Sermons on First Seal:

After Christmas Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2021

What happened after the Son of God was born. Events in the household of Joseph and Mary provide a model for us to emulate after Christmas.

“When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” [1] We plan for Christmas. We shop, we decorate, we enjoy the music, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:39-40

Denomination: Baptist

"i Know My Rights!"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 11, 2024

Jesus encourages His disciples to pray. We have a right to ask great things of God, knowing that He will do what glorifies His Name.

“[Jesus] told [the disciples] a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, “Give me justice against my ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Galatians 5:1-15 Choosing To Be Free

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 17, 2024

The Galatian church was dealing with Jesus + teaching. Paul addresses the issue in this discussion of real freedom.

Today, we're going to be in Galatians chapter five, and what we're going to talk about is choosing to live in the freedom you've been given. I'm going to read this passage; we'll be in Galatians chapter five, looking at the first 15 verses. Then we're going to stair-step our ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Should I Bother Joining A Church?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 10, 2021

The message explores biblical reasons for open union with a local congregation.

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. “For though absent in body, I am ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

He Came To Seek And Save The Lost Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jan 6, 2022

THIS morning what I want to do or at least attempt to do – as we take a look at Luke chapter 15 is to reveal the heart of the Father in regards to lost people; How does God feel about the lost – what is his desire for them (Luke 15 contains the parable of the lost; sheep, coin & son).

He Came To Seek And Save The Lost What Jesus Came To Do – part one In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Part 22: The Foundations Of Our Freedom Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 14, 2025

Four of the most important foundations for our freedom: 1. God's guidance. 2. Providential protection. 3. Sacrificial salvation. 4. Devoted disciples.

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 22: The Foundations of Our Freedom Psalm 11:1-7 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared April 14, 2025) *This week we celebrate our Declaration of Independence from England on July 4th, 1776. On that same day over in England, King George III wrote these words in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 11:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Thicker Than Blood - 1 Peter 2:5 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 9, 2024

Most Christians fail to appreciate the value of what Jesus promised us in the Church.

1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:5

Who’s Winning? - 1 Peter 2:6-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 10, 2024

Even in human rejection God wins. God always wins, and those who trust in the Cornerstone cannot lose. But those who reject Him cannot win.

Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:6-8

Mission Imperative - 1 Peter 2:9-10 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 12, 2024

All ministry is based in praise, and we must take this monster calling seriously.

1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Come Out From Among Them - 1 Peter 2:12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 17, 2024

What did Jesus mean by being in the world but not of the world?

1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the gentiles that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:12

Wrong About The Shepherd

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 21, 2024

To fail to receive Christ as Shepherd of the soul is to position oneself outside of God's flock.

“‘Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Nehemiah (Comforter) Part 1 Nasb

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Jan 19, 2025

Restoration and renewal, rebuilding the wall, opposition fails to stop construction; takes place over 20 years. There are 9 major prayers in this book. (c/o Marilyn Hickey Ministries); notes by biblegateway.com

Nehemiah’s Grief for the Exiles; prayer for Jerusalem 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the [a]capitol, (HIS PARENTS WERE IN THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY, THIS TAKES PLACE IN IRAN. WE NEED TO PRAY FOR PEACE ...read more

Denomination: Vineyard

James 5:7-12 Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jan 20, 2025

In the face of suffering, we are called to be patient, get ready, stand firm, stop grumbling, never give up, enduring hardship, and tell the truth

James: Practical Faith  James 5:7-12 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church  01-19-2025 Pearls When an oyster gets a grain of sand, parasite, or food particle in its shell, there is no way to get rid of it. It irritates the inside of the oyster. The oyster probably prays, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

No More Fears - 1 Peter 3:13-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 22, 2025

What should you do when you're abused and mistreated?

1 Peter 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-15

7 Tests For A God-Glorifying Ministry - 1 Peter 4:11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 30, 2025

When speaking, use the words of God. And when serving, do it in a way that shows God to be the source of the strength.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's multifaceted grace. 11 If anyone speaks, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:11