Sermons on Bethel Vs Shechem:

Zechariah's Fifth Vision: Empowered For Service Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 19, 2022

How will we finish the assignments God gives us in life? In this vision, God gave Zechariah the timeless principle that answers that question. This vision in Zechariah 4 has a lampstand and two olive trees. What do they represent? What message is God sending His people in this vision?

Intro Zechariah 4 records this prophet’s 5th vision. As in the previous vision (chapter 3), God is addressing the concerns Zechariah and his companions had in their assignment to rebuild the temple and restore worship in Jerusalem. The concern dealt with in the previous visions was how can we be ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 1:9, Zechariah 2:3, Exodus 25:31-40, Matthew 5:14, John 9:5, Isaiah 60:1-3, John 8:12, Mark 11:22-23, Luke 4:18-19, Acts 1:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

A Litmus Test Of Spiritual Well-Beng

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Mar 5, 2022

Using the analogy of a litmus test, this sermon juxtaposes the traits of arrogance over against the traits that reflect the DNA of love. It explores the inclusion of 1 Corinthians 13 sandwiched between chapters 12 and 14.

“Litmus test” is a process used to determine the nature of something. In the 14th century scientists discovered that litmus, a mixture of colored organic compounds obtained from lichen, turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions and, thus, can be used as an acid-base indicator. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-3, 1 John 4:7-10, Matthew 22:36, John 1:12-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Savoring Life Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 6, 2021

If you want to savor your life, choose to enjoy God’s delights, then learn to embrace God’s discipline.

From his hospital bed on the eve of open-heart surgery, Pastor Bruce McIver asked his cardiologist, Dr. Dudley Johnson, “Can you fix my heart?” The physician, known for being short and to the point, said, “Sure.” Then he quickly turned and walked away. Following the 12-hour surgery, McIver asked ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:1-30, Hebrews 12:11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Psalm 58 - The Doom Of The Godless Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 29, 2021

Psalm 58 is classified as an imprecatory psalm {1], chiefly because of the sixfold curse in verses 6-9. In it, David is calling for judgment, but not because of some personal wrong done to him. It is rather the failure of the rulers to administer justice, and the abuse of judicial power.

Home Lessons Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Tom Lowe PSALM 58 Title: THE DOOM OF THE GODLESS (To the choirmaster; Altaschith {2], Michtam of David, according to Due Not Destroy.) Theme: An imprecatory prayer against the enemy Psalm 58 (KJV) 1 Do ye indeed speak ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 58:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Living In The Light Lane Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Feb 4, 2021

John uses familial, language (e.g., children, young men, and fathers) to talk about the fellowship/koinonia, the church. These are terms to describe Christian maturity. The church is energized by a flow of those in each stage of maturity.

Has Christianity been rejected by many based on a caricature which has been mistaken for the real thing? Perhaps! Yet, John calls us back home, to our foundation, to the fundamental matters of our faith. God uses John to help the church repair that which is broken, to correct the twisted ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Forsaking Renegade Wisdom

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 11, 2021

     One of the problems that often goes unrecognized is the depth of God’s wisdom. Is it possible that we claim to know God, while failing to give Him the thanks and glory? This sermon is about abortion and removing prayer from schools.

FORSAKING RENEGADE WISDOM Text: Ecclesiastes 9:18   “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroyeth much good” (KJV).       Have you ever noticed how we are sometimes lacking on common sense wisdom?       Conrad ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:18

Denomination: United Methodist

Second Chances Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 19, 2024

If you’re hooked by sin and want to be free, remember who God is, recommit your life to Him, and remain in His presence.

Pastor John Ortberg writes about the time he and his wife went fly-fishing for the first time: He says: “Our guides told us that ‘to catch a fish you have to think like a fish.’ They said that to a fish life is about the maximum gratification of appetite at the minimum expenditure of energy. To a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:1-35, Jeremiah 31:35-37, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Single To The Glory Of God

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 14, 2024

Singleness may be temporary or permanent, but it can be lived to the glory of God. The disciple who is single must live with contentment, sexual purity, and devotion to the Lord.

Introduction: A. William Jennings Bryan was an American lawyer and politician. 1. Bryan served in the House of Representatives and served as Secretary of State. 2. He was also the Democratic Party’s nominee for President in three presidential elections but he lost all three. 3. When William ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, 1 Corinthians 7:25-28, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Wisdom's Path To Life (Prt 1)

Contributed by Brian Williams on Apr 20, 2023

Do you really want to find life and fulfillment? Be around people of wisdom who lead you to the path of wisdom and point you to the person of Wisdom - Jesus.

What is godliness? Who even uses this term “godly” today to describe fellow Christians in the church? Is this something that we personally aspire to? Yet this is what we read throughout the book of Proverbs as how we should live - to know [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction; to discern and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 4:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Gotta Have Heart Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 8, 2023

In Mark 4, Jesus taught the parable of the sower, and then explained it. The parable challenges us to sow the word of God and to cultivate our hearts so that we can be the good soil that produces a great harvest.

A. Once there was a man who was having serious heart trouble, so he went to the doctor to see what his options were. 1. His doctor recommended that he have a heart transplant. 2. The patient asked if there were any hearts immediately available and told the doctor that he could pay whatever amount ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-20, 1 Corinthians 3:7, Hebrews 4:12, Proverbs 4:23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Teaches His Disciples (Part 2) Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 4, 2023

As Jesus continued to privately teach His disciples in Mark chapter 9, we see that He focused on teaching them about pride and prejudice. It was important for them and for us to learn about humility and tolerance.

Introduction: A. In last week’s sermon, we started a section in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus was privately teaching His disciples some very important lessons on discipleship. 1. The two lessons we explored last week had to do with prayer and the passion of Jesus. 2. In today’s sermon, we will ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:33-50

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Yoked Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 5, 2023

Our unity as a biblical community is strengthened because we are yoked together - knitted together as members of one another with practical ethics that we are intended live out in order to foster that community.

YOKED Joel Gilbert / General CommU.N.I.T.Y. / Ephesians 4:25–32; Ephesians 5:1–2   Introduction There are organizations for people with any number of interests. Often, membership in these societies comes with an expectation for some advocacy or education, financial support, or simply ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Demonstrate Love Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 26, 2023

Serve one another and your enemies, and so demonstrate that you follow Jesus.

Robert Holmes, in his book God’s Man, describes a man who went home with his friend for dinner. The man was impressed by the way his friend entered the house, asked his wife how her day went, and told her she looked pretty. Then, after they embraced, she served dinner. After they ate, the husband ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-35, Philippians 2:6-8

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Why Does God Allow Evil And Suffering?

Contributed by Bruce Hadley on May 31, 2022

As the world continues to get worse and worse, many question why God continues to allow evil and suffering to proliferate? Will, in this sermon we will address those questions

Today we’re going to address a very important question. Why does God allow evil and suffering? We’re going to get a little deep and heavy as we address this question. So, stay with me! This past Tuesday, when I heard the news of the school shooting in Uvalda, TX, where 21 kids and 2 teachers ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-18, Matthew 5:21-28, Mark 7:20-23, Genesis 2:1-15, Psalm 51:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Offers A Better Bread (John 6:51-59) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 29, 2022

What exactly happens, when we celebrate the Eucharist? And what exactly are we eating?

Today, we continue working our way through John 6. Let's start by simply rereading, starting from verse 22. This verse picks up after Jesus fed 5,000 people the bread and the fish, and after Jesus walked on the water. (22) On the next day, the crowd-- the one standing on the other side of ...read more

Scripture: John 6:51-59, John 6:22-50, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22