Sermons on Optional:

Help - Pt. 1 - The Help Prayer Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Sep 22, 2010

It is only a simple word, but it speaks to our deepest needs and longings. Do you need help?

HELP! Pt. 1 I. Introduction Help, I need somebody, Help, not just anybody, Help, you know I need someone, help. When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody’s help in any way. But now these days are gone, I’m not so self assured, Now I find I’ve changed my mind and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

All We Need Is Love. Oh, Really?

Contributed by Ovidiu Radulescu on Jul 29, 2008

Did you ever heard or thought that doctrines are not so important? All we need is Jesus… We don’t need that extra stuff. As Christians, how many doctrines we got so far? Muslims got 5. 1.Allah Akbar – Allah is one. 2.Mohamed is his prophet

Did you ever heard or thought that doctrines are not so important? All we need is Jesus… We don’t need that extra stuff. As Christians, how many doctrines we got so far? Muslims got 5. 1. Allah Akbar – Allah is one. 2. Mohamed is his prophet. 3. Give to the poor. 4. Fast at the end of Ramadan. ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Based On Self. Series

Contributed by Adam Weber on Aug 16, 2017

Paul tells us in Romans that a life based on oneself focuses on oneself. Where does it lead to?

**Well… I just wanna welcome everyone here to Embrace… At all of our campuses… and wherever you’re joining us from. My name is Adam… I’m one of the pastors here… and as always… we are so excited… ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5, Romans 8:6, Galatians 5:19-20

A Matter Of Interpretation

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 27, 2011

Determining what the Bible means by what it says requires us to carefully study and interpret the Bible.

Introduction: A. How many of you enjoy Jay Leno’s “Headlines” segment on the Tonight Show? 1. Let’s begin with some actual headlines collected from local, national, and international newspapers that are rather ambiguous. a. It’s clear what the writer was trying to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Revelation, Part 22 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Sep 10, 2007

Study of the Book of Revelation

Revelation Part 22 Revelation 13:1-8 Introduction Today begins the study of the Book of Revelation, Chapter 13. In this chapter we will examine the beast, the anti-Christ, the false prophet, and of course the relevance of the number 666. Chapter 13 should take us two messages to get through, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 13:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

“three Ways To Run The Church” Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 16, 2015

A look at the three primary church government structures.

- There are a number of ways that we could handle the passage this evening. We could talk about qualifications for pastors or for deacons (this would be especially helpful for a church entering into a pastor search process). We could talk about whether it’s necessary to be “called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Why Go On Living? - Philippians 1:21-26 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 29, 2021

Those who contemplate suicide often hesitate because they fear what may be on the other side. Paul also wrestled with whether it would be better to live or die. But his reasoning was far different from most people's.

Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26

How To Handle Your Guilt Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 22, 2019

Many today want to put aside any mention of shame as inappropriate. Paul, though, speaks of godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. What's the distinction and how can sorrow be a good thing?

SMILEY RELIGION: “God wants me to be happy.” - 2 Corinthians 7:8. - Today so many presume that God’s job is to make them happy. The only way they think about God is that He is there to answer our prayers and bring good things into our lives. - Biblical ideas like carrying your cross, losing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rewriting Your Life Story Series

Contributed by Marty Baker on Mar 10, 2003

This messages encourages you to move on with your life. Stop living in the past; press on to a new future.

Rewriting Your Life Story www.stevenscreek.net Dr. Marty Baker / January 26, 2003 The human brain is composed of over 12 billion nerve cells, with the analytical ability of a room full of Pentium-equipped computers. The brain indiscriminately receives and stores every kind of information thrown ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, Exodus 14:8-12

Denomination: Church Of God

Is Church Attendance Necessary

Contributed by Neal Gracey on Jun 25, 2001

If you have forsaken the assembly of Christians, we encourage you to take these steps.

Is Church Attendance Necessary? Considering the lax attitudes of many religious people today, it would be easy to conclude that church attendance is optional or perhaps only for those who are very religious and extremely dedicated to their faith. Membership rosters in most churches, compared to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Chapter Five Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Mar 20, 2014

1 John: Chapter Five Three Tests

1 John: Chapter Five Three Tests: Doctrinal – Do you believe; Social – do you love; Moral – Do you obey (1-5) John has used the term begotten ten times in the epistle. I think he does so because of the strong stance he takes on the necessity of obedience. He wants to give ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jonah 4:1-4 Series

Contributed by Zak Saenz on Jan 4, 2025

Jonah 4:1-4

So last week we saw that the people and king of Nineveh had repented from their rebellion against God. God had given them an option to either repent and not be destroyed or continue in their rebellion against Him and perish. Malachi 3:6 ~ “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-4

Denomination: Bible Church

The Paradox In God's Greatness Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Jan 28, 2004

God’s plan of salvation for us is great.

THE PARADOX IN GOD’S GREATNESS I Corinthians 1:26-2:5 (I Corinthians 1:18-25) S: Salvation Th: Live the Difference Pr: GOD’S PLAN FOR SALVATION FOR HIS PEOPLE IS GREAT! ?: How? How does it happen? KW: Options TS: We will find in our study of I Corinthians 1:18 – 2:5 three options God does not ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Keep On Keeping On

Contributed by Joe Mack Cherry on Jan 19, 2025

The bible is full of stories where people get down but don't stay there. Let's take encouragement from three of them.

“Keep On Keeping On” by Joe Mack Cherry I. Intro A. You can’t always get what you want 1. There are times in our lives that things don’t go as we want. 2. Sometimes it truly is someone else’s fault. a. Some set out to assassinate the character of others. b. Cancel culture c. Others are jealous ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Financial Tips From A Failing Thief

Contributed by Chris Talton on Mar 4, 2003

We can learn financial tips for dealing with problems from anyone - even someone who exercised wise financial principles selfishly.

March 2, 2003 Luke 16:3-14 “Financial tips from a failing thief” INTRODUCTION “There once was a man who went on an ocean voyage carrying a large bag of gold coins. The bag represented his entire net worth. A terrible storm blew up, and the call came for all hands to abandon ship. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:3-14

Denomination: Baptist