Sermons on Optimist:

Stand Still

Contributed by Brian Crowe on Jan 18, 2016

Throughout the Bible, we have situations where God has helped individuals accomplish magnificent victories, glorious triumphs, and extraordinary endeavors. You may be here facing what you feel are insurmountable mountains, Stand Still and Let God Move.

Stand Still and Let God Move: Exodus 14:9-14 9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. 10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Perspectives For The New Year (And For Every Year)

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 2, 2023

It is critical to have a godly view of time and life in order to live a life pleasing to God. As the new year begins, it is a good time to renew and refocus our minds in the Lord.

A. Happy New Year!! Welcome to 20-23! B. Let’s start with a little New Year’s humor: 1. What do cows say on Jan. 1? "Happy Moo Year!" 2. What was Dr. Frankenstein’s new year’s resolution? To make new friends. 3. What new year’s resolution should a basketball player never make? To ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-15, Ephesians 5:15-16, John 9:4, Mark 13:32-33, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, 2 Peter 3:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Forbidden Food

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Aug 12, 2023

The Forbidden Food - Daniel chapter 1 verse 1-21 - sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: • Conquest (vs 1-2) • Conscription (vs 3-7) • Courage (vs 8-16) • Choice (vs 17-21) SERMON BODY: ill: • I have a list of opposites, • I will give you a word and collectively shout out the opposite. • Happy x sad • Above x below • Broad x narrow • Ability x inability • Import x ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Brethren

Developing A Mindset Of Joy Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 20, 2023

Message 2 in an overview series through Philippians focusing on the theme that joy is not based on circumstances.

Ray Stedman, who is now with the Lord, was one of the greatest Bible teachers in the past 50 years. In his teaching on chapter 1 verses 12-26, he opens up with these words. “I love this passage from the letter to the Philippians because it depicts the unmistakable marks of authentic ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Peace In The Midst Of A Pandemic Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 20, 2023

Message 7 in an overview series through Philippians focusing on the theme that joy is not based on circumstances.

A family had put their Grandma on her first plane flight, but she hadn’t been very confident about the experience of leaving the ground on this contraption. When they met her at the airport on her return, one of the family members kidded her by asking, “Well, did the plane hold you up okay?” She ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Over Coming Battle Fatigue

Contributed by Don Campbell on Apr 25, 2023

The first line of the hymn Peace in the Valley reflects the discouragement that often fills the hearts of weary travelers: “Well, I’m so tired and so weary, but I must go along; till the Lord comes and calls me away.” If we are fighting the good fight, we are subject to battle fatigue.

OVERCOMING BATTLE FATIGUE The first line of the hymn Peace in the Valley reflects the discouragement that often fills the hearts of weary travelers: “Well, I’m so tired and so weary, but I must go along; till the Lord comes and calls me away.” Most of us want that call to be like Abraham’s, to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Call To An Exemplary Life

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Aug 28, 2023

Paul writes to an audience steeped in the Greco-Roman culture. The message is a call to transform their minds, avoid the cultural influences that pull them away from the call of Jesus. He calls them to an exemplary lifestyle.

While in Louisiana for the memorial service for her brother, we drove by a home we built while working as an engineer on the railroad. The home was a super nice home with 3,000 sq ft. On previous trips we witnessed it was empty and deteriorating. This time we were shocked; I wish I could show you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-3, Luke 5:5-10, John 17:14-18, Ephesians 4:22-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith That Is Part Of Life

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jun 3, 2025

A Lady once came into my office and said, she did not believe in religion or that church mattered.

Faith That Is Part of Life “ Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:20-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Overcoming Battle Fatigue

Contributed by Don Campbell on Jun 3, 2024

Ministry can often be discouraging. The battle may be against opposition or indifference. We can learn from Elijah about battle fatigue.

OVERCOMING BATTLE FATIGUE The first line of the hymn Peace in the Valley reflects the discouragement that often fills the hearts of weary travelers: “Well, I’m so tired and so weary, but I must go along; till the Lord comes and calls me away.” Most of us want that call to be like Abraham’s, to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4, Job 1:21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Have Some Questions, Part One Series

Contributed by Greg Surratt on Apr 17, 2009

This is Part One of a six-part series where Pastor Surratt answers "God questions" collected from the congregation. This first message answers questions about Creation and others.

Listen, have you ever read the Bible and then saw a scripture and went, "What’s up with that?" I mean, "Why did God say that? Why did God do that? That doesn’t make any sense to me." Or maybe you saw something happen in your life where you had a question and you said, "Why would God allow that? ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Healing Church Pt 1 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 24, 2023

A church/ ministry that creates a healing environment and literally sees healing taking place is a church that focuses on the Good News of Jesus and on making right decision in life.

“The Healing Church 2023” Opening Remarks: Disclaimer on the screen – options for kids and teens to go to for this sensitive topic and message. Pastor Marlon and I attended the AACC Convention in Nashville Tn. last week and I was pressed by the Holy Spirit to talk about us being a healthy and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5, Philippians 2:14-15, Philippians 4:8-9, Matthew 5:27-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Authentic Love In Action Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Jun 4, 2001

Three dimensions of authentic love, seen in love for God, love for our church, and love for our community.

One of the stranger enigmas of modern history is the 18th century French thinker Rousseau (Johnson 1-27). Rousseau’s ideas were immensely influential in 18th century Europe. Rousseau believed he loved the entire human race with a unique and special kind of love. Yet Rousseau’s life was a complete ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Attributes Of God - Most High God To My Portion

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 21, 2001

Praises for the attributes of God as the Most High God to my Portion

385. Most High God- I praise you Lord that you are the God who is over all. David wrote, “They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.” (Psa. 78:35) 386. Mother – I praise you for having the qualities of a loving, nurturing Mother. “Can a mother forget the baby ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

All Kinds Of People Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Jul 9, 2001

Five reasons why God wants our church to welcome all kinds of people who share a common faith in Christ with us.

(Note: This sermon was introduced with a powerpoint presentation set to the song "All Kinds of People" written by Sheryl Crow, Kevin Gilbert and Erick Pressley and performed by Susan Ashton from the "A Distant Call" CD). Why is it that the Christian community is divided over many of the very same ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Conduct Cross-Cultural Research

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 13, 2001

The decisions we make are only as good as the information we based them on,’’ said a famous man. If we are trying to catch fish it makes sense that we will want to know something about the animal. What type of fish are we looking for? What are his feedin

HOW TO CONDUCT CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH Learning Objectives 1. Analyze why we should conduct cross- cultural research? 2. Learn the components of research. 3. Discover the Biblical basis of research. 4. Describe some of the errors to avoid in research. 5. Understand how to overcome some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational