Sermons on First Things:

When You're Down!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jun 22, 2005

Jesus says that part of the solution to a troubled heart is trust, and He tells His apostles to trust in 3 things: "First of all, trust in My presence. Secondly, trust in My promises. Thirdly, simply trust in Me."

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2018) TEXT: John 14:1-6; John 12:13,19 A. Have you ever had one of those days when everything goes wrong? It ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6, John 12:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thanksgiving Communion

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Nov 27, 2011

Jesus said these elements before us today are SYMBOLIC of His body and blood. There’s no saving power in these elements, and none will be saved today by partaking. This is a time of remembrance. But first, there are several things we need to bring to th

Thanksgiving Communion John 6; I Corinthians 10:16-11:31 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Priority Of Worship

Contributed by Donnie Martin on Dec 2, 2008

Our worship of God is not merely a good thing to do; it should be the goal of our life. Worship is often treated casually, when it should be at the center, at the core of our life. The Scriptures plainly teach us that worship is to be first priority in ou

The Priority Of Worship Copyright © August 1991 by Rev. Donnie L. Martin. All Rights Reserved. Text: Ps. 95:6, 7a; John 4:23, 24 Intro: As we read the passages of our text, did you notice that these verses speak of the fact that God is the sole recipient and object of worship? John also brings ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 95:6

Denomination: Baptist

Crispus, Synagogue Leader Series

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jan 31, 2013

I. EXORDIUM: Does your work or profession hinder you to accomplish greater things for GOD? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that profession is nothing if it will not acknowledge GOD first. IV. TEXT: Acts 18:8

I. EXORDIUM: Does your work or profession hinder you to accomplish greater things for GOD? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that profession is nothing if it will not acknowledge GOD first. IV. TEXT: Acts 18:8 (New Living Translation, Second Edition) Crispus, the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Erratic Existence Of The Double Minded Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Aug 26, 2002

The first of six on James. Have you experienced the frustration of living in the twilight of two worlds? There is nothing as difficult as trying keep two opposites separated. Jesus said that you cannot serve both God and the things of man. James descr

The Erratic Existence of the Double-Minded Have you experienced the frustration of living in the twilight of two worlds? There is nothing as difficult as trying keep two opposites separated. Jesus said that you cannot serve both God and the things of man. James describes the person who has ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Poor Rich Man Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Aug 6, 2013

If you want to be rich in the things that really count, don’t rely on yourself; rely on the Lord and don’t boast about your sacrifices. Then you will not only inherit eternal life, you will be first in God's Kingdom.

Many years ago, a very wealthy man invited Pastor George A. Truett to a dinner on his Texas ranch. After the meal, he took his pastor to a place where they had a good view of the surrounding area. The rich man pointed north to the oil wells punctuating the landscape and boasted, “25 years ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Stephen Brought Before A Council Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 20, 2017

Stephen, who was the first of seven men chosen for the office of deacon, had a strong faith by which he was enabled to do extraordinary things. Those who are full of faith are full of power, because, by faith the power of God is engaged for us.

December 30, 2013 By: Tom Lowe Series: The Early Church Title: Stephen Brought Before a Council (6:8-15) Acts 6.8-15 (KJV) 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 Then there arose ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Show Love, Not Favoritism (James 2:1-13) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on May 27, 2022

Favoritism is a tricky thing. But we need to copy God's example, in honoring the poor. Also, my first crack at unpacking "kingdom" in light of Scot McKnight's book Kingdom Conspiracy.

Let's start today by reading James 2:1-4: (1) My brothers, don't, with partiality, hold the faith of our glorious Lord, Jesus Christ. ["w/partiality" =focused] (2) For suppose someone should enter your assembly with a gold ring on his finger, with fine clothing. Now, also a ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

An Extraordinary Commission (Part 1)

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 9, 2025

Does Jesus still call and empower believers to do bold and amazing things in His name, like healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons? Does this passage only apply to the first apostles, or can it be applied to us?

I have entitled our sermon this morning, “An Extraordinary Commission,” and this is Part 1 of a two-part message. I want to begin by saying that I was raised in a small country church with a pastor who loved the Lord and His people, and proclaimed only the basics, like sin, repentance, salvation, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-4, Matthew 10:7-8

Denomination: Baptist

Unloading Burdens

Contributed by Brian Matherlee on Dec 9, 2009

How to take things and leave things with God

Unloading Burdens What burdens do we carry that we shouldn’t? • Will God take care of my needs? What burdens do we often neglect that we should carry? • Prayer for the lost • Sick • Hungry • Lonely Where do we spend most of our time? • On our own concerns How do we unload burdens that aren’t ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:1-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

A Living Hope

Contributed by Jim Moynihan on Dec 7, 2020

Biblical hope is a sure thing, not a maybe thing.

In his book, "Come Thirsty (pages 47-48)," Max Lucado tells a story of a little Haitian Orphan by the name of Carinette. He says that she lived in a different world, a world called, “home-to-be.” "See the slender girl wearing the pink shirt? The girl with the long nose and bushy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"T. E. S. T. I. F. Y."

Contributed by Bill Burress on Dec 28, 2009

Seven things to improve on for the coming new year.

"T. E. S. T. I. F. Y.” December 27, 2009 ILL. Have you heard about the man who moved into a retirement community to spend the rest of his life there? It wasn’t long until he had made a number of friends among the other residents. There was one lady he was especially ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Your Kingdom And Your Will

Contributed by J.d. Tutell on Jan 13, 2012

We need to make God's kingdom the first priority in our lives.

New York Stockbroker had just purchased a brand new porsche. He parked it in front of his office to show it off to his colleagues. As he’s getting out of the car, an SUV comes speeding along too close to the curb and takes off the door before driving off. The man gets very upset. He grabs ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

God's Commandment To Repent, Part One Series

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Sep 1, 2007

This is the first sermon in a series on the New Testmanet meaning and need for repentance. It was first preached in preparation for the congregation receiving Holy Communion.

God’s Commandment to Repent, Part One --Mark 1:14-15 I remember when I was first called to preach my pastor Eugene Black and his successor Mode Powell would often invite me to preach even while I was still in high school or when I would be home from college on a break. Those first attempts were ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-15

Denomination: Methodist

Hope Series

Contributed by Darrin Fish on Dec 7, 2007

The first in a series of Advent sermons. The hope we find in Christ

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man • Who, along with his devoted son, shared a passion for art collecting. • Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. • Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27

Denomination: Christian Church