Sermons on Containment:

A Sting Or A Saint?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 24, 2010

An empty niche above the church door, made for a statue of a saint, but now containing a hornet’s nest, suggests the choice of letting our lives be empowered by God or letting the sting of death and disappointment take over.

The other day I was hauling in a load of stuff from my car. I came in the Aspen Street entrance to the building, the entrance nearest my office. For some reason, as I was carrying things through the door, I looked up above my head, probably to implore the Lord to give me an extra ounce of muscle ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Denomination: Baptist

The Kingdom Of The Heart

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Apr 3, 2007

Mark 11-12 contains the triumphal entry and some of the events in Christ’s final week. His actions show that he came to establish the "Kingdom of the heart" and to raise his banner of love over us.

Palm Sunday CHCC: April 1, 2007 The Kingdom of the Heart Mark 11-12 INTRODUCTION: Today is often called “Palm Sunday.” It’s the day when we remember Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem … just 5 days before he would be crucified. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem turned into a gigantic parade. ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Requirements Of God And His Blessings Series

Contributed by Ricardo Rodriguez on Nov 1, 2012

When God asks something, he pays with interest. This passage contains certain conditions that God demands of us, and certain promises if said conditions are fulfilled. The conditions or commandments that are needed to receive the promises or blessings o

Ice-breaker: If God asked you, “How much do I owe you son/daughter?” How would answer Him? Scriptures: Proverbs 28:13, Job 11:13-19. INTRODUCTION: When God asks something, he pays with interest. This passage contains certain conditions that God demands of us, and certain promises ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 28:13

Denomination: Apostolic

Kingdom Of Heaven [part 2] Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jul 15, 2015

The historical development of the church of God would be one of humble beginnings. However, this parable contains more than this important truth. Hidden within it is a warning about the perversion of the church's method of growth and of satanic attacks up

Opening illustration: A young teenager was walking to church in a blinding snowstorm. He was unable to get to his church, so he turned in to a little Methodist chapel. The storm was so severe that the preacher couldn’t make it in that night, so a layman stood up to throw something together ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

“shield Of Faith” Series

Contributed by James Lee on Dec 16, 2016

There seems to be a great deal of misunderstanding about faith today. Not necessarily all original material. Some material contained in my sermons may be gleaned from other sermons. Parts of this message are from Billy Ricks

“Shield of Faith” Ephesians 6:16 The pastor, the youth minister and chairman of deacons were out in a boat fishing on the lake. They ran out of bait so the pastor “Stay here guys, we don’t want to lose our spot.” With that he got up got out of the boat walked on the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16

Denomination: Baptist

Kingdom Preview: The Monumental Transfiguration Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 15, 2014

The Transfiguration was a deep, amazingly meaningful event that tells us more than we can contain. In it, we catch of glimpse of Jesus unlike any other and weave together an entire tapestry of spiritual truths.

Kingdom Preview: The Monumental Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-8) 1. Christianity is not primarily about a philosophy of life, a code of ethics, a religious institution, a series of rituals, or a cultural identification. It is those things, but not primarily. Christianity is centered upon Jesus, not ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Let This Be The Year That Your Heart Beats With God’s Heart

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jan 8, 2019

In the Bible their are “little” words that we oftentimes read past. The word “let” is one of them. This message looks at many of the verses that contain the word “let” to demonstrate how “letting” God will bring us closer to Him.

In the Bible there are “little” words that we oftentimes read past. And. But. If. Or. Much more. Wherefore. Therefore. We. It is often in these seemingly insignificant words, and the context in which they are found, that the nuisances of truth that lead to spiritual maturity are found. We must ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5, Proverbs 3:1, Luke 9:23, John 14:1, John 14:27, Romans 6:12, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Galatians 6:9, Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 4:31, Ephesians 5:3, Matthew 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lesson 10 Make Paul's Joy Complete By Being Like-Minded, Having The Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 25, 2018

Even Paul’s “ideal” congregation contained “difficult” people. Paul was facing his problems with people at Rome (Philippians 1:15-18) as well as with people in Philippi, and it was the latter who concerned him the most.

Date: 7/6/18 Lesson #10 Title: Make Paul's Joy Complete by Being Like-Minded, Having the Same Love Scripture: (Philippians 2:1-2, NIV) 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Is Baptism By Immersion Required For Salvation?

Contributed by Dennis King on Jul 29, 2018

Though the New Testament contains no explicit instructions on how to administer Baptism, the Greek word baptizo means "to immerse. Herein is a brief history of baptism before and after "sprinkling" became acceptable by many Churches.

Baptism is the public acceptance of Jesus and adoption into His fold, both by action of the Holy Spirit and by man's symbolic use of water. All too often Baptism is a stated requirement to join into a particular church denomination as opposed a public showing of a bond between a new believer and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Puzzle Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 25, 2018

The story in Acts 8, that tells of Philip's preaching in Samaria resulting in an Evangelism Explosion, contains 3 puzzles that many folks overlook. What are these puzzles and what can they teach us about our walk with Christ?

OPEN: People have created puzzles for centuries. There’ve been crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Rubik's cube, and scads of others in all shapes and sizes. The better the puzzle, the more difficult it is to solve, and by that standard, one of the Holy Grails of such puzzles is this one: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:3-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Heart Of God's Man (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Dec 1, 2020

The heart of a pastor is unique. In this enlightening text, Paul shares his heart for the church in Thessalonica. Through his candid and honest words, we find a description of what a pastor's heart should contain.

The Heart of God’s Man (Part 1) 1 Thessalonians 3: 1-13 The heart of a pastor is a very unique thing. He feels many of the same emotions anyone else does. It isn’t that the pastor is given something that is impossible for others to possess, but his heart is special because it is different. I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Prophets And Prophecy: Spiritual Gifts

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Sep 16, 2013

Romans 12 contains some of the Gifts given by the Spirit of God in order to edify the Body and bring Glory to God. The first listed in Romans 12:6, Prophecy, has often been the center of Christian debate.

"Prophets and Prophecy" Romans 12:6 We have been putting all the puzzle pieces together of those believers in Christ who are called out of the world, to live and serve together ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:6

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation Chapter 1 – The Revelation Of Jesus Christ – The Father’s Perfection Part 5 Of 6 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 31, 2022

Christ as it is contained in Revelation chapter 1. Picture after picture shines through as we examine these verses. We are going to continue now from verse 17 as even greater revelations of the Lord come to hand.

REVELATION CHAPTER 1 – THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST – THE FATHER’S PERFECTION PART 5 OF 6 Again welcome to each one as we journey through Revelation chapter 1. Last time we reached the end of verse 16 and now take up the study at verse 17. Rev 1:17 “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:15-16, Psalm 109:31, Matthew 17:7, John 10:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does Love Have To Do With It?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jun 25, 2023

John 13:31-35 contains perhaps the most remarkable command given to Christians: that love for others is the characterizing indication of faith for ''all individuals,'' denoting the existence of a genuine believer.

Jesus outlines this as a new commandment, utilizing His own model as the norm. In giving this charge, Jesus indeed predicts His looming demise and exit from earth. To cherish others was not another new commandment (Leviticus 19:18), but rather to love others just as like Christ loved others was ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Virtuous Mother Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 30, 2021

Mother's Day: Proverbs 31 contains, not just advice on the kind of woman that a man should look for, but it’s also an account of the behavior that a godly mother should aspire to in her life.

I surf the radio channels when I’m on a long drive, and over the past few years I’ve noticed there are a lot of “mama songs.” But, I can’t really recall hearing any “daddy songs” on the radio. You see, Mamas are special. Think about it. When you look back at your life and consider who was ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31

Denomination: Baptist