Sermons on Lending A Hand:

The Puzzle Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 25, 2018

The story in Acts 8, that tells of Philip's preaching in Samaria resulting in an Evangelism Explosion, contains 3 puzzles that many folks overlook. What are these puzzles and what can they teach us about our walk with Christ?

OPEN: People have created puzzles for centuries. There’ve been crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Rubik's cube, and scads of others in all shapes and sizes. The better the puzzle, the more difficult it is to solve, and by that standard, one of the Holy Grails of such puzzles is this one: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:3-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Book Of Lamentations – Part 22 – No Complaint Against God But Self Examination Necessary; Repentance And Confession - Chapter 3:39-43 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 8, 2025

The survivors of the Babylonian destruction take stock and see that their sins brought the Babylonian tragedy on them. They endured punishment, but they turn to confession. We look at man’s justice against God’s justice. Actions have consequences. God’s anger pursued them.

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS – PART 22 – NO COMPLAINT AGAINST GOD BUT SELF EXAMINATION NECESSARY; REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION - CHAPTER 3:39-43 Last time we finished with the way God dispenses good and ill (or good and evil) according to His sovereignty and the next verse, 39, follows on from that and ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:39, Romans 1:20-21, Lamentations 3:40, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Lamentations 3:41, Lamentations 3:42, Jeremiah 32:37-42, Lamentations 3:43, Jeremiah 18:7-11, Hebrews 9:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Devilish Dilemma Of Doubt Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 15, 2015

There are at least 3 different Greek words translated "doubt" in the New Testament, but the doubt Thomas exhibited was the most dangerous form of doubt in Scripture. What was Thomas doubting, and why was it so dangerous for him to do so?

Does anyone know who Kirsten Powers is? (A few hands went up). Kirsten is a columnist for USA Today, and Newsweek and a contributor to Fox News. Some time back she told of her transition from being an atheist to believing in Christ. She explained that at one time no one she knew was a Christian ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Reign At His Coming Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Nov 2, 2017

To establish that when the Lord returns, that shall be the end. And there will be “no rapture, no seven years of tribulation, and no 1000 year reign” upon the earth, at the second coming of Christ.

INTRODUCTION Outline. Reign (1000 years) at His Coming Remarks. 1. In our lesson series today we are going to be discussing a theme: “the reign (1000 years) at his coming.” We have addressed the first two theories in pre-millennialism already in this lesson series: “the rapture and 7 years of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christ's Mind Of Serenity Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 16, 2018

To establish that Christ had a mind of submission, sacrifice and serenity (great patience); when He came to earth, to do the will of His Father. This lesson is the last of three in the series: “The Mind of Christ.”

INTRODUCTION Outline. Christ’s Mind of Serenity Remarks. 1. Today we are going to be discussing the mind of Christ. The beloved apostle Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to: “If there be therefore in a consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Psalm 2 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 25, 2020

The first two psalms are often considered to be designed as a pair serving as an introduction to the 150-psalm collection. The first psalm describes the difference between the blessed man and the evil man, and Psalm 2 is about triumph over the forces that oppose the faith.

For Sermon Central researchers: I have posted a series of 15 sermons on the Psalms. In recent personal studies I have found the psalms to be richer and more thought-provoking than I had fully appreciated. I had too often swept swiftly through psalms without slowing down to inquire as thoroughly as ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12, Acts 4:27-28, Hebrews 1:6, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Do I Need A Shepherd? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 21, 2020

Jesus said He was the good shepherd. But why do I need Him to do that? Why can't I get along just fine without Him?

OPEN: Several years ago in the country of Turkey, a flock of sheep made the news. It seems that the shepherds of the flock had been eating breakfast when their sheep began to wander off. Now, ordinarily this wouldn’t have been a problem, except the flock was just a stone’s throw away from a cliff. ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Tug Of Heaven Is Growing Stronger Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 21, 2022

If you are walking at a distance from the Lord, then the tugging on you is worldly based The world tugs on the carnal Christian. They who walk closely with God, welcome God’s tugging. The message looks at heaven's tug to be home with the Lord. We also look at death.

THE TUG OF HEAVEN IS GROWING STRONGER INTRODUCTION “When you feel the tug on the line, pull it up.” That order could fit many situations but it would be effective for raising ore in a bucket from a mine shaft. One below fills the bucket, and when the tug is felt then the one above pulls up the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-25, Psalm 31:15, Revelation 1:17-18, Psalm 116:15, 2 Corinthians 5:5-9, Hebrews 11:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 5, 2018

Acts 10 is a pivotal chapter in Scripture. From this point on the church exploded in growth. In this story there are 3 groups of people who were "surprised" by what they saw. Why were they surprised, and what difference does that mean to us?

(Before reading the Scripture I noted that Acts 10 is a pivotal chapter in Scripture. It was after this event at Cornelius’ house that the Church exploded with growth and numerous churches were set up throughout the known world). (After the Scripture reading and prayer, we showed the following ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Balancing The Books - An Easter Sermon Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 16, 2017

Easter is all about "accounting". When most people think about going to heaven, they count their good deeds... but God doesn't do it that way. How do we prepare ourselves for standing before the one to Whom we must give an accounting?

OPEN: There’s been a story in the news recently about the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, otherwise known as HUD. Apparently HUD has had a problem balancing their books. It seems their books were off about (PAUSE) $516 BILLION dollars. Now that’s not an error of a few 100,000 dollars… or ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-11, Hebrews 4:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

9 - 1peter 3:13-22 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Jul 25, 2023

In today's study, Peter reminds us that suffering for the sake of Christ is worth it, as we're walking in the footsteps of our Master, who Himself was ill treated for nothing wrong that He had done.

For the Audio Version on YouTube, click here – https://youtu.be/HQwMdDiZoL8 For the Audio Version on Spotify, click here – https://open.spotify.com/episode/03NUxHdzjTaHeIqvhz3Ont?si=c62e66bc16a649b4 1 Peter 3:13-17 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22, Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:28

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Men Standing Firm Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 1, 2016

How was Titus going to "straighten out what had been left unfinished" in Crete? It was an evil land and he was only one man. How did God expect him to do such a daunting task?

How many of you have ever heard of a television show called “This Old House” (the majority raised their hands). It is a popular home improvement show that is now in its 36th season – that’s 36 years it’s been on TV. It’s popular because people are intrigued with ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Songs Of Ascent – Part 10 – Psalm 128 – The Blessing Of The Lord With Flow On Results. Fear The Lord! Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 22, 2023

Those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways will know God’s blessing. For the Jew it meant blessing in the land, but for Christians we have blessings in the heavenlies and spiritual blessings. Nations have rejected the Lord and can’t be blessed, but will get worse.

THE SONGS OF ASCENT – PART 10 – PSALM 128 – THE BLESSING OF THE LORD WITH FLOW ON RESULTS. FEAR THE LORD! PSALM 128:0 A SONG OF ASCENTS. BLESSING IN EVERY VERSE [A]. INTRODUCTION This is such a mixed Psalm dealing mostly with blessing but the whole of it must depend on verse 1. The ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 128:1, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10, Psalm 32:1-2, Psalm 33:12, Psalm 34:8, Isaiah 55:1-2, Jeremiah 17:5, Psalm 128:2, Micah 4:3-4, Psalm 128:3, Psalm 127:5, Psalm 128:4, Ephesians 1:3, Revelation 22:14, Psalm 128:5, 2 Corinthians 6:2, Psalm 128:6, Job 12:12, Psalm 91:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Prophetic Body Builder Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 6, 2015

Some scholars call the gifts in Rom 12 "motivational" gifts. What do they mean by that and how does that help us understand the value and purpose of the gift of prophecy?

Have you ever heard of a TV personality from years ago named Merv Griffin? Back in his heyday Mr. Griffin hosted a TV talk show called "The Merv Griffin Show" where he would have guests who would sit down with him and talk about their lives and the passions in their lives. One of those guests ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Looking To The Future

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 29, 2013

What did the angels mean when they asked the disciples "Why do you stand here looking into the sky?" Were they rebuking them for wanting to see Jesus when He came back? Or was there something deeper that they (and we) need to hear?

It seems Moody Bible Institute supports a home for mentally handicapped children. One day the President of Moody (Joseph Stowell) went there for a visit. While walking through the corridors, he noticed that the windows were covered with tiny little hand prints. He asked the director, what that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ