Sermons on Harmless:

The Seven Churches-Philadelphia Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 9, 2026

Philadelphia didn't seem to be a large church, but the little strength they had was enough for them to overcome with the Lord's help. This church was truly the church of the open door!

The Seven Churches-Philadelphia (Full disclosure: this message is based on a sermon I preached at New Hope Baptist Church near Fulton, MO on November 23, 2025 but is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: My paternal grandfather and one of Dad’s brothers were both pastors for many years. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Anger - An Open Door To The Enemy

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Feb 2, 2026

There are many ways in which devil finds his way into the lives of believers. These are generally the open doors that we provide him.

In The Screwtape Letters, a little book written by C. S. Lewis, a demon by the name of Screwtape writes letters to his nephew, Wormwood, on how to be more successful at tempting human beings. In one letter, Screwtape advises Wormwood that if he wants to keep his assigned human on the road to hell, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27, Mark 3:4-5, James 1:20, Luke 15:28, Genesis 4:1-4, 1 Peter 5:8  (view more)  (view less)

Elevate To The Next Level: "Living In Thankfulness”

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Nov 16, 2025

As I was going through this study on how to live thankfully, I realized that living thankfully elevates our relationship with God and with others. It takes it to the next level. In other words, as disciples of Jesus Christ, this is next-level stuff.

Elevate to the Next Level “Living in Thankfulness” Watch on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gn1kpICHtk Knowing that Thanksgiving is just a week away, I thought it was appropriate to look at our series on elevating discipleship to the next level by talking about our need to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:19-20, Hebrews 12:28, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 118:1, Romans 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

So Near -- So Far

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 29, 2025

Older brothers get lost at home—close to God yet far from His heart—but the Father invites them inside to enjoy His joy.

INTRODUCTION – MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Today our nation pauses to remember those who gave their lives for freedom. For many, Memorial Day is a date on the calendar; for me, it is a name. My older brother Bob, now laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, reminds me that freedom always carries a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:15-17, Psalm 103:10-13, Galatians 4:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Ephesus: The Loveless Church Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Feb 14, 2026

Faithful labor and sound doctrine marked the church in Ephesus, but love had grown cold. Jesus’ call is not to do more, but to return—to remember, repent, and rekindle devotion to Him. True renewal begins when love for Christ is restored.

## INTRODUCTION — THE CHRIST WHO HOLDS AND WALKS WITH HIS CHURCH The last time we met, we began our study of the seven churches that are found in the first three chapters of Revelation. As we started, we listened before we evaluated. Before Jesus says anything to His church, He reveals something ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7, Acts 20:28-31, Matthew 7:20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Resting In The Lord Series

Contributed by John Walls on Sep 16, 2002

Continuing in the area of resting in the Lord

RESTING IN THE LORD Psalm 37:7 Part 2 Introduction: Last week we picked up this Psalm and saw the promises of Our Great God. When I reflect on the promises of God, my heart has this song in its heart. "How Great Thou Art" Our God is great. He is great because He is not with our hands. He is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:7

Denomination: Baptist

Live As Children Of Light Series

Contributed by Jim Luthy on Oct 30, 2002

A child of light concerns himself with conduct that is personally and morally fitting for those who are blessed and have Christ dwelling in them.

In our study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, we were first challenged to pursue understanding—we are blessed in the heavenly realms; we can know Christ more and more, and as we know him he will become for us our only prize, our greatest treasure; we are God’s completed work, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Can We Know What To Believe About God

Contributed by David Haun on Jan 8, 2004

There are so many ideas about "God," How can we know what to believe. This is a teaching sermon that attempts to answer the quest.

WITH ALL THE IDEAS ABOUT "GOD," HOW CAN WE KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE? Dr. David L. Haun Of all the things God desires in our lives, the thing He wants from us more than anything else is that we know him. In the Old Testament book of Hosea, The prophet writes: "For I delight in loyalty rather than ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Love Test

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Aug 1, 2002

It’s easy to say that we love God, isn’t it? As long as we don’t probe any deeper than that. But the Bible does probe deeper than that, & it asks more questions than just that one.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED - 2018) TEXT: 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:26?31 A. I'm not thrilled about taking tests, & I'm glad my years of schooling are behind me. At my age the tests I take now are stress tests & EKGs & hearing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 11:27-31, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Journey Through The Valley Of Temptation Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Jun 22, 2001

Jesus was tempted in the same way we have, but He made it without sin!

INTRODUCTION  Bobby desperately wanted a new bicycle. His parents told him he would have to save his money and buy it himself. Not terribly surprised or disappointed, Bobby vowed to save his nickels, dimes and quarters until he finally had enough to buy a bicycle. His plan began well ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Purpose Of Temptation

Contributed by Chris Smith on Jul 21, 2001

Our immediate reaction to a heartache, or a successful achievement that took years to overcome, must be one of getting ready for the next hurdle. If you don’t have any hurdles to jump in your life – if there aren’t any goals set for you right now – if yo

The Purpose of Temptation Chris Smith Matthew 4:1-2 Oscar Wilde once said that he could resist everything except temptation. An old cartoon had the two characters looking at each other with a caption below them saying, “How come opportunity knocks only once, but temptation beats the door down ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-2, Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Story Of Ruth - A Heroine In Search Of A Home Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Aug 6, 2001

The major motif to watch for as you work your way through this story is a movement from emptiness, famine, and death to fullness, plenty, and life.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: As you walk down the red carpet, a frenzied mob swarms around you, demanding your autograph. The reporters are snapping your picture, nearly blinding you. Every ten feet, a television crew stops you for an interview. Have you just become the hottest newest star? ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:6-22

Focus Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Apr 16, 2004

Week four in a four week series on the essentials for conquerors.

14, March 2004 Dakota Community Church The Essentials The Essential Characteristics of Conquerors WEEK FOUR: FOCUS Introduction: The bride was very nervous. It was right before the wedding and she wasn’t sure she could even walk down aisle. So her father gave her some words of wisdom. He said to ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9, Daniel 6:10

Denomination: Mennonite

A Closer Look At Encouragment Series

Contributed by Jason Cole on Feb 20, 2004

It is so easy to get discouraged, but the words that we say have such an impact on people. The church today needs encouragment, but how can we give and receive encouragment

“A Closer Look: Encouragement” Introduction: William Arthur Ward said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” Our words are one of the most powerful weapons that we have. With ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Knowing Jesus In Times Of Crisis

Contributed by Daniel Villa on Apr 9, 2003

Your view of Jesus (theology) determines your attitude in these times of crisis.

KNOWING JESUS IN TIMES OF CRISIS Revelation 5:1-14 I do not normally explain how or why a sermon is preached, but would take exception today. While in a prayer meeting last night, about 9.30 pm, following a house blessing, the Lord gave me this thought: “My people need to know how God is doing ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

Denomination: Church Of God