Sermons on Controversial:

Maturing Is Hard To Do - But It's Worth It!

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 26, 2011

Too often as Christians we take short cuts to maturity. In reality the only way to become complete is to let the Lord take you through difficulty and make you seem to "fail." In the process He builds life and a character in you that will lead you into His

We all have a decision to make. After we become a disciple of Jesus Christ the culture around us, our own brokenness, and an invisible enemy—will all try to mitigate the work that the Holy Spirit is doing inside of us: transforming us into a new character. The decision we have to make is how ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Joyful Relationships Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on Dec 5, 2011

#12 in series. How to get along with others.

Colossians 3:18-4:1 – JOYful Relationships Rabbi David A. Nelson likes to tell the story of two brothers who went to their rabbi to settle a longstanding feud. The rabbi got the two to reconcile their differences and shake hands. As they were about to leave, he asked each one to make a wish ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Giving To Get - Philippians 4:15-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 23, 2022

There is a sinful kind of selfish giving. But the Bible does call us to seek reward for our giving. What's the difference?

Philippians 4:15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:15-19

Be Radical For Jesus! Or Other Radicals Will Fill The Void!

Contributed by Kelly Durant on Apr 12, 2015

Too many radical people are rising up and attacking Christians! This is in part due to radical ideals sewn in the 1970s. Communism also plays a role. If we are not radical for Jesus then other radicals will take over.

Be Radical for Jesus! Or Other Radicals Will Fill The Void! by Kelly Durant Acts 2:44-45 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 2. The disciples of Jesus were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:44-45

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Judge Always Gets The Final Word Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jan 13, 2017

A study of the book of Job 38: 1 – 41

Job 38: 1 – 41 The Judge Always Gets The Final Word 1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 2 “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. 4 “Where were you ...read more

Scripture: Job 38:1-41

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Telling Your Story Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 17, 2016

God wants to use your story to give someone else’s story a happy ending.

Telling Your Story Text: Acts 26:1ff Introduction 1. Illustration: In his book, Just Walk Across The Room, Bill Hybels says, "Our affinity for stories begins at an early age, as little kids begging weary parents, "read it again, read it again.!" As we become mature, contributing members of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-32

Denomination: Methodist

Concerning The Existence Of God

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Nov 2, 2012

Concerning The Existence Of God

Upon leaving the confines of the Earth's atmosphere and entering the vastness of space, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin is alleged to have remarked, "Where is God?" This was said out of a sense of mockery that the Lord of the universe could not be found in the final frontier rather than an honest ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The 3rd Piling – Holy Spirit - Counselor Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Nov 20, 2013

In order to live out our Christian faith, we must be grounded with a foundation of thankfulness in our walk with God. The 1st piling in that foundation is that God is God, the 2nd piling is that Jesus is Savior... this morning we will look at piling #3

Sermon Brief Date Written: November 15, 2013 Date Preached: November 17, 2013 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: Building a Foundation for a Thankful Life Sermon Title: The 3rd Piling – Holy Spirit - Counselor Sermon Text: John 16:5-15 [HCSB] Essence of the ...read more

Scripture: John 16:5-15

Denomination: Baptist

Did You Fail The Test?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 19, 2018

A study in the book of Exodus 17: 1 –16

Exodus 17: 1 –16 Did you fail the test? 17 Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people contended ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Our Holy God

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 9, 2018

It was C.S. Lewis who said, “How little people know who think holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.”

As a young boy I was really bored in church. My mom would give us pep talks every Sunday morning in an effort to remind us to pay attention and not goof around. Unfortunately, I often disregarded her instruction. I was either yawning out loud, poking my sisters, making faces at the minister, or ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking Down Barriers Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 24, 2020

Peter’s response to these religious rule-keepers is a model for us as we face criticism or complaints. We’ll see that Peter’s answer is more pastoral than argumentative. I see seven correctives to help us handle criticism.

This week I shared something positive on Facebook and got pulverized. The criticism came quickly and repeatedly. Normally I’m more careful about posting about controversial matters so I wasn’t prepared for all the venomous vitriol and overwhelming opposition. One person simply replied, “Oh ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Foolhardy Faith Of Jephthah - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Thomas Fortini on Nov 2, 2020

God honor’s faith, even though at times it is exercised in a somewhat short-sighted, impulsive, rash, and venturesome way. But if we do so, it is never without consequences! The story of Jephthah reminds us of that.

Title: Foolhardy Faith of Jephthah (Part 2) VI. The Proof of the foolhardiness of the vow! Judges 11:30b “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, 31 whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-34

The Joy And Privilege Of Serving Jesus (John 3:22-36; 4:1-3) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 15, 2022

Whatever ministry we "have," is God's gift to us. If I decrease, it's okay. I point people to Jesus. Also, bonus discussion: part of "faith" is obedience (John 3:36)

Today's passage is a little tricky. I'll try to talk slowly. I'll try to not lose you. But if you get lost about parts, I'd be happy to give you my manuscript, or answer any questions afterward. Let's start this morning by rereading John 3:1-5 (NRSV, lightly modified): 3 ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-36, John 4:1-3

Bargaining With God Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Just as Abraham was an instrument of blessing to the world, you are to be instruments of blessing to the world. Just as Abraham taught His children God’s righteous ways, you are to teach our children God’s righteous ways.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! As believers in Christ, we need not wait until the end of November to be thankful. You and I need to be grateful for God’s righteous goodness all the time. And as we will see over the next few minutes, you and I need to be grateful for God’s justice all the time. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33

Denomination: Baptist

Introduction To Ephesians Series

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Nov 8, 2022

A detailed introduction to the book of Ephesians.

INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS—THE SUPREME LETTER By common consent the Letter to the Ephesians ranks very high in the devotional and theological literature of the Christian Church. It has been called The Queen of the Epistles" and rightly so. Many would hold that it is indeed the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 1:2

Denomination: Pentecostal