Sermons on Excellent Spirit:

Did Jesus Really Rise From The Dead? Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on May 14, 2001

Six historical facts surrounding Jesus’ death, six alternate explanations, and compelling evidence to believe the resurrection of Jesus best explains these six facts.

When I was a junior in high school (quite a few years ago!), one of my best friends became a Christian. Because I was an atheist at the time and because my friend Paul had been one of my partying buddies, I gave him a really hard time about his newfound faith in Jesus. I remember going up to him ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Story Of Rahab

Contributed by Maximiliano Zapata on Jun 1, 2001

What Rahab is not known for is what matters most. Her faith.

In the book of Joshua 2, we are introduced to a women by the name of Rahab. Rahab lived in the city of Jericho, in fact her house was built on the outer wall that surrounded the city for protection. From her window overlooking the wall, she would be able to see the travelers who would come to her ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-24, James 2:25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When The Son Sets You Free

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jun 18, 2001

The Gospel is a message of freedom... It is a message of good news for the poor; freedom for the prisoners; sight for the blind and of release for the oppressed. And it is a message that is still needed today...because far too many are still not free

"When The Son Sets You Free" INTRODUCTION In the movie Brave Heart Mel Gibson plays the role of a man from Scotland whose name was Wallace. It was a great movie - very graphic in the battle scenes but it really gave you a feel of what battles were like back in those days. Wallace was ...read more

Scripture: John 8:36, John 8:30-38, John 8:31-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Step Two - The Power To Resist Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on Jun 18, 2001

Submission to God is the key and reshaping our desires is the result. Then, instead of fighting off what we desire, we are able to pursue our desires.

Step Two - The Power to Resist Resistance is Futile This may sound odd at first glance, but resistance is not the key to resisting. The Bible gives the key to resisting temptation in James 4: 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 7 ...read more

Scripture: James 4:6-8, 2 Peter 2:21-22

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking Christmas Chains

Contributed by Don Hawks on Dec 14, 2002

Part 1 of a series based on Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol"

Slide 1—Advent Candles Welcome, to the beginning of our Christmas Celebration here at Bethany. This is the first Sunday in Advent—which means we are begiining a look forward to clebrating both the first and seconding coming of Christ. I’m Pastor Don and I’m especially honored to have guests ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:7-15, Titus 2:11

Denomination: Methodist

Christ Our Savior Series

Contributed by Clyde Grimes on Dec 28, 2002

Part 1 of 4 Advent sermons focusing on the Four-fold Gospel (C&MA distinctives)

Christ Our Savior (4FG-1) I. Why Do I Need a Savior? A. Because of personal insecurities B. Because of personal sin C. Because I cannot save myself II. What Is God’s Plan to Meet My Need? A. A costly solution B. The only solution III. How Do I Receive Christ as My Savior? A. Admit my ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-11, Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Who Let The Dogs In?

Contributed by Kymone Hinds on Dec 29, 2002

The access to God’s grace has been opened to all through the death of Jesus Christ.

WHO LET THE DOGS IN? Matthew 15:21 – 28 In the text before us we find a woman who has a problem. The Bible tells us that her daughter was vexed by a devil. Now it does not tell us why it happened. It does not say whose fault it was, whether the mother had done something wrong or whether the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Adventist

Keeping Your Faith Alive Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

In this introductory message, we’ll look at how this young church was started and we’ll focus on what the believers did to keep their walk with God fresh.

Keeping Your Faith Alive Two country pastors were standing by the side of a highway holding up a sign that read, “The end is near! Turn around now before it’s too late!” The plan was to lift the sign up high and point to the words as cars came down the road. The first driver slowed down enough ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3, Acts 17:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Standing Firm In Trials Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

Persecution is promised to believers; therefore we should not be surprised when we encounter trials of various kinds. In the midst of difficulties, we must continue to increase in love for people as we anticipate the return of Christ.

Standing Firm in Trials Here are a few breaking prayer needs that have been compiled by a ministry called “Open Doors.” (Taken from the Pastor’s Guide for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church,” www.opendoorsusa.org). Vietnamese authorities recently arrested a pastor and held ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

On Whom Are You Depending?

Contributed by Jim Twamley on Mar 26, 2003

We all depend on something or someone in life. The question is, who do you ultimately rely on? Yourself? Your family? Your Church? Your government? Your bank account? Your friends? Or do you rely on God?

Someone asked a Sunday School teacher, “What are sins of omission?” After some thought she said, “They’re the sins we should have committed but didn’t get around to.” A man asked his doctor if there was anything that could be done for his snoring. The doctor asked if it disturbed his wife. The ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Use It Or Lose It! Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Mar 27, 2003

The parable of the Ten Minas is a wonderful lesson for Christians and how to take advantage of opportunities to serve the Master, the resources He has given us and how we will be judged by our management of these gifts.

Use It or Lose It! Luke 19:11-27 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION One of my heroes is Billy Graham. Although he is in his mid 80s, and battling Parkinson’s disease, he is still preaching the gospel. In 1996, he and Ruth were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to America. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Forsaken Christ Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 2, 2003

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The answer to this question causes us to tremble when we realize that Jesus was forsaken because of our sins. Jesus felt the full weight of sin rolled onto His shoulders and endured the Father’s revulsion at the

The Forsaken Christ (Lights are turned off in the auditorium) “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 27:45-46

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming A True Friend Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 8, 2003

True friendship is based on love, because only love will endure the tests that friends experience as they go through life together. As we become friends with others, we recognize our need to develop our friendship with Christ because He’s the only one we

Becoming a True Friend As his UCLA football team suffered through a dismal season in the early 70s, head coach Pepper Rodgers came under intense criticism and pressure. Things got to be so bad that his friends even bailed on him. As he reflected on that tough year, Pepper said this, “My dog was ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 27:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

"Have We Forgotten?"

Contributed by Mike Hays on Sep 16, 2002

Just one year ago church attendance and talk about God skyrocketed as we dealt with the uncertainty of life after the attack on the Twin Towers and Pentagon. People prayed, read God’s Word, and called upon God from churches, schools, and even government b

“Have We Forgotten?” Luke 17:11-19 One year ago churches all over America were calling special times of prayer. Talk about God and His promises of peace and protection were echoing throughout the land. People who normally would not have given God a thought, were suddenly struck with an urgent ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Habakkuk "Yet Will I Rejoice!"

Contributed by Mike Hays on Sep 29, 2002

God acted in the history of Judah to turn His people’s hearts back to Himself. The people would not heed the many opportunities God sent their way and when the prophet cried out to God -- He answered. God’s answer shocked Habakkuk. This sermon sets the sc

Habakkuk: “Yet I Will Rejoice!” The prophet of God was disturbed in his spirit. He had felt the revival fires that had visited Judah during King Josiah’s day fade from a roaring blaze to mere flickering embers. He had watched the Temple slowly become empty and the hearts of the people become full ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1, Habakkuk 3:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ