Sermons on abiding in the Vine:

Father Of Lights Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 2, 2020

Someone shows that they are a follower of the "Father of Lights" through their: 1) Words (James 1:19-21), 2) Walk (James 1:22-25), and 3) Works (James 1:26-27).

James 1:17-27 [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. [18] Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. [19] ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17-27

Denomination: Other

Sometimes It's Like A Jungle [*]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2020

Studying the response of Jesus to the devil's temptation lays a foundation for the child of God to withstand temptation.

“Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

God's Crybaby

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 27, 2020

The wickedness witnessed in contemporary society breaks the heart of the follower of Christ, just as such evil breaks the heart of the Saviour.

“‘The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.’ For the wound of the daughter of my people is my heart wounded; I mourn, and dismay has taken hold on me. “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Dirty Dancing

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 27, 2019

Christ Followers can anticipate persecution from the world. However, they are called to live holy, gentle lives in the midst of a fallen world, honouring the Father through righteous lives and by inviting the lost salvation in Christ.

“When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry, but because ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus: "I Am The Bread”.

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 2, 2019

1) Our souls are hungry (John 6:41–44), 2) God sent us food (John 6:45–47), and in His words: 3) I am that food (John 6:48–51).

John 6:41-51 [41] So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." [42] They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" [43] Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 6:41-51

Denomination: Other

The Glory Of Christ Is Witnessed Where?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 19, 2019

The glory of Christ is witnessed in what many consider to be the pedestrian. The people of God, serving as the hands of Christ, the eyes of Christ, the mouth of Christ, are the glory of Christ.

“As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.” [1] Reading the Word one Sunday morning, I was arrested by something Paul wrote in his Second Letter to the Christians in Corinth. The Apostle has been urging the Corinthian congregation to be generous as they ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:23

Denomination: Baptist

Experiencing The Joy Of Christmas-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Dec 14, 2010

Isaiah described a future state wherein the gloom which had engulfed the people would be dismissed outright. The gloom of a sin-sick world can be dismissed. But How can it be? 7 keys/undertakings for experiencing the joy of Christmas are...

Experiencing the Joy of Christmas-I—Isaiah 8:5—9:7 Attention/Need: Gloom/Hopelessness/Melancholy/Depression/Despondency— Uncle Fred’s coming this year, We just can’t afford it, Overdrawn?, again!, Oh no!, I can’t believe this has happening, I wish this would all go away....Ahhhhh. The joyous ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Prepare His Presence Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 18, 2010

The Virgin Birth 1) Conceived (Matthew 1:18), 2) Confronted (Matthew 1:19–20), 3) Clarified, (Matthew 1:21) 4) Connected (Matthew 1:22-23), and 5) Consummated (Matthew 1:24-25).

Matthew 1:18-25.[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. [19] And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Other

Dedicate Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 11, 2013

The sermon is focused on following God - following the leading of the Holy Spirit into the spiritual world around us. It's about listening to His lead.

4 Month Theme: Immerse - yourself into the spiritual realm of life and grow! Show Handout and highlight: This series is designed to encourage you to grow in your spiritual dimension of life. We should be as Christians viewing things from the realm of the spirit. This realm is very different than ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus And Peter Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 5, 2014

If we learn from Peter – hear the straight talk of Jesus to Peter and to us we can avoid a lot of the pitfalls and mistakes Peter made. If we yield to the straight talk of Jesus – listen – repent – change course then we too can make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Theme: Let’s Talk Series 3: Straight Talk What is it? It’s like when your spouse asks if the new outfit makes her look fat and you say, “Yes, you look like you gained 30 pounds!” It’s like when your wife asks if you love her new haircut and you say, “No you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:31-75

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul's Announcement To Rome Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Oct 22, 2015

To set forth to all, that Paul's announcement to Rome should be ours also; delivered with the same intensity, sincerity and sensitivity to all who would hear us regarding the gospel of Christ.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. I am a Debtor Because of the Gospel 2. I am Ready to Preach the Gospel 3. I am not Ashamed of the Gospel Remarks. 1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing: “Paul’s Announcement to Rome.” I’m going to focus on three things the Apostle announces to Rome in this text. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:13-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Ensuring A Future For The Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 20, 2015

Examining the responsibility to seek out and prepare faithful men who will advance the Faith in days to come.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” [1] Apostolic succession ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

A Vision Beyond Jerusalem

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Sep 25, 2015

This sermon establishes the church must look beyond its doors, city, and state. It has to extend its vision and mission to fulfill the Great Commission. This lesson also discusses the expansion of the gospel of Christ beyond Jerusalem into the Gentile nations by men of color.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Commission of Barnabas 2. The Consolation of Barnabas 3. The Character of Barnabas 1Introductory Remarks. 1. After the conversion of Cornelius and the persecution that arose due to Stephen's Stoning, the gospel reached other cities beyond Jerusalem. Men traveled as ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Good Soldier Of Christ Jesus Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 27, 2015

Believers are urged to see their lives as dedicated to service to the Saviour rather than merely being lived for their own interests.

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” [1] Suffering well is a ministry in itself! Note that I did not say that suffering is a ministry. Few of us tolerate suffering ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Ironies Surrounding Jesus’ Crucifixion

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 28, 2021

1 of 1. Luke wrote a true account of some events that surrounded Jesus’ crucifixion, & in so doing recorded some of the ironies present in Jesus’ death. *What are some of those ironies? Ironies surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion are hidden/revealed in...

IRONIES SURROUNDING JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION—Lk. 23:26-46 Irony—An “incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events & the normal or expected result.”—Merriam-Webster Dictionary Luke wrote a true account of some events that surrounded Jesus’ crucifixion, & in so doing recorded ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:26-46

Denomination: Baptist