Sermons on First Amendment:

Destroying Your Enemy

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 8, 2012

Obeying Jesus’ command to love our enemies doesn’t come naturally, however. Often our first response is to retaliate. The best way - the Christ-like way - to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend! To melt an enemy, try the warmth of love.

Opening illustration: There is a story told of two shopkeepers. Their stores were across the street from each other, and the two had a bitter rivalry. One day an angel came to one of the shopkeepers and said, “The Lord has sent me to tell you that you may have one wish. Whatever you ask for, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Response To Jesus: Zacchaeus Series

Contributed by Daren Mitchell on Nov 20, 2012

So, Zacchaeus was named bright, clean or pure. Unfortunately he grew up to be the complete opposite. One of the first things we learn of Zacchaues from Luke 19 is that he is the chief tax collector in the region. He’s not just a tax collector like Matt

The Hebrew name Zacchaeus is taken from a Hebrew word Zakak which means to be bright, clean or pure. I can imagine that when Zaccheaus was a wee little baby his mom and dad had bright hopes for him. Names had significant meaning for the ancient Jew. Mary named her son Jesus the Greek version of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas Carols (3) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Nov 19, 2019

The tradition of singing carols at Christmas time can be traced all the way back to the very beginning. The Nativity story, as told in the first two chapters of Luke, actually contains 4 short songs. In Luke 2, the angels' song brigns praise to God and peace to the godly.

Christmas Carols (Angels) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christians Church: 12/13/15 For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been delving into the Carols of Christmas. Like I said before, even if you wanted to, there is no possible way for you to escape hearing Christmas songs over the next few ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:6-14

Denomination: Christian Church

In Christ There Is True Freedom Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 21, 2019

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians wrote: “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free”. These words, written by Paul to first-century followers of Jesus are an important truth that is still relevant to us today in the 21st Century.

In Christ, there is true freedom This month in our series Dare to be different we have been considering Different Freedom. This evening I want us to consider the truth that in Christ there is true freedom. Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Galatians wrote: “it is for ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1, John 8:31, John 8:32, John 8:34-36, Numbers 11:5-6, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Galatians 5:13-15, Acts 3:19-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Wheat And Tares Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 25, 2019

In ancient Mediterranean world feuding marked the social landscape of the first-century. Being born into a family, a person inherited a set of friends and enemies. The scenario of continued/mutual presence of weeds/wheat left alone until harvest-time mentions the man’s enemy without explanation.

The Wheat and Tares Matthew 13:24-30 What can we learn from this Parable/Story of Jesus? We must be Perceptive vv.24-28 We have an enemy: Satan His one goal is to oppose God, the people of God and the things of God with all his might. He is powerful Jude 9; James 4:7 He has ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30

Denomination: Baptist

Honorable Duty Within The Church

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 11, 2020

As Peter sought to bring his first letter to a close, he addressed how we are live our Christian lives in regard to the church. By submitting to the will of God, following the spiritual guidance of church leadership, and serving one another, we bring glory to Christ and meet the needs of the church.

Honorable Duty within the Church 1 Peter 5: 1-5 Peter had shared much with the church regarding their Christian lives among the world. They were challenged to build their lives upon Christ, the Corner Stone. Their lives were to be lived in light of their relationship with Christ, abiding faithful, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Sheltered In Prayer; Released In Power

Contributed by Marty Baker on Jun 1, 2020

When you think about it, this is not the first time that the church was told to shelter in place. In the days following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he gathered his disciples together and prepared them for what was coming. Then, Jesus said, “I want you to shelter in place in Jerusalem.”

Pentecost Sunday 2020 Sheltered in Prayer, Released in Power Dr. Marty Baker / May 31, 2020 Hello and welcome to Stevens Creek Church. I can’t tell you how much I have been waiting to say those words. I am so glad that you are here and isn’t this place beautiful? It has been ten weeks since ...read more

Denomination: Church Of God

Face The Facts

Contributed by Benjamin Gibbs on Jul 24, 2018

Truth is sometimes a bit different than what we first believed. So, if you should learn about the deep things of God, and it is not as you thought it was, would you embrace it or disgrace it. would you believe it or not . STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED, VERSE BY VERSE!

summary: What if you should learn of an updated present truth, would you embrace it or disgrace it. STUDY TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED, VERSE BY VERSE! A doctrine supported by an inspirational verse from the Bible does not necessarily guarantee that the doctrine is correctly interpreted - For ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Salvation Comes From The Lord Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 16, 2022

Just like Jehoshaphat, one of the first emotions that grip us in the midst of any sort of crisis is fear. If you are being challenged with those huge problems that seem to overwhelm you and are wondering as to how you will overcome them, I pray that this word from the Lord will encourage you.

We read in Psalm 91:16, “With long life will I satisfy him, and make Him to behold My salvation.” (JPS) The last three verses in Psalm 91 are the very words of God. Our God is one who speaks to us. God promises that the one who trusts Him totally, will be completely satisfied in this life and God ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:16

Denomination: Other

The Six Elements Of The Spirit-Filled Life Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Jun 21, 2022

This sermon is an introduction to a 6 Part Series providing a brief overview of each element: First, Jesus was God attentive. Second, he was compassion oriented. Third, he was sacramentally minded. Fourth, he was word centered. Fifth, he was spirit empowered. And Sixth, he was sin resistant.

Some of you know that last week I graduated with my doctorate. Thank you very much for the cards. But you may not know that I had to learn about the periodic table of the elements. In fact, I had to memorize the entire table. I don’t want that information to go to waste, so I thought I would ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1

Denomination: Christian Church

The Father Of The Future Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

Here was a father who put God first in his life. He chose to be a miserable minority going against the grain. His boys probably did complain at times that it was very difficult to put up with the mockery. Noah had to do a lot of encouraging to keep them faithful.

It is tough to be a father in this world where everything is changing so fast. In Africa the custom of selling the bride to her future husband has been challenged for sometime by Christian daughters. They feel it is a evil custom to be sold like an object to the highest bidder. They have ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 7:1-12

Tetheredto The Trinity

Contributed by Rev. Timothy Porter on Apr 7, 2021

Every aspect of the Christian life is tethered to a biblical understanding of One God in three persons. In this first installment, I want to lay a foundation for the entire series by answering two relevant questions: 1.) What exactly is the Trinity? 2.) Why does the Trinity matter to us today?

SERIES MYSTERIOUS 3 The Doctrine of The Holy Trinity week 1 : Tethered To the Trinity Pastor Timothy Porter Text: Matthew 28:19 / 2 Corinthians 13:14 INTRODUCTION: Every aspect of the Christian life is tethered to a biblical understanding of One God in three persons. In ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Heart Of Christmas

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Dec 12, 2021

Let’s not miss the heart of Christmas like those who missed it the first Christmas because they were too busy with their religion and traditions or looking for other things. And let’s not miss it because of the fear that has gripped our hearts over this current pandemic and the social unrest.

The Heart of Christmas Last week we talked about the Spirit of Christmas, and I thought this week I’d share with you about what I’d like to call “The Heart of Christmas.” But before I do, I’d like to share with you a story. A couple of days before Christmas two men decided to go sailing while ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Foursquare

The Week That Changed The World: The Day Jesus Cleaned House Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 3, 2021

The Lord Jesus arrived in Jerusalem hailed by the Jews as the Davidic king who would restore Israel. He arrived not for that purpose, but to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy of the Suffering Servant who restored all of HIs people back to God. The first step was to restore His house.

The final week of Jesus' public ministry had started with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, being hailed as the rightful heir of David and the One who would finally drive out the hated Roman Gentile oppressors and restore the nation of Israel back to its former glory, or so the people ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-17, Luke 19:28-48, John 2:13-22, John 12:12-19, Psalm 118:26, Isaiah 56:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessed Life Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

In this third verse of the first chapter John spells out most fully the actions that lead to the blessed life. The three things you can do with this book that leads to blessings are: You can read it; you can hear it, and you can keep it.

The famous medical missionary Dr. Grenfell of Labrador once came to John Hopkins Hospital in America looking for a head nurse to go back to Labrador with him. He made this appeal: "If you want to have the time of your life, come with me and run a hospital next summer for the orphans of the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:3