Sermons on Opening Gates:

Switching The Price Tags Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 7, 2019

When Christians fight and quarrel they show that they've embraced the world and its ways of dealing with conflict. God's wisdom is different than the world's. Do you know what that difference is?

OPEN: Years ago, Tony Campolo wrote a book about Christianity called “Who Switched The Price Tags” He told about the time he and his best friend decided to break into the basement of the local five-and-dime store. They didn’t plan to rob the place (Sunday School boys after all); instead, they ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It’s What’s Inside That Counts Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 31, 2021

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our helper and be "in" us... but what does that mean? What difference could the presence of God's Spirit make in our lives?

OPEN: I read a true story about a woman was pregnant with her first child, and her 4-year-old nephew came over to visit. She allowed him to place his hand on her belly and feel the baby kick. And he had this puzzled look on his face and said, "How’s that baby gonna get out of there?" She ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Poor-Ly Done Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 24, 2018

The people of Sodom cared nothing for the poor and needy, and this is one of the reasons Sodom was destroyed. Do you know why this lack of concern for the helpless angered God?

OPEN: A woman wrote in Reader's Digest about the time when she 10 ten years old and she found a wallet. There wasn’t any money in it, just a paper with a phone number and address on it. But she knew how these things worked. She’d return the wallet to its owner and THEN she’d get a reward! She ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 16:48-50

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Judgment Seat Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 23, 2016

What is the Millennial Kingdom all about? How important is it to God and what can mean to us? Also, what do we learn about the Judgment Seat of God in Revelation?

OPEN: Several years ago there was a TV evangelist who was preaching about his view of the 2nd Coming of Christ. Toward the close of the program he apparently actually made this pitch of one of his videos: "Jesus is coming soon -- perhaps tomorrow! Send $10 for a video that will explain the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

He Walked Not Uprightly (Full) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jul 2, 2020

To establish that Paul rebuked Peter for walking not uprightly before the church. When men from James came to Antioch, Peter withdrew and separated himself from eating with the Gentiles, for fear of the circumcision. This same fear exists today, among believers and leaders in the Lord’s church.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Paul’s Rebuke 2. Paul’s Reason 3. Paul’s Resolve Remarks. 1. In our lesson today, we will discuss the theme: “He walked not uprightly.” This sermon deals with an important truth to be heard again by the church, and maybe for the first time the religious world. There may ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-5, Galatians 2:11-21, Acts 15:24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Journey Of Love Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 4, 2017

God tells us that Joseph was a "just man" because he was "unwilling to put (Mary) to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly." What does that mean? And what does difference can it make to our faith?

OPEN: (We began the service with a clip from the movie "The Star" that showed Mary and Joseph at their wedding party just before Mary is going to tell Joseph that she's pregnant with the Christ Child) There’s a true story about a grade school class that was putting on a Christmas which included ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sensing God During The Storm Part 2 Series

Contributed by John Maxwell on Nov 6, 2001

This is the second part series to Sensing God During the Storm with emphasis on John 16.

SENSING GOD DURING THE STORM, II John 16 John Maxwell INTRODUCTION: Archibald Rutledge tells the story of looking out his window and watching a bird build a nest. He spent the better part of a day watching the scene. During the night, a bad storm came. Rutledge went to the window the next morning ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-33

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Seed Of Promise Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 31, 2017

Jesus came to do 2 things: save the lost and build His church. But how was He going to build His church and what tool did He give us to use to help Him do that?

There’s a true story about a young boy named “Greggy” who was playing on beach. He spent long hours working on intricate sand castles; whole cities would appear beneath his hands. But then one day, some bullies came along and the kicked and smashed them all. And they did this day after day after ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The War To End All Wars Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 16, 2016

Revelation is about a war to end all wars. But what is this about Armageddon and what does it mean to us?

OPEN: Years ago I received a flyer for a Revival to be held in Richmond, Indiana. The “Revivalist” was going to tell us about 2nd coming of Christ. His topics would include the “rapture”, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the battle to end all battles – Armageddon. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 16:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Are Not Ignorant Of Satan’s Devices Or Schemes – Part 9 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 8, 2023

Three schemes are examined to see Satan’s division and hurt in the human race. The wide net of PLEASURE is first; followed by the corruption of CHRISTMAS and EASTER; followed by what FEMINISM is doing to our world. These might be hot issues but Satan has created the trouble to damn people

WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF SATAN’S DEVICES OR SCHEMES – PART 9 We continue researching the various schemes Satan uses to ensnare, deceive and ruin humanity. The bible says we are not ignorant of Satan’s schemes (devices). We need to recognise them in order to combat them. I have attempted to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-2, Ecclesiastes 2:1, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Joshua 24:15, James 4:1, James 4:3, 2 Peter 2:13, Luke 8:14, Matthew 2:3-6, Genesis 1:27, 1 Timothy 2:12-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who's Running The Show?

Contributed by Thomas Gates on Mar 27, 2001

God will not be used!

“Who’s running the show” by rev. Thomas B. Gates Text:1 Sam. 4:1-11 Explain the ark of the covenant Intro: Explain what’s happening There is a lot of things that we need to know about God, if were going to serve him in a way that’s pleasing to him. Now Israel realized that they were in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

You'll Never Defeat The Giant, Unless You First Conquer The Lion And Bear

Contributed by Thomas Gates on Feb 1, 2001

Sooner or later your gonna face a giant, and if you quit every time problems come then you’ll never be anything for God!

“ You’ll never defeat the giant, unless you first conquer the lion and the bear.” Text: 1 Samuel Ch 17:32-51 Intro: Everyone here surely has heard the story of “David and Goliath.” Probably more than once. Its a pretty good book to read to our children, It teaches them that no matter what ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-51

Denomination: Pentecostal

Are You Ready To Follow The Leader?

Contributed by Thomas Gates on Nov 12, 2000

The call to follow Jesus Christ, to be a disciple, and the cost of commitment.

Are you ready to follow the leader? Rev. Thomas B. Gates Text: John 8:12 Luke 9:57-62 Intro: What does the call to follow Jesus mean to you? Is it something you have heard long ago as a little child, or is it something that you hear a fresh every day? I remember a game we all use to play ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62, John 8:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

God’s Unchanging Love

Contributed by Michael Gates on Jan 7, 2012

We must never forget the Incredible Love that Our God Offers

God’s unchanging love John 3:16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. Of all the many familiar passages of Scripture from which I might bring you a message this wonderful verse is perhaps the most ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

A Spiritual Drop-Out (The Results Of Discouragment)

Contributed by Michael Gates on Jan 9, 2012

This sermon is intended to help all of us who are going through a time of discouragement, to see the steps to recovery.

A Spiritual Drop-Out I Kings 19:1-12 FROM a true spiritual standpoint the unusual events of this familiar chapter presents one of the saddest stories and all of the Bible. And yet a story with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-12

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance