Sermons on Michael Precker:

The Way Up Is Down Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

After all the nice things Pual has said about how good the Philippian church was doing, he wants them to remember where they came from, where they are now, how they got there, and who it is who brought them along.

I. Intro: A. Mohammad Ali, the great boxer, also was renowned for his cocky quick-wit, saying things like, “I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, and it is hard to be humble when you're as great as I am.” My favorite: “I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

My Journey From Jew To Christ Follower

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Sep 11, 2021

This message is my story of being raised Jewish and becoming a Christian.

My Story: Jew to Christian September 12, 2021 Today I’m not going to tell you something you need to do, or something you aren’t doing. That’s the good news! I’m not going to preach at you. Today, I’m going to share my story with you, maybe give you a little thought about Judaism, some broad ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-27

Denomination: Baptist

Turn On The Light! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

What does it mean to "empty" oneself? Something will fill the vacuum! When we empty ourself for Jesus--who is the perfect example of emptying oneself--we will be filled with His nature... and shine like lights!

I. Intro A. My kids and I are reading a series of books of historical fiction entitled The American Adventure, which follow the lives of various children as the history of our nation unfolds around them. One of the things that has always been the case is that, the older we get, the less we like ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Two Examples Of Level 5 Faithfulness Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

How committed are we to being of service? In describing himself, Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Paul describes for us two Level 5 leaders in today’s Scripture…

I. Introduction A. How committed are we to being of service? In describing himself, Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” B. “It came down to one essential definition. The central dimension for Level 5 is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30

Our Identity: Christ Alone! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Where does your joy come from? What are the kinds of things that rob you of your joy? Paul encourages the Philippians to keep the source of joy in proper perspective so that it's not stolen away or diminished.

I. Intro A. ?Two Australian sailors staggered out of a London pub into a dense fog and looked around for help. As they steadied themselves, they saw a man coming into the pub but evidently missed the military medals flashing on his dress uniform. One sailor blurted out, “Say, bloke, do you know ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-3

The Economics Of Righteousness Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Consider spending your whole life working for one cause, only to realize you were so wrong that you were willing to leave everything you'd achieved behind to promote a new one. That's Paul's story, and here he tells the Philippians how it pays off.

I. Intro: Fire Cleans Out Huxley’s Stuff? Years ago, one of Southern California's infamous wild fires destroyed the home of best-selling writer Aldous Huxley. He and his wife barely escaped with their lives. But Huxley's manuscripts, his collection of letters from "great" people ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-11

Forget The Past--Reach For What Lies Ahead Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Credentials won't do. Status won't do. Nothing will suffice our deepest spiritual need: to know God and be known by Him. Paul says it's a constant pursuit.

I. Intro: Backstage at the circus, motivational speaker Jim Donovan noticed that the elephants were kept in place by nothing stronger than a thin rope that tied one leg to a stake in the ground. Puzzled, Donovan asked one of the trainers what prevented these powerful animals from just snapping the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Be A Copycat Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

What are the most tried and true teach methods? Imitation! Paul is a big advocate, if this passage is any indication. Let's use some children's games to help us learn how to live like Jesus--and cope with the consequences.

I. Introduction A. One of the more precious—and frustrating—parts of homeschooling (or educating young children in general) is teaching them how to write. Letter-forming does not come naturally to most of us, and it certainly doesn’t come by hearing a lecture on it. A child must see letters ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Get Along To Go Along Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Remember how easy it was when we were little to make--and lose--friends? Paul is teaching us here that while we walk this path with each other, the purpose is not to "go along to get along," but much more importantly, to learn to "get along so we can go along."

I. Introduction A. Do you remember when you were younger, one of the first things you had to learn was to get along with siblings / cousins / classmates? With some, this was easy, even effortless most of the time. For others, the best you could do was just stay away from them… but that was often ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-3

Peace & Joy: Keeping It Real Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

We often hold inaccurate perspectives on things. Paul reminds us today of a few things: the importance of real joy, the power of real peace, and the disciple's mentality that secures these two.

I. Intro: Perspective A. Newsweek magazine recently made a side-by-side comparison of "threats" of which people have an inaccurate perspective: 1. Murders: 14,180 (2008)—Suicides: 33,289 (2006) 2. Children abducted by strangers: 115 (1999)—Children who drown in pools: 288 ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Evidence Of Spiritual Strength Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Paul is wrapping up his encouragement letter to the Philippians by acknowledging their genuine concern for him, and by reminding them that circumstances have no power of his perspective--he knows that Christ in us is greater than any difficulty this world can produce.

I. Intro: GODZILLA MEAT! A. Want to be as strong as Godzilla?  Eat Godzilla Meat!  “Godzilla Meat—actually 3.5 ounces of corned beef from Tokyo toy maker Takara Company—is packaged with pictures of the stomping, fire-breathing, irradiated dinosaur made famous by movies that started ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

You're Too Kind! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 14, 2021

Paul ends this epistle with making sure the Philippians know that, regardless of how both contented and empowered he is in Christ, he is still very thankful to them for their remarkable kindness to him, and that it didn't go unnoticed.

I. Intro A. According to the WASHINGTON POST, a church ordered a pizza from Domino’s during a church service. What happened next drew national attention:? “The driver brought the $5.99 pizza to Sycamore Creek Church in Pickerington in suburban Columbus on Oct. 4. The Rev. Steve Markle brought ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:14-23

When God Says, "don't Pray For Them!"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 16, 2021

God holds all mankind to account. All face judgement, and some are judged now. When God judges individuals and even communities, He informs His people, saying, "Don't pray for them!"

“Thus says the LORD concerning this people [Israel]: ‘They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore, the LORD does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.’ “The LORD said to me: ‘Do not pray for the welfare of this people. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 14:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

My Journey From Jew To Christ Follower - Part 2

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Sep 18, 2021

Part 2 of 2 of my journey to Christ and what it means within the church

My Story: Jew to Christian September 19, 2021 Have you ever watched a movie and it seems to abruptly end? Usually that’s the sign of a sequel. I think the most famous, and maybe this dates me, has to be the “Who shot JR?” episode on the program Dallas. You wait for the ending, and it’s not fun. ...read more

Scripture: John 11:25-26, Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

You Don't Have To Be A Star To Be In My Show

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 23, 2021

Recognition of those who advance the cause of Christ through quiet service within the assembly of the righteous.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:3-16

Denomination: Baptist