Sermons on Irreducible Complexity:

The Commissioning Of The Apostles Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jan 13, 2024

Acts 1:6-8 shows us that the mission that Jesus gave his apostles began with his commissioning of them.

Introduction Luke wrote two books. The first book is called The Gospel According to Luke. His second book is usually called The Acts of the Apostles. The two books together are part one and part two of the same story of Jesus. Luke said in Acts 1:1, “In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Trouble With Lying Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 19, 2024

Acts 5:1-11 teaches us about the trouble with lying.

Introduction I asked ChatGPT the following question, “What is the trouble with lying?” Here is the partial answer I received, which is pretty good: The trouble with lying lies in its multiple negative consequences, both for the liar and those around them. Here are some key issues: (1) Erosion of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Exceeding Expectations Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jun 16, 2023

Jesus said that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. This means that He wants us to exceed the spiritual expectations prescribed by the Law; as we are to strive for excellence in our walk with God.

I have entitled our message, “Exceeding Expectations,” and I want to begin by sharing a true story. A contractor in Mexico was hired to build a Catholic Church, but he used cheap materials in order to make more money. He reasoned that the quality of the materials did not matter, so long as the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-22

Denomination: Baptist

Raising Boys To Be Men

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 22, 2021

Gender-role confusion is an increasingly serious issue in American churches. Many men and women have lost the concept of what it means to be masculine or feminine.

Measured against the biblical teaching on marriage and family, there is no other conclusion to draw than our culture is decaying. In place of biblical roles where men, women, and children find their identity, we have elevated freedom to be whatever you want as the supreme good. In place of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13

Denomination: Baptist

God Reacts To Your Doubts

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 24, 2021

Our minds are tricky. All doubt and faith are not based on logic.

Where the Bible says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1), we live in a culture that doubts everything. In 2001, Katie Couric told Today Show audiences that seven percent of Americans doubt the moon landing happened — that it was staged ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:3-4, Luke 7:18-23

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Gifts- The Body Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Jul 29, 2021

A three-part sermon series exploring the spiritual gifts, what they are, and how we can use them today.

Spiritual Gifts- The Body CCCAG June 13, 2021 Scripture- 1 Cor 12:12-26 Introduction- Today we're going to continue our series on the spiritual gifts in looking at how God uses them to bring the entire body of Christ together in unity through the diversity of the gifts that he gives us. One of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

That They May Seek God By Our Witness Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Aug 7, 2021

This study raises questions that are extremely critical for being secure in our faith. They are not theoretical questions; they deserve an answer. The 5 questions I have raised fit under the two matters John holds before the reader: Belief and Love.

Turning to Janet, “Jan, did you turn off the stove?” Isn’t it amazing how a simple question often prompts a person to have serious doubt? Those under the influence of Gnosticism in Asia created doubt among many of the believers. John Stott “conjectured that their secession was due probably to ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It's Jesus Series

Contributed by Josh Brown on Nov 20, 2020

Jesus Christ is the light shining in the darkness. That darkness, that evil, will never ever overcome the Light. In his light, we see ourselves as we really are, a sinner in need of a Savior.

Sermon: It’s Jesus Series: The Gospel of John Part 1 Slide Introduction Welcome! We're so glad you are joining us this morning. We’re in a series where we are walking through the Gospel of John. And last week we laid the foundation for this series. We talked a little bit about who John is ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Creativity: Maintaining A Sensitivity To Transcendence Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Nov 25, 2020

The Star and Stars of Christmas is a series of messages for Advent. Using the idea of a play on a stage. Each message will look at different characters in the Christmas story. The introduction takes a critical look at how many in our society are portrayed as celebrities—bigger than life.

Often people are attracted to performances based upon the popularity of the performers, or the authors. (My wife’s father enjoyed David Baldacci, James Patterson, Danielle Steele, etc.). A good writer wants to remove his/her personality and have us to focus on the story. The Gospel according to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Disciples Of Jesus Believe In The Power Of Prayer Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 15, 2020

Disciples of Jesus believe in the power of prayer and use prayer for empowerment in discipleship and ministry.

A. One night a young boy was kneeling next to his bed with his mother and grandmother beside him as he softly said his prayers, “Dear God, please bless Mommy and Daddy, and all the family, and please give me a good night’s sleep.” 1. Then suddenly the little boy raised his voice and shouted, “And ...read more

Scripture: John 14:12-14, 1 John 5:14-15, Matthew 7:7-11, Ephesians 3:20-21, James 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Is Omnipotent Part 1 Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 10, 2021

God had the power to win, and His omnipotence is established forever. He can do anything that He wills to do. Thank God there is much He does not will to do, and thank God He is not compelled by His power to do anything contrary to His nature.

Alfred North Whitehead, one of the philosophical giants of the 20th century, said, "The glorification of power has broken more hearts than it has healed." He warns against the glorifying of even God's power. For the abuse of power all through history makes this attribute produce ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-8

Rebekah, A Marvelous Mother Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

Good wives and mothers are those who know they cannot do all things, and so they specialize in doing well what they can do to please their mates and benefit their children.

Nathan Ausabel tells of the Jewish couple with 9 children who went to the Rabbi to get a divorce. When the question of custody came up the wife said she wanted 5 of the children and he could have 4. The husband said, "Why should I have only 4? You take the 4 and I'll take the 5." In ...read more

The Eternal City: A Real Place? What Will It Be Like?

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 23, 2021

Is there really life after death? Or is this life all there is? It's a question that we ignore, we toss aside, and eventually ponder. It's a question that draws out fear and emotional outrage. It's a question that affects how we live and what we live for.

Is there really life after death? Or is this life all there is? It's a question that we ignore, we toss aside, and eventually ponder. It's a question that draws out fear and emotional outrage. It's a question that affects how we live and what we live for. Could there really be an ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:12-17, Revelation 22:10-11, Revelation 20:1-6

Denomination: Salvation Army

Letting Go Of Your Painful Past Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 26, 2021

Every Christians is either a pleasure or a pain in the body of Christ, and the key factor that makes the difference is letting go of a painful past.

Neil Armstrong was the first man to set his foot on the moon, but long before that momentous event he was a dreamer. As early as age 2 he fell in love with airplanes, and for the rest of his life that was a focus for him. He made model planes as a child, and at age 14 he got a job at a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Puzzling Appointments Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 27, 2021

Never did 12 men ever change the course of history like these 12, but never did a noted leader ever have more trouble with His followers than Jesus had with these 12.

Jamie Buckingham is one of the great preachers and authors whose books have sold in the millions. What I like about him is that he makes so many comical blunders in his ministry that he makes other pastors feel less threatened by their human errors. If you sometimes feel like your life is a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:13-19