Sermons on First Be Last:

Persistent Thorns And Thistles

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jan 14, 2014

To convince believers to retain JESUS as center of their lives and focus of their eyes.

I. EXORDIUM: Who is the focus of your life? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To convince believers to retain JESUS as center of their lives and focus of their eyes. IV. TEXT: Hebrews 6:8 (Amplified Bible) 6:8 But if [that same soil] persistently bears thorns and thistles, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Twenty-First Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle A-- 21st Sunday, Year A -“You, Rocky Are The Rock Upon Which I Will Build My Church.”

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jun 11, 2020

This is a great promise since one modern anxiety is whether or not we can have any certain knowledge.

Here is a joke that the choir members can perhaps appreciate: Saint Peter is checking ID’s at the Pearly Gates, and first comes a Texan. “Tell me, what have you done in life?” says St. Peter. The Texan says, “Well, I struck oil, so I became rich, but I didn’t sit on my laurels-I divided all my ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Catholic

How To Face New Year Victoriously?

Contributed by Eliseo Tibio on Feb 3, 2021

The truth is when we received Jesus as Lord and Savior of life, the old life has gone and the new has come.

Every New Year we always heard about the resolution of every individual. They promise to change in their lives. Maybe like; I want to be slim this year, or I will not eat too much rice or something, or I will not be late for my work. There are a lot of new resolutions but after a week or month we ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Foursquare

4 Steps To Win The Battle Over Worry

Contributed by Palitha Jayasooriya on Oct 14, 2017

This sermon highlights 4 insights given by Jesus to win the battle over worry and to overcome anxiety.

Winning the Battle Over Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) A man was constantly worrying that somebody was under his bed. He went to a Counselor who was willing to help him, but at a high fee, over many months. A few weeks later the Counselor met the man on the street and asked him why he had not returned. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, 2 Kings 8:1-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Christian Morals

Contributed by Craig Condon on May 1, 2015

There are certain traits that should characterize a believer who serves the Lord. We are to obey him in doing good works, so others can see God’s love and kindness through us. We are to teach God’s word with passion and conviction.

If our lives ended today, how would those around us assess our contribution to our fellow man? Our example leaves an impression on others. With God’s help, it will be one of love, faith and purity of life. The book of Titus captures the pattern God gave for every believer and the direction ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:7

Denomination: Anglican

Easter By The Numbers

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 6, 2023

3 days is the only pattern of which eternal life is given. First is the ordinal of Easter proclaimed in the narrative formula, "the first day of the week."

There is above the Falls of Niagara a rock jutting out into the river, which bears the significant name of Past Redemption Point. At that place the current becomes so rapid and overpowering that all hope of swimming or rowing against it has to be abandoned. The man who drifts past it is lost. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:4

Denomination: Catholic

Strive To Prosper Physically And Spiritually

Contributed by Nettie J Pennington on Aug 24, 2025

Big Idea: Be well in body and spirit.

Prayer: Father God, Lord Jesus, hallowed is your holy name. As our bodies age and our minds lose some clarity, we seek your divine power to protect our bodies from illness and renew our minds and spirits. We come to you today asking for your healing and renewing touch upon our mind and body. Grant ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2, Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Other

Paul's 1st Mission Ends (Acts 14)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 29, 2025

What mission lessons can we learn from Paul?

How did Paul and Barnabas round out their first missionary journey? Should we always expect both challenges and accomplishments on any similar mission trip? Let’s look at Acts 14. What happened as Paul and Barnabas preached in Iconium (modern day Konya, Turkey)? Now it happened in Iconium that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Prodigal Son

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Sep 10, 2025

There are at least three shocks to the 1st century Jews who heard the Parable. 1. That the Father gave the son his inheritance before his death; 2.That the Father ran to embrace the wayward son and 3. The Father simply forgave the Son

Story: I have to tell you that, in continental Europe, the Swiss are known as being as parsimonious. In fact they make the Scots look generous - apologies to any Scots listening. At the turn of the 19th Century, the roof of the a little Swiss church was in serious need of repair. So the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32, John 8:12

Denomination: Anglican

Rich Young Ruler: A Wealthy Man Learned Value Lesson 9 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 19, 2023

Be careful of those you criticize or disagree with; they may be a future fellow worker. Praise God who uses imperfect people.

A. THE RICH YOUNG RULER: LUKE 18:18-23 1. He came to the right person. “There came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, ‘Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’” (Mark 10:17). 2. He came with a right attitude. “Good Master” (v. 17). 3. He was blameless. Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:18-23, Acts 15:38, Mark 10:21

Denomination: Baptist

Repent Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jun 28, 2022

Repentance means turning from sin to the Savior, resulting in a change of attitude, affection, and action.

While we were on vacation last week, we were able to spend time with family, including all six of our grandchildren. We shared three pounds of fresh cheese curds and Beth gave me some cherry brats for Father’s Day. We also attended a community festival complete with face painting, food vendors, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

How Do We Compare To Jesus First Disciples? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 1, 2016

When I think about the first disciples of Jesus there is one thing that I find really encouraging - they were very ordinary people, average people, people like you and me, people with faults and failings, imperfect people.

How do we compare to Jesus first Disciples? When I think about the first disciples of Jesus there is one thing that I find really encouraging - they were very ordinary people with very ordinary jobs - fishermen & a tax collector. If Jesus public ministry had begun here in Rayleigh and Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus’s First Public Events, Part 1 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Sep 28, 2025

When we see what Jesus can do, two things becomes evident: We either believe that He is the Messiah capable of providing for us, or, we deny His ability to do anything for us and call Him, and His Word, a liar.

John, Part 8 Series: Jesus’s First Public Events, Part 1 John 2:1-11 - Welcome to Seasons – intro – we are so glad you’re here today; dismiss children - Begin our next series in John titled: “Jesus’s First Public Events” (short 3 msgs.) -- Many things we will explore feel “out of order” ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11, Psalm 33:20-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus’ Chooses His First Team Members

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 18, 2014

Are we willing to make his service the priority in our life? Are we proclaiming the gospel in the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus, who taught with authority, who cast out demons and healed people of incurable diseases?

Jesus begins his ministry with this clear announcement: “The time is fulfilled.” That is, it’s complete. Time’s up. We’re at the end of the line. Notice that John, the one who’s like Elijah, has finished his ministry. Mark wants to make it clear that the time of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:16-23

Denomination: Anglican

He...is...risen!!!

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Apr 11, 2023

The resurrection story is capture in three words, "He Is Risen". The best news the world has ever heard came out of a cemetery, "He is risen!!! He is alive"!!!

Turn in your Bibles to Luke 24. The resurrection story is capture in three words, "He Is Risen". Christianity rises or falls on the resurrection story. If Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is a colossal hoax, an absolute fraud. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, our songs and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-9

Denomination: Pentecostal