Sermons on Irreducible Complexity:

Opposition, Prayer, And Victory Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 30, 2009

Preached in 1989. Sometimes opposition is deeply destructive and isolating; the only answer is through prayer, for ultimately integrity is given by the risen Christ.

Opposition comes in all shapes and sizes. Opposition: feeling that somebody is out to stop you -- it takes many different forms. Sometimes it is just outright, straightforward, political campaigning. Sometimes folks choose up sides and define the issues and go after each other, and that‘s all ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

First Light Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Dec 18, 2018

God predicted the Messiah would come eons before He did, in the darkness that followed the Fall--giving hope to mankind even after everything had gone wrong. It was the "first light" that shown in the darkness, and the light still shines, and the darkness has yet to overcome it.

The Divine Advent(ure) First Light Genesis 3:14—4:1 This morning, we kick off for the Christmas season, believe it or not, a Christmas series, since Jesus Christ is what the Christmas season is all about. I’m calling it The Divine Advent(ure). We’ll have six messages to consider the Greatest ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:14-19, John 3:16, 1 John 3:8

Denomination: Bible Church

The Shepherds - The Dilemma Of Insignificance Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jan 3, 2019

The antidote to insignificance is to celebrate the presence of God in the ordinary moments of life

NOTE: This is a manuscript, and not a transcript of this message. The actual presentation of the message differed from the manuscript through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is possible, and even likely that there is material in this manuscript that was not included in the live ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

Essential Truths - God Is Spirit, And God Is A Consuming Fire Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Jan 6, 2019

This is the first message in a series shared by 4 preachers on the Trinity and seeks to motivate listeners to deeper devotion and service to God.

Sermon for CATM - January 6, 2019 - Essential Truths The Triune God: Intro-God is Spirit; a Consuming Fire John 4:21-26; Hebrews 12:28-29 When you read the Bible, when you study the Bible, you learn about God and you learn about you. You learn surprising things about God that expand your heart ...read more

Scripture: John 4:21-26, Hebrews 12:28-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Created In The Image Of God Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on May 8, 2022

This message looks at the concept of being created in the image of God, what that means and how the image becomes distorted.

In the Beginning. That’s where it all started and where God created all things. Now, I have no interest in dating when that creation may or may not have happened. Everybody has a theory. For me, it’s enough to believe that God created everything. That this world as we know it was not an ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31

Denomination: Wesleyan

If You've Seen Me Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on May 19, 2022

What do you picture when you picture God: A heavenly tyrant and scrupulous bookkeeper? "Every idea and assumption, says Trevor Hudson, must be measured against the person of Jesus."

Last Sunday I asked you to mentally or physically draw a picture of what you think God looks like. It may have sounded silly or trite, but I was very, very serious. As preacher, author, and lecturer Trevor Hudson so powerfully and succinctly put it: “In each of our hearts and minds there is ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6-11

Denomination: United Methodist

How To Become A Good Buddy

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on May 31, 2022

Body language has become a very important thing these days.

Body language is used in nearly every aspect of daily life, and observing someone can sometimes tell you a lot about how a person is feeling and what is on their mind. For example, in poker, people try to limit their body language to prevent others from guessing their hand or what they might ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:36-37

Denomination: Baptist

In Him Was Yes

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 9, 2022

In this passage, some people questioned Paul's honesty and integrity. He assured them that the message he preached was true, and that God is forever faithful. Paul said, “All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen.”

A defense attorney was cross-examining a police officer during a felony trial and it went like this: Q. Officer, did you see my client fleeing the scene? A. No sir, but someone matching his description was seen running. Q. Officer, who provided this description? A. The officer who responded to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

A God-Planted Church

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 16, 2022

Today I want to talk to you about church planting, because all churches are not GOD PLANTED!

HOW DOES GOD PLANT A CHURCH? CHURCH PLANTING is something like what a farmer does, he plants the seed, cultivates the seed, fertilizes the seed and then patiently waits for it to grow. Church planters basically do the same thing. They have to plant the seed (Gospel), cultivate the seed, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Hedge Of Protection

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 17, 2022

Solomon is considered to be one of, if not the smartest man who ever walked on this earth. When a man like this gives advice, it might be smart for us to listen to him. In this verse of scripture he reveals two things:

(1) He talks about how traps that people set for each other often trap those who set them. Illus: Have you ever set a rat trap and had it snap and catch your finger? Illus: A good example of setting a trap and getting caught in it is found in the Book of Esther, where wicked Haman was hanged on ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:8

Denomination: Baptist

Suppose You Were The Devil

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 22, 2022

On some of the talk shows, like “Hannity and Colmes” on the Fox News Channel, we hear folks debating things and now and then they come to a topic that they both agree on.

To make the debate more exciting, one of them will say, "Let me play the devil’s advocate and ask you this question.” Then they will state the opposing view, to add some life to the debate. As believers, we all agree on many things when it comes to God, the Bible, and the church. Let me ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25, 2 Corinthians 9:7

Denomination: Baptist

Three Big Mistakes In Life

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 30, 2022

People make mistakes because we can’t see ahead.

Illus: On July 4, 1952, Florence Chadwich, aged 34, waded into the water off Catalina Island and began her 21-mile swim toward California. If she completed her journey, she would be the first woman ever to accomplish this feat. The water was ice cold, and the fog was so heavy, that Florence could ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Peace That Passes Understanding

Contributed by Terence D. Engler on Dec 3, 2021

I prepared this message as part of a Series for Advent, and this one really ministered to me the peace of God for these difficult days in which we live.

“PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING” PT. 2 “ADVENT 2021” Phil. 4.6-7 One of the lasting, profound emotions that Christmas evokes in my life is that of peace; I’m not sure whether it’s the stillness of a late-night recounting of the Christmas story, the stillness of a cold, wintry night, or the peace ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 24:6-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Got It--Saying Goodbye & Entering Retirement.

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Dec 8, 2021

Summary: this is my final message to the congregation after 33 years of service and 39 years of ministry before my retirement. The goal is to be grateful for the past, but look forward to the future.

God’s Got It Joshua 1:1-9 1 Thessalonians 5:1-24 12/5/2022 It has been said, that the only person who likes change is a baby with a dirty diaper. Change means that a transition is taking ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Heart Of Christmas

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Dec 12, 2021

Let’s not miss the heart of Christmas like those who missed it the first Christmas because they were too busy with their religion and traditions or looking for other things. And let’s not miss it because of the fear that has gripped our hearts over this current pandemic and the social unrest.

The Heart of Christmas Last week we talked about the Spirit of Christmas, and I thought this week I’d share with you about what I’d like to call “The Heart of Christmas.” But before I do, I’d like to share with you a story. A couple of days before Christmas two men decided to go sailing while ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Foursquare