Sermons on Circle Of Life:

Being Independent Together With God

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Oct 31, 2024

This message is a revision of a message I delivered previously. God has given us free-will and will not override our decisions. His desire is that we will choose to come into agreement with Him and walk with Him. The choice is ours.

Being Independent Together With God Scripture: Amos 3:3; John 8:36; Exodus 1:11a; 3:7-8; Romans 12:2 Good morning Strangers Rest! This morning, I will be talking with you about “Being Independent Together With God.” While the title seems to be contradictory when you consider that the ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:3, John 8:36, Romans 12:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Manifestations Of Prophecy (Part Ii) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 19, 2024

This second part focuses on non-predictive manifestations of prophecy. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a desire to be used by God in this way, and instruction is given in how to enter into the operation of this gift.

I. WHAT IS THE GIFT OF PROPHECY in 1 Cor. 12:10? I want to begin with three Greek words in the New Testament that should help us understand specifically what Paul is referring to in 1 Cor. 12:10 when he writes, “…to another prophecy….”i (1) Didasko is commonly translated “teach.” Let me read a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, 1 Peter 4:11, Romans 12:6, Acts 15:35, Matthew 4:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Fear Not; Be Not Afraid Part 2 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Dec 8, 2023

New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 14:28-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fear Not; Be Not Afraid Part 2

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Dec 12, 2023

This is the second part of the Bible Study lesson on fear. All passages are from the NKJV.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by brothers Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 14:28-38, Hebrews 3:12-18, Matthew 14:22-32, Mark 5:35-43, Luke 8:22-25, Hebrews 3:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Transfiguration Pt.4: Did Elijah Fail? - Mark 9:8-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 24, 2023

John the Baptist was the fulfillment of the promised Elijah who would come and restore the people’s hearts in preparation for the Messiah. But if that’s the case, why was Jesus crucified? Did John fail?

Mark 9:1 And he said to them, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:8-13, Matthew 17:1-6, Luke 9:28-35

Curious Questions About Islam And The Confusing Qur’an

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jan 1, 2024

It has been over 24 Years since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, when a group of Islamic Jihadists attacked the United States and 4,000+ people died.

Currently (2025), Israel is at war against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi Islamic Jihadists who want to destroy them, as well as those who support the terrorists such as the Palestinians. With all the wars and terrorist attacks around the world, it certainly feels as if we are close to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:21, Revelation 13:1-10, Daniel 7:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Acts 17:29, Mark 3:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Change Your Ways

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 1, 2019

A study in the book of Ezra 9: 1 – 15

Ezra 9: 1 – 15 You’ve got to change your evil ways baby 9 When these things were done, the leaders came to me, saying, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, with respect to the abominations of the Canaanites, the ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 9:9

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

He Is Talking About Us

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 22, 2019

A study in the Gospel of Matthew 21: 33 – 46

Matthew 21: 33 – 46 Hey, is He talking about us? 33 “Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. 34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:40

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Payback

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 26, 2018

A study in the book of Exodus 22: 1 – 31

Exodus 22: 1 – 31 Payback 22 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. 3 If the sun has risen ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Mark Part 1 (Nasb), Written 3 Years Around 30 Ad; He's Also Called John Mark Or Marcus

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Jun 23, 2025

notes from Marilyn Hickey Ministries; footnotes from bibleway.com; Jesus the Servant and Sacrifice; written for Gentiles / Romans. Oxford says it's the first gospel.

Preaching of John the Baptist 1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I send My messenger [a]ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way; 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, Make His ...read more

Denomination: Vineyard

Marriage Part 4: The Four Horsemen Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jul 16, 2025

Part four of this five part series on marriage focuses on how to handle conflict based on the Gottman Institute identifocation of the Four Horsemen that can destroy a marriage. I highly recommend everyone to visit their website for resources for addressing marital conflicts.

Marriage Part 4: The Four Horsemen Scripture: First Peter 3:7; Matthew 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:26-27 Good morning Strangers Rest. This is part four of my series on marriage. The title of today’s message “The Four Horsemen” and I will be focusing on when we face conflict within our marriage. In part ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7, Matthew 5:22-24, Ephesians 4:26-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gentiles, You Aren't Second Class Christians (Ephesians 2:11-22) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 13, 2025

Paul draws an application to his Gentile-by-birth readers, from his Eph. 2:1-10 starting point.

Today we have the privilege of working through Ephesians 2:11-22. Let's turn there, and read just the first word. "Therefore." What "therefore" signals, is that Paul is going to draw some conclusions, and an application, from everything he's just said. But it's ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-22

Paul, A Truly Blessed Man (Ephesians 3:1-14) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 15, 2025

How great a privilege it is, Paul thinks, to get to tell people the gospel.

Over the last few weeks, we've read what Paul has to say about this huge, cosmic plan that God has for the world. Before God sent Jesus, this cosmos was a terrible mess. There was a dividing wall of sin that existed between God and people. There was a dividing wall that separated out Jew ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-14

31. Hebron Before Jerusalem (Parts 1 & 2) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Nov 5, 2025

David understood the road to the palace was long. He mastered the idea that setbacks are sometimes God's setups

Hebron Before Jerusalem November 5, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 2 Samuel 2 God advances His kingdom through Spirit-dependent obedience, patient waiting, and merciful leadership—not through pride, ambition, or personal vendetta. Go will often take us to “Hebron before ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

Josiah: The Child Leading Them.

Contributed by Stephen Carroll on Nov 12, 2004

A Child stood up faithfully for God even when he had no example to follow.

1Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. 2He did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn aside from doing what was right. 3During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:1-30

Denomination: Salvation Army