care of and doing the work of God on earth (Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:1-7; Ezekiel 19:10-14). In the Passover meal, the fruit ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Soul In Drought Or A Watered Garden

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 27, 2022

This passage of Scripture is an admonition to share with the needy. Are Christians so dry today that we cannot point others to the only One who can give the true water to those in a dry land?

What things can get dry? • Potted plants • Garden • Dehydrated foods • Animals • Man - physical What happens when something is in the state of being dry? • Parched • Shrivels • Wilts • Withers • Dies What to do with things that are dry? • Make wet • To soak • Rehydrate • David prayed while ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"it Wasn't A Very Hallmarkish Christmas"

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Dec 26, 2022

This was preached at a Christmas Eve service.

Title: It Wasn’t A Very Hallmark Christmas” Scripture: Mt. 1/Lk2 Type: Christmas Eve Message Where: GNBC Christmas Eve 2022 Intro: Tonight, I want to take us back in time to that 1st Christmas Eve. I want to compare and contrast the events, mindset, and mentality of the nativity of Christ to ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Taking Inventory

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 26, 2022

The process of counting what a company has in its inventory is known as taking inventory. Can we apply this same process to our Christian walk?

Taking Inventory of the Church: Paul is discussing a trip with Barnabas. Why did Paul take this second missionary journey and what was the purpose? Why would they want to go? Why should they? What has happened since his last visit? How many have been converted? He wants to go back and check on the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:36-41

Denomination: Independent/Bible