Sermons on Hard Knocks:

Five Truths About Christmas Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 14, 2014

Life - real Life can be hard, but in the scale of eternity it is only for a moment and maybe if we spent more time seeking God’s guidance, if we spent more time trusting Him.

It’s the 2nd Sunday of Advent - it’s just 17 days to Christmas Day. So let me ask you: Are you ready for Christmas? “Are you ready for Christmas?” .... What question am I really asking you this morning.. When I ask are you ready for Christmas? Do you think I’m ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Prophetic Warning

Contributed by John Hardwick on Aug 25, 2016

As one reads news articles from around the Christian community, it is hard not to notice that many churches and denominations seem to stepping away from "controversial" biblical teachings in favor of a world view version of the bible.

Leviticus 26:1-17 Luke 4:16–21; 1 Corinthians 7:21–24; Galatians 6:7–10 I am Adonai your God. “‘Keep my Shabbats, and revere my sanctuary; I am Adonai. A Prophetic ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 26:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Motivating The Complacent Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 7, 2022

When a ministry grows, there will be those who will hear of the great harvest taking place; but when they see the work that it entails, they will wait for someone else to do the job, hoping to benefit from the hard work of others.

When we communicate a compelling vision for our church and community, we will start seeing people join our fellowship. They will hear of the blessings of the Promised Land and want to become a part of it; however, not everyone will partake of the rewards. It won’t just happen automatically ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 18:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

One Filthy Rag Talking To Another Filthy Rag

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Jul 3, 2023

You cannot be saved by your good works, because no matter how hard you try, your “Good” is not good enough for the perfectly holy and completely righteous God who alone grants salvation.

TITLE: ONE FILTHY RAG TALKING TO ANOTHER FILTHY RAG SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 64:6 / ROMANS 3:10 / ROMANS 3:23 / ZECHARIAH 3:1-4 The title of this morning’s message came from a rather exciting and spirit filled Bible Study we had here at ‘First Church’ a few weeks ago. Rev. Finley actually threw ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:6, Zechariah 3:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is Your Savior? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 4, 2023

It might be hard to believe, but you and I could share our Jesus just like Peter did on the day of Pentecost. But what did Peter do that we can do to share our faith?

OPEN: Back in the days of the California gold rush, there were 3 prospectors who found a rich vein of gold back in the hills. They realized this was a great discovery and they decided, “We’ve a good thing going here - as long as no one else finds out about it.” So they made a vow to each other keep ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:22-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Hope Laid Up For You Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Apr 26, 2022

In the times and cultures of the Colossian church, hope was a commodity hard to come by. In his letter to them, Paul instructs them where they can find the kind of hope no one can rob from them.

I. Introduction A. There is a story about how the caverns north of Yellowstone National Park were discovered. As the story goes, one of the original explorers was walking along the top of that mountain and fell through a hole, and he dropped down several hundred feet into this cavern and ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 10:17

Walk Worthy Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Apr 26, 2022

In the times and cultures of the Colossian church, hope was a commodity hard to come by. In his letter to them, Paul instructs them where they can find the kind of hope no one can rob from them.

I. Intro A. This is another of Paul’s “prison epistles,” written from the barracks in Rome (as he did with his letter to the Philippians) and in the company of Timothy B. Points out Epaphras (not Epaphroditus, a messenger for the Philippians), likely founder and pastor C. He expressed ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14, Romans 11:33, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:14-17, 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 3:16-20, James 1:2-4, Matthew 5:12, Revelation 2:10, Romans 8:17, Psalm 103:12  (view more)  (view less)

Hope For A New Year Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Apr 26, 2022

In the times and cultures of the Colossian church, hope was a commodity hard to come by. In his letter to them, Paul instructs them where they can find the kind of hope no one can rob from them.

I. Intro A. There is a poignant scene in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, where Jesus is carrying His cross down the Via Dolorosa. Upon seeing Mary, His mother, Jesus says, “Look, mother, I am doing a new thing.” B. For us, every day is a new thing, but some days have more importance than ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20, Philippians 2:6, John 1:14, John 8:58, John 10:30, Romans 8:29, John 1:1-3, Romans 11:33-36, Revelation 22:13, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 2:19, John 5:28-29  (view more)  (view less)

Spiritual Bone Density Test

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jun 6, 2021

Although bones may seem like hard and lifeless structures, bones are living tissues with blood supply and active metabolism. Bones make up our skeletons and provide structure and support for our bodies.

Spiritual Bone Density Test By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. SCRIPTURE: - Ezekiel 37:3 “And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest”. PRAYER: - OPENING: - There is a commercial on T.V. that deals with a medication called Prolia. In that ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:3, Psalm 139:23, James 1:14-15

Denomination: Apostolic

The Greatest Man Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 15, 2021

Great men are themselves a testimony to the greatness of Jesus. It would be hard to find any famous person who has ever made a comment about Jesus who did not admit His uniqueness and greatness.

Ivan Maddox has pointed out that there have only been three perfect people in this world, and they were Adam, Eve, and Jesus Christ, who is called the second Adam. So two Adam’s and an Eve make up the total population of that mini list of people who were perfect. That list is quickly reduced to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:11-18

Joyful Expectations Beyond Covid 19

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 27, 2021

Covid 19 has so many despondent and hopeless. The discovery of a vaccine has been a source of encouragement, but the journey has been long and hard. Yet, this psalm gives us a hope of a great turnaround.

Psalm 126 is called an ascension Psalm is psalms filled expectation and hope. It was one the song sang as the children of Israel went up to worship at Jerusalem. Some associate this psalm with the time after Israel was released from the Babylonian Captivity. Israel’s history is filled with ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

When You’re Down Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 24, 2018

Have you ever had one of those days when everything goes wrong? It doesn’t make any difference how hard you try; it just seems that everything backfires on you?

5 November 2005 When You’re Down John 14:1-14:6 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Marks Of A Christian - Loyalty

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jan 2, 2020

Loyalty is a devotion and faithfulness to a nation, cause, philosophy, country, group, or person. Loyalty is hard to find. Trust is easy to lose. Actions speak louder than words. Quote taken from Quotling.com

Paul said, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” He was in prison at this time. Chains were about his ankles, but his soul was free. He was a prisoner of Caesar, but he was a free man in Christ Jesus. Christ was his only master. Picture him there in prison, writing this letter to the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:17, Revelation 2:10

Denomination: Baptist

Let There Be Light

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Mar 26, 2018

I this sermon I am going to use what we do know physical light and darkness to better explain what Christians often have a hard time understanding spiritual darkness and light.

Let there be Light Genesis 1:1-5 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Onion And The Apple

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Nov 3, 2017

In life we go through seasons. Some seasons are hard and bitter. Some seasons are sweet and wonderful. We must realize our choices, attitudes and words have consequences. Consider the apple and the onion.

THE ONION OR THE APPLE? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I have an onion and a sweet apple in my hands as I begin. In the 1929 ROSE BOWL, a man became known by a new name: WRONG WAY ROY RIEGELS WRONG WAY was hit so hard in the football game, he recovered a fumble and he ran the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God