Sermons on Opening Gates:

Thanksgiving: The Stress Melting Holiday

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

We’re just a few days away from one of America’s most loved holidays – Thanksgiving. My wife loves the holiday because it doesn’t require all the preparation that Christmas asks for. It’s “the relax and enjoy the calm” holiday!

For the next few moments, I want to stimulate within you a greater desire to give thanks. In order to turn up the volume on your gratitude, I want you to turn to Psalm 118 with me. Find the largest, fattest chapter in all of your Bible, and turn one chapter to the left ?. Or you could find the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Suffering Savior Becomes The Rewarded Redeemer Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jul 28, 2008

Christ’s crucifixation brought about more than anguish to His soul. It openned the doorway to Heaven, where He returned victorious over sin, death & hell. He is raised on high & ready to share His victory & its glorious blessings with all who will follow

ISAIAH 53: 10-12 "THE SUFFERING SAVIOR BECOMES THE REWARDED REDEEMER." Isaiah 53 is the doctrinal explanation of the crucifixion. As we look at such suffering we ask, why would God forsake the Son of His love? Why would He turn His back on the very One to whom ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:10-12, Isaiah 53:1

Denomination: Baptist

A Rapture Viewpoint - More Perspective Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 17, 2023

I think it is sad that many Christians do not understand the Rapture or have not been taught it, or reject it. It is the blessed hope held to tenaciously by the early Church. There is a joy in knowing the Lord will soon take me (His Church/Bride) home when He comes.

A RAPTURE VIEWPOINT - MORE PERSPECTIVE THE LORD WILL NOT CALL HIS CHURCH TO HEAVEN Not really. He will not call from heaven and the saints go home. He opens the door in heaven according to Revelation 4:1 and there is a cry, “Come up here!” It is one of the joys of scripture when we compare ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54, Revelation 22:20, 2 Timothy 4:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Right To Remain Silent Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 9, 2024

Jesus was faced with numerous unfair and unjust accusations and trials... and yet He never responded to those. Why was He silent, and what can that mean to us?

OPEN: One day my dad was driving down the road a little over the speed limit. He was going about 65 in a 55 mph zone… and then he saw some lights flashing in his rearview mirror. Dad was resigned to the fact he’d have to pay a speeding ticket (after all, he was going 65) and when the policeman ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 3:21-29 - Message 10 – The Law Was The Guide Dog – All Locked Up Under Sin – Exploring Baptism In The New Testament Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 13, 2024

The Law could not make one righteous but pointed the way to Christ. Scripture locks everyone up under the control of sin. The Law also locked up the ones under it as well. We open up the meaning of baptism in the New Testament, both water and Spirit. Both are essential.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 3:21-29 - MESSAGE 10 – THE LAW WAS THE GUIDE DOG – ALL LOCKED UP UNDER SIN – EXPLORING BAPTISM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT [A]. ARE PROMISES AND LAW IN A MORTAL BATTLE? {{Galatians 3:21 “Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be, for if a law ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:21-22, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:21-23, Isaiah 64:6, Hebrews 11:6, Galatians 3:23, John 16:8-9, Romans 4:16, Galatians 3:24-25, Galatians 3:26-27, Romans 6:3-5, Ephesians 4:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:28-29, Genesis 22:17-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Call Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on Jan 13, 2001

This begins with the historical evidence from the ancient kingdom of Ebla that validates the life of Abraham and then I will look at God’s call. How He used Abram’s humanity, weakness and faith to open the door of God’s purpose.

God’s Call Genesis 11 ends with the genealogy leading up to Abram (later Abraham). Terah took his son Abram and his wife Saria, and grandson Lot and headed toward Canaan. They did not get to Canaan, but dwelled in the city of Haran (which is probably named after Abram’s brother who died after he ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-10, James 2:20-24

Denomination: Baptist

(Resurrection) Life Is Full Of Surprises

Contributed by Michael Pahls on May 19, 2001

Peter’s explanation of the events leading to the conversion of Cornelius (a Roman soldier and Gentile) bears witness to the surprising and yet familiar ways of God and points us to the new possibilities for surprise that the Resurrection message opens in in our lives.

Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year C May 13, 2001 Acts 11:1-18 1st CENTURY PALESTINE: A WORLD WITHOUT SURPRISES This passage is all about the surprising works of God but to get the surprise you must have the back story. Hang in there, the payoff in this passage for your life is worth the extended ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The New Awakening Series

Contributed by Jim Luthy on Sep 28, 2001

The alarm that went off on September 11 is opening our eyes to the problem of individualism. The only thing that will keep us from collectively rolling over in our bed of apathy is a strong call to the cross of Christ and to genuine Christian community.

The New Awakening Pastor Jim Luthy It has been two and a half weeks since we were awakened by the news of terrorists striking on our own soil. Since that time, we have heard that the attacks awakened a "sleeping giant." But that leads me to some questions. If we were a "sleeping giant," why ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:30-31, Philippians 2:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Gift Ready To Be Recieved Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

I’d like to suggest tonight that the all-time best gift that has ever been given is Jesus Christ. And, once you open this gift, you will never want to return it, and you will never be the same!

A Gift Ready to Be Received A little girl is sitting on her grandpa’s lap rattling off her long Christmas list. The grandfather recognized that this was “a teachable moment,” and so he said, “Honey, it’s more blessed to give than it is to receive.” To which the granddaughter replied, “I know ...read more

Scripture: John 1:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

When Excuses Fall Short Series

Contributed by Tony Dicostanzo on Jan 22, 2003

How can we open the window to the future that God desires for us, a future filled with fulfilled promises instead of fallen dreams? We do that by throwing away our excuses. What can some of those excuses be?

Permission is granted to reproduce the following Sermon Outline for corporate worship distribution. The manuscript, which follows the outline, contains the text needed to complete the handout. For further sermon resources or help, contact Pastor Tony S. DiCostanzo at adicostanzo@pastors.com. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Horoscope Of Jesus

Contributed by David Smith on Jan 8, 2007

What must Mary have thought when she first opened the door and found a group of Iranian astrologers, there to celebrate the birth of her son? These characters seem so inappropriate in the Christmas narrative, but maybe that’s the point?

The Xmas season is over! We’ve wished each other a Merry Xmas AND a Happy New Year, and now the festive season is PAST. The holidays (for most of us) are over. The time for singing carols and wishing peace and goodwill to all is finished. The presents have been handed out. The cards have all been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Servant

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 19, 2004

In the opening verses of this letter Paul introduces himself to the believers in Rome. When he wrote this letter he had never been to Rome, so naturally he gave a brief description of himself and his special status in the church.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: John Kenneth Galbraith, in his autobiography, A Life in Our Times, illustrates the devotion of Emily Gloria Wilson, his family’s housekeeper: “It had been a wearying day, and I asked Emily to hold all telephone calls while I had a nap. Shortly thereafter the phone rang. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

"(Stretching Forth) Withered Hands

Contributed by Mark Mccool on May 25, 2007

Open honesty is essential for conversion. Conversion is essential for saint & sinner alike. Many times complete conversion is never manifested in one’s life simply because they have hidden shame, & witheredness, that has never been healed.

“(STRETCHING FORTH) WITHERED HANDS” Mark McCool TEXT: MATTHEW 12:9-13 9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: 10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:9-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up. Series

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Jan 22, 2004

The first in a series on the life of Jesus through the book of John. Many things influence our perception of Jesus. This sermon attempts to open our eyes to the real Jesus vs. the Jesus we may have perceived him to be.

Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up John 1:1-18 The other day as I sat at my desk I was talking on the phone, communicating by Instant Messenger and answering email all at the same time. I also had the radio playing in the background. It was during this time that I glanced down at my Bible ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lord What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jul 27, 2005

LORD WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO I. The Question Acknowledges The Lordship Of Christ II. The Question Is An Expression Of a Surrendered Heart III. The Question Was The Begining Of A New Career IV. The Question Opens The Door To What The Will Of God

Sun. Sept 12/93 Acts 9:1-9 LORD WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO Ten Deep Questions Of Life 1. When sign makers go on strike is anything painted on their signs? 2. Why do television stations report power ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Baptist