Sermons on Closed Minded:

What Is A Real Christian?

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 30, 2021

With cultural Christianity being the norm in America, nominal faith is what people see most often, and it’s what comes to mind when we tell people we’re a Christian. So, what is a "real" Christian? This message points out five traits.

I wish to begin our message this morning by sharing a story by Franklin Graham. He tells us, “Some years ago, I was in a cab when I asked the driver about his faith. He replied that he was a Christian, and I asked him how he became one. I’ll never forget his reply: ‘Oh, I was born a Christian’.” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-5, 1 Peter 4:14-19

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Your Willoughby?

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jan 5, 2018

One of my favorite episodes of The Twilight Zone is "A Stop At Willoughby". It's about a man who is so unhappy with his life that he dreams of little town where life is easy. There are many Christians who are like the story's main character.

When I was growing up one of my favorite programs was The Twilight Zone. I have been accused of, from time to time, still living in the Twilight Zone! That’s okay. One of my favorite episodes is “A Stop at Willoughby”. The story is about a guy named Gart Williams. Now in my best Rod Sterling ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 10:19-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Second Journey Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Jun 12, 2023

After preaching to Jews and Gentiles on his first trip, Paul takes off again, hoping to encourage the new believers. His plans, though, change when God has other ideas about where he should go. Acts shares with us what God had in mind for Paul on his second journey.

Introduction Video Ill.: Paul’s Second Journey - Graphe This morning, we are continuing our summer road trip, going along with Paul on his journeys as recorded in Acts. Last week, we journeyed with Paul and Barnabas as they traveled throughout the province Asia, teaching about Jesus. We saw that ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

That Same Old Song And Dance Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 3, 2008

When we are bound by stubborn patterns, we can become hostile when our stubborn ways are exposed.

That Same Old Song and Dance (Acts 7: 1-53) 1. It is natural for all of us to get absorbed in our own worlds; as a result, we often lose sight of the big picture. 2. Our nation’s current economic meltdown is causing us to rethink life and the way we do things in this country. 3. But God’s ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-53

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lessons From Jeremiah – Part 22 – It Is Tragic When A Nation Finally Reaps The Sin It Has Sown – Sin Has Consequences Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 6, 2024

Numbed by the wickedness around, we can become ignorant of the hurting and suffering people in our world. Jerusalem was grossly corrupt and injustice thrived. The world must learn from this but it is not going so. Injustice and violence are everywhere. Wrath is coming.

LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH – PART 22 – IT IS TRAGIC WHEN A NATION FINALLY REAPS THE SIN IT HAS SOWN – SIN HAS CONSEQUENCES PART 22 - Jeremiah 6:6-12 CHAPTER 6 [A]. A CALL TO THE INVADERS, BUT A PLEA FOR JUDAH TO REPENT OF ITS WICKEDNESS {{Jeremiah 6:6 Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Cut down her ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:6-8, Genesis 6:5, Genesis 6:13, Isaiah 1:4-6, Luke 13:2-5, Jeremiah 6:9-12, 2 Chronicles 36:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Was Joseph Thinking?

Contributed by Steve Greene on Nov 29, 2006

What was Joseph thinking that night outside the stable. Have you ever thought about it? What would have been going through your mind? This message challenges us to do what Joseph did. He obeyed God even when it didn’t make sense.

What was Joseph Thinking? It may sound a little bit morbid to begin a message like this, but I have always told my wife, when I die, if she believes it can be said with integrity, I want my epitaph to include Genesis 6:22. Genesis 6:22 (NIV) 22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him. My ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Nazarene

I Hate My Marriage And How To Get Out! - Pt. 2 - Steppin' Out Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Apr 26, 2018

White picket fences. 3 cars. 2 1/2 kids. A dog. Perfection. That is what we all think our relationship will be. We place ourselves in every romance movie we have ever seen. In our minds we expect no problems, no pain , no tears, no fears and no reality!

Pt. 2 - Steppin' Out I. Introduction It's a nice day for a white wedding! He had hand picked her. Unlikely couple to say the least. The preacher and the prostitute. Sounds like a movie title you would be likely to avoid doesn’t it? Directed by God, Hosea selects a prostitute by the name of Gomer ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 1:2-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Think About These Things Series

Contributed by Steven Buhr on Jan 15, 2010

We can get ourselves pretty depressed and worried and fearful and even sick if we let our minds dwell on so many ‘bad’ things. We ought to spend a lot more time thinking about good things, and not so much time worrying about bad things.

Think about these things…November 29, 2009 Philippians 4:8,9 What are you thinking about right now? Maybe you are thinking about how nice it is to be in church this morning, with people who think it’s nice to have you here. Maybe you’re having thoughts about what you had ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:9

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Know God’s Guidance? Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jul 26, 2010

Seeking and receiving God's guidance into our lives requires that we TRUST God and believe that He does have our best in mind with His plan and purpose. How can we know God's guidance? How can we test it to make sure it is God's plan and not our own desir

SERMON BRIEF Date Written: July 21, 2010 Date Preached: July 25, 2010 Church: OPBC (AM) FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS Series: Finding God’s Guidance in this World Title: How Can I know God’s Guidance? Date Written: July 21, 2010 Date ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:6-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Benefits Of Fearing God

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Apr 20, 2003

The Holy Spirit gives us greater peace of mind, purity of thoughts and an upright conscience when we fear the Lord. Paul wrote, "Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (2 C

Illustration:We fear men so much because we fear God so little. William Gurnall. 1. The Holy Spirit helps us maintain a reverential trust in God with a hatred for evil by teaching us more about God’s holy attributes. John wrote, "Who will not fear You, O Lord and glorify your name? For You alone ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Is Crazy

Contributed by David Trexler on Dec 1, 2007

Craziness has many definitions. I may be crazy in the sense of unsoundness of mind, and I may be going out a limb, but the more and more I study the Living Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, I sometimes believe God is also a little crazy in the sense of w

Sermon for Luke 18:1-8 October 21st 2007 Craziness has many definitions. I may be crazy in the sense of unsoundness of mind, and I may be going out a limb, but the more and more I study the Living Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, I sometimes believe God is also a little crazy in the sense of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

A Humble Spirit Series

Contributed by Bart Leger on Jul 27, 2007

There seems to be a test for everything. Disease, knowledge, IQ. What’s your HQ (humility quotient)? In Paul’s introduction to the Roman believers he shows humility in his spiritual service. (Read verse) Paul did not have solely a one-way blessing in mind

A Humble Spirit There seems to be a test for everything. Disease, knowledge, IQ. What’s your HQ (humility quotient)? In Paul’s introduction to the Roman believers he shows humility in his spiritual service. (Read verse) Paul did not have solely a one-way blessing in mind. Although highly gifted ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Gods Word Is Unchanging!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Jan 29, 2007

THIS MESSAGE DEALS WITH THE NEED OF HAVING THE WORD OUR GOD IN OUR HEART, MINDS AND MOUTH. WE NEED TO BELIEVE, KNOW AND SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. TO UNDERSTAND THE WRITTEN WORD WE MUST FIRST RECEIVE THE LIVING WORD WHO IS THE LORD JE

GODS WORD IS UNCHANGING! Matt 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. . Ps 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. . I. The Word of God is written on Nature with what we see we our own eyes. Ps 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:89

Loose For A Purpose

Contributed by Kelvin Parks on May 16, 2007

So Jesus says, “Loose him and let him go” In other words ... I hope you don’t mind a little KELVIN-OLOGY ... get dem grave clothes off of dat boy ... I got some more work for him to do.

LOOSE FOR A PURPOSE John 11:44 John 12:9-11 Preached by At Greater Faith Church-Baptist Waukegan, IL On Wednesday, April 18, 2007 John 11:44 [v.44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, loose ...read more

Scripture: John 12:9-12, John 11:1-45

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Quit, It's Your Time Series

Contributed by Shawn Williams on Jun 16, 2004

Keeping the faith in you, and what your life is truly speak to you. Ask Jesus to change your heart, your mind, and your attitude. Speak to God for all the rights that you been through, so, don’t quit, it’s your time!

Put Your Trust In The Lord But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him. Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 104:1-2, Psalm 27:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ