Sermons on Bitter Sweet:

Friends In High Places Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 18, 2014

What impressed Jesus in this story was the faith of the men who'd brought their friend to him - a friend who was crippled and lived in a low place of life. The phrase is "Jesus saw their faith." What does that mean? And what can it mean to us?

A few years back, Garth Brooks came out with a popular Country and Western song called: “I’ve Got Friends In Low Places” How many of you have ever heard the song? (when most of them raised their hands, I stage whispered: “Pagans”) It has a catchy tune, but it is NOT a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Highway To Heaven

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 8, 2020

Despise not the chastening of the LORD.

THE HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN. Hebrews 12:4-17. After impressing us with the heroes of the Faith (Hebrews 11:4-40), the writer encourages us to persevere in the race that is set before us, looking away from our difficulties ‘unto JESUS, the author and finisher’, the pioneer and perfecter, the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fruit Of The Tree Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 19, 2020

The Sycamores of the Middle East are highly prized. And it was one such highly prized and valuable tree who's limbs held a despised and sinful man. Why was he despised and what difference did Jesus make in his life?

OPEN: The story of Zacchaeus only occurs in the Gospel of Luke. It seems to me that its possible that, as Luke interviewed people for his Gospel, he may have spoken with Zacchaeus - and the man’s story stood out to him. It’s also possible, given that Zacchaeus’ name is used here, that he was known ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Released!

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Jan 25, 2010

How do you deal with guilt? People try many different ways, but only Jesus can truly cut away guilt's chains. Parts: A. From the chains of guilt. B. By forgiveness from Jesus.

Text: Luke 4:14-21 Theme: Released! A. From the chains of guilt B. By forgiveness from Jesus Season: Epiphany 3c Date: January 24, 2010 Web page: http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Released_-Luke4_14-21.html Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Running On Empty?

Contributed by David Sweet on Aug 25, 2011

An expository sermon on Colossians 2:6-15 concerning Christian fullness in the triumphant Christ.

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15 I. Introduction The church at Colossae was started by Epaphras, who was a fellow Colossian and a preacher in Laodicea, Hierapolis and Colossae. The letter reveals that the Colossian believers had a great faith in Jesus and love for their fellow believers. But ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

These Are The Words I Would Say

Contributed by David Sweet on Jun 15, 2012

A Father's Day sermon that is positive, reflective, and life applicable.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12
 I. INTRODUCTION (Focusing Activity) Happy Father’s Day! Many Father’s Day sermons seem to blast dads and tear them down for their struggles in parenting, but I hope to be more positive and reflective today as we honor how our dads teach and guide us. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Stand Firm With Your Fellow Citizens

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Mar 5, 2010

In our Christian warfare on earth, imitate the example of those like Paul who look only to the cross of Christ, anticipating heaven. Parts: A. Imitating those who, like Paul, are allies of the cross of Christ. B. Anticipating our true country.

Text: Philippians 3:17-4:1 Theme: Stand Firm With Your Fellow Citizens A. Imitating those who, like Paul, are allies of the cross of Christ B. Anticipating our true country Season: Lent 2c Date: February 28, 2010 Web page: ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

06 - James 3:1-12 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Aug 26, 2021

This is the 6th of 11 Studies in the Book of James and it talks about the importance of controlling the way we use our tongues, and the ill-effects of being careless with the use of our tongues. Special caution is suggested to those who are teachers of God's word.

James 3:1-2 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. After talking about the importance of possessing a ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Walk With The Way Series

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Mar 19, 2003

Jesus doesn’t merely show us the way; he is the way, the only way to our heavenly home.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God through which the Holy Spirit touches our hearts are the words he breathed into the Apostle Paul to write, recorded in Romans 5: [Jesus said,] “Do not feel troubled. Believe in God and believe in Me. In My ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Watch With Eager Expectation

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Nov 29, 2009

This world is crumbling. Only our Redeemer can lift our hearts. How does he prepare us to stand in the day of his return? How does this change our lives now? Parts: A. Seeing the signs of a failing world. B. Waiting for your Redeemer.

Text: Luke 21:25-36 Theme: Watch with Eager Expectation A. Seeing the signs of a failing world B. Waiting for your Redeemer Season: Advent 1c Date: November 29, 2009 Web page: http://hancocklutheran.org/sermons/Watch-with-Eager-Expectation-Luke21_25-36.html Grace and peace to you from ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Lutheran

Only God Has Made The Tree

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Jul 7, 2003

This parable pictures Jesus as a cedar sprout from the top of David’s family tree. He becomes low and dry to save us, but the Lord made him a tall and florishing tree so that we are safe in his branches.

Only God has made the Tree Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God through which the Holy Spirit guides our hearts and minds today is recorded in Ezekiel 17:22-24 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 17:22-24

Denomination: Lutheran

Watch Continuously, Ready For Jesus

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Nov 29, 2010

We don’t know when Jesus will return, so how can we be ready? How does the Holy Spirit keep our eyes on Jesus? A. Beware of the distractions of everyday life B. Keep focusing on Jesus, no matter how well you know him C. Guard against spiritual sleep

Text: Matthew 24:37-44 Theme: Watch Continuously, Ready for Jesus A. Beware of the distractions of everyday life B. Keep focusing on Jesus, no matter how well you know him C. Guard against spiritually falling asleep Season: Advent 1a Date: November 28, 2010 Web page: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:37-44

Denomination: Lutheran

Godly Ways In The Wilderness Of Life

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 22, 2005

When we try to live life in our own power, it only leads to a wilderness of complaining, moaning and groaning. However, as we allow God to have control supernatural results happen. People see us from a distance and say man they are really getting it don

Intro: Many years ago A.J. Gordon went to the World’s Fair. From a distance he saw a man pumping water with one of those old hand pumps. The water was pouring out and he said as he looked, "That man is really pumping water." But when he got closer, he discovered that it was a wooden man connected ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 22:15-27

Denomination: Baptist

Woe Unto Them

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Apr 4, 2016

To show that GOD the LORD JESUS found me when I was lost and healed my eyes so I can see when I was blind.

I. EXORDIUM: Did JESUS found me? Yes. II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers/unbelievers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that GOD the LORD JESUS found me when I was lost and healed my eyes so I can see when I was blind. IV. TEXT: Isaiah 5:20 (Amplified Bible) Woe to those who call evil good and good ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 5:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Word To The Wise On Dealing With The Wicked Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 25, 2013

Why would people chose to be wicked? And why would this lifestyle be a temptation even for the average Christian?

OPEN: I once read the true story of their English professor who was on her way to class one day. She was running late and was going over the speed limit. Then she saw the dreaded red and blue lights in her rear view mirror and heard the siren, and she pulled over. As the policeman was making out ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 24:15-22, Proverbs 24:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ