Sermons on Expectation Vs Reality:

Tears At The Tomb Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 5, 2021

John makes Mary the first to see the risen Christ, and the first to have her tears of grief wiped away by the reality of the resurrection.

It I had a dollar for every tear shed by men and women if the Bible, I would be a wealthy man, for the Bible is a book soaked with the tears of the saints. The weeping of the wicked and the sobs of sinners added to the tears of the saints makes a salty sea of liquid. Not only was Jesus a man of ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18

An Ode To The Messed-Up Church Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 11, 2020

This passage details the numerous efforts the Paul made to get the Corinthians back on track and the harsh reality that some churches are just a mess.

- Maybe start with the story of Pastor Mark and church “J.” THE SITUATION FOR THIS MESSED-UP CHURCH: 1. Paul handled his ministry there with integrity. - 2 Corinthians 12:11-12, 17-19. 2. Paul sacrificed for them. - 2 Corinthians 12:13, 14b, 15-16. 3. This was not the first time he’d tried ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Resurrection

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 27, 2021

How does (or should) the reality of "resurrection" affect our lives and our interactions with those around us?

I. Intro: In 2014 there was a TV show called “Resurrection” in which people from a small town who had died as much or more than a generation ago begin reappearing and reintegrating back into their society... or seemingly at least until they accomplish something. It was a fascinating look at ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

Whitewashed Tomb Christians Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 9, 2025

This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, exposing the hypocrisy that plagues many who claim to follow God.

In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus unleashes a scathing critique on the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Living In Light Of Our Blessed Hope

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Mar 27, 2024

The reality of Christ's Resurrection should shape all that we are and all that we do as believers. This is a Resurrection Sunday message

Resurrection: Living in Light of our Blessed Hope Text: Philippians 3:1-14 I am so happy that you have chosen to gather with the Church this morning as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. For Christians – THIS is one of the most important holidays of the year! ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Parents In Spiritual Warfare PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

To declare the reality of spiritual warfare, the role believers and parents play in it, and the divine power of God that equips us in this spiritual battle.

Good morning, church. Today, we are diving deep into a critical topic that tends to be overlooked, but it is prevalent in our lives. We're talking about Spiritual Warfare and the crucial role we as believers, and specifically parents, play in it. We're also going to explore the unmatched power of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Topics: Protecting, Children

Ready For War PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 24, 2023

Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare, understand the necessity of preparation, and embrace the power of God's armor to stand strong against the forces of darkness.

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into a topic that is absolutely essential for every believer: spiritual warfare. We often hear about this, but do we truly understand the gravity of it? Are we prepared to face the battles that are waged in the unseen realm? C.S. Lewis once ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11-18

Topics: Spiritual Warfare

Agents Of Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Feb 15, 2011

We see in Paul's prayer of thanksgiving for Philemon the reality of a forgiven childe of God. He was not only forgiven but Paul points out He is an agent of forgiveness.

Intro: Today across America there will probably be many sermons based around the theme of love. How appropriate that Paul in this personal letter to Philemon commends him for his love having feet and hands. If you remember from last week that Paul was calling Philemon to forgive his run away ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

Strange Case Of The Cursed Fig Tree

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 10, 2021

Christ cursed a tree for not having fruit when it wasn't the season for figs. The real symbolism represents God's expectation that we be fruitful and 4 reasons are given why God's expectation is reasonable. Then 3 types of fruit we must have are identified.

STRANGE CASE OF THE CURSED FIG TREE Matthew 21:18-22 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Barbara Albright, a young woman, was discussing her dating life -- or lack thereof -- with her mother. She told her about a friend of hers who had been in a terrible car accident, broken both her legs, and wound up ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:18-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Protect Your Blindside Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on May 12, 2013

“Expect the unexpected!” Today we’re going to talk about PBS, protecting your blindside.

Angels & Demons: protect your blindside 1 Kings 19:1-10 Welcome (Secret Service Escort- unexpected noice- SS go to protect me then move out to the side to stand for remainder of the service “Expect the unexpected!” I played tight end in high school and I remember one play where we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-10

Denomination: Methodist

'that Sin Mold ... It Smells Like Death'

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Nov 10, 2012

RESULTS OF SIN 1. Sin Dominates (v. 16-19) 2. Sin Disgraces (19-21) 3. Sin Destroys (vs. 21 & 23)

CNN writes “That mold…it smells like death” You get used to something living in the Deep South, especially in the swampy lands around New Orleans, and the bayous near the Mississippi Gulf. You get used to the knowledge that the land around you, that nature, is slowly and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:15-23

Denomination: Baptist

First Things First (Haggai) Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 3, 2025

When fantasy crashes into reality, put your priorities in order, put the past behind, put your sins away, and put your sites on the Lord.

In a Christina Parenting Magazine, Jill Brett, describes the difference between fantasy and reality when it comes to parenting preschoolers. The Fantasy: As your little ones sit quietly at the kitchen table and hum along with Beethoven, they absorb their age-appropriate encyclopedias. Meanwhile, ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-15, Haggai 2:1-23, Psalm 127:1-2, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19, Ephesians 1:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Gaining Christ's Gratitude

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 13, 2002

I’ve never thought of God as being "grateful" for me, but the intriguing thing is - He is grateful, but only when we meet certain expectations. What are they?

One soldier stationed on an island of the Philippines during WW II told this story: “Although the region was secure, sometimes the enemy tried to infiltrate our food storage area. One such adversary, dressed in GI clothing, once worked himself into the noontime chow line. Our camp cook spotted ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lesson 6: Where Is God When I Need Him?

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 1, 2014

God will do the supernatural, which only God can do. God expects us to do what is given us to do.

Pastors Bible Class Thomas Road Baptist Church Series: When God Is Silent Lesson 6: Where Is God When I Need Him? A. INTRODUCTION: QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK ABOUT TRAGEDIES 1. Where was God when . . .? 2. Doesn’t God love those victims? 3. Did God know this tragedy would ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Fear Thru The Love Of God Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jan 19, 2015

Paul instructed Timothy that in his Christian 'toolbelt' he had 3 tools by which he could overcome fear in his walk with Christ. The 1st of those tools we heard last week, it is the POWER of God! This morning we will look at the 2nd tool, the LOVE of God.

SERMON BRIEF Date Written: January 17, 2015 Date Preached: January 18, 2015 Church: OPBC (AM) Sunday FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS Title: Love Overcomes Fear Text: 1 John 4:10-19 (ESV) ETS: Scripture makes it clear that fear and love do not coexist. ESS: Today’s passage is clear to the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Denomination: Baptist