Sermons on Forbidden Fruit:

2 Adams, 2 Gardens, 2 Outcomes

Contributed by John Gaston on Apr 15, 2021

To save us, God had to send a second Adam, who would face the same temptations, but not fail in his obedience to God. Jesus did it. As a result, His descendants have power over sin, are made righteous, and have a glorious future ahead of them.

2 ADAMS, 2 GARDENS, 2 OUTCOMES 1 Cor. 15:45-47 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: ONE STEP CLOSER TO... 1. I once read about a rabbi sitting next to an atheist on an airplane. Every few minutes, one of the rabbi’s children or grandchildren would inquire about his needs for food, drink, or comfort. The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:45-47

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Overcoming Temptation Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 16, 2012

Knowing where temptation comes from helps us overcome it.

A man had just started a diet and was having a difficult time staying away from tempting treats. He had to go downtown (or uptown as they say here) and remembered that his route would take him past the bakery. And so he prayed, “Lord, if you want me to stop for a doughnut, let there be a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Figs

Contributed by Greg Addison on Nov 5, 2008

As believers, we are saved and commanded to bear fruit. We will be judged on how we bear fruit. Jesus uses the parable of a barren fig tree to teach us of both the coming judgment of our productiveness, as well as how to bear fruit in the christian life.

HOOK: Figs – Janet preserving my Gran’s homemade fig preserves. I love fig preserves. READ: Luke 13:6-9 LOGO – Be doers of the Word and not hearers only James 1:22 I. F RUIT: First, we see in this passage that the purpose of a fig tree is to bear fruit Let me give you some facts about ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Fortunetellers, Witchcraft, And Magic

Contributed by Dennis King on Oct 25, 2021

The Bible does not differentiate between “good” and “bad” magic. Scripture doesn’t distinguish whether the magic is supposed to be used for good or for bad; it’s forbidden when and if it appears from a source other than God's powers or implementations.

Over the course of your life, you probably have been exposed to discussions on white or black magic. White magic is often considered and described as “good” magic. This is in contrast to black magic, which is a power or phenomenon evoked by evil spirits. Some people believe both variants exist. ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:31, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Slave Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 30, 2021

The topic of slavery is a very emotional one, because most people only know of corrupt forms of slavery and because the threat of such slavery still exists in the modern world. However, we need to learn that kidnapping and enforced slavery were also forbidden in the Bible.

The topic of slavery is a very emotional one, because most people only know of corrupt forms of slavery and because the threat of such slavery still exists in the modern world. However, we need to learn that kidnapping and enforced slavery were also forbidden in the Bible. The only kinds of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Quest For Community Series

Contributed by David Asch on Nov 21, 2005

Today’s question: what is the key element to fulfilling our mission? What is the most important thing we need in order to be fruit and produce fruit?

QUEST FOR COMMUNITY INTRO: This week: Hurricane Katrina – an example of how something can kill a community/threaten to wipe out a community. Last week: Our mission is to grow fruitful followers of Jesus Christ. We are to be fruit and produce fruit. Today’s question: what is the key element to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Pleasure Of Perfection Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 5, 2021

Psalm 84 begins with an expression of pleasure in God's dwelling place. "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty." There is a deep longing in this song to experience again the pleasure of being in this lovely environment where the presence of God could be felt.

Christians have always had mixed feelings about pleasure. They know God made us to enjoy many pleasures of life, and yet there are also the forbidden pleasures. These are often just extremes of what is acceptable. Sex is good, but immorality is bad. Food is good, but gluttony is bad. Abundance is ...read more

Why Christmas

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Oct 31, 2000

A look at some of the traditions of Christmas and why we celebrate it.

CHRISTMAS, AIN'T IT GREAT? ALL THE TRADITION AND HYPE, ALL OF THE SACRED AND SECULAR, ALL OF THE GIVING AND ALL OF THE GETTING. BUT HAVE YOU EVER STOPPED TO ASK YOUR SELF "WHY CHRISTMAS?" WHY DOES THE ENTIRE WORLD SEEM TO QUEUE UP TO AT LEAST ACKNOWLEDGE THE 25TH OF DECEMBER. WHERE DID ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Why Tragedy Occurs

Contributed by Steve Hereford on Nov 3, 2001

On September 11, 2001 America as we knew it changed. With the attacks of terrorists on New York and Washington, what was only seen on television had now become reality for all American’s. Join Pastor Steve as he examines the reasons for tragedy.

INTRODUCTION On September 11, 2001, America awoke to the shocking site of two planes crashing into the World Trade Center. Also in a matter of minutes another plane crashed into the Pentagon and a third which seems to have been meant for the White House. In the wake of all of this terror, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:22-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Progressive Nature Of Sin

Contributed by Lee Henry on Nov 15, 2006

James teaches us that big sins begin with small temptations.

The Progressive Nature of Sin James 1:13-15 “Great oaks from little acorns grow.” The mustard seed “is smaller that all other seeds, but when it is full grown...becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” (Matt. 13:31) In this life we can all think of many ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Necessity Of Obedience Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 10, 2008

Obedience is a must for those who want to have a right relationship with God.

The Necessity of Obedience [Give background of text- jailed & miraculously freed] Acts 5:25-32 Intro: If you know the story of the first man and woman in the Bible, you know that God gave them only one restriction: Don’t eat from one certain tree or you will certainly die. With a little help ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:26-32

Denomination: Assembly Of God

No Hiding Place

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Apr 18, 2010

Achan discovered the reality that sin has no hiding place and carries with it dire consequences not only for the offender but that are widespread. One man’s sin can destroy a family, a church, and even a nation.

No Hiding Place – Joshua 7:1-12 Introduction: The actions of a few can have positive or negative consequences for hundreds. This is powerfully illustrated in the life of a man named Achan. His attitude may have been the same as many today: what I do is nobody’s business but mine. Achan ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Not By Bread Alone

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Feb 25, 2020

Let us always be thankful for God's grace in Jesus Christ.

Not by Bread Alone Matthew 4:1-11 We have now come to the Christian season of Lent, which is a forty-day reflection upon one’s life and its relation to Jesus Christ. It is to be observed as a time of fasting and prayer. The 40 days reflects the 40 days that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Peter 5:7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

It Will Work Out In God's Time

Contributed by Leslie Lawson on Mar 26, 2023

It will all work out in the end... If it doesn't work out, it isn't the end!

It will work out By Russ Lawson Aim: To help folks take a different view of the things that happen in life. Theme: Learning to trust God…till the end... Main Text: Romans 8:28 Introduction: You may or may not know that I am a fan of Science Fiction/Adventure books, movies, etc. I was reading a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Enduring Temptation And Overcoming Sin

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on May 17, 2018

Temptation is the enticement of our natural, God-given desires to go beyond God-given bounds. We can blame our failure to resist temptation on others, Satan, or God Himself, but in reality, we are the ones who choose to indulge.

ENDURING TEMPTATION AND OVERCOMING SIN Study Text: James 1: 12 – 16 Introduction: - One of the greatest challenges of living the Christian life is dealing with temptations. This is especially true for new Christians: For it can be frustrating to know that your sins have been forgiven, only to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12-16

Denomination: Pentecostal