Sermons on mortality:

Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B: "When In Doubt, Cut It Out.”

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Aug 15, 2024

It is not hyperbole to say that it is better to enter heaven maimed [one-armed, one-footed, and one-eyed] than to enter hell whole. That is literally true.

“When Jesus exaggerated” is a book title, and there are countless articles on how Jesus uses exaggeration and hyperbole for effect, like we hear this Sunday; to literally cut off your hand or foot or gouge-out your eyes because then you won’t sin with them.1 However, “it is not hyperbole to say ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-48

Denomination: Catholic

Four Great Questions Of Jesus Iii: "what Do You Want Me To Do?" Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Sep 7, 2019

Christians prevent narcissism from rubbing off on themselves by reaffirming and proclaiming Who Jesus Christ Is versus who we mortals are. Ask not: "What more can Christ do for me?" Ask: "What can I do for my Lord?"

FOUR GREAT QUESTIONS OF JESUS III A Series of Devotional Sermons Third Great Question: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:36

Brevity And Challenges Of Human Life

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 10, 2025

Life is brief and full of challenges, but God has given us hope, strength, and victory through Christ. We must live wisely, trust God, and prepare for eternity.

BREVITY AND CHALLENGES OF HUMAN LIFE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Job 14:1 "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble." Supporting Texts: Psalm 90:10, James 4:14, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:17, John 16:33 INTRODUCTION: Life on earth is short and ...read more

Scripture: Job 14:1, Psalm 90:10, James 4:14, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:17, John 16:33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

I Predict You’re Going To Die Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 9, 2011

God doesn’t want us to know WHEN we’re going to die, but He stresses the fact that one day we shall (if Jesus doesn’t return first). Why does God want us to face the reality of our own mortality? Why stress that we will all die?

OPEN: A woman once told of driving with her two young boys to a funeral. She said: “I tried to prepare them by talking about burial and what we believe happens after death. The boys behaved well during the service. But at the gravesite, I discovered my explanations weren’t as thorough as I’d ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 49:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus And The Cross In Mark Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on May 15, 2023

Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2) He surrendered his mortal body according to John 10:18, Just as he said: “No one takes [my life] away from me, but I lay it down of my own free will...” The cross is not a religious symbol but an instrument of death.

Mark 15:34-37 Jesus and the Cross in Mark Introduction: According to Mark, the "theology of the cross" (theologia crucis) is the only way to achieve glory by way of rejection and the cross as explained in the divine parabola in Philippians 2:5 by Apostle Paul. Mark is silent about the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:34-37

Denomination: Methodist

Curious Scriptures

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on May 8, 2019

There are certain Scriptures that seem to be unique. One of them is found in the crucifixion narrative in Matthew. What do we do with these especially when they seem to be out of the ordinary?

Curious Scriptures Please stand as we read our newest memory Scripture together … 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-56, Matthew 27:60, Hebrews 9:19-22, 1 John 5:16-17, Romans 6:23, John 8:34, Romans 6:22-23, 1 John 3:4-6, Mark 16:9-20, Matthew 6:13, Mark 1:15, Isaiah 44:24, Deuteronomy 5:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

The Sign Of A Savior In Swaddling Clothes Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 4, 2021

A good sign catches our attention and sends a clear message. What was it about the savior Jesus being wrapped and laid in a manger that God wanted us to see?

I’m going to introduce a few interesting billboards that I saw recently, but before I do, I want to point out that the mark of a good billboard/sign is that– 1) It should catch your attention and 2) It should give you a clear message. In progression I showed a billboard from KitKat candy that had ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

He Shall Be Called Kal-El Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 21, 2013

Was Jesus fully God? Was He fully man? And if so... why would Jesus go to all the trouble of being both?

OPEN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQasTtHJQTU (Start at 0:06 mark and continue through 1:25… stopped before the bloody “S”). Does anybody know who the actor was who was reading the voice over? (Anthony Hopkins, who played Superman’s father Jor-el in “Superman ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23, Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Victory In Jesus Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 2, 2018

Death is certain but the promise of Resurrection is more certain. Why is that promise so powerful and what difference can our resurrection mean to us?

(We began the sermon by singing the favorite hymn: Victory In Jesus “I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning, Then I repented of my sins and won the victory. O ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:35-57

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Congratulations - It's A God! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 2, 2018

Isaiah said the virgin birth was a "sign." Matthew picked up on that, as did the angels. But why was this "sign" so important to us?

OPEN: A Sunday School put on their own impromptu Christmas pageant. The teachers read the story and provided some props; then they stood back and let the kids dramatize the story on own. One girl grabbed the doll and said, “I’ll be Mary.” A boy shouted, “I’ll be Joseph,” Some of them put on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Tears That Touched Jesus’ Heart Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 15, 2012

Jesus only raised 3 people (that I know of) from the dead. Why didn’t He raise everybody out of the grave? Why just people like this only son of the widow of Nain?

OPEN: One of my favorite radio preachers is a man named Tony Evans. I remember listening to him use an illustration about standing in a cafeteria line – and he made it sound intriguing and almost exciting. What I want to share with you this morning (copying as best I can Evans’ distinctive way of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 13, 2015

Jeremiah declared that Jesus would be a King, a righteous branch, and our righteousness. What do those titles mean to us and what is it about Jesus that would give us comfort and joy?

OPEN: http://www.sermoncentral.com/church-media-preaching-sermons/sermon-video-illustrations/light-of-christmas-worship-intro-5079-detail.asp What was the name of that song in the video? “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. Did you notice the power the video gave to that song? That ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Born To Be A Savior Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 17, 2012

If the Gospel message is all about Jesus coming to die for our sins... why would God waste ink telling about the birth of a baby Jesus in a manger? What possible impact could that story have on our understanding of God’s gift of salvation?

OPEN: Santa Claus has come into the 21st century – he has an email now. Apparently you can email Santa at Emailsanta.com. It seems they get over a million emails a year, and among those emails are these intriguing comments: • A boy named Jon wrote: “I’m sorry, but I don’t have a chimney... I’ll ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Scary Scripture Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 29, 2022

Paul warned Timothy to keep a close watch on his life and on THE TEACHING because "in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." Why is what we teach so critical to the salvation of ourselves and our listeners?

OPEN: Shortly after I got out of Bible College there was a popular church near Ft. Wayne that attracted thousands of attenders that was called “The Glory Barn” (the building looked like it had been a barn). I went to their worship a couple of times myself just to see what the attraction was, and I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:16, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Walking Billboard Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 9, 2017

Why would Jesus show up 4 days late for the funeral of one of His best friends? What was Jesus trying to teach and what can we learn from this miracle/"sign"?

OPEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3lp0z981iM (Mark Lowry time stamp: 15:32-16:47) When the dead sit up… the funeral’s over. (That’s the last sentence in Mark Lowry’s segment on YouTube) In Jesus’ ministry He raised only 3 people from the dead. 1. The son of the widow from Nain. 2. The ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-53

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ