Sermons on Fixed Focus:

You Don't Look Like Your Picture!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 18, 2022

The first church was powerful for the cause of Christ. When we match the present churches to that earliest congregation, we are often compelled to confess that we don't look like we are their descendants. It is past time for us to take steps to correct this situation.

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

A Message For An Intellectual Age

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 9, 2020

Paul's message before the Areopagus forms the basis for a study of how to approach an intellectual audience. This knowledge is necessary if we are to succeed in presenting the Faith in the midst of our world today. This is the substance of a radio message at Easter.

“Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: “To the unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-32

Denomination: Baptist

Punishment Pays For Sin (Exodus 32:15-35, Isaiah 53:1-6) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 10, 2023

Sometimes, God is unwilling to "carry" sin; it has to be paid for through punishment. This idea, supported by Isaiah 40, unlocks the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. Jesus atoned, by taking the punishment of our sin.

Let's start today by rereading last week's passage Exodus 32:1-14: (1) and the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, and the people gathered/assembled before Aaron, and they said to him, "Rise up. Make for us elohim who shall walk/go before ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:15-35, Isaiah 40:1-2, Isaiah 53:1-6, Numbers 25:1-13

When Religion Loses Relationship Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 25, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019 Text: Luke 6:1-11 Note: The following is not a transcript. I only read Scripture and main point. The rest serves as a source of prepared thought that I hope to share more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Offer (Exodus 23:20-33; Jude 5) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 2, 2023

God's been setting up the framework for a new covenant with Israel. Having described what it means to obey God (Exodus 19:5), God now unpacks his offer-- What will God do for his people?

The past several weeks, while working through the Book of the Covenant in Exodus, we've seen God set out his expectations for how his people will live toward him, and toward each other. Some of these expectations have been straightforward rules. God has specific do's and don'ts for ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 23:20-33, 1 John 3:21-24, Romans 12:1-2, Jude 1:5

The New Experience

Contributed by Jeff Hughes on Jan 14, 2003

The disciples of Christ are instructed to wait for the Holy Spirit.

The New Experience Acts 1:5-8 I. Introduction a. The Holy Spirit is necessary in our Christian walk. He is the power source that drives us in our daily walk. It’s also the Holy Spirit that convicts us of our sins, and it is Him that draws unbelievers to Christ. One of the main rules of Scuba ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:5-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Where Was God? Series

Contributed by Chris Talton on Sep 23, 2002

In order to understand God’s actions on 9/11 and in our personal tragedies, we must understand God’s character.

Sept. 22, 2002 John 11 “Where was God?” INTRODUCTION I got a new cell phone this week – same phone #, just different phone. I never had a cell phone before I moved to West Virginia. I didn’t see the use in having one. But now that I have one, it’s great! When I’m on the road, I can ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-37

Denomination: Baptist

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2023

While we would never encourage a church to be "woke," there is a biblical expectation that we will practise Scriptural diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as demonstrated by Jesus.

“[Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

Fruit Of The Spirit (Bible Study) - Peace Series

Contributed by Christi Campione on Jun 14, 2025

This week, we’re going to take a look at the fruit of peace and learn exactly how to produce peace in our lives. It’s much easier than you think, no praying, asking, or begging required. If you did your homework, and practiced letting your joy out, then peace will follow.

Download Sermon PDF for easy reading and printing: https://myprayernotebook4life.wordpress.com/sermon-pdfs/ Password: SermonCentral (If you did the Armor of God series some may be a repeat. That’s ok. Remind everyone that we haven’t quite mastered peace, and it’s good to hear again.) So far in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:3, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:7-8, James 3:7-8, Luke 6:45, Psalm 34:12-14  (view more)  (view less)

The Glory Of The Story - 1 Peter 1:10-12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 29, 2024

Why did the prophets search their own writings? Did they not understand what they wrote? If that's the case, what were they trying to communicate when they wrote it?

The prophets searched Scripture to find out what kind of era it would be when the Messiah would suffer and then be glorified. But they were told that it was not for them to know. We get to participate in this glorious kingdom in the Church (why would a Christian prefer the world to the Church?). ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-12

Are We Ready To Give Series

Contributed by Tony Miano on Feb 15, 2001

Part of being the salt of the world is being ready to give sacrifically, abundantly, liberaly, and tenderly.

Are We Ready To Give? I Timothy 6:18 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano Pico Canyon Community Church February 18, 2001 Introduction: We’re going to continue our study on giving this morning. Last week we looked to God’s Word for some perspective about what a rich person actually looks like, and we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:18

Denomination: *other

God's Vision: A City Without Measure (Zechariah 2:1-13) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 29, 2026

You need to think big, and measure big, to keep up with God's visions. God is able to do far more than we think or ask. Also, what does it look like to flee from Babylon today (cf. Revelation 18:4)

Today, we continue our Zechariah series, in Zechariah chapter 2. In this chapter, we get to read Zechariah's third vision, and then we have an oracle that builds on that vision. But before we dive in, we need to go back to the first vision. What Zechariah saw first, is something we need to ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 2:1-13, Ephesians 3:20-21, Revelation 18:4

From Nephilim To Neuralink Demons, A.i., And The Fall Of Mankind - 2 Peter 2:4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 15, 2026

Designer babies. Brain chips. Human-animal hybrids. Elon Musk once called AI "summoning the demon." What if he was closer to the truth than he realized—and Genesis 6 holds the key?

2 Peter 2:3 ... Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into pits of darkness to be held for judgment; ... 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6-7

How To Draw Near To God (Part 2)

Contributed by Tony Miano on Jul 14, 2001

This morning we’re going to look at the last seven stop on James’ roadmap for drawing near to God.

How To Draw Near To God (Part 2) James 4:8b-10 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano Pico Canyon Community Church July 8, 2001 Introduction: Two weeks ago we began to look at what can be described as a ten-stop road map for drawing near to God. James, in chapter four, verses 7-10, of his letter gives ...read more

Scripture: James 4:8-10

Denomination: *other

The Sooners Vs. The Soft - Matthew 5:5 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 4, 2024

This passage describes one of the virtues of Jesus that he explicitly drew attention to because of how important it is, and yet it’s one of the least desired virtues even among Christians. This message reveals the meaning of meekness, and how to become more meek.

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5