Sermons on Lowell Strite:

Essential Equipment - Prayer Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 25, 2002

What does prayer change? Most of believe prayer’s most important purpose is to change circumstances... but that may not be true.

OPEN: A young boy was observed by a minister in church praying very fervently; but much to the preacher’s surprise, he was also heard to say from time to time: "Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo." So preacher approached the boy after he had apparently finished his prayer and said, "Son, I was very pleased to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Where Was God? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 3, 2002

When persecution and trial attack God’s people, even some of the most faithful ask: "Where Was God?"

OPEN: Clarence Jordan, author of the "Cotton Patch" New Testament translation and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister’s church. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and luxurious decorations. As ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Truth In Advertising Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 11, 2001

The same angel gives the same basic message to Zechariah and Mary. Zechariah reacts with skepticism while Mary responds with calm acceptance. Why the difference?

OPEN: I recently ran across an article that gave some of the signs of the Christmas season: - A toy store advertised: “Ho, ho, ho spoken here.” - In a bridal boutique sign declared: “Marry Christmas.” - Outside a church – this proclamation: “The original Christmas Club.” - From a department store: ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Exciting Promise Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 17, 2001

It went just like in the cantatas... except of a couple of small things. (Good physical illustration toward the end that can be used in almost any Christmas sermon)

OPEN: (I began the sermon by bringing out a gaily wrapped golf bag, complete with clubs & irons - I tried hard to make sure it was fairly obvious what was wrapped)Then I asked: “Does anybody know what’s in the package?” The audience seemed to enjoy the humor of the obvious. Then I gave this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Gift Of The Warm Heart Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 24, 2001

Christmas can be a very stressful time. But Simeon and Anna hold 3 secrets to getting hold of the peace and tranquility that Christmas is supposed to offer us.

AP story reported in the Indianapolis Star 12/25/99 Dateline LOS ANGELES – A shopping mall Santa Claus had a meltdown after refusing to cuddle a bawling toddler, calling the mother evil and ripping off his beard and costume in front of startled children. Kelly Fornatoro, 33, said she told Santa ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Almost Perfect Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 8, 2002

Perfection is often thought of as being sinless. But there is more to the Biblical ideal of "perfection" than that. Opening illustration is humorous and informative.

OPEN: This morning I’m going to give you a quiz, and I don’t want you to think real hard about your answers. I just want you to answer as you feel you should. Question #1: How many of you believe you are perfect? Question #2: How many of you believe it is possible for someone WHO IS STILL LIVING to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Mature Minister Of God Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 14, 2002

Peter says we are a royal priesthood. What does that mean for the average church goer? (this sermon had great effect to prompt members to greater involvement in the church.)

OPENING: On the overhead projection we put up a cartoon showing a crazed man being led away from a church in a straightjacket. On the steps of the church building the preacher comments to another man “I’m going to miss Louis - he volunteered for everything.” COMMENT: As funny as that cartoon is, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Speaking Like An Adult Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 21, 2002

Hebrews says by this time we should all be teachers... but why?

OPEN: A man was scheduled to speak for an important business dinner. But, as he was eating his meal he must have bitten down on something hard, for at that moment his false teeth broke in his mouth. Nearly paralyzed by panic, he muttered to the man next to him, “I can’t believe this!” he says, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Good Imitation Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 28, 2002

Being a mature Christian means more than going to church to be educated and entertained - it means growing to the point where you become an example to others.

OPEN: What does it mean to be grown up? A group of 5 to 8 year children were asked that question and these were their answers: David, age 7, said you know you’re grown up when your clothes don’t fit anymore. Angie (6) said she believed being a grown up meant being able to ride a bike with no ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Choose Wisely Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 4, 2002

Are marriages made in heaven?

The German philosopher and scholar, Moses Mendelssohn (1729-86), was born a hunchback. Despite this deformity, which could have soured him on life forever, Mendelssohn was known as a wise and humble man. While on a trip to Hamburg as a young man, Mendelssohn met a rich merchant who had a ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Perfect Mate Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 10, 2002

More important than finding the "perfect mate" is "being the perfect mate."

I read some time ago that a panel of women debated on who they thought was the perfect man. You’d have thought it might be famous actor or wealthy tycoon. But the final conclusion of this panel was that the Perfect Man was actually....MR. POTATO HEAD. Their reasoning: He’s tan. He’s cute. He ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Total Commitment Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 18, 2002

Ruth’s pledge to Naomi has such a powerful effect on us that many include her words in their weddings and on jewelry. God also regards her commitment as the basis of true love.

A college man walked into a photography studio with a framed picture of his girlfriend. He wanted the picture duplicated. This involved removing it from the frame. In doing this, the studio owner noticed the inscription on the back of the photograph: “My dearest Tom, I love you with all my heart. ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Wedding Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 24, 2002

A unique sermon on marriage using the wedding ceremony to talk about God’s kind of love in marriage. Well recieved.

(This was a ceremony to celebrate marriage. The sanctuary was decorated as for a wedding, with a trellis at the foyer, youth escorting people to their seats, and a set of candelabras on stage. We opened the sermon with Wedding March being played. As the music was played, two of our young men lit ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Better Than Angels Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 4, 2002

Why compare Jesus to angels? What is it about angels that could possibly warrant the comparison?

OPEN: Billie Burke was a famous actress in years gone by. While enjoying a transatlantic ocean trip, she noticed that a gentleman at the next table was suffering from a bad head cold. “Are you uncomfortable?” she asked. The man nodded. “I’ll tell you just what to do about it.” She offered. “Go ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Jesus Fixation Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 12, 2002

"Fix your thoughts on Jesus" the writer of Hebrews tells us. Why? The answer is powerful and life changing.

OPEN: The NCAA college basketball competition begins this week, so I thought we might start our sermon today with a bit of trivia. Do you know who the world’s best basketball free throw shooter is? (various people in the congregation took guesses). I guess it wasn’t a fair question to begin ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ