Sermons on Optional:

Be Holy

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Jun 4, 2005

God calls all His children to a life of holy living by His grace, and this call is not optional but imperative. This sermon was originally prepared as my farewell message to the people of Decatur Central United Methodist Church.

Be Holy --I Peter 1:13-16 Leviticus 20:6-9 Leviticus 20:6 - 9 (NRSV), “If any turn to mediums and wizards, prostituting themselves to them, I will set my face against them, and will cut them off from the people. 7Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am the LORD your God. 8Keep my ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Denomination: Methodist

Christmas In A Barn Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Dec 23, 2007

Christmas Nativity in a Barn. Animals Optional. Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:20-24; Luke 2:1-7; Luke 2:8-15; Luke 2:16-20

Christmas in a barn – script, schedule and layout 12/22/2007 – 7:00 pm Scriptures Referenced: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:20-24; Luke 2:1-7; Luke 2:8-15; Luke 2:16-20 Barn is set up with straw bales for seats. At the front are 8 bales creating the alter. In front of the alter is the manger. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Lessons About Marriage" 1 Cor. 7 Pt 7 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 4, 2008

Paul in chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians addresses three main subjects, “Let’s talk sex and do it God’s way,” “Divorce is not an option for the Christian” and then, “Decide for yourself to marry or not to marry.”

“Lessons about Marriage” Opening Illustration: Blue Fishtv.com. - “Christian Marriage” thoughts by Les and Leslie Parrot on marriage Thesis: Paul in chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians addresses three main subjects, “Let’s talk sex and do it God’s way,” “Divorce is not an option for the Christian” and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Better Off Dead? Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 3, 2006

Chapter 4 focuses on two burdens, injustice and alienation, that aptly describe the distress of living without God. Without spiritual resources, life is pretty tough. Our options are to trust God or trust nothing.

Overcoming Futility—a sermon series on Ecclesiastes “Better Off Dead?” chapter 4 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Chapter 4 focuses on two burdens, injustice and alienation, that aptly describe the distress of living without God. Without spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

Denomination: Congregational

Which Way? Series

Contributed by Terry Hovey on Jan 30, 2023

There's only two options open to us...the narrow way which leads to eternal life, or the wide way which leads to eternal death. Heaven or hell. Which will it be?

Mat 7:13-14 Do you know what any good preacher does when he begins to wind down his sermon? He tries to pull together everything he has already said and guide his audience to his ultimate goal of bringing them to a decision. For the Christian preacher, the decision he is leading his audience ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Methodist

The Fall Of Man Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 21, 2022

God made Adam and Eve with a will to make a choice. They had the option of obeying God and his command or disobeying. The pull or lure to disobey is temptation. The temptation and the fall began with the serpent luring Eve to disobey God.

The Bible records that the original couple Adam and Eve were deceived by Satan and sin marred God’s creation including mankind. The fall of man tells the story that is basic for the rest of the Bible. God’s plan to redeem fallen man. To save humanity lost in the fall. We are looking at the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Free Will Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 25, 2020

What is the purpose of our freewill? The purpose of our freewill is to give us the option to have a real personal relationship God and for Him to know our hearts. We are free to pursue and know the God of the universe.

AT THE MOVIES 2020: “Free Will” Psalm 139:1-24 ANNOUNCEMENT Welcome back church! We are still getting into the swing of things from COVID19 and all the isolation we went through. Next week is Father’s Day and we will have a drive-in service at 10:30am so as many people as possible can join us ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Does It Mean To Be Born Again

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Apr 20, 2017

TODAY I WISH TO TALK WITH YOU ABOUT WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE THE CRUCIAL BIBLICAL TEACHING FOR PEOPLE TODAY. THIS IS AN AREA WHERE THERE ARE NO OPTIONS. TODAY, WE TALK ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BORN AGAIN.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN JOHN 3:1-18 WE HAVE BEEN TAKING TIME TO LOOK AT SOME OF THE BASIC THEOLOGICAL BELIEFS THAT WE FOLLOW AS CHRISTIANS. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THESE ARE DENOMINATIONAL BELIEFS AS WELL, BUT FIRST AND FOREMOST THEY ARE CHRISTIAN BELIEFS, FORMED ON THE SECURE ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Staying Focused And Finishing Strong

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Mar 7, 2017

In each trial that we go through, we have the option of learning a life lesson. staying focused is a way that we can finish this race strong and accomplish all that God wants for our lives.

Life’s Pitfalls and Discoveries Staying focused and finishing strong Hebrews 12:1-3 Introduction- We continue in the series called Life’s Pitfall and Discoveries. Week one, we looked at the problem of un-forgiveness and the positive discovery of what forgiveness does in our lives. Week two ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

Since I'm Saved By Grace, Can’t I Do Anything I Want? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Sep 22, 2024

Can you think of someone who says they are a Christian but treats obeying God as optional? Many Americans hear about the cross and God’s grace and automatically believe they can do whatever they want.

This morning, I want to answer this question, “What Good Is It to Obey God?” We are focusing on four habits/attitudes that every family should have in this series. Families are so much fun. Teenagers are so much fun! I recently watched a funny compilation by Chip Leighton, a father of two who has ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Peter 5:5

Denomination: Baptist

The Benefits Of Biblical Friendship

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Jul 29, 2025

Biblical friendship is not optional—it’s essential. It reflects the very heart of God, who created us for koinonia, gave us a Friend in Jesus, and calls us to love one another in the same way.

The Benefits of Biblical Friendship "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time." – Proverbs 17:17 (CSB) Introduction We live in a world where friendships are often casual, self-serving, or shallow. Yet in Scripture, true friendship is not just ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:17, 1 Samuel 18:1-4, Philippians 1:3-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Revival

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Aug 29, 2025

Revival is not just an option—it is the spark that reignites the fire of faith and empowers us to walk in the life He has destined for us. Let us cry out together, “Lord, revive us again!”

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: The history of our nation with Judeo-Christian leanings is deeply engraved with the acknowledgment that their founding principles were influenced by God's Word. From the earliest settlers who sought religious freedom to the framing of laws and constitutions, America ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Overriding The Default Button

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Feb 25, 2008

In this day and age, the Default Button is easily understood and defined as a selection automatically used by a computer program in the absence of a choice made by the user predetermined to be the most often used option. I have heard this term is used by

Overriding the Default Button (Genesis 20) In this day and age, the Default Button is easily understood and defined as a selection automatically used by a computer program in the absence of a choice made by the user predetermined to be the most often used option. I have heard this term is used by ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Characteristics Of Great Leaders

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Apr 26, 2013

Spiritual leaders learn, grow, and continue to change until they have the character God requires. This is what makes them successful in leadership. Good character is not optional for leaders. It is essential. Christian leaders lead people to God. They

Characteristics of Great Leaders “Character is like bells. They ring out sweet notes, but when you touch them accidentally, they still resound with sweet music.” Unknown Spiritual leaders learn, grow, and continue to change until they have the character God requires. This is what ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18

Denomination: Charismatic

How God Makes A Way Where There Seems To Be No Way

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 30, 2025

God is a Way Maker. When human options run out, God's divine interventions begin. He delights in showing His power in impossible places, making a way where there seems to be none.

HOW GOD MAKES A WAY WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Isaiah 43:16-19 Supporting Texts: Exodus 14:13-22, Psalm 77:19, Romans 4:17-21, 2 Kings 4:1-7 INTRODUCTION: Life often confronts us with situations that appear impossible—dead ends, closed doors, and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God