Sermons on Mastering:

"Certain Persons” – The Creepers Who Slipped In, Quietly In Slippers – Jude 1 Verse 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 10, 2022

Even in Jude's time false teachers had crept into the church and Jude does not hold back. In this message we look into "creeping" and examine these false teachers, ungodly men, the wolves among the lambs. There is much warning for us too 1950 years later.

“CERTAIN PERSONS” – THE CREEPERS WHO SLIPPED IN, QUIETLY IN SLIPPERS – Jude 1 verse 4 MESSAGES IN JUDE – MESSAGE 3 Jude 1 v 4 Jude 1:4 “for certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-2, 2 John 1:7, 1 John 4:1-3, 2 Peter 2:18-19, 1 John 2:22, Matthew 10:32-33, Titus 1:16, Matthew 10:24, 1 Peter 2:18, Titus 2:9, Philippians 2:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 22:20, Acts 20:28-31, Jude 1:4, Leviticus 9:23-24, Leviticus 10:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Play God Day Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 10, 2016

Play God Day is "celebrated" on January 9th and encourages people to do something nice for others. That's good. But "playing God" also has a negative side. What's wrong with "playing God" and how do I recognize if I'm falling into that trap?

This is the 2nd in our series of “holidays” in January you probably haven’t heard of. This one is called the “Play God Day” and its “observed” on January 9th each year. According to www.cute_calendar.com: “The day encourages you to do something ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is Your All On The Altar Of Sacrifice Laid? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 17, 2021

If God hated human sacrifice, why would He ask Abraham to offer his only son as a burnt offering to Him? And what can this story mean to us?

CHILDREN'S STORY (I used a flannel graph display on the overhead) In the days of Abraham, one of the ways people showed their love for God by offering Him a sacrifice. A sacrifice is like a gift. It’s something you give to God to show Him you are willing to obey Him, even when it costs you ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:17-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Restoring God's Masterpiece Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 25, 2023

Sin marred and disfigured God's masterpiece. But the Bible is one long narrative of how God sought to restore that which was damaged. Has God completely restored His masterpiece now... or is that yet to happen?

OPEN: One of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings was called “The Last Supper.” It was painted on the wall of the Sistine Chapel, and Da Vinci was sure that the unique painting style he used would create a masterpiece that would last forever. It didn’t quite work out that way. The painting ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:14-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

25. Romans Chapter 6 Verses 1–5 - Messages In Romans – Dead To Sin So Why Continue In Sin – The Great Truth Of Water Baptism Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 30, 2025

Because we are dead to sin, how can a dead person live a life in the former existence? That former life is dead. How can it be possible that anyone continues to live a sinful life in an area to which we died through faith? Believers’ baptism - we have died to sin and rise in a new life.

25. ROMANS CHAPTER 6 VERSES 1–5 - MESSAGES IN ROMANS – DEAD TO SIN SO WHY CONTINUE IN SIN – THE GREAT TRUTH OF WATER BAPTISM [1]. PART 1 – CONTINUING IN SIN – HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? {{Romans 6:1 “What shall we say then? Are we to CONTINUE IN SIN that GRACE might increase? Romans 6:2 May it ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-2, Romans 5:20, John 16:8-11, Genesis 1:22, Genesis 1:28, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Revelation 2:4-5, 1 John 1:7-9, Romans 6:3-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Cool Can Church Get?

Contributed by Sophia Lorena on Feb 27, 2022

Jesus revels in the unthinkable. He loves sharing glimpses of the heavenly realm with those he can trust.

The gospels document the unpredictable sociability of Jesus. He was the people’s kind of person. There’s a party on, and the hosts run out of drinks and Voila! He conjures up the resources and the impending shame is dealt with and the celebrations continue. His earthly ministry kicks off with an ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Rules Are Rules Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 1, 2014

The Pharisees of Jesus' day died long ago. But their spirit lives on in congregations across the land. How can we recognize if we have become like the Pharisees, and what did Jesus teach us about what we need to know to avoid becoming like those men?

(Before reading the text I noted that the stories in this section of Mark detailed the conflict between Jesus and a religious group known as the Pharisees… and I emphasized the word "Pharisees" as I read through the text) OPEN: Back in the 1980’s, the Minnesota Twins had this ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 5:12-15 - Message 19 – Freedom Brings Extra Responsibility – How To Love One Another, And Christian Cannibalism Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 21, 2024

Salvation brings freedom, but is that freedom a licence to sin? Paul uses strong language against the false teachers. We look at serving one another in love and what that means, and finish with considering “Christian cannibalism”.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 5:12-15 - MESSAGE 19 – FREEDOM BRINGS EXTRA RESPONSIBILITY – HOW TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER, AND CHRISTIAN CANNIBALISM Galatians is a powerful book. Perhaps in this letter Paul’s emotions and spirit are turned over more than in any other letter as he combats the false ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:4-9, Galatians 5:12, Galatians 5:13, Matthew 6:24, 1 Kings 18:21, 1 Corinthians 6:16-20, Ephesians 4:28, Ephesians 4:29, Galatians 5:14, Acts 17:10-11, Matthew 22:36-40, Matthew 19:19, Matthew 5:43-44, Luke 10:29, Galatians 5:15, 2 Kings 6:28-29, 1 Corinthians 10:23-24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A New Name Written Down In Glory Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 31, 2021

Jesus makes us a New Creation and gives us a New Name. Why does He do that, and what kind of difference can that make in our lives?

Does anybody know what the “S” in Harry S Truman stands for? NOTHING! It doesn't stand for anything. He was born with a middle initial… and that was it. The letter “S” was a compromise that his parents made to satisfy his grandfathers, whose names were Shippe and Solomon.” Several years ago, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Make A Choice Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 4, 2021

Christianity is about making a choice. Do I choose to do things God's way, or mine? Do I choose to follow His wishes, or the wishes of others who disagree with Him? The Bible repeatedly tells us: "Make a choice."

There is the story of the “good old boy” who came down out of the mountains one day. He was all dressed up and carrying his Bible. A friend saw him and asked, “Elias, what’s going on? Where are you going all dressed up like that?” Elias said, “I’ve been hearing about New Orleans. I hear that ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Leftovers Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 21, 2017

Leftovers can be great for meals, but there are times when they can be bad for a family. And we're not talking food here. What does God want us to be treat our family like and what difference does it make if we don't?

OPEN: How many of you have ever had Leftovers? One of my favorite meals is to go to a sit-down Chinese restaurant. They always give me more than I can eat and so I ask them to box the remainder up and so I can take it home. I enjoy that kind of leftovers. But leftovers can get… old. Especially if ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Does God Need My Money? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 10, 2021

One of my favorite YouTube personalities is Joe Scott ("Answers With Joe). I like him because he is a humble man who explains the deep things in understandable ways... but he also shared that he struggled with questions that made him skeptical - such as why God "needed" our offerings.

OPEN: “YouTube” is a site where people can post videos they’ve either made or like, and some of those videos are grouped into “channels” (like a TV channel). I have my own channel where I’ve put songs I’ve sung by myself or with the SonShine Boys. Now some of these channels are more popular than ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:7-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Switching The Price Tags Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 7, 2019

When Christians fight and quarrel they show that they've embraced the world and its ways of dealing with conflict. God's wisdom is different than the world's. Do you know what that difference is?

OPEN: Years ago, Tony Campolo wrote a book about Christianity called “Who Switched The Price Tags” He told about the time he and his best friend decided to break into the basement of the local five-and-dime store. They didn’t plan to rob the place (Sunday School boys after all); instead, they ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hey Jude Don't Be Afraid Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 3, 2017

Jude speaks of people who "infiltrate" the church to damage it. Who are they and why do they do that? And how can we "contend for the Faith" when faced with these kinds of folks?

It was the winter of 1944. The German army was in a desperate situation and ultimately launched what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. A key part of their strategy was to disrupt and mis-direct reinforcements that the Allies would be sending into the battle. They called it “Operation ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Importance Of Spiritual Gifts

Contributed by David Dewitt on Aug 16, 2004

This message was written for our annual church ministry fair with a focus on using the gifts that God has given to us.

The Importance of Spiritual Gifts Matthew 25:14-30 Ministry Fair Devotional August 15, 2004 Gift Illustration Christ has given you a great gift (14-15) 14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Church Of God