Sermons on Embraces:

The Path To Stability Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 26, 2017

The early church experienced amazing growth and power. She was very young and very pure. We must follow the biblical model rather than striving to meet the expectations of contemporary culture if we are to experience God's presence and power.

The Path to Stability Acts 2: 42-44 Today I want to conclude our series: Church – A New Testament Model. Once again we are in the book of Acts, immediately following Pentecost. The Lord had ascended back to the Father, and the Spirit had come, filling the believers. The presence and power of God ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-44

Denomination: Baptist

This Is Us - Pt. 1 - Blessed Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 22, 2017

Do we know who we are? With all of our hang-ups, challenges, gifts, warts and all, “THIS IS US!” Understanding our identity is essential for our health.

This Is US! Pt. 1 - Blessed I. Introduction Shakespeare in Hamlet said it like this, "This above all: to thine own self be true. The author of the Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison, says something similar . . . “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” The secular world understands ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Cross Bearing Pt 2 Series

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Aug 24, 2014

Second part of series on biblical discipleship.

"Three Laws of the Discipleship" Pt. 2 -- Cross Bearing Matthew 16:24-28 Introduction: This morning we're going to take a look at the second aspect of discipleship that our Lord speaks about as He seeks to prepare his disciples for what is up ahead. If you recall last week we said that to be a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Denomination: Baptist

Behavior Becoming Of Citizens Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 12, 2016

The church faced difficulty within a culture loyal to Rome. While they were subject to Roman authority, their primary responsibility was to the Sovereign Lord. We are citizens of two worlds, and our allegiance belongs to Christ. We must always honor Him.

Behavior becoming of Citizens Philippians 1: 27-30 As Paul sought to conclude the first thoughts of his gracious letter, apparently he was reminded of the intense struggle the church in Philippi faced. Bear in mind that he and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned there. Philippi being a Roman ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Guided, Guarded, And Guaranteed Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Dec 15, 2016

Paul offers another example for the church to follow, guiding their faith. He offers a word of caution, seeking to guard them from apostasy. Finally he offers a word of comfort regarding the Lord's return, a guarantee for the believer.

Guided, Guarded, and Guaranteed Philippians 3: 17-21 A young boy looked up at his grandfather and wondered aloud, "Grandpa, how do you live for Jesus?" The respected grandfather stooped down and quietly told the boy, "Just watch." As the years went by the grandfather was an example to the boy ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Genuine Faith In The Midst Of Trials Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Feb 8, 2016

This is the first message in a series through the book of James. This messages is the first looking at the subject of genuine faith when we face persecution.

GENUINE FAITH – PART 1 GENUINE FAITH IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS JAMES 1:1-4 JAMES, A SERVANT OF GOD AND OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, TO THE TWELVE TRIBES SCATTERED AMONG THE NATIONS: GREETINGS. 2  CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, MY BROTHERS, WHENEVER YOU FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS, 3  BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT THE ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Faithfulness To The Gospel

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 17, 2019

As Paul wrote his last letter, he reminded Timothy of the preeminence of the Gospel in life and ministry. If he accomplished nothing else, he must abide faithful to proclaiming the Gospel.

Faithfulness to the Gospel 2 Timothy 2: 7-13 The benefits of experience and familiarity are difficult to fully appreciate or value. Each of these aid in individual pursuits, providing confidence, while enhancing particular abilities. We have all heard the old adage – practice makes perfect. While ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Greater Things 2 - The Great Demand Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Dec 13, 2018

Our calling to love others as He has loved us – which has been modeled so beautifully for us by the people of church!

Greater Things – The Great Demand 8/16/15 Matthew 22:34-40 – Mark 12:28-34 Sunday AM Bumper Video – Leslie Kiley Every time I hear Leslie’s story I’m reminded of God’s amazing, unfailing love. I’m also reminded of our calling to love others as He has loved us – which has been modeled so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Baptist

One Pair Of Hands

Contributed by David Nolte on May 5, 2019

There are many kinds of hands -- calloused, arthritic, genteel and bejeweled. And there are the Hands of Jesus

“One Pair Of Hands” Mark 1:40-42 David P. Nolte Hands – some are gnarled and misshapen with arthritis; some are calloused and stiff from years of labor; some are smooth, delicate and well cared for. Hands can hurt or help, strike or soothe, grasp or give; exclude or embrace. Hands ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Transitioning Well Series

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Feb 11, 2018

Change or transition is hard, but we can face it bravely and powerfully with God's help. The transition in leadership from Elijah to Elisha reminds us to pay attention, to seek the Holy Spirit's filling, and to bravely take up the task given us.

2 Kings 2:1-15 Transitioning Well Prophets with a Purpose – Week 5 Today we’re finishing up a five-week series looking at various Old Testament Prophets and what they have to say to us. Little Samuel reminded us that God still speaks if we are listening. Jonah reminded us that all people matter to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

"who's Number One?"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Mar 2, 2021

A sermon about humility.

“Who’s Number One?” Mark 9:33-37 I love that the writers of the Gospels included this story. It teaches us so much, and it also holds a mirror up to me—perhaps to all of us as human beings. There is no place for judgment here, for who of us hasn’t found ourselves vying for the best places, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:33-37

Denomination: United Methodist

My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 14, 2021

While we may understand the words Jesus spoke in this statement, we lack the ability to comprehend the enormity of His words and the actual context in which He spoke them. He was forsaken so we could escape being eternally condemned and forsaken.

My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? Mark 15:33-36 We have spent the last three weeks considering the sayings of Christ upon the cross. Up until this point we have witnessed the awesome grace and mercy of our Lord as He prayed for forgiveness, promised salvation, and made provision for ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-36

Denomination: Baptist

Funeral Service For Shirley Copeland

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Aug 6, 2020

I preached this funeral for my bishop because he was officiating his own mother's funeral on the same day. This was his cousin. It has been a wonderful dream to follow him in the pastorate and in ministry. 8/7/2020

Shirley Copeland Funeral Welcome and Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, we are here this morning to celebrate the life of and grieve the loss of Shirley. We need your help. Your promise is that You are the Comforter. You have promised that you suffer along with us. You know what it is like to be ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Awake, Ready, & Unafraid

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Aug 23, 2020

Bible prophecy should encourage us. We are on the winning side!

Awake, Ready, & Unafraid Introduction Revelation 13:7-10 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Thieves And Robbers In The Temple Series

Contributed by Delwyn Campbell on Mar 30, 2019

One of the most beautiful stories of the Scriptures is that of the prodigal son, the younger son who left home, got into deep difficulty, wasted his life in riotous living, and ended up in the pigpen.

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Prodigal Son One of the most beautiful stories of the Scriptures is that of the prodigal son, the younger son who left home, got into deep difficulty, wasted his life in riotous living, and ended up in the pigpen. Dr. J. Vernon McGee once asked, “Do you know ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 19:8-10, Romans 6:23, Romans 12:3-8

Denomination: Lutheran