Sermons on First City Of Refuge:

I Can't Help You

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Oct 31, 2015

four reasons God cannot help you.

“I Can’t Help You” November 1, 2015 Matthew 13:53-58 53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58

Denomination: Holiness

The Bright And Dark Side Of Man Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Jul 17, 2016

The Bible says that in the heart of every Christian, there is a nature that points to the bright side and another on the dark side of man. Our goal is that we will not just focus on our strength of character but also improve our weaknesses.

That great Scottish author, Robert Louis Stevenson published an interesting novel in 1886 entitled, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Many of you probably have read or seen the film about this. We studied this literature when we were in High School. It is about a London lawyer named ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-28

Denomination: Nazarene

Forget Me Not

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Feb 7, 2025

To keep faithful to our faithful God we set aside time to remember. We must regularly turn our attention back to God, up to God, forward to God to keep our side of the covenant agreement.

DO NOT FORGET God of our fathers, known of old – Lord of our far flung battle line Beneath whose awful hand we hold dominion over palm and pine Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, lest we forget - lest we forget! About 100 years ago, the British poet Rudyard ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Deuteronomy 8:11-14, Malachi 1:6-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Numbness Not Dumbness

Contributed by Rodney Rapp on Apr 13, 2025

The Book of Hebrews 1. the superiority of Christ 2. to warn the Christian not to abandon their faith or simply put backsliding. A plant can remain dormant for a season but sooner or later it is either going to : 1) Bloom and grow 2) Die 3) Cannot remain dormant for ever.

Title RCF 04/11/2025 Numbness in the Kingdom Introduction: The author of the book of Hebrews is not certain. There are two main themes in the book 1. the superiority of Christ 2. to warn the Christian not to abandon their faith or simply put backsliding. A plant can remain dormant ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:9-11

Denomination: Other

More Important Things (2 Samuel 7)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 4, 2025

Are there more important things than some of our desires in life? Let's look at 2 Samuel 7.

Did David want to build a temple? Were there more important things that God had for him to do? What are the important things God wants us to do? Let’s look at 2 Samuel 7. What did Nathan spontaneously say to David before consulting God? Now it came to pass when the king was dwelling in his house, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Christian Nationalism?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 12, 2025

Attacks upon Christianity are not new and have been taking place since day one

In the United States of America (USA), Christian nationalism is a form of patriotism held by Christians of various backgrounds and genders since the country began, who believe the USA is the central player in God's historical purposes because it is a country founded on and defined by Christian ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 10:16, Proverbs 21:1-2, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 13:1, Philippians 3:20, Colossians 3:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Second Generation Faithfulness Lesson 1

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 31, 2025

Moses, Joshua: Both began ministry in God’s presence.

A. THEIR SIMILARITIES 1. Both began ministry in God’s presence. Moses: “God called out of the midst of the bush” (Exodus 3:4). Joshua: “The Lord spoke unto Joshua … arise, go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:1-2). 2. What is a call from God? a. Burden b. Desire c. Fruit – usefulness 3. Both saw a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:4, Joshua 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Let The Walls Come Down Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 25, 2008

From a human perspective it was an unconquerable city. Improbable? No, impossible! Impregnable. And each of us have a walled city in our lives. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint.

Let the Walls Come Down Joshua 5:13-6:20 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/LetTheWalls.html The children of Israel have moved: • From the wilderness of worry to the promised land of peace. • From the wilderness of wandering to the promised land of progress. • From the wilderness of despondency to the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Is My Pandemic Identity (Twenty-First Sunday In Ordinary Time)

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Aug 16, 2020

During the lockdown we have realised how many are real friends, how many are fake friends, how many have called us often enquiring about our families, health, jobs, and how many were really cared and supported in their difficulties and pains during this pandemic, COVID-19.

Jesus is my Pandemic Identity (Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time) Isaiah 22:19-23, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20. Reflection Dear sisters and brothers, I would like to start my reflection with a question: what is my pandemic identity as a Christian? In this digital world, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 22:19-23, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Other

The Helper In Time Of Trouble Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 20, 2025

Psalm 54 reminds us that when betrayal and trouble surround us, our sure refuge is the Helper who never fails.

Title: The Helper in a Time of Trouble Text: Psalm 54 Introduction: A Desperate Situation Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt the sting of betrayal? Have you ever found yourself in a situation where those you thought were on your side, your own countrymen, your own neighbors, suddenly turned ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Christmas That Wasn't Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jan 1, 2021

The first Christmas was the Christmas that wasn't--at least in Jerusalem, the city that the Great King and Messiah came to save, and to rule from. Pagan visitors from far away had to tell them of the great thing that had happened in their midst.

Back in November, Jeanie and I received a newsletter from an organization called SAT-7. SAT, I assume stands for satellite, because that is the means by which they broadcast the Gospel via television programs into Muslim dominated countries in the Middle East. SAT-7 is the largest provider of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-15, Numbers 24:16-17, Daniel 9:24-26, Romans 6:23, John 1:11-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Bible Church

Parables Of The Kingdom – The First - The Sower Or Rather The Soil – Part 1 Of 7 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 30, 2025

Today we commence a study of the 7 Parables of the Kingdom found in Matthew’s Gospel. The first is the Parable of the Sower (more to the point, “The Parable of the 4 Soils.”). There are 7 parts for this parable and in Part 1 we look at the Parable as a whole. I hope you enjoy.

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM – THE FIRST - THE SOWER OR RATHER THE SOIL – Part 1 of 7 THE INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES We are going to study the seven parables Jesus spoke to the people. Matthew states the setting for these – {{Matthew 13:1-2 “On that day Jesus WENT OUT OF THE HOUSE and was sitting ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-2, Matthew 13:36, Matthew 13:3-4, Matthew 13:5-6, Matthew 13:7, Matthew 13:8-9, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 13:9-11, Luke 8:10, John 3:16, Luke 19:10, John 5:40, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 13:11-15, Matthew 13:14-15, Isaiah 6:9-10, Luke 11:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Parables Of The Kingdom – The First - The Sower Or Rather The Soil – Part 6 Of 7 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 1, 2025

Parts 5 and 6 go together but had to be split. Here we look at the results of harvest 100-60-30, contention in churches, and gospel preaching. The parable of the sower is a remarkable one and we are seeing this as we go. We look at how the parable of the talents are related.

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM – THE FIRST - THE SOWER OR RATHER THE SOIL – Part 6 of 7 This next message continues from the previous one. We begin by looking at why some seed produced 100, some 60, some 30. [[EXAMINING THE HARVEST RATES FROM THE SOWING]] One very primary application of this parable ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 13:8, Matthew 13:23, Mark 4:8, Mark 4:20, Luke 8:8, Luke 8:15, Isaiah 32:11-13, 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, 1 Kings 19:19, Isaiah 28:23-29, Matthew 25:14-18, Matthew 13:3-9, Matthew 13:18-23, Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Heaven Exists

Contributed by Dennis King on Sep 22, 2021

Yes, heaven exists but the description of the three (or more) levels of heaven are illusive. Also, do we have bodies there? Are we conscious? Do we have tactile feelings similar to what we experience now?

Heaven Exists Before we get into the existence of heaven, let's consider exactly when do we go? As with numerous Biblical topics, many churches, under Christianity's umbrella, have different beliefs on these topics. The following are my thoughts as reinforced by the specified verses from ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:43, Genesis 1:14-18, Revelation 22:1-2, Hebrews 12:1-29

Denomination: Baptist

From Tender Shoot To Robust Roost

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Jul 4, 2006

From Tender Shoot to Robust Roost:Christ, the Culmination of God’s Cultivation God sent Jesus to be the savior of the world. Take refuge in him!

If you’re bleary-eyed this morning, it’s understandable - especially if you stayed up to catch fireworks last night. Aren’t fireworks awesome? What’s not to love about glittery colors cascading across the night sky punctuated by loud “whumphs” that resonate the body? As impressive as fireworks are ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 17:22-24

Denomination: Lutheran