Sermons on Appearences:

Some Trust In Chariots Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jun 9, 2021

Independence Day: It appears that more and more, the people of America are going astray from a strong belief and commitment to the Lord. Unfortunately, many people trust in the inventions of man more than they trust in God.

In Psalm 20:7, we read, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (NIV). This verse sounds like the motto for a country, like what we find written on our money, which says, “In God We Trust.” But I want to ask you this morning, “Do the people of our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:16-21, Isaiah 31:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

A Tale Of Two Kings

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Mar 24, 2020

There would have appeared to be no contest in a contest between the great King Herod and the little baby Jesus. But Jesus' power of humility and holiness and obedience to God, displayed at Christmas was greater then and continues today.

Our text for this morning is Luke 2:1-7, the story of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. You’ve probably heard it many, many times before. Can there be anything new in it, any way that this ancient text relates to our world today? Let’s see. I encourage you to open your Bible to it as Linda ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Why Can Spiritual Stuff Be So Scary? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 1, 2019

Mary was "greatly troubled" by the appearance of the angel. Many are in a similar spot - "greatly troubled" by all things spiritual. What can help them take a step forward?

“GREATLY TROUBLED”: Spiritual stuff can be scary. - Luke 1:29. - An angel shows up to speak to Mary. On the one hand, the angel is light and not wielding a sword, so there is a sense in which he shouldn’t be scary. But, of course, we don’t see angelic beings very often and I’m sure his presence ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-33

Denomination: Baptist

Oh, That You Would Bless Me!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 20, 2019

It appears that Jabez came from a dysfunctional family, with a mother who tried to lay a guilt-trip upon her son, and a father who is not even mentioned in Israel's genealogy list.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER, RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK TEXT: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 ILL. During some of the darkest days of the American Revolution, after the Continental Army had experienced several defeats, a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Ephesians 1:3, Genesis 12:2, Psalm 37:23-25, Genesis 6:5-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Qualifying Round - Mark 3:16-19 (Luke 6:12-16) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus selected 12 men who, by all appearances, were deeply unqualified. But he was very deliberate about who he selected. Why did he chose the men he choose?

Mark 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve-- designating them apostles-- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:12-16

Go Out In Joy And Peace

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jun 30, 2025

Isaiah 55 is a poem that starts like a commercial. God appears as a street vender in the marketplace near a river, eager to sell his goods, but with a big difference. What He’s offering is free.

Isaiah 55 is a poem that starts like a commercial. God appears as a street vender in the marketplace near a river, eager to sell his goods, but with a big difference. What He’s offering is free. His merchandise--wine and milk--represent life’s blessings. Milk is a symbol of nourishment, wine a ...read more

Denomination: Congregational

What Is The Right Question?

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Oct 6, 2021

The rich young ruler ran up to Jesus and asked Him what he had to do to get eternal life. Jesus not only looked at his outward appearance but his inner being.

October 10, 2021 Sermon Title: What is the right question? Scripture Text: Mark 10:17-31 There are many things we can disagree on but drug and alcohol is not normally one of them. Here is just some of the information. Despite the rise in opioid addictions, alcohol abuse is the most ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

15. David’s Anointing - God’s Choice (1 Samuel 16) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025

When God chooses a leader, He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. His plans are always unfolding, even in quiet fields and unlikely places. While men elevate the impressive, God prepares the faithful.

David’s Anointing - God’s Choice June 4, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 16 When God chooses a leader, He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. His plans are always unfolding, even in quiet fields and unlikely places. While men elevate the impressive, God ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

The Ecstasy Before The Agony

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2024

Religious excitement does not necessarily translate into spiritual worship. Rather, the one following Jesus must guard against being turned aside by that which appears good. Remember that good is enemy of the best.

“The large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Emmaus Experience

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

The disciples’ walk to emmaus begins a developing Experience of Christ - Heart-Breaking at his death but when Jesus joins them it becomes Heart-Searching and ends as Heart-Burning Experience.

I read about a minister who was given the honour of preaching at an important meeting of his denomination. Just before he was to start his sermon he was seen to be looking anxiously around the congregation. The chairman whispered to him, "What’s the problem? Is there someone here who’s heard the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Peter Principle

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 7, 2001

Peter’s character flaw was "I can do all things." Until he knew to place his life totally in Christ’s hands, he was the embodiment of the Peter Principle.

OPEN: I recently heard a radio announcer tell about a man who went through a drive up at a KFC restaurant. He ordered about $6 worth of food and then pulled up to give his money to the teller. He handed her a $200 bill. It had President George Bush’s picture on the front and on the back was a ...read more

Scripture: John 1:40-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Tell Them!

Contributed by Brian Credille on Mar 4, 2001

The risen Christ appeared to the two Marys and gave them clear direction as to a new meaning and purpose for life. Jesus’ words to them give us new meaning and direction for our lives today as well.

“Tell Them!” Matthew 28:9-20 INTRODUCTION Jesus had been gloriously raised from the dead. The two Marys had been to the tomb and found it empty! As they encountered the risen Christ, a new meaning and purpose for life was revealed. That meaning and purpose is for you and I today: I. WE HAVE A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

God Has Purpose For You! Pt. 1

Contributed by Rev. M Edmunds on Oct 18, 2005

God has chosen this generation, though they appear defiant, disinterested, and dysfunctional to be a delivering generation of earthmovers like Othniel and Ehud in the book of Judges that will fulfill God’s purpose and plan to deliver an oppressed people.

Elder M. Edmunds Co-Pastor of United Ordained Church June 2002 This morning, I would like to concentrate on verse thirty-one of our text. For it is the foundation, in which I will elucidate and bring relevance by building from, to encourage our youth today, who are experiencing many ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 14:30-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Do I Face The Future

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 25, 2005

The future and its possibilities can be scary. Evil appears to be hiding around every corner. Our faith in God, though, gives us hope for the future and enables us to face the future with confidence and power.

Matthew 28:19-20 “How Do I Face the Future?” INTRODUCTION Times have changed. A few years ago, the future, which we faced, was filled with potential and possibilities. Nothing seemed impossible. The stock market was marking double and triple digit gains. The economy was expanding, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Hypocrisy

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 19, 2004

It seems that this passage describes God’s indictment of all hypocrites, regardless of race or religion, culture or creed. Both Jews and Gentiles are included in this discussion, but the Gentile often appears in a better light than the Jew.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Despite the mind-numbing brutality of the Joseph Stalin regime in the Soviet Union, his propaganda machine did its job well. Many Russians hailed him as a hero and a savior, including a young school girl who was chosen on one occasion to greet Stalin. Years later, this ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist