Sermons on City Not Forsaken:

Was A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Taught Before The 1800's?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on May 3, 2022

There have been numerous teaching surges of the "Rapture" and what happens at the return of Jesus over the last 50+ years that have brought confusion and fear.

Most often, the teaching of a Pre/Mid tribulation ‘Rapture’ re-appears during times of world crisis, social upheaval, pandemics, war, rumors of war, etc., to help bring focus on the soon-coming return of Jesus, who will stop it all and set up His Kingdom on Earth for 1,000 years. The Second ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:50-55, John 5:28-29, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sarah Laughed

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 7, 2022

Sarah Laughed in unbelief, but God transformed her unbelief, changing her laughter to the expression of joy. God longs to transform the one who is honest before Him.

“[The angels charged with the destruction of Sodom] said to [Abraham], ‘Where is Sarah your wife?’ And he said, ‘She is in the tent.’ The LORD said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Futility Of Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2022

Religious exercise can become a snare if in our efforts we fail to seek the Lord. Religion for the sake of religion is a dreadful snare.

“Like a pregnant woman who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth, so were we because of you, O LORD; we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

You Are What You Think

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 18, 2022

The Master calls us to ensure that our heart is pure rather than focusing exclusively on our external practises.

“[Jesus] called the people to him and said to them, ‘Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.’ Then the disciples came and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Real Faith Grows In Hard Times Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Mar 31, 2021

Real Faith Grows in Hard Times Series: Real Faith (in the Book of James) Brad Bailey – Sept. 13, 2020

Real Faith Grows in Hard Times Series: Real Faith (in the Book of James) Brad Bailey – Sept. 13, 2020 Intro Hey everybody. I’m so glad you’re a part of this gathering. I’m excited to launch our new Fall series and focus today. As I shared last week...I believe this season of changes and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sometimes, I Guess There Just Aren't Enough Rocks

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 6, 2021

In life, we may tear down relationships or we may build relationships. We use similar aspects to both destroy and build. Christians should be known as builders.

“Early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first.” [1] In the movie Forrest Gump, one scene pictures Forrest and Jenny ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

Just Ring The Bell!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 1, 2022

You can quit the struggle to finish the course. If you do, the impact of your life will be insignificant. If you stand firm, the impact of what you do now for Christ will yield eternal results.

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” [1] Becoming a United States Navy Seal is arguably among the most difficult ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

He Nailed It

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 14, 2022

Sacrificing His Life, Jesus provided the means for sinners to be declared righteous. By rising from the dead, He ensured our salvation in Him. He nailed it, providing all that is required to set aside our sin, making us acceptable to the Father.

“You, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

Rabbit Trail Week #1: The Burnt Offering (Leviticus 1:1-9) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Apr 24, 2022

Unpacking what the burnt offering is, how to do it, why, and what we can learn as Christians from it. Using Exodus 20:4 as a launch point, as part of my Exodus series.

Today, I want to start a two week rabbit trail on the topic of OT sacrifice. I should warn you, up front, that this is the most complicated thing I've ever tried to work through in biblical studies. I'll do my best to explain it as simply as possible, and hide as much of the hard stuff as ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 1:1-9, 2 Chronicles 29:20-36, Numbers 15:1-4

Jesus – His Exaltation Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 21, 2021

Jesus – His Exaltation Series: CREED: Truths that Unite Brad Bailey – February 14, 2021

Jesus – His Exaltation Series: CREED: Truths that Unite Brad Bailey – February 14, 2021 Intro... Well... good morning Westside Vineyard family and friends. It really is my privilege and pleasure to have this time to share with you. And I’m EXCITED to continue together in our series entitled ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tickled By The Promises Of God - Genesis 21:1-21 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

So let’s see what God has to say to us and for us from Sarah’s perspective in this story.

Well I thank you for joining with us and being here today. We’re going to look at Genesis 21 and Galatians 4. I call this two-for-one Sunday because actually there’s going to be two sermons today. These two sermons are represented in the passage that we’re going to look at, both in the Old ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:1-21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Road To Heaven - Philippians 3:12-14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 10, 2022

After speaking against legalism in the first half of the chapter, Paul now warns against the opposite error: quietism. Not even Paul has gotten to a place where he can coast. The race goes until you die.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Christian, You Are Heaven Bound, Meanwhile Make A Difference - Philippians 1: 20-26 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Feb 11, 2022

The main thing that helps Paul be emotionally, spiritually, and mentally healthy. If you're looking for those things in your life, the solution really is found here in the Bible

Well today we come to verse 20 in Philippians, verses 20-26 in our passage today. As we do, we're going to see Paul's secret ingredient. The main thing that helps Paul be emotionally, spiritually, and mentally healthy. If you're looking for those things in your life, the solution really ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-26

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Worthy Is The Lamb (Parts 1-3) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Feb 23, 2022

Worship in Heaven Continues in Chapter 5

One of the most breathtaking passages on the second coming is Revelation chapter 5. The scene in chapter 5 is the same as in chapter 4. The scene is heaven, in the center is the throne of God. Lightning and thunder and glorious worship from the hosts of heaven. Chapter 4 and chapter 5 anticipate ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

Denomination: Brethren

Judgement Day Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 4, 2021

We are called to judge ourselves, especially focusing on our motives, as we come before the Lord's Table.

“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

Denomination: Baptist