Sermons on Church Growth:

The Walking Dead

Contributed by Captain Emily Vincent on Jul 11, 2023

If we are slaves to sin, we are dead to Christ...we must be made alive in Him again, we must be born again in Christ...We cannot be like the walking dead, in our sins and transgressions, never knowing true life that is in Christ!

My husband’s favorite genre of movies are zombie movies. Now, I cannot watch these things. I think they are gross and I just cannot handle it. They scare me! I am very susceptible to nightmares. It doesn’t take much for something to be impressed upon my brain. He always asks me to watch them ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Salvation Army

Cleaning Services

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 18, 2023

We have been forgiven in Christ for the sins that we have committed and confessed. But the underlying condition out of which these sins arise - what’s to be done about that?

“Out, damned spot!” may be one of the most widely recognized lines Shakespeare ever wrote. I wonder why? In a more innocent age it might have been for the forbidden thrill of saying “damn.” But of course that doesn’t apply any more, does it. It’s one of the milder epithets available. If that’s the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

See Jesus’ Response To Unbelief!

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jul 19, 2023

What is your favorite picture of Jesus? Most artists have portrayed Jesus as kind and gentle, or as God’s suffering servant. In the Gospel Lesson for today we have an example of a time when Jesus’ face most certainly didn’t look the way artists most often picture him.

What is your favorite picture of Jesus? If you were to close your eyes and bring to mind your best loved drawing or painting of Jesus, which one would it be? Perhaps you would recall one the many images showing Jesus as the Good Shepherd. That has been a favorite among Christians for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:20-32

Denomination: Lutheran

Kingdom Keys - Isaiah Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Jul 21, 2023

Evangelism is sharing the hope we have within us that many do not want to hear because it means admitting our rebellious, sinful nature AND there is a qualified to judge.

So maybe you’ve heard it said, ‘read your bible’ so you tried and failed. Our hope as leaders is that all of us will pick up God’s word and come to understand the true nature of God. After all, the bible is God’s Word curated over centuries detailing His nature, His will, the meaning of life and ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:18, 1 John 3:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Pharisee And The Publican (Tax-Collector)

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jul 25, 2023

Jesus told a story (parable) about two men who went to the Temple to pray. One man was changed, but the other remained the same. Let's take a look:

(Based on a message preached at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO; not an exact transcription) Introduction: Some folks have become concerned about where they’re going when they die. I know of some who have asked, “Am I going to Hell when I die?” Today’s text, a story from Jesus about two people, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Crowns Of Heaven - Part I Series

Contributed by Mark Hall on Jul 31, 2023

The crowns of heaven are among the greatest rewards of heaven and are so significant that Jesus said do not let anyone take away your crown. I give permission for this sermon to be used in its fullness for the glory of God

THE CROWNS OF HEAVEN – PART I Please open your Bible to Revelation 3, as we continue our series on eternal rewards, with today message, “The Crowns of Heaven – Part I.” This message is the first of at least two dynamic sermons on the crowns of heaven which I believe are among the greatest rewards ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:11, Revelation 2:26-27, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

More Than A Mother

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Aug 3, 2023

No matter how deep the scars that life has left us with, the mother-love of God can restore the broken places and refill the empty places. There is nothing that we have lost that cannot be transformed or redeemed.

Many of you met my sister Kathleen and her son Brian when they came down for my installation. Brian is the only child in our generation, my mother’s only grandchild. And that’s surprising because, of the two of us, Kathleen didn’t want children and I did. I was the one who played with dolls. I was ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:15-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Armor Of God: Faith

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Aug 5, 2023

Among Gary Larsen’s “The Far Side” cartoons was one where two deer were standing upright in the forest. One deer is looking at his buddy who clearly has a target on his chest. And the one deer is saying, “Bummer of a birthmark, Hal!”

Alba 7-30-2023 THE ARMOR OF GOD: THE SHIELD OF FAITH Ephesians 6:16 Among Gary Larsen’s “The Far Side” cartoons was one where two deer were standing upright in the forest. One deer is looking at his buddy who clearly has a target on his chest. And the one deer is saying, “Bummer of a birthmark, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16, Hebrews 11:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Justice But Not For Us

Contributed by Kenneth R. Jenkins on Aug 7, 2023

Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge teaches persistence, faith, and prayer, with a promise of God’s ultimate justice.

A) Always Pray and Don’t Give Up (18:1) “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (18:1) Verse 1 starts with “Then.” Notice that this teaching on prayer follows directly on Jesus’ teaching on the coming of the Son of Man. Indeed, verse ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

John The Cactus Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Aug 11, 2023

The fulness of time had come…. The “Hope of Nations” the “Messiah” was on His way. The announcement of that longed for event came in quite an unexpected way – the angel who had replaced Lucifer – the angel Gabriel - appeared to an old childless priest:

August 12, 2023 One Sabbath, after church, a mom asked her little girl what the picture she had drawn was supposed to be. It looked like a bunch of brown scribbles surrounding some kind of big green thing. The little girl said, “Well, this is the wilderness, and that’s John the Cactus.” Today, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5, Luke 1:5-7, Luke 1:68-79, Luke 3:7-9, Luke 7:17-23, Hebrews 12:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Wrestling With Doubt

Contributed by Brian Williams on Aug 14, 2023

What do you do when you have doubts about God and the Scripture?

Wrestling with Doubt Matt 18:17: Isaiah 45:5-7 30 July 2023 We are continuing in our series called: What do you believe and why? Today we will look at a passage from the book of Matthew on the topic of: Wrestling with Doubt. Why are we going through this apologetic series? Because every Christian, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:17, Isaiah 45:5-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

...and Bring Me Back My Change

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Aug 21, 2023

Our world is going through changes at light speed, and it is easy to get overwhelmed with it all.

Open your bibles to John 20:22. Before we get started, I want to give everyone the chance to get there, because you don’t want to miss this. And when He had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them “Receive the Holy Spirit, and bring me back my change”. -Look out into the audience and say ...read more

Scripture: John 20:22, John 2:3

Choose Jesus

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Aug 25, 2023

In a weary world, Jesus calls us to Himself!

The Jesus Alternative Matthew 11:28-30 August 27, 2023 When you think about it, we make so many decisions on a given day. I really don’t want you to think about it, just trust me, because it’s overwhelming to think about. Want a cup of coffee? You can go to the Alexandria Bakery, Casey’s, Get ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

How Do I Live - Life?

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Aug 28, 2023

What is the purpose of humanity? Why are we here on this earth? How are we to live - Life?

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; Genesis 1:26-31 Theme: How Do I Live – LIFE? What is the best way for me to live my life? INTRO: Grace and peace from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let’s start off this morning with some very important questions – What is the purpose of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 40:1-2

Denomination: Nazarene

The Price Of Peace

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus warns his followers that the consequences of following him will be painful and disruptive, and that they’d better be prepared for it.

The disciples were confused. When the Messiah came, peace and righteousness would reign from one end of the earth to the other. All the prophets agreed. And if Jesus was the Messiah as they were all now pretty sure he was, he would be the one who brought it about. He would be the Prince of Peace ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-53

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed