Sermons on Deceptive Appearance:

The Rapture – Fear Or Encouragement?

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 21, 2025

The rapture should not bring fear but joy and anticipation for believers. If we are living right, we have nothing to fear. Instead, we should encourage one another and look forward to Christ’s return with hope and readiness.

THE RAPTURE – FEAR OR ENCOURAGEMENT? By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Matthew 25:1-13, John 14:1-3 INTRODUCTION: The doctrine of the rapture is a central teaching in Christian eschatology, signifying the moment when Christ will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Real-Igion

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Feb 21, 2012

In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into thinking the more I exemplify religious behavior the more spiritual I am. Le

REALIGION James 1:26-27 INTRODUCTION: Preventing deception is a major theme for James (1:1:16, 22, 26). In today’s passage, James wants to keep us from the deception that being religious is merely going through a set of rituals and motions. James doesn’t want us to be deceived into ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

8 Reasons Why People Leave The Church

Contributed by Sheryln Miller on Apr 11, 2019

Are you surprised when you hear that a once faithful Christ follower has turned away from the faith and now doubts whether scripture is true or not? If you are like me, you wonder how this happens but then you remember this is nothing new. Apostasy appears throughout the bible.

In Hebrews 6:4-5 the writer notes some will turn away from the gospel although they once tasted the good Word and received the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew we would be tempted to turn away from the truth but He reminds us to remain faithful to the end (end of our lives) if we want to receive the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:12-14, Hebrews 6:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sanctified Speech

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Nov 12, 2025

God calls us to be sanctified vessels fit to be used for His greater purposes. One area that we need sanctification is our speech. In a world that thrives on lies and deception, the Lord Jesus challenges us to live a life of integrity and to practice speaking the truth at all times.

The meditation for today is taken from Joshua 3:5, And Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." (AFV) There are two phrases that I wish to highlight from the above mentioned verse, the first one being ‘Sanctify yourselves’ and the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:5, 2 Timothy 2:21, 1 Peter 1:15, Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 5:37, John 8:44, Genesis 37:31-33, Proverbs 12:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Hypocrisy

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 19, 2004

It seems that this passage describes God’s indictment of all hypocrites, regardless of race or religion, culture or creed. Both Jews and Gentiles are included in this discussion, but the Gentile often appears in a better light than the Jew.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Despite the mind-numbing brutality of the Joseph Stalin regime in the Soviet Union, his propaganda machine did its job well. Many Russians hailed him as a hero and a savior, including a young school girl who was chosen on one occasion to greet Stalin. Years later, this ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Tell Them!

Contributed by Brian Credille on Mar 4, 2001

The risen Christ appeared to the two Marys and gave them clear direction as to a new meaning and purpose for life. Jesus’ words to them give us new meaning and direction for our lives today as well.

“Tell Them!” Matthew 28:9-20 INTRODUCTION Jesus had been gloriously raised from the dead. The two Marys had been to the tomb and found it empty! As they encountered the risen Christ, a new meaning and purpose for life was revealed. That meaning and purpose is for you and I today: I. WE HAVE A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

God Has Purpose For You! Pt. 1

Contributed by Rev. M Edmunds on Oct 18, 2005

God has chosen this generation, though they appear defiant, disinterested, and dysfunctional to be a delivering generation of earthmovers like Othniel and Ehud in the book of Judges that will fulfill God’s purpose and plan to deliver an oppressed people.

Elder M. Edmunds Co-Pastor of United Ordained Church June 2002 This morning, I would like to concentrate on verse thirty-one of our text. For it is the foundation, in which I will elucidate and bring relevance by building from, to encourage our youth today, who are experiencing many ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 14:30-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Do I Face The Future

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 25, 2005

The future and its possibilities can be scary. Evil appears to be hiding around every corner. Our faith in God, though, gives us hope for the future and enables us to face the future with confidence and power.

Matthew 28:19-20 “How Do I Face the Future?” INTRODUCTION Times have changed. A few years ago, the future, which we faced, was filled with potential and possibilities. Nothing seemed impossible. The stock market was marking double and triple digit gains. The economy was expanding, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Prayer That Energizes Series

Contributed by Charles Jones on Mar 28, 2012

James pictures a level of prayer that is beyond any believer's normal capacity - this prayer is divinely energized by the direct involvement of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for "fervent" actually does not appear in the original text. It is an amplifica

Prayer That Energizes - Bishop Charles C. Jones James 5:16,17 Text James 5:16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 The Prayer of a righteous man is of great force when energized. James pictures a level of prayer that is beyond any ...read more

Scripture: James 5:16-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Heavenly Visitors Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Jul 6, 2011

This is part 32 in our series on the Book of Genesis. In this sermon we discuss chapter 18 when God and the two angels appeared to Abraham and spoke with him concerning God's promise and God's judgment of Sodom.

Heavenly Visitors (Genesis part 32) Text: Genesis 18:1-15 By: Ken McKinley (Read Text) Now if you know your Bibles then you know that in the next chapter is the infamous Sodom and Gomorrah story – where those two wicked cities are destroyed. And Bible scholars like to point out the contrast ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

From Grief To Joy

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Apr 5, 2015

For the disciples, the death of Jesus appeared to be the death of all their hopes and dreams, but those who lived through both Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday never doubted God again. Easter transformed them and the world.

“From Grief to Joy”, John 16:16-22 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts (Easter Sunday 2015) Tomb, you shall not hold Him longer. Death is strong, but life is stronger Stronger than the dark, the light; Stronger than the wrong, the right; Faith ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-22

Denomination: Congregational

The Command To "Cheer Up!"

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 4, 2015

In one of Paul's most discouraged moments, the Lord Jesus appeared to him and told him to cheer up, giving him several reasons why. We too should be buoyed by the same command and encouragements.

THE COMMAND TO CHEER UP Acts 23:6-11 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Dear Abby: One of the toughest tasks a church faces is choosing a good minister. A member of an official board had watched the pastor search committee reject applicant after applicant for some fault, alleged or otherwise. It was time ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:6-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Second Trumpet: Third Of Sea Creatures And Ships Destroyed Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 19, 2017

When the second trumpet sounded, what appeared to be a great mountain, burning with fire, was cast into the sea so that a third of it became blood, and a third of the creatures in the sea were killed, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

By: Tom Lowe Date: 3-9-2016 Title: Second Trumpet: Third of Sea Creatures and Ships Destroyed Revelation 8:8-9 (KJV) 8 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Paul Charged By The Jews Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 4, 2017

The appearance of Paul before Gallio is important in two respects. First, it established a precedent for the manner in which the Roman leaders should consider charges against Christians brought before them. Second, the mention of Gallio..

April 26, 2015 By: Tom Lowe Lesson: Paul Charged by the Jews (12-17) ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Two Lessons We Must Learn Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 30, 2012

Some in the Church were complaining. The text makes it appear that their complaining was like the “buzzing of bees.” The topic was the welfare of the widows in the congregation. In that day the only help that widows received came from the Church.

Two Lessons We Must Learn Acts 6:1-15, 7:54-60 Introduction Our study of the book of Acts makes it clear that the Church has displayed its ability to handle the opposition of an unfriendly world. For example, last week we read that the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-15

Denomination: Baptist