Sermons on Maranatha Houston:

No Longer Condemned

Contributed by Lee Houston on Jan 31, 2025

A history of slavery and segregation sometimes explode. Some may remember the riots in South Central Los Angeles in January 1993. People were burning buildings and looting stores. During all of the confusion an unsuspecting truck driver, named Reginald Denny.

Title: No Longer Condemned Scripture: Romans 8:6, “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Our history of slavery and segregation sometimes explodes. Some may remember the riots in South Central Los Angeles in January 1993. People were ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:6, Colossians 1:21-22, Ephesians 2:6-9, Titus 3:4-5

Sermon: A Time For War And A Time For Peace

Contributed by Lee Houston on Feb 20, 2025

It is fun to preach on topics like Christmas or going to heaven. However, I would not be doing my duty as a pastor if I did not occasionally speak about some dark subject. Today, that subject is war. Our Bible chronicles many wars.

It is fun to preach on topics like Christmas or going to heaven. However, I would not be doing my duty as a pastor if I did not occasionally speak about some dark subject. Today, that subject is war. Our Bible chronicles many wars. Today, The Council for Foreign Relations, an independent ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-5, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

The Great Commission

Contributed by Lee Houston on Jan 2, 2024

Today, many in America live with anxiety.

The Great Commission Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 Sermon Purpose: to persuade the congregation to respond to the Great Commission Central Idea: Living the Great Commission is the answer to all societal problems national, local and personal. Purposely written in second person This sermon ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

The Purpose Of The Law

Contributed by Lee Houston on Oct 11, 2024

How important is the Law: Jesus said, Matthew 5:18, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”

The Title: The Purpose of the Law Scripture: Matthew 5:18, Romans: 7-12 Reason for this sermon: Twice I have led Bible studies through the 613 laws in the Pentateuch. It was amazing. The people “ate the studies up” for much of what Jesus said came directly from the Law. I hope this sermon ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:18

The Rock That Broke

Contributed by Lee Houston on Nov 3, 2024

I accepted Christ many decades ago, and ever since, I have tried my best to love my neighbor as I love myself. Yet, there are times that I fail. That can happen to the best of us. It may be something we say or do that is stupid or not thoughtful or inconsiderate.

Title: The Rock that Broke Specific purpose: failures can grow us I accepted Christ many decades ago, and ever since, I have tried to love my neighbor as I love myself. Yet, there are times that I fail. That can happen to the best of us. It may be something we say or do that is stupid ...read more

Scripture: John 13:5-9, Matthew 26:3

John 3:16-17

Contributed by Lee Houston on Dec 20, 2024

Last week, I had three people tell me that they did not feel Saved. They wanted to know how to be sure. If three people asked me that, I have to imagine that there are others in our mists who have the same question. So how do you know for sure?

Scripture: John 3:16-17 Central idea: Jesus Saves. Specific purpose: to reach the unsaved. Introduction: Last week, I had three people tell me that they did not feel Saved. They wanted to know how to be sure. If three people asked me that, I have to imagine that there are others ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17

What Would John Wesley Say?

Contributed by Lee Houston on Feb 1, 2024

Through the Twentieth Century, church membership in America stayed at roughly 70% of adults. In the last two-and-a-half decades, church membership has declined from 69% to 48%. This schism, this people leaving Protestant denominations, has a direct correlation with politics issues.

Title: What would John Wesley say? Specific purpose: to tackle the schism in major Protestant denominations Scriptures: Galatians 3:28, Romans 1:26-28, Acts 26:17-18, Matthew 5:18 Through the Twentieth Century, church membership in America stayed at roughly 70% of adults. In the last ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:28, Romans 1:26-28, Acts 26:17-18, Matthew 5:18

Thou Shalt Not Bare False Witness

Contributed by Lee Houston on Mar 21, 2025

“Thou shalt not bear false witness.” The three preceding Commandments (murder, adultery, stealing) concern wrongs inflicted upon our neighbor by actual deeds. This commandment is concerned with wrongs inflicted by word of mouth.

Title: “Thou shalt not bare false witness against thy neighbor.” Scriptures: Exodus 20:16, Deuteronomy 5:20 “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” The three preceding Commandments (murder, adultery, stealing) concern wrongs inflicted upon our neighbor by actual deeds. This commandment is ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:16, Deuteronomy 5:20

Fed Up With Attack Politics? Take Our Country Back With Our Words

Contributed by Lee Houston on Jul 3, 2025

As an old man, I remember a time when Americans, no matter their party, prayed for the leaders we elected. Whether we voted for him, her or not, we wanted him or her to succeed. Why? Because we understood that when a leader succeeds, the nation succeeds.

Fed up with attack politics? Take Our Country Back with Our Words As an old man, I remember a time when Americans, no matter their party, prayed for the leaders we elected. Whether we voted for him, her or not, we wanted him or her to succeed. Why? Because we understood that when a leader ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1

The Thirteen Attributes Of Mercy

Contributed by Lee Houston on Aug 5, 2025

Over the many decades studying the scriptures, I have come to see the Bible not as an Old Testament and New Testament but as one book affirming the story of God’s desire for the salvation of humankind.

The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy Maybe you feel the need for God’s compassion today. Indeed, any time I am in the pulpit, I know that in my audience that there is at least one person whose sin he or she thinks God will not forgive. If you feel that way or if you know someone that does, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:6-7, Exodus 3:14

The Joy Of Giving Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

God puts a really interesting proposition in front of us. He says, “Put me to the test” when it comes to your money. “Try it my way,” God says, “and see if my way works.”

We are doing a yearlong challenge in our church in 2020. We are challenging you to share the story of Christ’s love with friends, co-workers, and family members who don’t know Christ. When you do, we invite you to drop a ping-pong ball into the container, if you will. Our church hopes to see 5,000 ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:7-12, Leviticus 27:30-33, Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Matthew 23:23

Denomination: Baptist

How Dedicated Are You To Christ?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 2, 2009

The Church needs some fresh blood. Are you willing to give it?

2 Tim 3:12-13 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. KJV "It must be understod that there are no nominal, halfhearted, lukewarm Christians in Russia or China. The price ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Mansion Or Pup Tent?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Aug 11, 2013

The house isn Heaven is in good shape, but how is the temple here looking?

John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. KJV I once got into a bit of trouble because I suggested that these mansions are not of the antebellum Tara type, but possibly just a prayer closet where we can be ...read more

Scripture: John 14:2

Denomination: Baptist

Does God Give Tours Of Heaven And Hell?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on May 18, 2012

If you see Heaven or Hell there is no return trip.

There have been many that claim to have been to Hell and Heaven and came back or were sent back to tell us about it. Atheists have been to Hell and Heaven. Professing Christians also have been to Heaven or Hell. Are these valid experiences or things to distract people from the real Gospel and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27-28

Denomination: Baptist

Enduring Slander

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 9, 2014

It is hard to be mad at what someone said about you if it is true.

"Everybody is slandered even the good." - Robert E. Lee 1 Peter 3:14-16 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:14-16

Denomination: Baptist