Sermons on Leather Belt:

Remember Cousin John

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Jan 29, 2009

Everyone has relatives that seem strange. Jesus was not any different except that the crazy opinions and words were from God.

It happened for the first time this week…I was asked the question that I dread…Are you ready for Christmas? My standard response is to say that it is not Christmas Eve yet? I ask what the big hurry is….? My point of view on Christmas shopping is not well received at my house. I am not ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Congregational

Drowning In The Grace Of God

Contributed by Tim Hedberg on Feb 11, 2008

Baptism and becoming new.

Drowning In The Grace Of God Matthew 3:1-17 January 6, 2008 As I have imagined these verses in my mind. I see the Jordan River, running not fast but slow - smooth and calm with not a rapid in sight. I see this 156-mile river near the end of its journey of connecting the Sea of Galilee to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Born To Be Wild Series

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Dec 10, 2007

Jesus comes in the wilderness of our lives. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. And that is where his followers are called to be: in the "wild-ness" and brokenness of people’s lives showing the love and mercy of God.

Rediscovering Christmas Born to be Wild Mark 1:1-8 December 9, 2007 Last week we started rediscovering Christmas by looking at the story before the story of the birth of Christ and that is the story of Zecariah and Elizabeth. Zec and Lizzy began again as they had a child in their old age (past ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Church Of God

Behold The Lamb Of God Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jan 19, 2011

John the Baptist is a great model of Christian ministry - he's willing to direct people away from himself to Jesus. he wants the glory to go to Jesus not himself and points others to Jesus even at his own cost.

I like John the Baptist. He’s such a contrast to the dominant model of the celebrity today. I assume you’ve noticed how important the cult of the celebrity is today. When celebrities speak it’s all about them. It’s just assumed that everyone is interested in what ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-42

Denomination: Anglican

God Prepares A Way Series

Contributed by Tim White on Aug 15, 2011

As God prepared a way for mankind to be redeemed, He has prepared a way for you.

* Beginning series, Look At Jesus, A Study of the Book of Mark. * “God prepares a way” * For a theologians, Mark is an important Gospel. * Many call this the Gospel of Peter. * Mark, the author, is John Mark. * We first find John Mark in acts. Peter is released from jail goes to where ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

" An Interview With John The Baptist" (Sermon 3 Of Series On Gospel Of John) Series

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on Mar 29, 2021

Early in the ministry of John the Baptist he had introduced a new teaching of baptism to the Jewish people. In this message the religious leaders interview John the Baptist on this new doctrine, and aquestion him to see if he is the Christ.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN THE BAPTIST John 1: 21-34 Greenmount and O’Leary Churches of Christ January 31, 2021 [Sermon three on the Gospel of John series 2021 Video Link to Sermon: https://youtu.be/n9pQUAGlVPM INTRODUCTION: 1.) As an introduction to this passage of Scripture I want to read from ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15, Matthew 3:16-17, John 1:21-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Prepare To Repent

Contributed by Craig Condon on May 8, 2015

God will lead us through the deserts and wilderness of life. He will reveal his glory to us during the journey. His power will be felt where we are most vulnerable.

It was the day after Christmas. A church minister was looking at the nativity scene outside of his church when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from the figures. He turned toward the church to call the police when he saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

Open Our Eyes To Follow Jesus

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jan 15, 2019

We began our year with prayers that God would open our eyes to help us find Jesus. Today we continue that prayer asking God to help us follow Jesus.

We began our year with prayers that God would open our eyes to help us find Jesus. Today we continue that prayer asking God to help us follow Jesus. Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17, Psalm 25:4-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

John The Baptist: Challenge For A Deeper Life

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Apr 22, 2020

John the Baptist didn't follow in his father's footsteps as a priest in the temple. He challenged people to break out of normality and live radically new lives.

(John, entering from the back, in costume, down the center aisle.) Wake up, everybody! God’s Messiah is coming! That’s really good news! Get ready! Things have got to change around here! God’s blessings are coming for you! But you have to be ready! Clean it up, folks! (John standing in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-18

Breaking Through Baptism

Contributed by Bruce Lee on May 28, 2025

Imagine with me…, that you are in the crowd of people gathered at the edge of the Jordan River witnessing John the Baptist and others as they wade out into the water to be baptized.

“Breaking Through Baptism” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:4-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Becoming Less

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Sep 8, 2024

The goal of service is not to seek numbers or results but to build one another up in faith for His glory, not our own. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and let our good deeds point to the Father, He may become greater, and I become less (John 3:30) for His honor and glory, amen.

Becoming Less John 3:30 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 What does effective ministry look like in this modern age? It is increasingly difficult to seek first the kingdom of God when the culture around us prioritizes the worship of self. Even as new creations in Christ, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30

Denomination: Baptist

Stand Firm (Part 2)

Contributed by Glenn Newton on Jun 29, 2004

A message that continues a series on how to Stand Firm in times of trouble and spritual battle. This message speaks to putting on the Armor of God.

Stand Firm II ( The Armor) Sept. 23, 2001 Ephesians 6:10-20 How many of you this morning jumped out of bed, and your were already dressed and ready for church? Anyone put on their Sunday clothes before bed last night? It would save some time wouldn’t it? Every morning, we have to make a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Nazarene

Fulfilling All Righteousness

Contributed by Lee Henry on Jul 7, 2006

Jesus baptism helped him fulfill all righteousness. Likewise, our baptism helps us to fulfill all righteousness, that is, to become the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ.

Fulfilling All Righteousness Matt. 3:15 John was a wild and wooly evangelist preaching “hell fire and brimstone” to all who would listen. He was the very personification of Elijah in his garment of coarse camel hair and leather belt. This is how Elijah was identified by King Ahaziah in II Kings ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Pharisee's Dilemma

Contributed by Matt Hoffmann on Dec 2, 2009

Follow a Pharisee into the desert to hear John the Baptist preach about coming Messiah and struggle with him a God breaks into his life.

Advent 2 Malachi 3:1-7; Luke 3:1-14 The day started for him just like any other. He got up early, before the sun would peek over Jerusalem’s proud stone walls. It took him a little longer to get ready than most people, because he was a Pharisee, and as a teacher of the Law of God, his fellow ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Bridges

Contributed by Terry Lindsey on Oct 27, 2000

Jesus bulit the bridge for us to cross into the Kingdom of Heaven

Bridges My topic tonight is about bridges. How many of you crossed a bridge on the way here?? Many of us cross bridges everyday and never give it much thought. Webster’s defines a bridge in several different ways but I am using the definition of “A structure built over a river, etc., to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Methodist