Sermons on Alien Jewels:

Road Maps For A Far Country

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 24, 2003

For Father’s Day: Fathers who say "yes" to everything provide a road map to disaster; who keep their children at arm’s length point to alienation; but who may also go home themselves to lead their children home. (Maps were displayed)

I have always liked maps. Any kind of map fascinates me. You can learn so much from a map. If it is a road map, you can find out how to get from here to there and back again. When I was in elementary school and the classroom got boring, like most kids, I would doodle. But while some kids ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Galatians 4:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Freed From Suffering Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

Do you understand that that is what Jesus wants to do for you? He wants to heal the disease of your heart that alienates you from his Father and leads you to your eternal death. He wants to make you whole, not just feel better.

Introduction There was a series of commercials that featured particularly embarrassing moments for individuals, followed by an announcer saying, “Need to get out of town fast?”, and a camera shot of an airplane flying overhead. The main character in our passage this morning (at least for a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:24-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Spiritual Refugees Series

Contributed by Thomas H on Oct 4, 2010

In this passage, Paul talks about how we used to be refugees - aliens, without citizenship and cut off from the promises of God. Then through Christ, God destroyed the barrier of sin that made us refugees and those who follow Jesus now have citizenship a

Ephesians 2:11-18 Last year, we travelled back to Australia via the USA. We had a couple of days in southern California, so we decided that we would hop down to the Mexican border and pop over into Mexico for a few hours to see what it was like. I found a town on the map called Tecate a city of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-18

Denomination: Baptist

After This

Contributed by Larry Grant on Oct 19, 2024

We are aliens and pilgrims in this strange land just passing through on our way to our inheritance. Paul says we are citizens of Heaven waiting for our Savior! That is why the phrase “after this” is so important. It gives us a proper perspective for the days ahead.

Hebrews 9:22-28 (NKJV) "AFTER THIS" October 19, 2024 The Hebrew writer said “after this, the judgement” in verse 27. This statement reminds us that this life we have is fleeting. The Bible writers describe the briefness of our lives in various ways. James says it is like “a vapor that ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:22-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Believer’s Role In The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jan 5, 2023

The Believer’s Role In the Kingdom of God is to embrace their position in the family of God. They are no longer aliens and stranger, they are a part of God’s own family. The enmity between God and man has been removed, they are accepted in the Beloved, Jesus Christ. They also have the peace of God.

Sermon- The Believer’s Role In the Kingdom Scripture: Luke 12:28-34 “28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:28-34, Matthew 6:33, Romans 14:17, Romans 8:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Sibling Rivalry Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 11, 2023

Joseph and his brothers clearly didn't get along and it wreaked havoc on the family. What causes things like sibling rivalry and how can God work through our imperfect relationships? Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

Did I ever tell you I have three sisters? Growing up, we were quite competitive in just about everything. Be it sports, games, music, acting- there was always something for us to try to outdo each other. If our family had been the one in today’s text, my sisters would likely say that I was ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:2-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

No Way

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Apr 2, 2023

When Jesus tells the man to go and sell everything so that he will have treasure in heaven … what do you picture? Gold? Jewels? Crowns? Isn’t our treasure Jesus? Our relationship with Jesus. An eternity in Heaven with Jesus, the most precious treasure in all the universe?

One time a man was sent to prison. Sitting in his cell in the dark, he heard someone yell: “42.” The whole cell block burst into laughter, including the new man’s cellmate. Just as he was about to ask his cellmate what that was all about, another prisoner shouted out “67” and the whole cell ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: United Methodist

Believe In Me, I'll Save The World Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 17, 2021

Jesus gave the people one final notice before focusing on His disciples before going to the cross.  What reasons does Jesus give to believe in Him and how do we need to respond? Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister, Scott Jewell

When I was a child, I had visions of grandeur. I wanted to be the hero who saves the world. I liked watching cartoons about heroes- I got up on Saturday mornings to see Super Friends and Mighty Mouse. On weekdays, I got home from school in time to watch Thundercats and Heman. I like ...read more

Scripture: John 12:44-50

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Friendship

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Mar 8, 2011

A good friend is a good find. Developing positive friendships are the crowning jewels in our life. Someone once said, “A friend is a present you give yourself”. How should we choose our friends and how can we tell if we have a good one?

FRIENDSHIP INTRODUCTION: There are different levels of friendship. We have people in our life who are acquaintances, people we like but only see once in a while, usually at a function. Then we have closer friends who we get together with on occasion. We might not see them too often but our level ...read more

Scripture: John 15:13-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Life-Giving Grace Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 9, 2025

We are all dead in ours sins, but God... rich in mercy, out of His love brought us to life in Christ through grace so that we can do good works? How does it all tie together? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister, Scott Jewell.

Read the text and pray. When I read this passage, my mind jumps to the fictional movie, Sixth Sense. You may recall that it’s about a young boy who is very troubled, which has his single mom very concerned about him. He begins seeing a therapist and, after a while, he finally confides in the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Saved By A Donkey Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 27, 2025

God used a donkey to get Balaam's attention and open his eyes to the dangerous path he was traveling. What can we learn from this event to ensure we stay focused on our walk with God? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

We’re starting a new series this morning- Wild & Wacky Totally True Bible Stories. As the title indicates, we’re going to look at some highly unusual events that often get overlooked when sermon planning because they’re so strange. Today’s passage is no exception. As we prepare to read, ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:21-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Prepare For The Heavenly City

Contributed by William Baeta on May 4, 2013

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal” John 21:10-11.

Introduction: Adam and Eve began life in a perfect place with perfect surroundings. Man’s sin of disobedience affected God’s perfect creation and man lost his perfect home in the Garden of Eden. God has placed within every human heart the desire to search for that perfect home Adam lost. Sinful ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Ideal Family Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 2, 2019

Hollywood has been trying to change our idea of what forms the ideal family. But God's Word doesn't change and Paul has given us instructions for how to strive to have the ideal family. Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

This summer, we’ve been taking advantage of the # trend. We looked at #fakenews through the book of James and now we’re exploring the idea #lifegoals. Jeff taught about friendships and relationships last week. Today we’re exploring the concept of the ideal family. Over the past half ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Single New Humanity Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Apr 27, 2003

In the past we were alienated from God and from others, but now we have been reconciled to God through the work of Jesus Christ, so let’s seek to live for the future, for a time when all of God’s people will be joined as one, in a new heaven and a new ear

One of the things we love to do is to remember the past. We keep journals and photo albums, we tell stories and reminisce, all to preserve our memories. On the other hand there are some memories that we don’t want to remember. Memories of past hurts, of things we’ve done that we’re ashamed of. Some ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Anglican

Washing Feet Reveals The One Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 25, 2021

When it came right down to it, Jesus was the one who paused to wash everyone's feet before the Passover meal. What does this action reveal about those who were there and what should we learn from this event? Consider these thoughts from Scott Jewell, our Family Minister.

When I graduated from the seminary in the 90s, I was given two reminders that day. The first was a diploma, to show that you’ve completed their training to lead. The second was a towel to remind you that to lead is to serve. To further reinforce that idea for all students, they placed a ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ