Sermons on Niceness:

A Work In Progress Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 14, 2001

When the real Jesus is seen, he presents problems -- either he is too difficult for us to accept, or he is offensive to our sloppy ways of doing church, or we are just too tired of churchiness -- but his words of life revive our weariness.

I notice that they’ve revived one of the old-time television shows. We can once again see, “To Tell the Truth”. The idea of “To Tell the Truth” is that three people come out, and they all stand and give a name – the same name. Then someone reads a few sentences about the person who actually has ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-69

Denomination: Baptist

Mature Faith

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jul 11, 2006

Study with me the five purposes of the church – five experiences that can make us strong disciples, able to serve our Master.

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 (NRSVA) Spiritual ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: United Methodist

The 2nd Thief Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 18, 2011

Both thieves on the cross insulted Jesus... to begin with. Why did the 2nd thief refuse to accept the love and promises of Christ? What drove him to curse Jesus even as he was dying?

When the police arrest a suspect – what’s the first thing they are required by law to do? That’s right - “read him his rights”. "You have a right to remain silent ..." etc. What’s the official name for that process? The Miranda Warning. When a suspect has been read his rights they often say ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Would Like To See Jesus Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 10, 2007

It is essential for us to see Jesus clearly. In this sermon I introduce the challenge of studying Jesus, and explain why is it essential that we do.

Introduction: A. Church auditorium pulpits are interesting. 1. They can take many shapes and sizes. 2. When I first came to Wetzel Road, the pulpit was made out of paneling and was a big counter with a slanted front and sides and had a podium in the middle. a. When I stood behind it I felt ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Treasuring God's Grace Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Oct 25, 2012

We live with the knowledge that we sin; we often assume we're getting away with it. In reality, we've just never been caught - or have we?

“Treasuring God’s Grace” 2 Sam. 11:26-12:14 The question on the job application read, “Have you ever been arrested?” The applicant printed the word “No” in the space. The next question was a follow-up to the first; it asked, “Why?” So this ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus’ Warning Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Anytime I, or you, pare Jesus down to a figure that we can be comfortable with, we are guilty of murdering him.

Introduction There was one club in college that never enticed me to join; that was the Debate Club. My heart beats rapidly enough raising an objection in a meeting! The excitement of public debate is not the kind I care for. I am the kind of person who thinks best at least two days after ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

I Was Naked Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Sep 21, 2015

4th in this series. Borrowed from a concept by Tim Cook, a fellow preacher. A study of Matthew 25, and how the Church can put it into practice.

Intro: How did you decide what to put on this morning? I usually put on what my wife says I can wear. That’s why, if anyone ever says to me, “Oh, you look nice in that!” I can tell them, “My wife dresses me nice.” It’s true. If it matches, or anything close ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Story - Sermon 11 Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 31, 2011

Distortions in our lives and in the Bible. Inspired from Frazee and Lucado.

The Story - Chapter 10 November 14, 2010 As we move into chapter 10, I want to give you a one word theme for today’s message. Isn’t it frustrating when something does not look like we thought it should? Normally, the title slide is nice and easy to read, but not today, because today ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Doing Time

Contributed by Monty Newton on Aug 13, 2009

The Christian life is about seizing every opportunity to do what pleases God and brings othes to Christ.

Title: Doing Time Text: Ephesians 5:8-17 Thesis: The Christian life is about seizing every opportunity to do what pleases God and brings others to Christ. Introduction A man had been driving all night and by morning was still far from his destination. He decided to stop at the next city he ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A God That Will Afflict The Enemy

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on May 14, 2012

A message focusing in on the lost Ark in the temple of Dagon.

1 Samuel 5:1-5 KJV And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. [2] When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. [3] And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 5:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Death In The Pot

Contributed by Troy Borst on Feb 24, 2021

So, what does this passage in 2 Kings 4 have to do with us? I told you at the beginning that this was an odd passage in the life of the prophet Elisha and it has an important message for us today. That message is all about the action word “faith.”

DEATH IN THE POT 2 KINGS 4:38-44 #faith #deathinthepot INTRODUCTION… Bad Meal Last Week (p) I do the majority of the dinner preparation in our home. I think I am a fantastic cook. My family would probably say I am an average cook because when I decide to throw together things in my own way that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:38-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Book Of Mark #57

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 30, 2022

In 1858, the Illinois legislature, using an obscure statute, sent Stephen A. Douglas to the U.S. Senate instead of Abraham Lincoln, although Lincoln had won the popular vote.

When a sympathetic friend asked Lincoln how he felt, he said he felt, “Like the boy who stubbed his toe: I am too big to cry and too badly hurt to laugh.” (Source unknown) All of us know that feeling. Life is filled with disappointments. Most of us will do anything to keep from having ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Boat Trip To Bethsaida. A Trip To Remember

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Aug 2, 2024

Is Jesus nothing more than a ghost to you as you struggle to get to your destination? Find out how He responds.

8.4.24 Mark 6:45–52 (EHV) 45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself dismissed the crowd. 46 After he had sent them off, he went up the mountain to pray. 47 When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:45-52

Denomination: Lutheran

Taking Up The Mantle

Contributed by Bryan Lassiter on Dec 4, 2020

Advent 2, 2020 We are challenged by Mark's gospel to take up the mantle of Isaiah - just like John the Baptist

Taking up the Mantle Mark 1:1-8 Matthew has a Christmas story in which Joseph is prominent. Luke has a Christmas story. Even John has a Christmas story from a cosmic perspective where the Word became flesh. But is there a Christmas story in Mark? Let us see. From first appearances, it kinda ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40:3-5

Denomination: Methodist

Expecting God Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 10, 2022

Many people have expectations of what God can do for them. But that's not how it works. We were saved to do things for Him. Why?

I’ve been told that when people come to God –– they have certain expectations. They have certain opinions of what they think God should DO for them. They visualize a God who is going to do what they want done. ILLUS: A woman named Donna had a conversation with her 4 year old niece. The little ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ