Sermons on Empires Of The Mind:

Investing In What Lasts

Contributed by Patty Groot on Sep 23, 2025

This sermon calls us to live with holy urgency and single-hearted devotion, being faithful in the small things and using our time, relationships, and resources now with eternity in mind, serving one Master, Christ.

Luke 16:1–13 is another one of those strange passages in the Gospels. Jesus tells a story about a manager who mishandles his boss’s money, gets caught, and then cuts secret deals to secure his own future. And at the end of the story, the master actually praises him! This is not the kind of hero you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13, Exodus 3:1-12, 1 Samuel 17:17-49

Being Filled With The Spirit Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 20, 2001

Corinth was a congregation blessed with a multitude of gifts from the Spirit of God... and yet Paul told them they were unspiritual.

OPEN: I suspect that almost everyone knows who Bert and Ernie, the Cookie Monster and Big Bird are. They were among the muppet stars on a popular children’s show: Sesame Street. During the filming of each show, some lucky parents were allowed to bring their children on stage and be part of the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Do You Believe In God?

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 27, 2021

If someone asks me, "Why do you believe in God?" I don't necessarily say "I just have faith."

If someone asks me, "Why do you believe in God?" I don't necessarily say "I just have faith." Many might say that. But for someone who asks that question, I need to know how to defend my faith. So my response is this: I think it's very reasonable to believe in God. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15

Denomination: Salvation Army

How Can I Live A Happy Life?

Contributed by David Cook on Aug 3, 2022

Real happiness in life comes from anchoring our lives in God's Word.

If you were to ask your family or friends this question, "What is the one thing you want most in this life?" What do you think their answer would be? What is the first answer that pops into your mind? I bet many people would answer that question like this, "I just want to be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

1 Peter 4:1-11 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Aug 5, 2023

In today's study Peter talks about the need to remain faithful to God despite suffering for His name, and to turn away from sin. He also talks about how to respond to false accusation on account of our faith.

For the Audio Version on YouTube, click here – https://youtu.be/Z7bnA6tc8qM For the Audio Version on Spotify, click here – https://open.spotify.com/episode/3kgd1x0uLSFIjohFWf1IFC?si=i9GTLVQrQVG3FU8vxbfIbw 1 Peter 4:1-6 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11, 1 Peter 3:19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Prayer - Part 4 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jun 25, 2024

This lesson focuses on praying God's Word and believing that God will answer when we pray.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:12, Colossians 4:2, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Peter 1:2-3, Colossians 1:12-14, John 14:27, Isaiah 26:3, Ephesians 1:17-20, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 107:20, John 16:13, John 17:20-21, James 5:16, Galatians 6:1, Acts 12:5-10, Matthew 18:18-20, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Behold Your King! (John 18:28-19:16) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Apr 6, 2022

When we look at Jesus during his trial, what do we see? Who do we see? Also, Pilate should not be read sympathetically. He's not open-minded, and he fears the wrong thing/person.

When you read commentators on the Gospel of John, there are two very different ways to understand our story today, about Jesus' trial before Pilate. Everyone agrees that the focus of today's story, in many ways, is on Pilate. He is the only one in every scene. He's like the glue that ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-40, John 19:1-16

Planned On Purpose Series

Contributed by Jake Kircher on Jun 12, 2006

Everyone in this room has a purpose in life. God has plans for each and every one of you whether you realize it or not. God has created you in your mother’s womb and had you in mind since the beginning of creation. You are special in God’s eyes and He wan

Tonight I want to start off with a deep question. As I ask it and put it up on the wall, I want you to just sit and think for a moment and write your thoughts on your sermon outline. The question I want us to think about for a moment is, “What is your purpose in life.” Now, I want to stress the ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Contemplating The Burial: The Basic Facts" Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 31, 2003

There is a lot of teaching about WHY Christ died in the Scripture. There is a fair amount of teaching about the Resurrection. But the burial of Christ occupies a lesser role. Even so, keep in mind that it is one third of the Gospel. Although the Bible

"Contemplating the Burial: The Basic Facts" (John 19:31-42, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56) 1. A man who died in 1997 has received a telephone bill from Sprint at his current abode -- the Hillside Cemetery in Auburn, Mass. "Our clients here don’t usually get mail," said superintendent Wayne ...read more

Scripture: John 19:31-42, Mark 15:42-47

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fallen Humankind Series

Contributed by Jim Hoogeveen on Nov 21, 2000

The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and are spiritually dead. We have closed hearts, darkened minds, closed ears, and blinded eyes. Because we are spiritually dead we need God's help.

Ephesians 2:1-5 HCC 10-1-00 Fallen Humankind This last week a gymnast from Romania was stripped of her Olympic gold medal because she tested positive for a drug that was banned. The team doctor had given her some medicine for her cold. It was a mistake. It was a trespass of the rules. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Do Not Be Deceived!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 24, 2001

Maybe we think we have pulled the wool over God’s eyes, that God doesn’t see what we are doing, or know what is going on inside our hearts & minds.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK A. When you were a child did you ever have a special place, a secret place where you could go & be all alone? ILL. I heard a story once about a boy who did. On the back of their property was an old fruit tree. It had ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:7-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Deal With Our Own Anger

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Recognize the damage that fleshly anger can bring. "Anger is the chief saboteur of the mind, a significant factor in the formation of many serious diseases. It is the leading cause of misery, depression, inefficiency, sickness, accidents, loss of work, ti

1. Recognize the damage that fleshly anger can bring. "Anger is the chief saboteur of the mind, a significant factor in the formation of many serious diseases. It is the leading cause of misery, depression, inefficiency, sickness, accidents, loss of work, time wastage, financial loss in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How The Holy Spirit Attracts People To Jesus

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

There is no greater attractive force than love. Every person hungers to love and to be loved. The Holy Spirit pulls people to Jesus Christ with a powerful magnetic attraction that is superhuman and greater than any mind can comprehend.

1. The Holy Spirit draws people to Jesus Christ with the power of love. Paul wrote, "The fruit of the Spirit is love." (Gal. 5:22) There is no greater attractive force than love. Every person hungers to love and to be loved. The Holy Spirit pulls people to Jesus Christ with a powerful magnetic ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Transformed

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

In this coming year we hope to work well together as a church in the tasks to proclaim Christ and to worship Him. Before we can do so as a church, we as individuals need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Introductory Considerations 1. One of most beautiful expressions of worship and praise is Handel’s Messiah - I love to hear good orchestra play this wonderful work and listen to choir sing the chorus. 2. Perhaps I am picturing an ideal situation in my mind, but I like to think of the church as an ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A False Faith Series

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Nov 8, 2007

The devil does not mind a person having a faith, going to church, being religious, doing deeds of service, using Christian vocabulary as long as that person does not experience saving faith in Jesus Christ and His merits.

A Close Look At A Phony Acts 8:9-25 FALSE HONESTY Several years ago, in Long Beach, California, a fellow went into a fried chicken place and bought a couple of chicken dinners for himself and his date late one afternoon. The young woman at the counter inadvertently gave him the proceeds from the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-25

Denomination: Baptist