Sermons on Council:

Win A Terrorist To Christ

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2025

From a human perspective, what was required to win Saul of Tarsus to faith in the Son of God? Someone had to outlive, out-love, and outdo the rabid rabbi. That someone was Stephen.

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Departure From The Faith (Full) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Apr 14, 2017

To establish that the Holy Spirit predicted a “departure from the faith” that resulted in religious apostasy and the rise of denominational institutions throughout the world. This lesson describes the failures of the Reformation Movement and the successes of the Restoration Movement.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Retraction Movement 2. The Reformation Movement 3. The Restoration Movement Remarks. 1. In this lesson we will be discussing the theme: “The Departure from the Faith.” It should be noted that Paul begins our lesson describing “the retraction movement” or “the departure ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is Tithing A Mandate Or Human Tradition?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 10, 2025

This message takes an honest and impartial look at what the Bible says about Tithing, what it was, its biblical history, and how and why it was implemented.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 NIV) Too many Christians feel guilty and Tithe out of obligation rather than love. Some ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:8, Matthew 6:19-24, Malachi 3:6-12, Mark 12:41-44, John 10:12-13, Luke 20:46, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 6:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Keep The Disciplines Of Tradition While Bringing Change Through The Spirit

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

In this passage Peter and John provide us with a rich example of men who brought change through the Spirit without losing the disciplines of their traditions. The apostles continued to observe the traditions of temple prayer three hours everyday without b

In this passage Peter and John provide us with a rich example of men who brought change through the Spirit without losing the disciplines of their traditions. The apostles continued to observe the traditions of temple prayer three hours everyday without being Pharisaical. They could have ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Are Elders Important

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 12, 2001

Reasons why God uses a plurality of godly elders to lead the church in making wise decisions

Why Are Elders Important? (Acts 15:4-23) 1. These elders allowed the church to be administered by a plurality of godly leaders who met the Godly criteria stated in I Tim. 3:1-6. Here is an example of how multiple gifts, abilities and perspectives can synergistically work together for a greater ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:4-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Benefits Of A Healthy Debate

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 12, 2001

Learn how you can profit from a healthy debate

Benefits of a Healthy Debate (Acts 15:1-5) Illustration:"The apostles and elders met to consider this question if the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." (Acts 15;5,6) 1. Have you ever considered how controversies can produce beneficial effects? The Spirit ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Take Time To Live

Contributed by Laren Whaley on Apr 20, 2008

Many today spend their lives seeking personal gain. They fail to achieve the things that are the most rewarding. They need to:

Take Time to Live James 4:14 (NKJV) 14…For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Many today spend their lives seeking personal gain. They fail to achieve the things that are the most rewarding. They need to: 1. Take Time To Listen Isa 55:3 ...read more

Scripture: James 4:14

Denomination: Church Of God

What Are We Standing For? Series

Contributed by Charles Wallis on Sep 16, 2008

Like Peter and John, we can stand up for what is right in the face of adversity.

What are we standing for? Sunday September 14, 2008 Acts 4:1-22 Do you remember your honeymoon? Finish this statement: You know the honeymoon is over when… Explanation of Text: • The “honeymoon” for the church is coming to an end... • Everyone is not happy when God shows up. • Peter and John ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

"It's Jesus Or Nothing!"

Contributed by W. Alderman on Mar 8, 2006

This is a message showing what Paul discovered in Christ Jesus.

It’s Jesus Or Nothing Text: Philippians 3:4-14 Introduction: In this section Paul states his attainments. 1. He was so loyal a Jew that he had never lost the Hebrew speech. 2. He was not only a religious Jew, he was a member of their strictest and the most self-disciplined ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Baptist

Seeing Through The Fire

Contributed by Phillip Day on Mar 9, 2007

Peter tells how a Christian should view trials.

Seeing Through the Fire 1 Peter 4:12-16 I. The Probability of Trials (v. 12) a. The refining fire (Job 23:10; 1 Peter 1:7) b. The persecuting fire (John 15:18-21) II. The Praise in Trials (v. 13-14) a. Fellowship with Christ (v. 13; 2 Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 3:10) b. Glory in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

Calling Things As They Are Series

Contributed by Paul Shafit on Jul 27, 2009

Problems may be encountered when the truth is told

People often tell what we call white lies because everyone wants to be liked and accepted. Most people are afraid that if they point out the shortcomings of others to them, they’ll see them as enemies and not friends. Constructive criticism can be very helpful to people who have a desire to better ...read more

Scripture: John 2:12-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It Is Jesus Above All Else

Contributed by W. Alderman on Jan 9, 2009

When Paul compared himself to Jesus, he knew that Jesus was everything and in comparison he was nothing.

“It’s Jesus Above All Else” Text: Philippians 3:4-14 W. Max Alderman Introduction: In this section Paul states his attainments. 1. He was so loyal a Jew that he had never lost the Hebrew speech. 2. He was not only a religious Jew, he was a member of their ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Limits Of Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 21, 2007

The cross of Christ not only brings peace, but also division. When faced with opposition and division, disciples of Christ stand firm while loving and respecting their opponents.

Luke 12:49-56 “The Limits of Peace” INTRODUCTION The night sky was cloudless and filled with stars. Shepherds watched their flocks, while they huddled around a campfire. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a multitude of angels. They were told not to fear because the angels brought them good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Lutheran

The Sacramental Gifts

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 27, 2018

Every denomination has its own take on sacrament, and some deny that there are any sacraments, even Baptism, that are normally required for salvation. But Scripture helps us solve the problem.

Thursday of the 4th Week in Course 2018 Reformation/Revolution The forty years that King David ruled over Israel were looked upon in later centuries as a kind of golden age, one that extended into the early years of his son, Solomon. David was chosen by God through the prophet Samuel because he ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:7-13, 1 Kings 2:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

The Church Is Ever Being Reformed Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 2, 2017

On the eve of the Protestant Revolution/reformation, there was both piety and corruption in the Church.

Thursday of the 22nd Week in Course 2017 St. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, and for us, is simple and yet profound: “that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14

Denomination: Catholic