Sermons on Optimistic Outlook:

Lessons In Apologetics #4: Pragmaticism & Combinationalism

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Aug 27, 2010

Lessons In Apologetics #4: Pragmaticism & Combinationalism

The next theory of truth and religious knowledge is pragmatism. Developed initially by Charles Sander Pierce and expanded by William James, pragmatism is the theory that truth is not determined by what one thinks, feels, or discovers but rather by what works. Christians may instinctively recoil ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 19:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Finite And The Infinite

Contributed by Ron Hietsch on Sep 11, 2014

Many see the Bible as a rule book – what do I need to do? It is not about what we need to do it is about what Christ has done for us. Christ has unlimited –that is infinite – forgiveness available for us.

. Forgiving someone can be especially difficult for many of us. Peter thought he was being generous with seven times. After all some of the Rabbis taught that one needed to forgive the same sin only three times. Peter was, in his way, trying to be obedient to Jesus who said that our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Glorying In The Cross

Contributed by Grant Adams on Mar 15, 2020

According to Merriam Webster, glory in something means to show joy or pleasure because of (something). What do we glory in? Is it temporary or eternal? When you glory in the cross you can have joy and faith in the very thing that was used to bridge the gap between God and man.

This is the conclusion to Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Not long after the gospel was preached here and people were saved, there came in a group of people who were called Judaizers. They taught that is was not enough for a person to just embrace Jesus Christ, but that they also had to embrace the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-18

Denomination: Baptist

Don’t Get Caught Up In Deadly Grudges

Contributed by Darrell Williams on Nov 23, 2019

To win in this game called life, requires giving in to an unpopular topic—forgiveness.

Gridiron Gang is a 2006 uplifting story of detention camp probation officer Sean Porter starring Dwayne Johnson that is based on the true story of the Kilpatrick Mustangs during the 1990 season. In the movie, Sean Porter (Dwayne Johnson) works at Kilpatrick Detention Center in Los Angeles. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Proclamation Of The Church, Part 2

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 15, 2023

The church was established by the Lord Jesus Christ to proclaim the message of salvation to a lost and dying world. We need to remember that and repent of proclaiming anything else.

Ignorance is not listed as a gift of the Spirit. It is vital in these last days to know why you believe in the message of the Gospel and what makes up the essential doctrines of the faith. The Gospel is constantly being attacked by the forces of evil each passing day.Too many Christians have no ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:12, Mark 16:15, Titus 1:9, Acts 2:38, 1 Timothy 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Laodecia: Death By Contentment (Revelation 3:14-22)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jan 19, 2024

The last of the seven churches listed in Revelation 2-3 had the reputation of being the church that made Jesus sick due to its religious indifference. Heed the lesson.

The downward slide that started in Ephesus with the loss of their “First Love” culminated with the total apostasy found in the last church mentioned in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, the church located in the city of Laodecia. The city had been founded in 253 B.C. by Antiochus II and named after ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:5, Matthew 24:12, Luke 10:2, Proverbs 21:2, 2 Corinthians 10:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Gratitude Unleashed: Transformed By Truth Psalm 118:28 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 26, 2024

Today we gather to explore the transformative power of truth found in Psalm 118:28. This psalm resonates with the theme of gratitude—a powerful force that has the potential to bring about transformation in our lives.

Gratitude Unleashed: Transformed by Truth Psalm 118:28 Introduction: Today we gather to explore the transformative power of truth found in Psalm 118:28. This psalm resonates with the theme of gratitude—a powerful force that has the potential to bring about transformation in our lives. As we delve ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:28, Psalm 145:17, Psalm 118:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 2:6-7, Philippians 4:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Covenant With Noah

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 2, 2023

The flooding of the earth had accomplished its purpose. Noah and his family exited the Ark to witness the chaotic effects and consequences that the world's disobedience brought upon itself. This was a new opportunity for man to renew their relationship with God. Sadly, it did not last long.

The Ark had kept Noah, his family, and the animals on board safe for over a year as the flood waters receded around the world, forever changing the geography, atmosphere, relations with the animal kingdom, and the life span of Noah's sons and wives, all commissioned by God to repopulate the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 8:20-22, Genesis 9:1-7, Zechariah 14:1-3, Revelation 19:15

Denomination: Baptist

The Discipline Of Change

Contributed by Dr. Casey Adams on Oct 11, 2018

This message helps listeners realize that the discipline of change is a concept ordained by God.

I. "BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CHANGE, THEREFORE THEY FEAR NOT GOD" A. The Psalmist saw much wickedness in his life 1. He noticed their prosperity - Ps 73:3; 92:7 2. They were not in trouble as those who fear the Lord B. His continued trials and perplexities caused him to wonder just why is there such ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 10:4, John 15:5, Luke 21:34-36, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, Daniel 5:1-30, Luke 12:16-20, Amos 6:1, Hebrews 12:6, Hebrews 12:8, Isaiah 51:13, Psalm 73:14, Psalm 92:7, Psalm 73:3, Luke 14:16-22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Better Soil, Better Outcomes

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Jun 10, 2025

This spring, I undertook a simple lawn project that would teach me an unexpected lesson about spiritual growth.

This spring, I undertook a simple lawn project that would teach me an unexpected lesson about spiritual growth. I planted grass seeds in two places in my lawn. In one of those places the ground was lower, so I added some topsoil. In the other place I simply tilled up the existing ground. I spread ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mountain Climbing

Contributed by Tony Cansler on May 1, 2001

A Message to all

Mountain Climbing Micah 4:2 Mount Calvary – Salvation Luke 23:33 · Felt the Betrayal of one of His Disciple’s · Felt the Denial of one of his own · Felt the Agony of Praying in the Garden alone · Felt the Pain of a false trial Mark “False witnesses” before the Chief Priest · Felt the Pain of ...read more

Scripture: Micah 4:2

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer That Changes

Contributed by Richard White on Sep 25, 2002

We pray, we ask, we look for answers, we look for change.

Prayer that Changes Col. 1:9-14 We have all heard the phrase “Prayer Changes Things”. In Prayer we can change our outlook, our circumstance, our lives, and even the lives of others. For the next several weeks as we prepare for our day of Prayer and Fasting we will focus on prayer. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Review Of Orthodoxy By G.k. Chesterton

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Feb 28, 2007

A Review Of The Apologetic Classic

Over the course of the modern era, whether fairly or not, orthodoxy has come to be associated with glumness and austerity. Thus, those coming across Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton might assume they are in for a dull and obtuse recitation of doctrine and dogma. They will, however, be delightfully ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 4:6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

We Can Only Imagine

Contributed by Pr. Lynell Aljoe-Thurman on Feb 8, 2007

Funeral for Mark Adessa (24)

The Lord told Martha in the Gospel of John, “I am the resurrection and the life he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25-26) (Adlib about Mark Adessa’s short life, likes dislikes etc.) Sir Walter Scott a brilliant prolific Scottish historical novelist wrote the ...read more

Scripture: John 11:25-26

Denomination: Lutheran

Refusing To Quit

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Feb 25, 2006

God makes the believer as he or she fights the good fight of faith. Every difficulty is making us!

Refusing to Quit Text: Romans 5: 1-4 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal