Sermons on Familiarity:

United We Stand

Contributed by Francis Balla on Aug 24, 2012

This sermon highlights the need for the Church body to be united in "mind and purpose" in the midst of conflicting, and constantly changing ideologies and trends.

SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2012 UNITED WE STAND Let me read one of Aesop’s Greek fables; In the forest, there lived four oxen. They were very good friends and always went together to graze in the fields. However, every time they went, a hungry lion tried to attack them. The lion longed for their meat. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

In Memorium

Contributed by Eric Hanson on Dec 7, 2013

HIghlighting some outstanding Christian believers in the context of Memorial Day

IN MEMORIAM Pastor Eric J. Hanson INTRODUCTION American history is replete with heroes whose great personal qualities came from a deep well of a fine upbringing in which upstanding personal character, faith in God and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and duty to others were deeply instilled. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Three Levels Of Fear In The Midst Of The Presence And Power Of God

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on Aug 19, 2013

In a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus performed a miracle that was so great, the Apostles came to see that Jesus was truly God in the Flesh.

THREE LEVELS OF FEAR IN THE MIDST OF THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF GOD Mark 4:35-40 [I had posted this sermon a few weeks ago on here, but am reposting it after several revisions I had made to it.] INTRODUCTION: 1.) This morning I want us to see an account of a great miracle that Jesus performed on ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Ruth's Redemption

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Sep 6, 2013

The story of Ruth is a story of redemption, inclusion, and faith taken from the whole book of Ruth in the Bible

Ruth’s Redemption Text: Book of Ruth CHCC: March 3, 2013 INTRODUCTION: Fifty days after Passover, the Jews celebrate a festival called Shavuot … it is also called Pentecost. (This year it will be celebrated May 15-16.) It was on Pentecost that the Church was born … Peter ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Where Is The Power In Abiding In The Vine?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Feb 4, 2014

When God stops you from doing something that you think is achieving, he is only to prepare you for something bigger, so take heart: it is not about you, it is about God, and what he wants; and fortunately he aligns our desires with his.

Word Count: 1876, Acts 8:26-40 Psalm 22:24-30 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8 Summary: When God stops you from doing something that you think is achieving, he is only to prepare you for something bigger, so take heart: it is not about you, it is about God, and what he wants; and fortunately he aligns ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Episcopal

The Big Story: Magnificat Series

Contributed by Danny Davis on Feb 7, 2014

Mary, a young virgin girl, is pregnant. Though the pregnancy is of divine action she is still in danger of human repercussions. Yet in the midst of what could be a tumultuous time for this young girl she chooses to focus on God and make Him bigger.

(ME) Good morning Odessa First! Merry Christmas! We are so blessed with all the Christmas decorations – it just looks beautiful around here. I guess you could say, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” First Time Guests – Introduction Christmas is my ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A "Why's" Man

Contributed by Lew Slade on Dec 22, 2008

What can we learn from Joseph’s response to the angel’s message?

A “Why’s” man I wonder how many of you would hazard a guess as to which word I find the most troublesome in the English language? Despite its diminutive size it’s a word that has plagued me most of my life. It’s the word ‘why?’ Any of you who have ever been parents have, I’m sure, wished on more ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Narnia: Promises Foretold Series

Contributed by Glen Schlecht on Dec 5, 2005

Using the two prophecies in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," see the parallels to Jesus and what it means for us today to bring us hope.

“Promises Foretold.¨ Mark 1:1-8, 12-4-05, Advent 2, Narnia 2 Children’s Message: For those of you who were here last week, you know that we. re getting ready for Christmas by thinking about a story called, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,.¨ from the Chronicles of Narnia. Today, we’re going ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

The Battle For The Vineyard (Matthew 21:33-40)

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 6, 2007

Like so much of life, the parables of Jesus are often stories of violence. Here the violence is between a landlord and his tenants. ...

“We were told that this [operation] was against armed people and against people climbing on our armed vehicles. Our APCs (armed personnel carriers) were cruising 24 hours a day close to buildings (in Jenin), waiting for kids to climb on them, trying to dislodge the top -mounted MG (machine gun) and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-40

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Deuteronomy 34 (The Death Of Moses )

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 19, 2007

The Death of Moses ...

“There has never arisen another prophet in Israel like Moses - one whom the LORD knew face to face.” (Deuteronomy 34:10) So read the concluding verses of the book of Deuteronomy, bringing to a close the saga of one of the Bible’s greatest heroes. I know that all of us want to be more like Jesus, ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Back To The Future

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Dec 28, 2010

The entire ninth chapter of Amos helps us behold our God and live with hope rooted in His promises.

A young man in a wheel chair, discouraged by his condition, asked his physical therapist, "Do you think I have a future?" The therapist replied, "As a pole-vaulter, no! As a man, yes!" In light of the dire predictions of the prophet Amos, the people of Israel and Judah might have asked, "Do we ...read more

Scripture: Amos 9:5-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Sharing Choice Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Mar 31, 2010

We may bge used of God to bring peace to others. When we share the gift of peace with others, conflict may be transformed into harmony.

Title: The Sharing Choice Text: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 Thesis: We may be used of God to bring peace to others. When we share the gift of peace with others conflict may be transformed into harmony. Series: Life’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Solving The Death Problem Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Apr 21, 2014

Jesus solves the death problem! In his resurrection he conquereed sin and death and gives us resurrection hope.

Title: Solving the Death Problem Text: Matthew 28:1-10 Thesis: Jesus solves the death problem! In his resurrection he conquered sin and death and gives us resurrection hope. Introduction I don’t know if you are aware of it or not, but Google, Inc. has rolled out an independent company ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dealing With Temptation

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jan 18, 2011

Every one of us is confronted everyday with temptation from three sources – the world, the flesh, and the devil. None are immune. When temptation comes we can either overcome it or it can overcome us. How we deal with temptation will determine the outcome

Dealing with Temptation 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Struggling to make ends meet on a first-call salary, the pastor was livid when he confronted his wife with the receipt for a $250 dress she had bought. "How could you do this?" "I was outside the store looking at the dress in the window, and then I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

C.h.u.r.c.h.

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Sep 18, 2011

When you think of the word church what comes into your mind? Jesus Christ told Peter, “I will build my Church.” But what does that church look like? What is the church and what is intended to be?

C.H.U.R.C.H. Matthew 16:13-19 Introduction: When you think of the word church what comes into your mind? Jesus Christ told Peter, “I will build my Church.” But what does that church look like? A man was answering questions for a national poll. When asked for his church preference, he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19

Denomination: Baptist