Sermons on Commencement Address:

Farewell Address -- Kissing Frogs

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Sep 15, 2018

Farewell Address at dinner by the Parish for my wife Lee and I. It has some humor yet I believe it touches the heart of who we are called to be in Christ. At the end I passed out 125 Red Wax Lips and and 125 signs that state "I Kiss Frogs" with a picture of a frog with big red lips.

It just wouldn't feel right ... if I didn't begin with ... a story. And at the end of the story ... there is a little surprise ... that just might require a group picture. Well ... This short discourse is called ... "Kissing Frogs" Ever feel like a Frog? Frogs feel slow, ... low, ... ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-5

Denomination: Anglican

The Apostle Of Love Addresses Sin

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 20, 2017

John was noted as being the Apostle of Love, and he wanted his church family to have a clear conscience, a sense of security, and an appreciation for their Savior. This meant straight talk about sin, forgiveness, and even apostasy.

The Apostle of Love Addresses Sin (I John 1:7-2:2, 2:18-20, 5:16-18) 1. Nobody knows us like the people who live with us. 2. Old man Morris had died. A wonderful funeral was in progress and the town’s Rabbi talked at length of the good traits of the deceased, what an honest man he was, how he ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Church Must Address Abortion Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jan 19, 2015

As a church we must address abortion, 3 things today (material adapted from Andreas Kostenberger's book, God Marriage, and Family, pgs. 130- 133; outline adapted from an article by Frederica Mathewes- Green entitled "Wanted: A New Pro Life Strategy"

HoHum: On a bright, beautiful day, full of promise, Mavis laid an egg. This was not an extraordinary event since Mavis was a chicken, but Mavis was not pleased. "An egg? An egg? What do I want with an egg?" said Mavis to herself. "An egg is just not in my plans. I’ll have to get rid of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Paul Addressing The Ephesian Elders Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Feb 3, 2022

Paul is ready to pass the baton of leadership to the elders of Ephesus. Paul mentioned he had invested three years at Ephesus. Paul was handing off full responsibility to elders with very little experience. He did need to send Tychicus and then Timothy later to help the elders.

Background of Paul addressing the elders This discourse of Paul addressing the Ephesian elders takes place near the end of his third journey. He already spent two years at the hall of Tyrannus in Ephesus. He mentions that in total he poured into the elders for three years (Acts 20:31). This exit ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-35

Denomination: Baptist

Addressing A Crowd (Acts 22)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 10, 2025

How did Paul address a crowd of fellow Jews?

Would Paul’s willingness to walk into danger allow him to address many Jews and the supreme council, the Sanhedrin? Does preaching the Gospel sometimes involve great personal sacrifice? Let’s look at Acts 22. Why would Paul address the crowd in their sacred language? “Brethren and fathers, hear ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Addressing The Council (Acts 23)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 12, 2025

Persecution from within.

Were many Jews in Jerusalem unwilling to accept Paul’s teaching about Jesus? Have many churches repented of doctrinal error or stubbornly hardened their hearts? Let’s review Acts 23. Did Paul speak plainly to the Jewish Council in Jerusalem? Now looking intently at the Council, Paul said, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Addressing Felix (Acts 24)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 16, 2025

Why did God have Paul address governor Felix.

Did Paul’s imprisonment enable him to share Christ with the Governor? Does persecution have a divine purpose? Let’s review Acts 24. What were the high priest’s accusations about Paul before Felix the governor? And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Addressing Festus (Acts 25)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 18, 2025

Are we willing to go to dangerous places for the Gospel?

Did Paul’s enemies bring him before another governor? Are we willing to enter dangerous places for the Gospel? Let’s look at Acts 25. After Antonius Felix left office, did Paul appear before Porcius Festus? Festus then, having arrived in the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Addressing Agrippa (Acts 26)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 18, 2025

How would you preach the Gospel to a government official?

Did Paul’s trials lead him to higher and higher government officials? Are we willing to suffer so that the Gospel may reach more people? Let’s look at Acts 26. How did Paul begin his defense before King Herod Agrippa II? Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” So Paul gestured with ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Godly Suggestions For Growing Ministers

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 24, 2022

In chapter 4. Paul warns for the coming apostasy in the church. He talks about three classes of ministers: good ministers with persuasive preaching, godly ministers who practiced what they preached, and growing ministers who were making notable progress for the kingdom of God.

Subject: Godly Suggestions for Growing Ministers Text: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 “Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12-16, 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

The Gift Of Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 16, 2007

Before his ascension, Jesus address the disciples and gives them parting words that will enable them to carry out the ministry to which he is calling them

John 14:23-29 “The Gift of Peace” INTRODUCTION During this time between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension into heaven, the church has used the gospel of John to focus on Jesus’ personal teachings to his disciples. A few Sundays ago we talked about the final exams that Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 14:23-29

Denomination: Lutheran

Paul, The Pastor (His Farewell Address) Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Apr 13, 2003

Modern church leaders have often neglected the duties of overseeing the spiritual welfare of individuals and families. Sadly, biblical pastoral oversight is set aside for more promising programs. Instead, programs, facilities, and finances are impersonall

INTRODUCTION Savage Wolves: PT BARNUM - THE CIRCUS SHOWMAN - He delighted in showing an exhibit: THE HAPPY FAMILY - Lions, Tigers, and a little lamb. One asked if they had problems, Barnum said “Aside from replacing the lamb from time to time, there’s no problem.” We all know that there are ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:16-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Addressing The Proud Person As Jesus Would

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 6, 2004

The Lord Jesus was the Master in approaching people at the point of their need. He knew how to move from a person’s felt need to their perceived need to their human need as a gateway to their spiritual need.

Addressing the Proud Person as Jesus Would (Luke 7:30-50) Illustration:The pride of your heart has deceived you. --Obadiah 1:3. As the story goes, Muhammad Ali looked up with that saucy grin of his and said in a slow, gravelly voice, "Superman don’t need no seatbelt!" Without missing a beat, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:30-50

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Joshua's Farewell Address To The People- Commit!!!

Contributed by David Wilson on May 13, 2011

Joshua, nearing the end of his ministry makes a passionate plea for REAL commitment.

An Outline of Joshua’s Farewell speech to the People of Israel Joshua 24:1-13 Verses 1-13 Joshua recites the history of Israel from Abraham’s call to the conquest of Canaan. The theme of Joshua’s message is a call to continue serving God—remembering God’s goodness ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-27, John 4:1

Denomination: Baptist

Paul Addresses Heresy, Explain Christ Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Nov 7, 2012

Here in this chapter Paul addresses the main reason for this letter, a heresy being taught in the church at Colossae, a heresy that cheapened Christ and His sacrifice for sin...

Colossians 2:1-23 [NLT] November 7, 2012 Oak Park Baptist Church – Wed Bible Study Series Colossians Bible Study Paul’s encouragement and teaching on heritical teaching: To this point, Paul has been very encouraging and uplifting to the church in Colossae, but here he broadens his ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-23

Denomination: Baptist