Sermons on Christian Encouragement:

The 165-Degree Life Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Nov 12, 2024

King David leans into thankfulness by offering intentional sacrifices, praising God through song, and reorienting his heart about God’s sovereignty while praying for God’s favor. We absolutely can do the same!

LAYERS OF THANKSGIVING 2024: THE 165-DEGREE LIFE 1 CHRONICLES 16:1-36 #layersofthanksgiving INTRODUCTION… How Pop-Up Turkey Timers Work home.howstuffworks.com/pop-up-timer.htm [adapted] This morning we are going to talk turkey. Millions of people throughout the United States sit down to a big ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:1-36, Colossians 3:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In Search Of Messiah. Matthew 2 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jan 10, 2025

Who were the Wise men? And what happened in their search for the King of the Jews? How do you acknowledge this King of the Jews? With Acceptance or Rejection?

2025.01.12. Sermon Notes. Matthew 2. Seeking the Messiah. Wise men seek HIM. IN SEARCH OF MESSIAH. MATTHEW 2 William Akehurst, HSWC BIG IDEA: Who were the Wise men? And what happened in their search for the King of the Jews? How do you acknowledge this King of the Jews? With Acceptance or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23, Micah 5:2, Daniel 2:48, Numbers 24:17, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 11:1, Psalm 68:29, Psalm 72:10-11, Romans 1:16, Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15, John 1:45-46, Isaiah 53:2-3, Numbers 6:1-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Black History

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Feb 22, 2025

This message summarizes why our understanding and remembrance of Black history is so important to how we see ourselves and walk in our future. It must be instilled into the next generation.

Why Black History Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:7-10; 6:5-12; Genesis 9:21-25 Good morning Strangers Rest. The title of my message this morning is “Why Black History.” This month we have celebrated Black History month, but have you asked yourself why we continue to do this year after year? Has ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:7-10, Genesis 9:21-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Jesus Who Seeks And Saves Sinners Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 4, 2025

Zaccheus demonstrated the humble heart of a child in seeking Jesus. Jesus responded by pursuing Zaccheus and seeing him come to repentant and saving faith.

Over nearly 40 years as a pastor, one of the things I've learned is that when you sign up to be a pastor, you also sign up to be a point man in some very challenging situations. One of the challenging situations I've often been asked to take over has been when a beloved or in some cases, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10, Isaiah 30:18, Jeremiah 29:13-14, Luke 15:4, Luke 15:8, Luke 15:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Bible Church

High Standard Of Integrity

Contributed by Amar Chandnani on Mar 10, 2025

Integrity is not situational; it is a lifestyle.

When we think of people with integrity, we think of those who are honest—individuals whose words and actions align. We think of someone who is dependable, someone who follows through on their commitments, AND we think of someone who does what is right even when no one is watching. Integrity is ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:9-10, Matthew 5:37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Jesus Who Seeks And Saves Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 17, 2025

How does Jesus respond when someone really seeks Him? He follows through--He makes sure the seeker finds Him!

Over nearly 40 years as a pastor, one of the things I've learned is that when you sign up to be a pastor, you also sign up to be a point man in some very challenging situations. One of the challenging situations I've often been asked to take over has been when a beloved or in some cases, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10, Jeremiah 29:13

Denomination: Bible Church

Hope For The Hopeless Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 15, 2025

Christ is risen! So don’t be confused any longer. Instead, be confident and share the good news!

Many years ago, a man climbed up on the side of the Brooklyn Bridge and was about to jump when a policeman grabbed him and drew him back. The man protested, “You don’t understand how miserable I am and how hopeless my life is. Please, let me go.” The officer tried to talk him out of it. He told ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20, 2 Corinthians 12:12, Hebrews 2:3

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Mother's Day 2025 - A Mother's Bond

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Apr 30, 2025

A mother has a very special bond with their child. This message is about that bond.

Mother’s Day 2025 – A Mother’s Bond Scripture: John 2:1-11; Second Timothy 1:5 Good morning Strangers Rest and happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers here and those viewing this live streamed service. There will be little that I will say in this message that will be new to you, but I hope you ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11, 2 Timothy 1:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Plagues Begin Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on May 4, 2025

The showdown between God and Pharaoh begins

The Story of Moses : Exodus 7 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church 05-04–2025 So far So far, we have witnessed Moses’s miraculous rescue from the Nile by Pharaoh’s daughter. He was raised in the Egyptian palace and was considered to be in line to be the next Pharaoh. But ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Faith That Is Part Of Life

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jun 3, 2025

A Lady once came into my office and said, she did not believe in religion or that church mattered.

Faith That Is Part of Life “ Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:20-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Daring To Be Generous Series

Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Jun 4, 2025

Generosity leads to worship, witness, wellness, wealth on earth and wealth in heaven

DARING TO BE GENEROUS A few years ago, there was a story out of Miami, Florida about six Royal Palm trees that had been vandalized and cut down along one of Miami’s main streets. Due to the expense involved in replacing them Dade County wasn’t sure how soon, if ever, they would be replaced. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Amazing Faith Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jul 17, 2025

What we can learn from Jesus' encounter with a Roman centurion who had a faith that amazed Jesus

“Amazing Faith...” Matthew 8:5-13 Prayer... OKAY – let’s do this! We are in a verse by verse study of the Gospel of Matthew. AND LISTEN – from our very first week diving into these 2000 year old words written by the x-tax collector, Our goal has been the same... The goal - to have a greater ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Threat Of A Miracle Worker Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jul 17, 2025

If Lazarus were roaming the streets of North Dallas, some business-minded person would say, “We need to get this guy on Joe Rogan. And, let’s trademark ‘Texas Lazarus BBQ’ before someone else does.”

Murder in America is not new for our times. Because of the proliferation of so much crime, we are oftentimes given a behind-the-scenes view of those who committed murder. We see the crime from the point of view of the one who committed the crime in documentaries. Most of you do not know the name of ...read more

Scripture: John 11:43-53

Denomination: Baptist

Kingdom Living - Humble, Holy, And Forgiving - Matthew 18 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 18, 2025

Living in GOD's KINGDOM means walking in humility, protecting others from sin, restoring the fallen, and forgiving like our KING. Jesus teaches how to live together as His followers - with humility, care for the vulnerable, accountability, and forgiveness.

2025.07.20. Sermon Notes. KINGDOM LIVING - HUMBLE, HOLY, AND FORGIVING - MATTHEW 18 William Akehurst, HSWC Scriptures: Matthew 18:1-35, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Psalm 103:12, John 6:35, 1 Corinthians 11:24, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 6:36 Living out Christlike humility, holiness, and forgiveness in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-35, 1 Corinthians 13:5, Psalm 103:12, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 6:36, John 6:35, 1 Corinthians 11:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Praying For Lost Friends Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jul 19, 2025

God designed the work of evangelism to happen through prayer. Think of prayer as a street or a boulevard. Evangelism must travel down the street called prayer.

This morning, I want to reintroduce you to something that has the potential to impact your friends and family for all of eternity. I want to see you make an impact on those closest to you through a simple campaign called Prayer, Care, Share. Many of you already have this insert. If you have this ...read more

Scripture: John 6:44, Matthew 13:19, Matthew 9:36, Acts 9:11

Denomination: Baptist