Sermons on First Importance:

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

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

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

Putting The Father Out Front

Contributed by Robert Tallent on Jul 26, 2024

You might be a redneck was made famous by Jeff Foxworthy. Well you might be a Christian if you Put the Father out front.

Putting the Father out Front. Ps 16:8 First thing I want us to notice is I. The Selection. “I have set the LORD always before me…” The word “always” means just what it says. Daily, continually and perpetually I set the Lord before me. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:8

Denomination: Baptist

An Overlooked Key First Step Toward Spiritual Harvest

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 6, 2014

A look at the evangelism prayer that Jesus told us to pray (but we don't) as well as five of the reasons we need this prayer.

THE SIMPLE, OBVIOUS, PATHETIC, MYSTIFYING TRUTH: We do not pray this prayer. - Matthew 9:38. - I do not have an explanation for this. - It’s not hard to do. It’s not hard to understand. It’s not controversial. Yet it’s rare that any of us pray this prayer at all. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:37-38

Denomination: Baptist

Putting Jesus First Isn't Easy. Series

Contributed by Michael Blitz on May 5, 2024

Martha's jealousy and anger drove her to the point where she was literally yelling at the Lord, and bossing him around. How did she get to this point? What is the point of service to God, family and church, and what can get in our way?

Good Morning. I got a fun story to start with as we dig into the story of Mary and Martha. It took place in 1956, and Tom Attridge was test piloting the brand new jet they wanted to use for the famous Blue Angels. Gunning it up to break the sound barrier, he was instructed to test fire his guns at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Anglican

Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God- Part 1 Series

Contributed by Kiruba Stephen on May 12, 2022

We will examine what it means to put God above all things in our lives and all the blessings that follow when we do that. Tonight’s message is going to be on: Having Right Priorities.

Matthew Chapter 6 verses 24 to 34 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34, Philippians 4:18-19

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

With So Many Christians Around, Is My Witness Really That Important? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 17, 2015

A look at how each of us are "appointed" by the Lord and the importance of the witness that each of us share.

PAUL'S ROLE: Paul was appointed an apostle. - 1 Timothy 2:7. - Unpack Paul’s unique place in salvation history. HOW MANY CHRISTIANS ARE APPOINTED? All of us. - 1 Corinthians 1:26; 1 Corinthians 12:1-30; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Timothy 1:9. - We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:7

Denomination: Baptist

What’s Wrong With Arguing Over Ministry Importance? Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 9, 2016

Our focus must always be on what Christ offers, and what Christ has done. Will we focus on what Christ has done; or still desire our own recognition? It really is a challenge that each of us has to choose … and then follow for life!

What’s wrong with arguing over ministry importance? John 3:22-36 Introduction - The gospel of John screams of the faith that we should have in Christ -- It is the clearest example of living life FOR the one who redeemed you and I - Re: The prophet Isaiah already laid out our ...read more

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The First Passover: An Exposition Of Exodus 12:1-14

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 22, 2020

The first Passover points the way to a greater second Passover.

The First Passover: An Exposition of Exodus 12:1-14 The Passover is a special day for the Jewish people. Even secular Jews celebrate it. It serves a purpose similar to Independence Day in the US or Cinco de Mayo in Latin and South America. The Children of Israel had served as slaves in Egypt for a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

People Of The First Christmas-The Magi Or Wise Men Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 29, 2020

Even though the Magi or "wise men" have had a Christmas carol or two (or more) written about them, they're only mentioned in one paragraph of Matthew's Gospel. They came from a far distance, worshiped the Christ Child, and then went back home, never to be heard from again.

Introduction: the shepherds of Bethlehem were the only recorded visitors to go see Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus on the night He was born. Sometime later, Matthew recorded that “wise men (KJV)” or magi (several other translations) came to Jerusalem. The purpose of their visit was to worship the One ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-8, Micah 5:2

Denomination: Baptist

When Your First Choice Is God's Second Choice

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Jan 6, 2012

A sermon about the providence of God as discovered in the life of Paul.

Acts 16:7-8 KJV After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. [8] And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. I. INTRODUCTION—THE CHALLENGE OF CONTENTMENT -One of the most challenging spiritual battles that many face in our ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:7-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

From Whence To Where Series

Contributed by Terry Kemp on Jan 18, 2006

This is the first of a series that will focus on the important details of the wondrous story God is telling us through the Bible.

Series: THE STORY GOD IS TELLING Title: “From Whence to Where?” Introduction: A. It has been said that “everyone loves a good story.” 1. The enduring qualities of Aesop’s Fables and Grimms’ Fairy Tales are all the proof we need. 2. Who doesn’t remember Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Cry Of Pardon Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Mar 2, 2006

Last words are important. The first in a seven part series that looks at the last words of Jesus on the cross.

John "Button" Salmon, was the student body president, as well as the starting quarterback for the University of Arizona football team and the catcher for the Wildcat baseball team. The day after the first game of the 1926 football season, Salmon and three friends were involved in an automobile ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:34

Denomination: Baptist