Sermons on Bethlehem:

The Magi’s Prescient Gifts

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Dec 12, 2011

A brief sermon after giving gifts to all our workers, explaining the meaning behind the gifts of the Magi, using both Scripture and the well known Christmas carol, We Three Kings.

The Magi’s Prescient Gifts Chuck Sligh December 11, 2011 A PowerPoint presentation for this message is available by emailing me at chucksligh@hotmail.com. TEXT: Matthew 2:11 – “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:11

Denomination: Baptist

First Christmas Risk-Takers

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 21, 2011

Risk taking at times needs to be bold and calculated. Other times require spontaneity. Risk taking is taking on something that causes fear and has the possibility of failure. Risk taking is an essential ingredient in ministry in the Kingdom of God. Most B

Opening illustration: Three pastors have been called Monday to report to prison in Shiraz, a city in southwestern Iran, within the next 30 days in what is estimated to be an act of religious persecution. The pastors were essentially being sentenced for having meetings at home, making the government ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:40-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Clanging Gongs & Crashing Symbols Of Christmas

Contributed by Charles Newman on Dec 12, 2009

When Christians get caught up with the traditions of Christmas, we have a tendency to forget the real reason behind this special celebration - LOVE. If we removed the commercialism from Christmas, would it be the same? I don’t think the world would know w

Illustration - For Always In 1994 two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on Biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Fear Of God Part 4

Contributed by Gerald Albers on Oct 31, 2011

Now, we are wrapping up our series on fear. Three weeks ago we looked at Zechariah, a saintly old man who had lived his life with unanswered prayers. Two weeks ago, we looked at Mary. The angel told her not to be afraid of God changing her plans for her l

FEAR OF GOD Part 4 TEXT: Luke 2:8-20 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Are You Waiting For?

Contributed by Marvin P. Hoogland on Feb 28, 2019

Expectations are an essential part of life. The good news of Jesus' birth fills us with hopeful expectations.

We've been waiting for what seems like a long time now, at least for the children. The presents have been under the tree for days and maybe weeks. Will it ever come? “We can't wait!” We've heard children say that again and again, haven't we? But there is good news for you, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10

God Sees The Heart

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jul 20, 2022

God sees the big picture and God sees our heart.

God sees the heart 1 Samuel 16:1-7 Introduction – It is good to have our online church with us this morning. Pray the Lord speaks clearly to us. Did you ever think about the way God sees us? That is both frightening and comforting at the same time. God sees the heart and knows what is in our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-7

Denomination: Nazarene

The Wonder Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 8, 2021

Just scratching the surface of a match can cause it to burst into flame and though that is all we can do with Luke's record, scratch the surface, it is hoped that this will kindle a flame of wonder in our hearts for Christmas.

Typical of last minute Christmas shoppers, a mother was running furiously from store to store. Suddenly she became aware that the pudgy little hand of her three year old son was no longer clutched in hers. In a panic she retraced her steps and found him standing with his little nose pressed ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

The Lowly King Of Kings Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 17, 2021

When people came looking for the Messiah they expected to see “a reed shaken in the wind,” or a wealthy and mighty king. Instead of finding a wealthy king, they found the Christ who was meek and humble; born in a place of low esteem.

Our message for today is a reflection on the lowly and humble estate of our King of Kings. To begin this morning, turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 9, and we will look at verses 1-2, and 6-7. What I am about to read are the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning the entrance of our Savior ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 11:7-8

Denomination: Baptist

Messiah In The Context Of Jewish History

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Aug 3, 2021

Normally when we talk about the arrival of the messiah we’re talking about it in the context of Christmas season and we end with a very colored picture, seeing Jesus in the context of Christmas trees, bells, candy canes, and lights.

Normally when we talk about the arrival of the messiah we’re talking about it in the context of Christmas season and we end with a very colored picture, seeing Jesus in the context of Christmas trees, bells, candy canes, and lights. But today, I’d like to shift our perspective, and we shall try to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Salvation Army

God Sees Your Heart

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Apr 23, 2025

God knows your heart

God sees the heart 1 Samuel 16:1-7 Good Morning everyone, glad you are here. Please turn to 1 Samuel 16:1-7 Did you ever think about the way God see us? God sees the heart and knows what is in our hearts. We cannot fool God when it comes to the heart. The world may be fooled but not God. 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-7

Denomination: Nazarene

What Caused The Wise Men To ‘leave-It-All?’

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 7, 2024

The Wise Men were the ultimate seekers after Jesus. They left their businesses, their families, their reputations, and risked their lives to honor the Christ-child. The very night after their visit, the holy Family had to flee Herod. What timing!

WHAT CAUSED THE WISE MEN TO ‘LEAVE-IT-ALL?’ Mt. 2:1-11 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: 1. A lady was sitting in traffic. A man was standing nearby holding a sign asking for money. She rolled down her window and said, “Sir, I’m going to give you this dollar, not because you deserve it, but because it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Word Of God Speak! - Gospel Of John Series 1d Series

Contributed by Clayton Beck on Dec 23, 2024

Jesus Christ, the Word, is the Son of the Living God, and He is God. Jesus is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind.

John 1:6-13 6 God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the Light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the Light; he was simply a witness to tell about the Light. 9 The one who is the true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-13, John 3:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Elements Of Advent

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Dec 8, 2020

This message helps to explain three of the four elements of ADVENT: Love, Joy, and Hope. The final element of Peace will be the topic for the following Sunday.

As I sat down to put together my thoughts for this sermon, and after praying about it, I looked at the calendar and realized that this is one of those years that there are only 4 Sundays of Advent between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sometimes there are 5 Sundays but then there are years like 2020 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-49, Luke 2:10-12, Daniel 9:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

Taking The Journey

Contributed by Ian Hyde on Apr 1, 2019

God’s call to take the journey to worship the newborn king isn’t just for those born to privilege, or those born in the church. It isn’t just for pastors, scholars, and religious leaders. No, God’s call to worship is for anyone who will listen.

OPENING STORY An old king sat uncomfortably on his throne, fingernails dug into well-worn grooves in the wood as he waited nervously for the mysterious travelers to approach. All Jerusalem was abuzz with the rumors that these men were searching for a new heir which had just been born, yet neither ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Nazarene

A New Year’s Grounded Ministry Series

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Dec 26, 2020

After Jesus was born in a stable – the Bible holds truth which we can live by so we may enjoy a grounded ministry for our work in the Lord.

A New Year’s Grounded Ministry Catching the Truths to the Magi’s Gifts and Their Testimony A look at the Bible in regard to the period after the birth of Jesus Christ, I see a time which shows the importance of providing for and protecting the Lord’s work. The Bible says, “After Jesus was born ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational