Sermons on Optimistic Outlook:

Repent For Heaven Is At Hand Series

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Apr 9, 2010

God has made possible our choice. We may choose for our own sake, or the sake of others, for the sake of Jesus or the promise of Heaven but what ever our motivation, the choice is ours to make.

Repent for Heaven Is At Hand Change Part One 020109 AM Text: Matthew 3:1-3 Introduction This morning we are going to begin a short series centered on change. You may have noticed quite a bit of talk about change in the media these days. Change is taking place all around us, in every aspect of our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You Religious Or Spiritual?

Contributed by Jay Winters on Jun 28, 2008

This week the texts seem to revolve around the idea that you can’t be "religious" but not "spiritual". It sounds like that tired line, "I’m spiritual but not religious". In the Gospel reading, I think it is interesting how Jesus heals both someone who wou

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three in One who has come to call sinners home. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Up to 10 percent of the world’s population that does not attend church on a regular basis describes itself as “spiritual, but not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-26

Denomination: Lutheran

The Winning Attitudes

Contributed by David Ibeleme on Jun 29, 2008

Exploying the positive attitudes for a higher altitude

The Winning Attitudes Dr. David Ibeleme Your Attitude Determines your Altitude - Prov. 23:7a Altitude: The height above sea level (Typology - Sea = People) A high place or area - Eph. 2:6 One’s Stature - Eph. 4:13ff Attitude: A way of thinking about something/somebody A way of behaving towards ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"i Will Be Diligent: Part 2" Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 23, 2020

The man of God is to not follow trends, fads, feelings, what people would like to hear, or preach messages that make them feel "good", but instead preach the Gospel without compromise or apology and to stay committed no matter what happens.

The previous message based on 2 Timothy began with the definition of diligence. It means being constant in your efforts, finish what you started, stay committed to the task and not quit or become distracted. Preparation and thought are a part of this process. Never start anything without going ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-26, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Peter 1:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

I Will Not Bow Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 21, 2020

In his final letter, Paul gives his "son in the faith" Timothy a series of charges to ensure that his ministry in Ephesus will be firmly grounded on Jesus Christ and to never bow to the pressures brought on by the world.

My calling to the Lord's service occurred at the same time I gave my life to Him in December of 1975 while I was in high school. Like a lot of new believers, I was ready to share my newfound faith with anybody who would stop to pay attention. I wish I could tell you that my journey with the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Perfect Storm

Contributed by Charles Hensley on Jun 19, 2019

The writer of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts was on this ship in Acts 27 bound for Caesars Palace recorded all of the details of this perfect storm. So with those thoughts in mind, I want to talk with you about The Perfect Storm. What are those details about the Perfect Storm?

I. LUKE RECORDS THE FORECAST OF THE PERFECT STORM. (vs.9-10) 1. THE SEASON FOR STORMS. (Acts 27:9a) "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous; because the fast was already past:" They were already sailing from East to West in the Mediterranean ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Christian's Response During Covid19 Series

Contributed by Billy Paul on Apr 15, 2020

"When you are called to pray, don't act; And, when you are called to act, don't pray." At a time when our neighbours are groping in the dark, it is time Christians carry their lamp outside. Yes, with a lot of prayer backup too!

It wouldn’t be an understatement to say my recent video message (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXVol_ke76M) has created some stir within the protestant community in India. It was a short and simple message on how Christians across the globe can be a light in a world which is groping in the dark ...read more

Scripture: James 2:26, Ephesians 2:10

Mustard Seed; Increase Our Faith

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Sep 17, 2019

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time; 27th Sunday, Cycle C

A businessman had to travel to a meeting and invited his wife to come with him. She was excited about the trip until she learned her husband was going to be flown to the meeting in a small plane. She said, “Honey, I’ve decided not to go … I am not going on a little-bitty plane.” Her husband ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10

Denomination: Catholic

Forget Not All His Benefits

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 25, 2019

Neglecting to regularly thank God is a sin, but thanking Him frequently blesses His Name and blesses our walk with Him.

Forget Not All His Benefits Psalm 103:1-5, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 1. Most of us are looking forward to an amazing Thanksgiving dinner – a small version of what we had at church last Wednesday night. 2. But what if you burn the bird? There is a positive way of looking at it: • Salmonella ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 32:24-26, Psalm 103:1-5, Deuteronomy 8:11-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Eternal Facts About The Christian Faith

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Oct 2, 2023

Scripture alone defines and sets in place the essential facts about what it means to be an authentic follower of Jesus Christ. Our opinions, preferences, and feelings have no place in what God has said in HIs Word.

Normally I post detailed sermons or articles covering a variety of issues as part of my contribution to this site. I want to divert from that format and instead post a sermon outline dealing with some salient and eternal facts about the Christian faith that I hope will be of help and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:12, 2 Timothy 3:16, Isaiah 53:4-6, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 6:23, 1 Peter 5:10, Hebrews 9:27, John 14:6, Revelation 20:11-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Alternate Theory Of Creation No. 4 -Progressive Creationism

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on May 25, 2023

This is the last of four messages on the alternatives of creation often presented to skeptics and the scientific community apart from what is described in Genesis 1. This final message deals with "progressive creationism", another example of the futility of man's "wisdom".

We have looked at four alternative theories that some Christians use to either defend or explain to a skeptical world how everything came into being instead of what is clearly presented in Genesis 1. The world system took advantage of our withdrawal from the scientific community soon after the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, Exodus 20:8-11, Job 26:7, Psalm 33:6, Isaiah 40:28, Isaiah 48:13, Acts 4:24, Acts 17:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Noah's Ark: A Symbol Of God's Sovereignty

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 2, 2023

The idea for the design and building of the Ark did not originate in the mind of Noah. The Ark was God's idea and preconceived plan of rescue for anyone who would enter to escape the wrath to come. God has everything under control and will bring everything to a conclusion on His terms.

The Bible says that Noah built the Ark, but did not come up with the idea. The Ark was from the mind and heart of God. If God had not spoken to Noah, he would have died in the flood along with his pagan neighbors. Genesis 6:8 says that Noah "found grace in the eyes of the LORD". This ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:8, John 6:44, Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 5:20, Ephesians 4:30, John 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Beyond The Upper Room: The Promised Empowerment Of The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 1, 2023

The Second Chapter of Acts describes the birth of the church in accordance with the declaration of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 16:13-19). Acts shows the power and direction of the Holy Spirit in the work of the church beyond the day of Pentecost.

Every Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ will confess, affirm, and proclaim that what happened to the one hundred and twenty followers of Jesus on the Day of Pentecost was an undeniable supernatural act of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the teaching and promise given by the Lord Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19, John 16:5-15, Acts 1:1-11, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:44-49  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Beyond The Upper Room: The Proclamation Of The Church

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 8, 2023

This message gives a survey of the events leading up to Pentecost and the command from the Lord Jesus to preach the Gospel to everyone. This is an adaptation of a message from the 1995 edition of the Zondervan's Pastor's Annual. It needed no update, for the Word of God is eternal.

The disciples were made up of men who had been called from their chosen professions to follow Jesus of Nazareth. Having left all, it must have seemed to them that at the crucifixion of Jesus they had lost all. Following the admonition of their Lord, whom they saw disappear into the clouds, they ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:28-29, John 16:5-15, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 2:24-36  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Wedding Banquet: Invitation, Ingratitude, And Indiscretion, Part I

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 20, 2023

Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) is a call to salvation. There will be many who will make poor excuses and refuse the invitation. There will be those who accept it with gratitude, but some will try to enter in their own way. In which category do you fit?

Throughout the Scriptures, the call of God to come to Him for salvation, grace, and mercy is prominent. The paradise we lost at our fall into sin is not irreversible nor permanent. He has promised redemption even though we do not deserve it. He promised to make all things new, starting with the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 55:1, John 7:37, Ezekiel 33:11, Isaiah 45:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist