Sermons on Houston:

Christmas, Mary's Point Of View

Contributed by Lee Houston on Dec 14, 2022

We each have heard the story of Christmas many times: the angel Gabriel visits Mary and then visits Joseph, the shepherds, the Host Angels phrasing God, the Wise Men. Today, I want to concentrate on Mary’s part, the human part of the Christmas story.

Christmas, Mary's Point Of View Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Mathew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-21, Isaiah 7:14 We each have heard the story of Christmas many times: the angel Gabriel visits Mary and then visits Joseph, the shepherds, the Host Angels phrasing God, and the Wise Men. Today, I want to ...read more

Christmas, The Gift, The Peaceable Kingdom

Contributed by Lee Houston on Dec 17, 2022

The Christmas season has many wonderful traditions. Does everyone here know of the "tradition" of kissing under the mistletoe?

Christmas, The Gift, The Peaceable Kingdom Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 1:1-17 The Christmas season has many wonderful traditions. Does everyone here know of the "tradition" of kissing under the mistletoe? The history of kissing under the mistletoe is from ancient Scandinavian ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 1:1-17

The Great Commission

Contributed by Lee Houston on Jan 2, 2024

Today, many in America live with anxiety.

The Great Commission Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 Sermon Purpose: to persuade the congregation to respond to the Great Commission Central Idea: Living the Great Commission is the answer to all societal problems national, local and personal. Purposely written in second person This sermon ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

A True Christian

Contributed by Lee Houston on May 22, 2021

Many Christians have no idea of what following Christ means.

A True Christian Scripture: Luke 14:25-35 Central idea: Many Christians have no idea of what following Christ means. Specific purpose: to communicate to the congregation the true cost of Discipleship The inspiration for this sermon is Charles H. Spurgeon's sermon “Counting the Cost”. Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

Hell

Contributed by Lee Houston on Jun 25, 2021

I am going to talk about what Jesus said of hell, and the wrong beliefs that some have about it. I do this not to frighten anyone but as information that may be useful in some witnessing opportunities.

Hell Scripture: Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 5:29 Summary: I am going to talk about what Jesus said of hell and the wrong beliefs that some have about it. I do this not to frighten anyone but as information may be useful in some witnessing opportunities. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31, Matthew 5:29

Speak Out With Boldness

Contributed by Lee Houston on Apr 11, 2021

We are to fight against the evils of our time with truth, righteousness, faith and we are to proclaim the Gospel boldly.

Speak Out With Boldness Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, Luke 4:1-13 Central idea: We are to fight against the evils of our time with truth, righteousness, and faith proclaiming the Gospel boldly. Delivery style: Speak forcefully Paul was in chains in prison when He wrote this letter to the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, Luke 4:1-13

Let Me Introduce You To One Like Moses

Contributed by Lee Houston on Apr 17, 2021

As Moses approached the end of his life, he wrote the Book of Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy, God promised to send another like Moses to teach the people of Israel. God did, God sent Jesus.

Let Me Introduce You To One Like Moses Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-22, Matthew 17:5 Summary: As Moses approached the end of his life, he wrote the Book of Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy, God promised to send another like Moses to teach the people of Israel. God did, God sent Jesus. Central idea: God ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-22, Matthew 17:5

God Had Much To Teach Abraham About Worship

Contributed by Lee Houston on May 3, 2021

God started where Abraham was and took him to where God wanted Abraham to be. He does that with people of faith.

God Had Much To Teach Abraham About Worship Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19, Matthew 22:32 Central idea: God started where Abraham was and took him to where God wanted Abraham to be. He does that with people of faith. When we attend church, do we always worship God? We sing songs and listen to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19, Matthew 22:32

Observations: What Grows A Church?

Contributed by Lee Houston on Apr 7, 2022

What are the characteristics of a growing church?

Observations: What Grows A Church? Scripture: Romans 7:7, Matthew 5:18 Summary: What are the characteristics of a growing church? I was puzzled: What are the characteristics of a growing church? I have a master’s degree, a research degree that taught me how to conduct qualitative studies and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:7, Matthew 5:18

A Very Important Question To Ask, What Is Truth?

Contributed by Lee Houston on Jul 28, 2022

Jesus said, John 8:31b-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This is an often-quoted scripture; so, what did Jesus mean by the word "truth”?

Title: It is Important to Ask, What is Truth? Central idea: contrast Jesus' truth with truth in American culture today Specific purpose: define the culture in which we must live Christ Jesus said, John 8:31b-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know ...read more

Scripture: Romans 2:13-15, John 8:31-32

Christ’s Spirit Or Fleshly Desires

Contributed by Lee Houston on Nov 13, 2021

Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?

Christ’s Spirit or Fleshly Desires We have less than half the number of churches in America that we had a hundred years ago and yet the population in those hundred years is three times what it was then. There are 250,000 Protestant churches in America and 80% are showing a decline or no growth in ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:15

The Miracle Of The First Thanksgiving: Squanto

Contributed by Lee Houston on Nov 15, 2021

Then a miracle occurred. Squanto walked into their lives. Squanto was an American Indian born January 1, 1585 somewhere near present day Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The Miracle of the First Thanksgiving: Squanto Scripture: Matthew 25:40, Psalms 100 It is common to compile wish lists at Christmas and draw up a list of resolutions for the New Year. There is another list we may consider, a Thanksgiving Day list. Let me read a part of the list that several ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:40

Serious Humor: Is Hell A Bad Place?

Contributed by Lee Houston on Dec 17, 2021

The devil is a trickster.

Is Hell a Bad Place? It was just minutes before an important vote in the Senate, and Senator XYZ was hurrying across the street in front of the Capitol Building to be on time for a roll call vote. In his rush, he stepped out in front of a tractor-trailer. Mashed flat, the next thing the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:35, 2 Corinthians 11:3

The Rock That Broke

Contributed by Lee Houston on Nov 3, 2024

I accepted Christ many decades ago, and ever since, I have tried my best to love my neighbor as I love myself. Yet, there are times that I fail. That can happen to the best of us. It may be something we say or do that is stupid or not thoughtful or inconsiderate.

Title: The Rock that Broke Specific purpose: failures can grow us I accepted Christ many decades ago, and ever since, I have tried to love my neighbor as I love myself. Yet, there are times that I fail. That can happen to the best of us. It may be something we say or do that is stupid ...read more

Scripture: John 13:5-9, Matthew 26:3

John 3:16-17

Contributed by Lee Houston on Dec 20, 2024

Last week, I had three people tell me that they did not feel Saved. They wanted to know how to be sure. If three people asked me that, I have to imagine that there are others in our mists who have the same question. So how do you know for sure?

Scripture: John 3:16-17 Central idea: Jesus Saves. Specific purpose: to reach the unsaved. Introduction: Last week, I had three people tell me that they did not feel Saved. They wanted to know how to be sure. If three people asked me that, I have to imagine that there are others ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17