Sermons on Open Up:

The Testimony Of The Shepherds Series

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Dec 17, 2022

A few miles outside of Bethlehem some shepherds had gathered their sheep together for the night. Luke tells us that just when everyone was settling down and getting warm around their fires the skies suddenly opened up. Suddenly, it was no longer a silent night.

Alba 12-18-2022 THE TESTIMONY OF THE SHEPHERDS Luke 2:8-20 Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents' house the week before Christmas. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers. The younger one began praying at the top of his lungs: "I PRAY ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 16, 2024

Our study continues with a few serious matters. The place of PRIDE and GOSSIP is opened up, plus some thoughts on MONEY; and the way some like to dominate others. They all cause tensions in churches. Faithful, honest preaching is vital to reduce potential conflicts.

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – PRACTICAL EXAMINATION AND SUGGESTIONS – PART 2 Last time we began a list of issues that I have seen over my lifetime that can cause tensions and conflicts in the church. In this second message we continue that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1, Ephesians 4:3, Luke 11:42-44, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, James 1:5, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 2 Corinthians 12:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

29. Romans Chapter 7 Verses 1-6 - Messages In Romans – Gentiles Are Not Part Of Chapter 7 – Not The Battle Of The Two Natures - Message 29 Part 1 Of 3 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 15, 2025

Today we open up a Chapter that is both vexed and problematic to some, as the incorrect teaching has caused confusion. Just who is this person in Romans 7 who has this gigantic struggle in his life? These messages will show it is NOT a Christian who is engaged in this battle.

29. Romans Chapter 7 Verses 1-6 - Messages In Romans – GENTILES ARE NOT PART OF CHAPTER 7 – NOT THE BATTLE OF THE TWO NATURES - Message 29 Part 1 of 3 ROMANS CHAPTER 7 EXPOSITION – PART 1 Now we come to a chapter that has been so badly handled by Christian commentators and writers. One of the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:10, Romans 7:1-3, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Romans 6:14-15, Romans 7:4-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A New Phase Of Life-1(:14-16)(2024)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 28, 2024

1 of ? Joshua recognized a major benchmark in Israel’s progress toward inheriting the Promised Land. Graduates have reached a benchmark in their societal expectations toward opening up their future. But, How do we enter/begin a new phase of life?

A NEW PHASE Of LIFE-I—Joshua 24:14-28 Attention: Graduates of High School, & College. Need: If your work continues without serving God, then you’ve chosen your god, & your god is YOU! Every grade-school graduate has reached a benchmark in their societal expectations. They have exited ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-16, Joshua 24:14-28

Denomination: Baptist

Is Official Or Formal Church Membership In A Local Church According To Scripture – Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 3, 2025

Formal church membership that involves special membership and voting rights is contentious. In this Part 2, I open up the matter to show how out of sync the matter is with the membership of the one Body of Christ, and the discrimination. We delve into some scriptures to bring this out.

IS OFFICIAL OR FORMAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE – PART 2 In Part 1 we looked at the practice some churches have of there being an official local church membership that divides “members”, adherents and attendees into “MEMBERS” and “NON-MEMBERS” depending if one has ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 6:15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 1 Corinthians 12:18-20, 1 Corinthians 12:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Growing Up And Building Up

Contributed by Ed Warfield on Mar 4, 2008

This message is designed to prepare believers for ministry, to promote spiritual growth, to see that they become like-hearted and to help them find what their gifting is and use it for the glory of God and the building up of His church.

Growing Up and Building Up Intro.: "Why does the church exist? What is our purpose?" In Acts 2, the church began with 3,000 members, by Acts 4 it had grown to 5,000 men plus women & children. The Lord added to the church daily "those who were being saved." Their concern was, "How do we take care ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Charismatic

Giving Up, Filling Up

Contributed by Michael De Rosa on Nov 5, 2006

to look at Ruth’s commitment to go with her mother-in-law that can help us in learning how to better commit to God

Outline: Commitment begins with a Decision Commitment continues with Actions Commitment is complete with Resolve Introduction: Funny Illustration Robert Turner told a story about a hen and a pig who became very good friends. One seldom saw them apart. One day as they strolled about the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:16-22

Denomination: Free Methodist

On The Up And Up: Jesus'ascension Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 7, 2008

esus’ Ascension is connected both to the Resurrection and the Second Coming of Christ. It is an extension of the Gospel and a foundational belief that has important ramifications.

On the Up and UP: Jesus’Ascension (Acts 1:9-11) 1. It can be tough to say “Goodbye.” 2. It was hard when our daughter moved to Washington or our son went away to Bible College. 3. Indeed, if you are like me, you will probably ever see most of the people with whom you graduated high school, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:9-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Give Up Or Get Up?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 8, 2009

Never consider anyone hopeless. Pray intensely, watch out for the naysayers or for your own negativity, and then participate in the redemption Christ wants to bring.

He’s just hopeless! She is beyond redemption! I am never going to make it! They have no future whatsoever! They are hopeless! Are you ever tempted to speak like that? Do you ever feel that way about somebody, maybe even about yourself? Hopeless? Watch out. Because there is nothing more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:40-56

Denomination: Baptist

Bear Up- Man Up!

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 4, 2013

A really nice message on helping others, taking responsibility and showing love.

Bear Up- Man Up! Colossians 3:12-13NKJ In Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs. Later in the week, his mother noticed ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Give Up Giving Up Series

Contributed by David Roth on Feb 20, 2015

Ash Wednesday (B). Too often we focus on our outward behavior, our sins. But the root of our problem is not sins, but sin, our sinful nature. Joel urges us to "Turn to God and live."

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “Give up giving up” What are you giving up for Lent? Anything? Some people give up something for lent. Not with the purpose of earning ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-19, Psalm 51:5-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Open Your Heart's Door To Jesus Series

Contributed by Jerry Smith on Mar 18, 2021

Many people have used this verse evangelically; however, its true context is for Christians. Jesus is speaking to the Church members of Laodicea to let Him into their life for fellowship and worship and not only religious pretense.

This is my last message on the theme of doors in the Bible. Our text is Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (I put on screen pictures of painting - artist depictions of this ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:20

Denomination: Baptist

Opening Connection To God… In A Secular Culture

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 4, 2018

Opening Connection to God… in a Secular Culture Brad Bailey – Sunday, June 3, 2018

Opening Connection to God… in a Secular Culture Brad Bailey – Sunday, June 3, 2018 Intro We have spent the past 8 weeks engaging the questions of what is involved with belief and engaging some of the questions that must be considered in believing in Christ. Today, I want to consider how we talk ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keep Your Eyes Open Series

Contributed by Stephen Colaw on Nov 2, 2008

A study through the book of Jude Part 2 of 4: We need to stay alert against our tendency to slip into “feel good sin.”

ME Open your bibles to the book of JUDE…if you don’t have a bible with you, the ushers will gladly hand you one. [Ushers hand out bibles to any who need them] We’re going to be looking at verses 5-11 today… Let me start by saying that I like things that feel good… • Roller coasters • Warm ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:5-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

"Raised Up" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Nov 2, 2002

What does it mean, to be raised up with Christ and seated in the heavenly places? (#17 in the Every Spiritual Blessing series)

It was going to be a beautiful day, at least, insofar as the weather was concerned. One could tell. It was still some minutes until sunrise, but it was one of those early pre-dawn mornings when the air smelled fresh, there was hardly any breeze, the night dew was drawing a damp but pleasant odor ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:6

Denomination: Orthodox