Sermons on Optimistic Outlook:

Life Principles From 7 Great Scriptures Lesson 5 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 12, 2019

We must be born again because there is no other way to God.

“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (vv. 1-2). 1. Whether you are rich or poor, you must ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle A; 18th Sunday, Year A -- Five Loaves And Two Fish

Contributed by Paul Andrew on May 27, 2020

Liturgy of Abundance vs. the Myth of Scarcity

Drawing on conflict theory, David G. Forney cites Walter Brueggemann's article "Liturgy of Abundance [and] the Myth of Scarcity" to conclude that, with the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44), there is a contest between the myth of scarcity in the Book of Exodus and a liturgy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21

Denomination: Catholic

National Condemnation And A Course Correction (Isaiah 5:20-21)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jun 1, 2024

Isaiah confronted the nation of Judah for its spiritual depravity and worldviews that turned the nation into a complete disaster with no concept of right and wrong. The LORD called Isaiah as His chosen vessel to warn Judah and call them back to God.

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!" - Isaiah 5:20-21, NASB. In these two verses, ...read more

Scripture: Judges 21:25, Romans 1:18-22, Isaiah 5:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

Genesis: Authentic History From An Awesome God

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Apr 14, 2023

This is the introduction to a series on the historical foundations of the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis. These chapters present authentic events and real people. Without them, nothing else makes sense.

To try and comprehend the majesty and power of the Sovereign LORD God Almighty is like trying to place the entirety of the oceans inside a thimble. To hear skeptics and infidels crow that God does not exist or does not care for what is happening in this world is to hear the finite, limited, and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-4, Hebrews 1:1-4, Psalm 19:1, Colossians 1:16-18, Psalm 47:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Time Is At Hand: An Introduction To The Book Of Revelation

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Nov 26, 2023

The book of Revelation is the unveiling of what the LORD has in store for the closing chapters of history as we know it. Revelation shows us that Jesus Christ is the Conquering King who will make all things new.

"THE Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must shortly take place. He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the Word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:39-41, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:25-28, John 14:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:19-21, Revelation 1:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Four Theories Used To Explain Creation Apart From Scripture: Introduction

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on May 14, 2023

In a foolish attempt to placate the world, some believers have devised alternative theories of how we came into existence apart from the supernatural and historical account presented in Genesis 1-2.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 2:3, Exodus 20:11, Isaiah 40:28, Isaiah 45:9, Psalm 33:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

John The Baptist And The King's Arrival (Matthew 3:1-17)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Nov 5, 2024

John the Baptist was God's chosen instrument to announce the arrival of the Promised Messiah.

Matthew 3:1-6: Thirty years have passed between the events described in Chapter 2. Matthew continues the story of Jesus with the arrival of John the Baptist in the wilderness of Judea. His message centered upon the need for all people to repent and prepare their hearts for the arrival of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17, Mark 1:2-8, Luke 3:1-20, John 1:31-34

Denomination: Baptist

Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, And Thomas - Faith, Doubt, And Devotion (Matthew 10:3)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Feb 24, 2025

These four men make up the second group of apostles who were chosen by the Lord Jesus to preach the Gosepl These four men came from backgrounds of devotion, doubt, and isolation, yet Jesus chose them to be His followers commissioned to present the Gospel to the world.

The names of Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, and Thomas are listed after the inner circle of Peter, James, and John. Jesus called Philip personally, showing that He is the “seeking Savior”. Philip was from Bethsaida, the home of Peter and Andrew. These men had probably known each other all their ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:12, Luke 19:10, John 1:43, John 9:35

Denomination: Baptist

Divisions, Sins, And Signs (Matthew 12:22-37)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 26, 2025

The clash between Jesus and the Pharisees intensified during the time of His public ministry. He rebuked and condemned them for their hypocrisy and unbelief, warning them of the eternal consequences.

After healing the man with the withered hand (12:9-14), the Lord Jesus continued His work of healing the sick and teaching the Word. Now the people brought before Him a man who was not only demon-possessed but also suffered from blindness and the inability to speak. Jesus immediately cast out ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-42, Mark 3:22-27, Luke 11:29-32

Denomination: Baptist

Learning How To Enjoy The Journey Series

Contributed by Ron Auch Jr on Jan 26, 2025

Joy is not based on circumstances but is a fruit of our relationship with God. Lets look at how scripture teaches us to embrace joy and abundant life throughout the journey.

Learning How To Enjoy The Journey Introduction • Key Question: How do we, as children of the King, truly enjoy the journey of life? • Joy is not based on circumstances but is a fruit of our relationship with God. • Lets look at how scripture teaches us to embrace joy and abundant life ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4, John 10:10, Psalm 16:11, 1 Peter 1:8, Romans 14:7, Luke 15:29-30, 1 Timothy 4:7, Luke 15:1-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Conflicts, Confession, And The Cost Of Discipleship, Part 1 ( Matthew 16:1-12)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Aug 21, 2025

In this chapter, the Lord Jesus will yet again confront the Pharisees and Sadducees for their religious hypocrisy and Peter will confess that Jesus is the Son of God, which is the rock upon which the church will be built.

After feeding the 4,000 residents of the Decapolis, Jesus and His disciples traveled to the region of Magdala near the city of Caesarea Philippi. It is here where the Pharisees and Sadducees came together for the specific purpose of bringing down Jesus. Their mutual contempt for Him had woven ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:1-28, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-21, Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Baptist

Born Again

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on May 28, 2021

Jesus tell a religious man in order to enter eternal life he must be Born Again.

Being Born Again John 3:1-17 1. It appears in the text Nicodemus is searching for what it means to be born again • He is searching mainly because of what Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.A" • Perhaps what Nicodemus needs to ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

Faith When Your Future Looks Bleak Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Jan 13, 2003

The fact that we live in time means that we tend to worry about the future. In this talk, we will examine some of God’s His attributes that can help us face an uncertain future. When we get to know God, we find greater hope for facing life’s challenges.

The pessimist mainly complains about the wind. The optimist simply expects it to change. The realist wisely adjusts the sails. This is a talk for the optimist who just expects things to get better, but rarely is willing to take action. So, the future never really gets brighter. And it’s a talk ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 44:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

When Jesus Did The Impossible Series

Contributed by John White on Mar 7, 2005

Just as Jesus did the impossible in feeding the multitude with five barley loaves and two small fish, He can do the impossible in our lives when we rely completely upon Him.

When Jesus Did The Impossible John 6:1-14 In the Sixth Chapter of his gospel, John records a unique incident in the ministry of our Saviour. This event not only confirms the deity of Christ, but also gives us a thrilling insight into the power of Jesus to do the impossible. This miracle is ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Dead Church Series

Contributed by Jason Cole on Feb 26, 2004

Jesus addresses several churches in the nook of Revelation. One of the churches is called a dead church. The question we need to consider is are we a dead church? Are we dead spiritually?

"A Dead Church" Introduction: Each week in America, paramedics arrive on the scene of an accident where the victim has crossed the barrier between life and death. There is no heartbeat. Breathing has stopped. All the vital signs of life are absent. But the paramedics do not accept this death as ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ