Sermons on Aristobulus And Narcissus:

King Herod's Early Release Program Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Oct 11, 2009

No one, not a single person in this story expects Peter to be released. Not Herod, not the guards, not the people of the church, not even Peter himself. Still, God answers the prayer.

Note to reader: I have hot-links to various subjects in this sermon. The document with the active links can be found in PDF form at this web address: http://www.firstpresanchorage.org/Sermons.htm (The sermon is titled the same: "King Herod’s Early Release Program") The links are not active in this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Christmas Story

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Dec 12, 2017

This telling of the birth of Christ is a mixture of narrative and historical facts. My prayer is that it blesses you.

Many of us know the “Christmas Story” oh so well. And no, I’m talking about the one with the “Red rider BB gun”. That “Christmas Story” is very humorous and it’s a lot of fun to watch. But there was nothing humorous about what happened in Bethlehem and the neighboring villages as a result of the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 22:23-29, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:28-33, Matthew 2:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Christmas Without Grace Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 21, 2014

Grace is evident throughout the Christmas story, what would Christmas look like without grace?

A Christmas without Grace If you think of Grace at all at Christmas it probably relates to the short prayer that you will say over the dead bird at Christmas Dinner and you probably wouldn’t necessarily think of Amazing Grace as a Christmas song but you can’t really celebrate the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-8

Denomination: Wesleyan

Lessons In Courage Part 6 Series

Contributed by Thomas Bartlett on Oct 25, 2019

In Acts 25, Paul is once again on trial for his faith. A new governor has come and old enemies see this as a chance to rekindle the now dying flame of accusations against Paul. From all this, I think we can see some clear principles to live by.

ACTS Lessons in Courage Part 6 Dr. Tom Bartlett October 27, 2019 Acts 25 (ESV) OUTLINE When you set out to live for God . . . Be careful in the times of transition Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the ...read more

Denomination: Other

The Blame Game

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 9, 2023

Excuses and forgiveness are opposites. What can be excused does not need to be forgiven.

What do you suppose happened at the palace the next morning, when Herod woke up with a hangover the size of the Roman Empire and a public relations problem twice as big? I can hear them all spinning the story, can’t you? It’s not the way it seems! It’s not my fault! I’m not to blame! Let’s listen ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

See What You Believe Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 20, 2023

Following Christ is a life of faith lived in holy anticipation. If that’s the kind of life you want, then start where you need to. Believe what you see or believe hoping to see. Then believe before you see until you see what you believe.

Sales were stagnant at the insurance company where Daniel P. Amos worked as the chief executive. So, he decided to take a huge risk with a novel ad campaign that poked fun at the company’s name. Take a look (show Aflac—Barra at the Barber, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS83HdpzxDU). This was one of ...read more

Scripture: John 4:43-54

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Has Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend John Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 25, 2012

A study of the Gospel of Mark 6: 14 – 20

Mark 6: 14 – 20 Has Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend John 14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-20

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Detrimental Competition-2 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 21, 2017

2 of 8. John the Baptist pointed out the detriments of competitive ministry. But when is competition detrimental to Christian ministry? A competitive spirit is detrimental to Christian ministry when...

DETRIMENTAL COMPETITION-II—John 3:22-36 A DETRIMENTAL SPIRIT Attention: Welcome Competition: The shopkeeper was dismayed when a brand-new business much like his own opened up next door & erected a huge sign which read BEST DEALS. He was horrified when another competitor opened up on his right, & ...read more

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Denomination: Baptist

Bad King, Pseudo-Kings & The True King!

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Dec 24, 2023

'Bad King, Pseudo-Kings & The True king!' - Matthew chapter 2 verses 1-12 - sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: The wise men's question (vs 1-2) The foolish man's reaction (vs 3-8) The journeymen's adoration (vs 9-12) SERMON BODY: Bible Reading: Matthew chapter 2 verses 1-12 Ill: • In December 1903, after many attempts, • Wilber & Orville Wright were at last ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Brethren

The First Baptist Preacher Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2014

“It’s not about me. It’s all about Jesus.” If you make that your motto, then you’re on your way to understanding what abundant life is all about.

INTRODUCTION Most towns in America have a “first Baptist church.” That means they were the first Baptist church organized in a particular city. For instance, First Baptist Church Tyler was established in 1848, two years after Tyler became a city. They are our mother congregation and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The World That Christ Entered

Contributed by George Johnston on Mar 6, 2003

This is an historical look at the conditions in Palestine when Jesus was born.

The World That Christ Entered 1. At the birth of Christ the world was united under one scepter. a. From the Euphrates to the Atlantic; from the mouths of the Rhine to the slopes of the Atlas, the Roman Emperor was the sole lord. b. There might be war on the far eastern ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Serve One Another Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 18, 2003

If we want to be truly great, we must be sincere servants. Let’s focus on serving one another as we anticipate what God will do in the next 35 years at PBC!

Serve One Another This Tuesday marks the 35th anniversary of Pontiac Bible Church! As we celebrate three and a half decades of servanthood, I’d like to read from an early church document entitled, “Progress Report.” “The desire to see the Word of God presented as a positive solution to the needs ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:25-28

Denomination: Baptist

God Guides The Wise

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Dec 8, 2016

Jesus can be found by simply opening our hearts and minds to the Gospel message.

God Guides The Wise Text: Matthew 2:1-12 Introduction 1. “Holiday time is highway time. Ever since the magi packed their bags for Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus has caused people to hit the road. Our Christmas trips have a lot in common with the one of the wise men. We don’t camp with camels, ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

The Life & Times Of John The Baptist Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Oct 15, 2021

A sermon examining the life, ministry and tragic death of John The Baptist.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JOHN THE BAPTIST Mark 6:14-29 In recent years a new word has entered our vernacular, I am referring to the term GOAT.I am not speaking of a temperamental little animal; I am referring to an acronym for “The Greatest Of All Time”. In a conversation concerning the greatest ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Free To Be Nothing

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Apr 26, 2002

God’s way of "self-fulfillment" goes against the grain of our culture of Self, and allows us to be Free to Be Nothing.

Free to Be Nothing TCF Sermon February 3, 2002 Philip. 2:1-8 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-8, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational