Sermons on Letter Closings:

Finishing Your Race Well

Contributed by Howard Strickland on May 16, 2012

Within this letter written unto Timothy, there are six vital instructions drawn from its wisdom-filled pages. Six secrets that will help us all follow in Paul’s footsteps and finish our spiritual race.

Finishing Your Race Well 2 Timothy 4:6-8NKJ  For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Be Encouraged; Live For God Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Oct 8, 2015

John concludes his first letter with wisdom and affirmation that each of us can use today. We must keep ourselves from the things that are ungodly (idols), yet live purposefully showing Christ to all we encounter.

Be encouraged; Live for God 1 John Bible Study, Part 13 1 John 5:13-21 Introduction - If you accept God’s testimony and believe on it for yourself (v9) -- You have internal assurance of what God has done and consider it true -- You cannot believe something without knowing and accepting it ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:13-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul's Intro & Theme (1:3-2:5): Part One Series

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on May 18, 2022

In Colossians 1:3-25 Paul introduces himself and the themes of the letter. This lesson explores how Paul thanks God for the Colossians. It relies heavily on N.T. Wright's commentary of Colossians in the Tyndale NT Commentaries.

Paul's Intro & Theme (1:3-2:5): Part One Introduction: Colossians 1:3-2:5 is Paul's long introduction to before he moves on to the heart of his letter. He wants this young church to know that his letter is an outflow of the ministry God has given him. The introduction can be broken ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

General Introduction To Romans Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jan 10, 2022

The theme of this letter to Romans is 'the gospel is the power of God to effect salvation for everyone who believes irrespective of Jews or Greeks' (Romans 1:16-17). God judges the sin at the Cross and justifies the sinners with mercy.

STUDIES ON ROMANS - WEEK 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION Content The theme of this letter to Romans is 'the gospel is the power of God to effect salvation for everyone who believes irrespective of Jews or Greeks' (Romans 1:16-17). God judges the sin at the Cross and justifies the sinners with ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1

Denomination: Methodist

You People Are Awesome! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Most everyone likes looking at pictures in family photo albums, because there are always a couple that make us smile every time we look at them. Paul has similar feelings as he begins this letter to the church at Philippi.

I. Intro A. Who likes to look at pictures in family photo albums? Are there some photos that make you smile every time you look at them? What about every time you think about them? B. We enjoy singing here so much—whenever people ask us what we do, we tell them—but among all the things we’re part ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Elders In The Church Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 7, 2019

Along with the instruction Paul gave in his letter to Timothy, he also shared with Titus concerning the qualifications for elders, bishops, or pastors within the church. This passage was given for the benefit of the church in selecting and ordaining elders to serve in the local church.

Elders in the Church Titus 1: 5-9 After a warm greeting, Paul immediately got to the heart of the matter. He was writing to Titus with purpose, seeking to equip him for ministry, while serving to establish local churches. The task at hand was ordaining elders within every city in Crete, so they ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Baptist

The First Church Of The Hatfields And Mccoys Series

Contributed by Donald Mcculley on Mar 18, 2019

In the church at Corinth they were feudin’ and fightin’, stewin’ and suein’. So much so that Paul wrote a letter telling the congregation how to deal with their “family feud”. What do you say to the first church of the Hatfields and McCoys?

THE FIRST CHURCH OF THE HATFIELDS AND McCOYS 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-2:5 Introduction: You remember the Hatfields and McCoys don’t you? In 2002 they went back to a Pikeville, KY courtroom. This time it was to settle a dispute over a cemetery plot and property rights. Some “feudin” seems to never ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Marriage Matters Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Mar 29, 2015

Wives must be submissive to their husbands and husbands must be considerate and respectful to their wives. How do YOU measure up with these two statements? Peter continues in his letter to encourage us to live honorably in our homes with each other.

Marriage Matters 1 Peter Sermon Series, Part 7 1 Peter 3:1-7 Introduction - Last week we talked about our testimony and how important it is in several ways: • With those around us • With those in authority • With those we work for • When suffering unjustly - Why is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

First Sunday Of Lent, Year A- The Tactics Of Temptation

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 21, 2023

C.S. Lewis made an astute observation in his masterful Screwtape Letters: the devil cannot manufacture real goods or pleasures; he’s stuck with the ones God has made and for which our natures have an inclination.

I saw this Cartoon of Satan tempting Jesus, saying: “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a medium rare ribeye steak with truffle butter.” [Jesus is thinking to himself, “He’s getting better at this.”] Note that Jesus did not say, “Man cannot live by coffee alone, but he will ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:7-9, Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Catholic

Overcoming Anxiety And Worry

Contributed by Richard Wayne Wiggins on Jul 31, 2016

In these two verses God gives us a formula to practice to overcome anxiety and worry. Four words that begin with the letter R will help you to learn to have peace even when circumstances are not peaceful. Realize, Reach, Release and Rest.

I. Realize (v. 6) "Be anxious for nothing" We must first come to the place that we know that we are anxious. The Bible says our hearts are deceptive. Sometimes we do not know what is bothering us. Some people show anger. Some get depressed. Underlying these emotions might be anxiety and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7

Denomination: *other

The Beginning Of Labor Pains Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 18, 2008

We are already feeling the ’birth pangs’ Jesus said would proceed the end times. This world’s contractions are close together, the earth is dilated to 10 & could deliver at any time! Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint Presentation.

The Beginning of Labor Pains End of the World Matthew 24:1-8 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/LaborPains.html Today thru next Sunday, 1/27/08, is Sanctity of Human Life Week, and as always, our church is extremely active year round in promoting life and opposing the atrocity of abortion, which is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Our Present Joy Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Oct 13, 2013

After beginning his letter with hope & encouragement, Peter proceeds with loving counsel for those who are facing trials & suffering. He shares with a suffering church various results that develop out of the trials which God allows to come into our lives.

1 PETER 1: 6-9 [Renewing Hope Series] OUR PRESENT JOY [James 1:2-4 / Romans 5: 3-5] Our faith in Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead not only fills us with a living hope but also with joy inexpressible and full of glory. As we endure the trials of life God refines our faith and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Three Things To Remember This Mother's Day

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on May 10, 2015

In this message, we will study closely the right attitude to our mothers, how we express our appreciation to them and the result when we honor them. The more we express our love and appreciation to our mothers, the longer our lives will be on earth.

Exodus 20:12 (NIV) "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." There are three things we are going to talk about from this verse: 1. What is the right kind of attitude we need to show towards our father and mother? We are to HONOR ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Nazarene

Anger Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Dec 11, 2015

God knows our tendency to struggle in the area of anger. His Word gives us some instruction in this matter. Let’s pay close attention so that we might honor God in all things – even in our anger.

Series: There’s an App for That “Anger” Matthew 5:21-26, 39, 43-48 Open In Lille, France, a woman became fed up with neighbors parking outside of her home blocking her gate. For weeks, she asked and pleaded with them to not do it. She woke up before dawn one morning to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-48

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Walking In Unity Series

Contributed by Eric Ferguson on Jun 4, 2008

Let’s face it. We all get into conflict—sometimes. Even with those close to us. How are we supposed to handle it? Is it okay to hate people? Can we disagree without being disagreeable? Unity chooses to believe that there is good in every person who is a C

Opening Activity: Acting out—Fight! Stage a fight with one of your adult volunteers—prepare him ahead of time, of course. Have the volunteer interrupt you and continue to talk while you’re talking. Ask him to stop talking several times. Then just lose it and start yelling, telling him to leave the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational