Sermons on Open Hand:

Paul's Final Assurances To Timothy Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 18, 2020

To establish that Paul’s Final Assurances to Timothy were that he: fought a good fight, finished his course, and fulfilled the faith. Sadly, these three assurances are Paul’s final message to Timothy, his beloved son in Christ.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. I Fought a Good Fight 2. I Finished My Course 3. I Fulfilled the Faith Introductory Remarks. 1. In our lesson today, we are going to be discussing the theme: "Paul's Final Assurances to Timothy." The apostle is now in a cold, wet, and dark dungeon in Rome. He ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Doomsday Shadow

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Nov 5, 2014

What is happening in Christendom today is not an aberration in the history of the church, nor is it irrelevant in respect to what will happen tomorrow. What we do today will have a major impact on the Christianity of our children and our grandchildren.

DOOMSDAY SHADOW ILLUSTRATION As the pastor was summing up the messages and information portion of the morning service he remarked that all church leaders and administrative personnel needed to attend a meeting Thursday evening. It was imperative that they attend. When Thursday evening rolled ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-2

Denomination: Christian Church

Building A Life Of Faith Series

Contributed by Darryl Dash on Nov 6, 2000

Learn how to build a life of faith by looking at the 3 secrets of faithfulness from the life of Abraham.

Building a Life of Faith (Hebrews 11:8-18) We’re in week three of a series on built for life - on how to build a great life. All of us want to build great lives, and the Bible tells us how we can do that. Today we’re going to talk about building a life of faith. How do you get God’s approval? By ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-18

Denomination: Baptist

Why Participate In A Local Church

Contributed by Mario Bruni D. D.. on Jun 4, 2016

Many Christians without finding out if church attendance is required or needful, just feel it is unnecessary. Could it be they really do not want to know the answer or do not care? Let us start examining if church attendance is required or necessary.

Why Participate in Your Local Church Christians sometimes fail to see the need to be active in a specific local church. God’s word gives many passages that refer to local churches ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Stable, Secure And Supportive – That Is God Our Rock, Forever Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 22, 2022

We have a great treasure. Christ is our ROCK in every storm of life. We look at some scriptures about God being our Rock, and our Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ is our shelter, stability, security, shade, support, and solace. Rock of Ages, cleft for me.

STABLE, SECURE AND SUPPORTIVE – THAT IS GOD OUR ROCK, FOREVER DID YOU HAVE A ROCK? Years ago there used to be this fad – pet rocks. How many remember this craze? A quote from “Nostalgia Central” might jog your memories (if you are of my generation!) [[“The Pet Rock was probably the biggest ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-25, Matthew 16:18, Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6-8, Exodus 33:20-23, 1 Corinthians 10:2-4, Exodus 17:6, 2 Samuel 22:1-4, Daniel 2:34-35, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 18:2, 2 Samuel 22:47, 2 Samuel 22:32, 1 Samuel 2:2, Deuteronomy 32:3-4, Isaiah 44:8, Deuteronomy 32:13-18, Isaiah 32:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"A Norman Rockwell Christmas"

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Dec 26, 2007

Norman Rockwell the beloved and talented artist always set out in his paintings to depict life in America and the importance of American Values. In our fast paced society today we need to re-discover these same values this year during the Christmas season

A Norman Rockwell Christmas Opening video Illustration: The Nativity (clip) – Remembering who the reason for the season is- Jesus. Opening hands on Illustration: Show some of his pictures from his books and pass the books around! Thesis: Norman Rockwell the beloved and talented artist always set ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Experiments In Forgiving Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Sep 11, 2021

In Matthew 5:38-42 we see Jesus presenting us God’s standard as an Experiment for us in Forgiving. Jesus outlines: 1) The Principle of Mosaic Law (Matthew 5:38), and gives four illustrations on: 2) The Perspective of Divine Truth (Matthew 5:39-42).

Matthew 5:38-42 [38]"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'[39] But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. [40] And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Denomination: Other

A Proverb To Guide Our Giving Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 4, 2014

Paul quotes a proverb that is instructive for believers as they bring their gifts before the Lord.

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” [1] “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Embracing The Savior Series

Contributed by Maureen Hull on Jan 27, 2026

An exposition of Luke 2:25-35

And to let your gentle spirit be known to all men, the Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, I needed to hear that once again this morning. I actually reflected on that from my house this morning. But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-35

Don't Drink With The Prostitute (Revelation 17:1-18) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Oct 1, 2023

A call to avoid compromising with the world for the sake of power, pleasure, or wealth. A no rapture, practical reading of Revelation.

Many of us, at one point or another, have found ourselves desiring a different kind of life. A better life, with nicer stuff. A life with "more." This desire for more tends to run in four directions: (1) Power/fame. At times, we get tired of having no voice, no say, no authority. We ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:1-18

An Eye For An Eye - Matthew 5:38-39 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 20, 2024

It’s surprising to discover how many subtle ways we take revenge on those who hurt us. This message will help you discover them and show you the remedy Jesus gave us.

Matthew 5:38-42 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Galatians 5:1-15 Choosing To Be Free

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 17, 2024

The Galatian church was dealing with Jesus + teaching. Paul addresses the issue in this discussion of real freedom.

Today, we're going to be in Galatians chapter five, and what we're going to talk about is choosing to live in the freedom you've been given. I'm going to read this passage; we'll be in Galatians chapter five, looking at the first 15 verses. Then we're going to stair-step our ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Apollos' Conversion Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 26, 2019

To establish that Apollos’ Conversion; followed the same “pattern of conversion,” outlined in the Book of Acts. He came to Ephesus preaching John’s baptism; after being taught “the way of God more perfectly;” he was sent into Achaia, being able to show by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Apollos' Capabilities 2. Apollos' Conversion 3. Apollos' Commission Remarks. 1. In this lesson today, we will speak to the theme: “Apollos’ Conversion.” This lesson reminds us that even this man’s conversion followed the same “pattern of conversion” as others, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:24-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Good Employer Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 13, 2021

The owner of a vinyard pays all of his workers the same amount. How can this be fair? The motivations of the employer are explored within the cultural context of the first century.

The Good Employer (Matt. 20:1-16) Harvest time. The morning sun burned just below the hillside and backlit the ancient vines rising up from the even more ancient earth. The ground was parched and packed. Only the grapes held the promise of moisture, the pulp near bursting through their skins. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Vision Of Christ Among The Lampstands Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 23, 2016

Suddenly he heard a voice behind him. When he turned around, he saw the Son of man Himself, in a form that radiated glory and standing in the midst of seven golden lamps, and immediately fell at His feet like one who had been shot.

By: Tom Lowe Date: 3-6-2015 ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:9-20

Denomination: Baptist