Sermons on First Century Jews:

Reading The Christmas Story Again For The First Time

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 22, 2018

What does the Christmas story sound like, if we could hear it again for the first time? Whom would we identify with in the story? What would our response be?

[Sermon preached on 25 December 2017, Christmas Day] Amal is a young man from Syria. He has come to Finland as an asylum seeker. Back in Syria, the authorities are after his life because he has offended the Prophet Muhamad. There is no way he could return and survive. Amal still considers himself ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Scouting Out The First Step Of Your Vision Series

Contributed by Vinnie Cappetta on May 1, 2007

All that God wants for us is right there in front of us, but if we are not careful, we will forge ahead without the guidance of the Lord and miss out on much of what He has for us.

Scouting out the first step of your vision Joshua 2 Sent our secretly by Joshua the spies were led to Rahab’s house. Two walls somewhere around 12-15 feet high; built houses in between these walls. Why her house? 1. No questions asked (she was a harlot) 2. House was in the wall for ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Preparation For Restoration Series

Contributed by Ely Lambert on Feb 12, 2003

The first century church is the goal of restoration. Ezra gives a unique perspective on the goal of restoration, as Israel is in the mode of restoration. Biblical reasoning and understanding can be applied to our modern application of restoration.

God’s Preparation for Restoration Ezra 1 Preached at the Laurel Church of Christ On February 9, 2002 Introduction: I. Nicknames are always of interest. A. In college, my classmates gave me a couple; one that has followed me is “Ely the Prophet.” B. A prophecy of mine came true. I am just kidding. ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Seven Churches Revealed—last Man Standing.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Nov 21, 2020

Today we’re looking at the seven churches of Revelation. They were real churches just like Crane Eater Community Church. They existed at the end of the first century in what is today the nation of Turkey.

The Seven Churches Revealed—Last Man Standing. Revelation 2:8-11NLT I titled this message 'Last Man Standing' because when your faith is completely shaken and trials are chasing your peace away and tribulations are pressing your hope into despair. When all your friends have walked ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Proverbs 10:22

Denomination: Pentecostal

My First Year Of Ministry Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jun 29, 2023

"Salvation always My passion, the world My focus, each person My priority."

Note: All Scripture references in this lesson are from The Bible by Jesus unless otherwise noted A. CLEANSING THE TEMPLE: JOHN 2:13-22 1. Introduce My first year. “When Passover came, spring A.D. 26, I went up to temple” (John 2:13). 2. No longer tolerated heresy and evil, but confronted ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-22, John 3:1-21, John 4:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

We Must Pay Attention, The First Warning Series

Contributed by H. Kevin Derr on Apr 20, 2004

Exposition of Hebrews 2:1-4

November 3, 2002 First Church of the Brethren H. Kevin Derr Hebrews 2:1-4 “We must pay attention, The first warning” 1We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4

Denomination: Brethren

Abraham-The First Test Of His Faith Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 4, 2021

Abram had obeyed God and moved his household to the land of Canaan. While there, he experienced the first severe test of his new faith. How did he respond to this challenge?

Introduction: Abram had left Ur of the Chaldees and was now living in the land of Canaan. He had settled, at least for the time being, south of Bethel and Ai. The exact location is not given in the text. When a real problem came, Abram experienced his first significant test of faith. How would he ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Walking Like Jesus Walked 2 – The Real Jesus Series

Contributed by David Parks on Feb 21, 2012

Rembrandt’s depictions of Jesus were even more controversial in the 17 century. His familiarity with the Jewish community in his native Netherlands moved him to paint Jesus with a Jewish appearance. People were shocked! Jesus looking Jewish?

WALKING LIKE JESUS WALKED 2 – THE REAL JESUS Text: Luke 19:28-44 Introduction 1. Have you heard of the controversial exhibit at the Detroit Institute of art? 2. It is the Rembrandt and the Face of Christ exhibit. 3. Rembrandt’s depictions of Jesus were even more controversial in the 17 ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Free From The Law: The First Question Of Romans 7 Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 21, 2004

Our sanctification (being set apart for God as holy) does not occur through human efforts to keep the law, but through the power of the Spirit animating, motivating, and empowering us to do God’s will. It is a matter of motives and means.

Free from the Law: The First Question of Romans 7 (Romans 7:1-6) 1. Sally was married to Bill for many years. Then one evening Bill had a heart attack and died. Several years latter Sally remarried a man named Jack. Jack was in many ways different than Bill. Bill didn’t like to eat breakfast (he ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Joseph - Husband Of Mary - In First Person Narrative

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Dec 12, 2016

Christmas or Advent message about the birth of Jesus

You Believe in Miracles?” Joseph-- {Eyewitness of his Majesty} “My name is Joseph; you know my wife better; she is much more famous than I. I’m the lesser half some might say. We were very average people--at least in the beginning, until all the attention. We were from a small tribe lived in a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Credentials Of His Ministry Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 1, 2018

Traveling Christian evangelists in the first century, according to the custom of the day, carried letters of recommendation. With these a poor preacher would be given, at least, a place to stay, a meal, and an opportunity to speak to the congregation.

April 23, 2014 Tom Lowe The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians Lesson II.B.1.a: The Credentials of His Ministry. (3:1-5) 2nd Corinthians 3:1-5 (NKJV) 1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Objection Overruled

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 16, 2011

4 objections of the heathen, the hypocrites, and the Hebrews are discussed and overruled by the Judge on the Throne! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Objection Overruled Romans 2:17-3:8 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Overruled.html Chapter 1 tells about God's wrath against sin - if it has not already been judged via Christ's death on the cross. It lists 22 sins like murder and homosexuality and many others. But Paul knew many would say, "I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Romans, Part 36 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on May 5, 2011

Paul conclusion to the Jews in the letter to the church in Rome is one of constant remembrance that life is about Jesus Christ - and Him alone! (Ref: Romans 11:25-36)

Romans, Part 36 Romans 11:25-36 Introduction - It is important that we not only see the encouragement to the Jews in Rome -- But, that we see our role in being part of the existing remnant - Last time we discussed the grafting in of the Gentiles; imp for us - The concept grafting in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:25-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Addressing A Crowd (Acts 22)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 10, 2025

How did Paul address a crowd of fellow Jews?

Would Paul’s willingness to walk into danger allow him to address many Jews and the supreme council, the Sanhedrin? Does preaching the Gospel sometimes involve great personal sacrifice? Let’s look at Acts 22. Why would Paul address the crowd in their sacred language? “Brethren and fathers, hear ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

His Last Words: Our First Work

Contributed by Michael Milton on Oct 17, 2001

The last teaching of Christ remains the priority of every believer and every assembly: to make disciples of Christ.

Introduction to the Reading of the Scripture I want to preach from Matthew 28.16-20. It is a very familiar passage and is all but taken for granted during Mission Conferences. Like John 3.16 and a few others, the passage is so popular that it is liable to being dismissed by those who have heard ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20, Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed