Sermons on Favoritism:

Something Better Is Coming

Contributed by Les Puryear on Jun 1, 2010

No matter what you may be facing now, something better is coming.

When I go to my Mother's house, there are certain things I can expect to happen. I can always expect my Mother to make me feel welcome and loved. I can always expect my Mother to greet me with a loving smile and a hug. I can always expect my Mother to ask me if I want anything to eat or drink. And ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Discriminating Christian Series

Contributed by Steven Buhr on Mar 27, 2008

Most every person in this world is looking to be accepted, to be appreciated, and to be loved for who they ARE, not who they are SEEN to be. What they’re looking for is an unconditional love, not a judgemental one.

James 2:1-13 – the Discriminating Christian Most every person in this world is looking to be accepted, to be appreciated, and to be loved for who they ARE, not who they are SEEN to be. What they’re looking for is an unconditional love, not a judgemental one. Is that not the way WE feel? When we ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Living An Easu Lifestyle?

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Apr 6, 2007

What are your values and priorities? Do they lead you to be blessed by God in an abundant way or a rather skimpy way?

April, 2007 “Are You Living an Esau Lifestyle?” Genesis 25:27-34 INTRODUCTION: Have you ever wondered why children in the same family who were brought up in the same way can turn out so differently? Maybe one becomes successful in school and the other drops out. Maybe one obeys the laws of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:27-34

Denomination: Methodist

Friends - Pt. 4 - Pianos And Pushing Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 29, 2015

It is the basis of every level of relationship of meaning. You must have a foundation in friendship. Are you a good friend? What qualities should you look for in a friend?

Friends Pt. 4 - Pianos and Pushing I. Introduction Welcome to "Friend Day". Over the last few weeks we have been discussing the value and importance of friendship. We know that Jesus valued His friends. Like us, Jesus had relationships that progressed to the level of friends. In John 15, we ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:6-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment. James 2:8-13 Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Jul 21, 2013

When we excuse ourselves for our prejudices of color, education, culture, or status, we undo the love mercy of God in our lives.

A church painting- A church decided to paint their building. It had become a bit dingy over the years, but the church members felt that a complete painting was a bit expensive, so they bought only as much white paint as they thought they might need. After painting the front of the building they ...read more

Scripture: James 2:8-13

Denomination: *other

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

"Good News From A Manger"

Contributed by David Henderson on Dec 30, 2013

The good news is only good news if we hear it, apply it and share it with others.

“Good News from a Manger” Luke 2:8-20 The story I am about to tell you, as hard as it is to believe is a true story. In fact, the event I am about to describe actually took place numerous times. In 1944 the Japanese army sent one of their soldiers into battle during WW2. His name ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Holy Miracle Series

Contributed by Randy Shepard on Jan 5, 2019

The miracle of Christmas is the God became flesh so that every one of His Children would know that he or she is valued and highly favored by God.

Christmas eve is my favorite day of the year. Some of you may find that odd especially if you know that I love everything about Christmas. And, I do love everything about Christmas. I love the lights, the decorations, the eggnog, the cookies, and my grandma’s homemade banana pudding that my mom ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: United Methodist

What God Thinks About Money Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 12, 2021

If you go to God and say, “I deserve acceptance,” you will be rejected, because that shows you do not know what’s in your own heart. But if you go to God and say, “I deserve rejection; please forgive me,” you will get acceptance. That’s the gospel.

Just in time for Thanksgiving meal, Jesus tells us who to invite. Today, we encounter a dramatic story where Jesus has been invited into the home of a very prominent man. We discover at the very beginning of this chapter that Jesus was invited to a big supper with lots of guests at a prominent ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:7-24

Denomination: Baptist

O Holy Night Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 23, 2022

This is a message for Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It intertwines the Birth Narrative from Luke with a soloist singing various Christmas carols to help convey the blessing of Immanuel.

Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD www.mycrossway.org It is Christmas Eve, and families like us are gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I can remember going to Christmas Eve Candlelight Services growing up and it was among my favorite times to go to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Brethren

Running For Gold

Contributed by Dale Miller on Jul 31, 2004

Press on to the goal, never give up.

ZEPHYR CHRISTIAN AUGUST 1, 2004 PHIL 3;12-14 INTRO; I WANT TO THANK DOUG FOR ALLOWING ME TO PREACH TODAY. DOUG IS A DEAR FRIEND WHO I HOLD IN HIGH ESTEEM. IT IS GOOD TO HAVE MY FAMILY HERE TODAY. IT IS SO GOOD TO SEE OLD FRIENDS AND NEW FRIENDS, AND TO BE BACK IN THE SUNSHINE STATE. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Backfiring Schemes Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on May 20, 2005

What happens when everyone does the wrong thing? We find that in this chapter - and how God gets His way despite our best efforts to mess up!

Do you ever find a situation where absolutely everybody does the wrong thing - and yet God still gets His way? That’s what we find in Genesis 27. Everyone - Isaac, Essau, Jacob, and Rebekah - all have plans they want hatched and so they go about trying to maneuver God’s blessing to their benefit. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 27:1-46

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Christmas Day

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Dec 30, 2005

Special service of Song and Scripture

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 Dear Heavenly Father, we come to the stable in Bethlehem ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Congregational

Intimacy Series

Contributed by Charles Whitmire on Mar 13, 2008

This is the fifth message in the Lousy T-Shirt series and it deals with having intimacy with God and others...

Again... This message is an adaption from Vince Antonucci - www.forefront.org How many of you remember the chick flick, The Runaway Bride. In this all time greatest (yuck) movie Julia Roberts plays this chick named Maggie Carpenter, a bride who has almost been married three different times and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Simple Hymn And Scripture Service

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Jan 29, 2009

Service after Christmas to celebrate hymns and scripture - added personal testimony

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 Dear Heavenly Father, we come to the stable in Bethlehem ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-7

Denomination: Congregational