Sermons on Optional:

Tempted

Contributed by James Jerpseth on Mar 3, 2001

Having grown up in hte desert, I know how harsh the place is and how tempting the options presented by hte devil really are. On the surface the temptations seem harmless and perhaps even good in the right hands but they all take our attention off God.

I grew up going to the desert, and thought that I knew what the desert lands are all about. I’ve been camping many times in the Anza Berrego wilderness and understand that the desert is a harsh and foreboding place. I know to stay on the trails, look for snakes and take lots of extra water. I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Our Enemy's Mission (Part I) Series

Contributed by J. Martin on Jul 29, 2005

The Bible declares that our enemy is evil, violent and more than willing to see us finished! With him, there is no treaty or truce. So we have no other option than to fight him. But in order to fight him effectively, we must understand his mission. Ar

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Any time a war is declared, many things need to be handled: Strategies, resources, strategic locations, plans of attack, etc. But any experienced war general can ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Compassion Series

Contributed by Douglas Vincent on Nov 22, 2005

Over at the Compassion prayer station we have three options. Does a friend need a helping hand (a meal, someone to watch their children). Does a friend need a listening ear (someone to walk them through their thoughts and pain). Does someone need a sho

Read Job 4:1-8 Shadowlands Video Clip Let us look in humility at the path of Job’s 3 friends. They travel a great distance. They sit with their friend for 7 days. They desire for him to be restored. (have any of us done this) Eliphaz is the senior member of the group and is greatly respected. ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

God Of The Unexpected

Contributed by John Gaston on Sep 27, 2012

Jesus reverses people's fortunes. We're shocked that God loves us, has wonderful plans for our insignificant lives,and isn't limited by the options that limit us. In one minute, everything in this man's life changed. God wants to do it for you!

GOD OF THE UNEXPECTED John 5:1-9, 14-15 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. David, a second-grader, was bumped while getting on the school bus & suffered a two-inch cut on his cheek. 2. At recess he collided with another boy and two of his teeth were knocked loose. At noon, while sliding on ice, he fell ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"A Commitment-Filled Heart”

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Mar 12, 2023

The sad reality is that most of the world lives by phrase, “I want to keep my options open.” But nothing great in life happens without making commitments. Commitments give our lives direction and purpose. In this message we’ll look at the four “P’s” of commitment.

A Christian’s Heart “A Commitment-Filled Heart” Watch on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW-fue8NBYM With all the volatility going on in today’s market, with all the ups and downs and wild swings that dominate the headlines, not to mention the soaring inflation rate; many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-26, Matthew 25:23, 2 Chronicles 16:9

Denomination: Foursquare

The Castle Or The Wall

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Dec 28, 2010

As a church, we have certain options. We can spend our time, energy, and resources building the wall…and forfeit the church. Or we can invest our time, energy, and resources building the church and forfeit the wall. Wall or church …which will it be?

In Robert Frost's Poem "Mending Wall," the poet says, "Something there is that doesn't love a wall." We can identify with that statement, can't we? We detest walls. Walls divide. Walls hide. Walls even kill. Remember the Berlin Wall that split families, a city, and a country? But don't we ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Growth Or Bust

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 15, 2016

Spiritual growth is not optional. Jesus never criticized too much faith, but too little. Sin is increasing; to compete we must increase. Our area of activity (evangelism) should be increasing! "Your faith is growing more and more!" 2 Th. 1:3. Let's grow!

“SPIRITUAL GROWTH OR BUST” INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. I had a wedding last week & one this week, so a little wedding humor seems in order. 2. It was the day Victoria had been waiting for – her wedding day. Her father was a wealthy businessman. 3. At the culmination of the wedding, her father ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

So Long, Farewell (I'll Tell You This...) Series

Contributed by Steven Cordle on Mar 28, 2025

Several years ago I was leaving a church and looked for ideas for winding down or farewell sermons. I found few ideas. I was able to piece a few options from reference to Paul’s final meeting with the Ephesian elders and Paul’s final thoughts to Timothy.

This lesson is one of the “farewell sermons” I put together. I have a bibliography for those who would like it.This sermon became the last one I preached in my previous church. The title was inspired by the tagline of a comedian who was popular when I was a kid and I have a series (unrelated to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-24, 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When God Turns Dead Ends Into Divine Destinations

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 31, 2025

You may be at a point in your life where it seems like all options are gone—financially, emotionally, spiritually, or relationally. But remember: dead ends are not dead to God. He sees a path where you see a wall. What looks like the end is often the beginning of something greater in His plan.

WHEN GOD TURNS DEAD ENDS INTO DIVINE DESTINATIONS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Exodus 14:1-31 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:19, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 37:23-24 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when we find ourselves stuck between impossible situations—like the Israelites ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:1-31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Opens And Shuts Doors Of Opportunity

Contributed by Lay Man on May 26, 2015

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. - Revelation 3:7 Life can be a maze of options, choices, decisions and goals. At times one can feel overwhelm ..

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. - Revelation 3:7 Life can be a maze of options, choices, decisions and goals. At times one can feel overwhelmed with choice itself. In America when you ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith That Trusts God For A Way Out Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 30, 2025

Faith that trusts God for a way out does not rely on what is visible or logical. It clings to God’s promises, obeys His instructions, and stands firm even when all odds are against you. Such faith believes that with God, there is always a way—even when the road is blocked and the options are gone.

FAITH THAT TRUSTS GOD FOR A WAY OUT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Exodus 14:10-31 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:29, Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 46:1, 2 Corinthians 1:9-10, Proverbs 3:5-6 INTRODUCTION: Faith is not truly tested until one finds themselves in a situation with no visible escape route. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:10-31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Change Of Mind

Contributed by Paul Davidson on Jun 12, 2017

Christianity is not something that can be chosen from a buffet of religious options… It's a realization that we're guilty… It's a relationship forged in repentance... It's a life of loving service & obedience to the One whose mercy & grace set us free.

CORE MESSAGE: Christianity is not something that can be chosen from a buffet of religious options… It is a realization that we are guilty and full of shame before a holy, righteous God… It is a relationship that is forged out of our abject humility as we lay prostrate before God in repentance... It ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:30-32, Luke 18:13, Exodus 20:1-17, Romans 3:20, Romans 2:5-6, Isaiah 13:9-11, Isaiah 59:2, Luke 7:36-50, Mark 10:17-22, Matthew 10:37-39, Luke 13:3, Matthew 4:17, Romans 5:8, Luke 24:46-47  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

God's Perfect Plan

Contributed by Marianne Unger on Feb 11, 2005

God’s perfect plan for us allows us to make mistakes and learn from them. God’s perfect plan allows us free will and an option to follow God’s rules or go our own way and suffer the consequences. God’s rules are given to us out of God’s great love for u

Genesis 215-17, 3:1-7 God’s Perfect Plan I’d like to set the stage for a drama that is pretty close to real life. Picture if you will an average family scenario with two parents and two children, one boy about 6 years old and, one girl about 5 years old. The family lives in a house with a nice ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17

Denomination: *other

The Little Cantata

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 7, 2013

Victory in Jesus!

THE LITTLE CANTATA. Psalm 98:1-9. The Psalmist is calling us to sing of the mighty acts of the LORD whereby He has gotten Himself the victory (Psalm 98:1), secured our salvation, and demonstrated His righteousness (Psalm 98:2). This reaches back to the Exodus, when Moses and Miriam celebrated ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 98:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Greater Cantata

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 7, 2013

Creation's harmonious praise.

THE GREATER CANTATA. Psalm 96:1-13. Psalms 93-100 are sometimes known as the “enthronement” Psalms. Yet this is not the enthronement of any earthly king (Psalm 93:1; Psalm 97:1; Psalm 99:1). Many of the words of this particular Psalm (Psalm 96) make their first appearance at the instalment of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational