Sermons on Lose Focus: showing 3,751-3,765 of 78,171

Clothed With Fire Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 14, 2017

There's part of this story of the fiery furnace that I'd always missed. There was one question upon which everything else hinged - not only in this story but also in our lives. Do you know what that question is?

When my sister Barbranne was in her early 20’s she left the Church and Jesus behind and went off to live the “wild life.” At age 55 she decided she’d hurt herself in that decision and started going back to church. One of the first things she did was to buy a Children’s Bible because she wanted to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Wonder Of Jesus Accepting Us Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 10, 2013

It’s become fashionable for churches to "target" a specific audience in their messages and ministry. But is that really such a good idea? Is it possible that in targeting specific groups we might be undermining our real ministry?

OPEN: In my files I ran across these nuggets of wisdom from little children: Patrick, age 10 - "Never trust a dog to watch your food." Hannah, age 9 - "When your dad is mad and asks you, ’Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer." Taylia, age 11 - "When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who's The Boss? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 22, 2020

I need to submit to "that person?" Seriously? Why?

A man once said: “I am not the boss of my house. I don’t know HOW I lost it. I don’t know WHEN I lost it. I don’t even think I ever had it. But I’ve seen the boss’s job, and I don’t want it.” The text we’re looking at today has been debated for centuries. It seems that the only part anybody is ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Song Of The Redeemed

Contributed by Sheila Crowe on Aug 3, 2009

loss of a loved one

A gravestone in a churchyard bears these words: ‘The cup was bitter, the sting severe To part from her we loved so dear. Our loss is great we’ll not complain But hope in heaven to meet again. Not gone from memory not gone from love But gone to her Father’s home above.’ For some of us the loss of a ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17

Denomination: United Methodist

The Centurion At The Feet Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 11, 2018

The story of this Centurion is listed in 3 of the Gospels because God wants us to see what he saw. What did the centurion see that day, and why did he cry out "Surely this was the Son of God"?

In the days of Jesus the most feared soldiers on the face of the earth were those of the Legions Of Rome. These men were practically invincible. It seemed to no nation of the day could stand against them. And one of the reasons they were so powerful and so feared was because their armies were led ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Father Figure Of Freedom Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 21, 2015

Moses was the father figure to Israel of their Heavenly Father, just as earthly father are also father figures who point to God. But how do earthly fathers reflect a Heavenly God? And just who is this prophet Moses' spoke of?

James Dobson once told of the time his 2 year old son Ryan said grace. He said: “He had watched his mother and me pray before we ate each meal, but he had never been asked to say grace. One day, when I was out of town on a business trip, Shirley spontaneously turned to our toddler and ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Am The True Vine (You Are The Branches) - John 15 V 1-11 This Is Part 1 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 2, 2022

The great "I AM the Vine - You are the branches" is all about God's best for you. It teaches us about bearing fruit and being more productive for God. That may involve discipline where God has to deal with unproductive branches.

I AM THE TRUE VINE (You are the branches) - John 15 v 1-11 THIS IS PART 1 This teaching on the vine (actually Vine) is all about abiding in the Lord. It will focus on dwelling and abiding. Just so we see the passage clearly I will put it here: {{John 15:1 “I am the true vine and My Father is ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-14, Isaiah 6:8, Psalm 40:6-8, John 12:23-24, Hebrews 12:5-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Standing In The Gap Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 4, 2016

The first 3 chapters of Revelation have often been seen as separate from the rest of the book. But that doesn't make any sense. Why would Jesus spend 3 chapters on local churches who were not part of the rest of the story?

OPEN: This morning I’m going to teach you a little about something that’s called “Hermeneutics”. Hermeneutics is the description of how to read and understand your Bible. When I was in Bible College I had a professor who told us that whenever the Bible had a lot to say on a ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Fearsome Storm

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 25, 2018

Today the church faces storms coming from all corners of society and even from within. How do we face such fearsome events? Maybe you face a personal storm in your marriage, job, or your health? Maybe its conflict in a ministry team? Hang on to Jesus.

The Fearsome Storm Mark 4:35-41 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Switching Gears To Freedom

Contributed by Jess Bousa on Dec 13, 2005

America was founded on the principle of Christian Liberty, where 95% of those who settled here were Christians. Today only about 5% of Americans are Christian. This country has traded Freedom for slavery. The answer to get back to our heritage is

Switching Gears To Freedom Eleutheria! Eleutheria is the Greek, word for freedom. When Paul penned this word it spoke volumes to the churches in Galatia. He was writing to people that came from a past of being abused by the province of Rome, but who recently have been given the golden ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

I Am The True Vine (You Are The Branches) - John 15 V 1-11 This Is Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 2, 2022

Abiding in Christ is as simple as the branches abiding in the Vine. Yet what causes some branches to become less productive? In the Part 2 of "I am the Vine, you are the branches," we look at what it means to abide, and at service. Fruit brings glory to Christ and magnifies His Name.

I AM THE TRUE VINE (You are the branches) - John 15 v 1-11 THIS IS PART 2 Welcome to the last Part in this series of messages on the “I AMs” of John’s gospel. We are continuing the thoughts in “I am the Vine” that has much to do with bearing fruit and abiding or remaining. Last time in PART 1 ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-14, Psalm 119:9, Ephesians 5:26-27, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Matthew 25:23, John 14:15, John 14:21, 1 John 3:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Secret Weapon Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 11, 2016

On 9-11 our nation needed someone to tell us they understood our fears, our enemy and our future. It needed someone to say they had a plan to deal with our enemy and that together we would overcome. Essentially, that's what Revelation 4 is all about.

OPEN: Fifteen years ago, two of our families went on vacation. They went to NYC and had gone to see the sights and enjoy the pleasures of the city. But their plans were shattered in a moment’s time… along with the plans of millions of Americans across the nation. 19 evil men, with ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Returns! - Mark 13:24-27 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 22, 2024

Who are the powers of the heavens? And why are they singled out as those who will be shaken at the Second Coming?

Mark 13:24 "But in those days, following that tribulation, " 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.' 26 "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-27, Matthew 24:26-31, Luke 21:25-28

I Have Much People In This City Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 15, 2015

To establish that God's presence is significant in every city - and He uses us to call them unto salvation. We are reminded not to trust in our skills in preaching - but in the power of the gospel of Christ to save. We are charged to plant the seed and allow God to raise the plant.

INTRODUCTION Outline: 1. Paul’s Troubled Entrance 2. Paul’s Trusted Exhortation 3. Paul’s Triumphant Exit Introductory Remarks. 1. In our lesson today, we will be discussing God’s significant work in a city that was wholly given to idolatry and sexual immorality. Paul arrives in the city of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:8-11, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keep Your Head In All Situations! Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Feb 28, 2023

For Paul these words of advice came in the last chapter of the last book he wrote. The very next verse is where Paul refers to his departure. At the very end of his prolific writings he says, “Keep your head in all situations.”

Keep Your Head in all situations At a time when much was coming apart at the seams around me I had a dream. In the dream one of my friends asked me what I was going to do. My friend had been steady and faithful for many years. In the dream I told my friend, I will do what you always did when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:5

Denomination: Baptist