Sermons on Nonsense Makes Sense:

Joy In Trials?!

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Feb 18, 2022

The idea that we could find joy in trials seems very strange. But it makes sense - and it could radically change the way we respond to the trials that inevitably come.

We’ve now reached the last in our series of ‘Messages of Encouragement’. And we’ve come to a very difficult piece of teaching! ‘James’ – whoever James may be – tells us TO CONSIDER IT PURE JOY WHENEVER WE FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS! Wow! That sounds crazy! How can we understand it? The general ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Baptist

Being A Disciple: Predestined, Called, Justified, Glorified

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on May 19, 2013

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? It starts with being a follower of Him. Then it gets better and better.

In April we spent some time as a congregation talking about reaching out to the community, and really what we were talking about was a question. That question, which follows from the events right after the resurrection of Jesus, is rooted in a command, not a suggestion, a command...that Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:29-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Think Eternal

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 18, 2013

Let the future reality of heaven determines the character and conduct of our present life. Our choices and actions in this life have a bearing on the world to come.

RECAP – Deut 1:26-36 • We saw in Moses’ personal experience as well as the Israelites encounter with God in the wilderness, that UNBELIEF angers God. • It is not for a lack of EVIDENCES or ASSURANCES from God. God has spoken and God has performed, but the people chose to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

May The Lord Be With You

Contributed by Darian Catron on May 2, 2025

May the Fourth has come to be known for Star Wars fans as a day to celebrate their sci-fi obsession. Some people view the Holy Spirit as a force, like in Star Wars. But the Holy Spirit is God... God with us and in us, empowering us to do the work and accomplish the mission set before us.

INTRODUCTION: A couple of Sundays ago was Easter Sunday for those of us who follow Christ and celebrate our risen Lord and those celebrating Spring with the annual hunting of the Easter Eggs left by the Easter bunny. But, to my surprise (or perhaps my horror), I found out that a different group ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Joshua 1:1-9, Ephesians 6:10-11, Joshua 1:10-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Craziest Thing You've Ever Done

Contributed by Mitchell Leonard on Feb 7, 2014

What is the craziest thing you've ever done? If you reject Christ's gift of salvation THAT is the craziest thing you'll ever do.

Acts 26:19-25 What’s the CRAZIEST thing you’ve ever done? Ask yourself this. What is it you’ve done that people would say, “You’re crazy man” or “You’re crazy lady.” Don’t worry, I’m not ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:19-35

Denomination: Baptist

"it's Not Our Job To Judge The World"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Oct 18, 2023

A sermon about loving people into the kingdom.

“It’s Not Our Job to Judge the World” Matthew 7:1-6 Mission Insight is a program that our Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church pays for and makes available to local churches such as ourselves so that we can find out about our community. The information comes from the census, a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Sovereignty And Creation

Contributed by Brian Williams on Aug 19, 2024

The way we understand God’s sovereignty will impact the way we understand God’s plan of salvation, the way we view evangelism, our own sense of identity and sense of security, our prayer life, our decision-making processes, moral responsibilities and spiritual growth

As we enter into the months of July and August, we will be pausing our Genesis series and taking time to study systematic theology. We know that the foundation of our faith is the Person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the rock of our salvation (Ps 62:1) and chief cornerstone (Isa 28:16–17; 1 Pet ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Signs The Lord Is Moving You Into A New Season Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Sep 23, 2025

Are you sensing change on the horizon?

Are you sensing change on the horizon? Perhaps you're feeling restless or sensing a shift in your life's direction. The Bible encourages us to be aware of the seasons of our lives and to seek God's guidance as we navigate transitions. Here are few signs that the Lord may be moving you ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Great Commission: Populating Heaven

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Apr 21, 2013

The Great Commission invites us, amazingly, into the joy of sharing faith and, by God's power and grace, having a real impact on the future population of heaven. Weird but true.

Let me ask a couple questions about our home planet and its population to begin today. How many nations/countries are in the world? Anyone want to guess? Ballpark? 196 [ (not incl. Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Greenland, Palestine, Western Sahara, and even the components of the United Kingdom (such as ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Baptism Series

Contributed by Leighton (Lee) Vary on Oct 31, 2016

The two fold commission of Christ to His disciples. Evangelize and Baptize.

Introduction A. Lets begin by reading Matthew 28:16 - 20 Matthew 28:16-20 (NKJV) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. {17} When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. {18} And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

No Longer Fearful

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jan 12, 2009

We are living in a day in which man has lost one of his most important senses – the sense of fear.

NO LONGER FEARFUL II CORINTHIANS 5:1-11 Introduction: Dean Martin once said, "Show me a man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word fear, and I’ll show you a dummy who gets beat up a lot." (Kent Crockett, The 911 Handbook, Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2003, 118) We are living in a day in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rethinking Church Growth

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 1, 2010

We need to rethink church growth. Most churches are not growing.

INTRO.- ILL.- After the worship service a young couple talked to a church member about joining the church. He hadn't met the husband before, and he asked what church he was transferring from. After a short hesitation, he replied,"I am transferring from the Municipal Golf Course." Brothers and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Staying Connected

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jan 8, 2020

In order to hear from the Father we must stay connected to Jesus.

STAYING CONNECTED Text: John 15:1-8 Introduction 1. Today we begin a year of rest and reflection. A. Resting from outreach. B. Reflecting on our ministry. 2. We will be seeking God for... A. A New Vision: What does the Lord want our church to look like B. A New Focus: Who does the Lord want us ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

How To Make Worship A Theme In Your Preaching

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 14, 2001

How to Make Worship a Theme in Your Preaching - 2 Thes 2:4

HOW TO MAKE PROPER WORSHIP A THEME IN YOUR PREACHING A. Pray with your elders before the service that in every way the service would bring glory to Jesus Christ. PRAYER CHANGES THINGS B. Instruct the song leader in the art of worshipful choruses and hymns. C. Give center stage to the worship, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:4-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Da Vinci Code: Making Your Faith Foolproof Series

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Mar 9, 2006

Second in expository series on Colossians.

We’re in the series on Reaching Your Full Potential for God. Last week we covered the pre-requisites to reaching your full potential for God. The Bible laid the groundwork in Colossians chapter one for your advancement in Christ. Reaching your full potential in God is so vitally important ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-23

Denomination: Baptist